Fun weekend

This was a big weekend for us! Saturday our friends had their annual St. Patrick's day party. This party means a lot to Geoff and I because this is where we first met, 2 years ago! The last 2 years with Geoff have been amazing. He's such a great guy and we couldn't be more perfect together! Geoff is the sweetest guy in the world and I'm so lucky to have him. He's my best friend, confidant, chef, masseuse, and so much more!
To celebrate our anniversary we went to one of our favorite spots- Watercourse Way- to spend a relaxing afternoon in the tubs. Then we went to Los Altos Grill (formerly Banderas) for dinner and to enjoy the amazing-ness of no corkage fee, and their rotisserie chicken and cornbread! We finished our night with a cuddle and movie on the couch!
We can't wait for many more anniversaries to come!
Here's a picture of our night at the St. Patrick's day party. I know, somethings different! I got my haircut that day at Julie Q's (best place ever!) and the hair dresser straightened it. It was a fun change!

Bumps and bruises

Geoff had a rugby accident. Later, after 5 stitches and 3 hours in the emergency clinic....


....he's still cute as ever....

A deep breath

As most of you know I usually don't spend very much money on myself... A $35 haircut a few times a year, maybe one or two pedi's a month.... I try and limit my spending so I can save the big bucks to do bigger and better things like travel! Things have been soooo busy for me lately that I was having some major knots in my back to the point where I couldn't sleep well at night. So I treated myself to a MASSAGE last night. It was heavenly. Of course, my cheap self went for the "Basic Therapist" meaning they only have 250 hours of formal training (saved me $20!) but it was still relaxing and rejuvinating. I went to the Massage Therapy Center in Palo Alto and I definately recomend it to my local friends. It's a no-frills kind of place (which is probably why it's affordable) so even though you don't get all the smooshing of a spa you still get a wonderful treatment. Now it's your turn... treat yourself! Coming from someone as cheap as myself.... It's well worth the money!

That time of year

The Girl Scouts are out! I'm not even a huge cookie fan, but I have a really hard time saying "no" to the little girls standing outside the store! So today on my way out of Trader Joe's I picked up a box of Thin Mints. It was a hard call between those and the Samoas. Now I have to keep them hidden from Geoff until Lent is over!

Record: 1 and 0

It wasn't a real pretty win... but we won! I'm really proud of the girls. They played hard... well as hard as they could. The pitching (for both teams) was quite terrible so we had mostly walks the whole game! We played our 2 hour time limit and only played 5 innings! Ha! Gotta love JV sports! The score was 14-13. GO CUPERTINO! The sun has been shining which always makes the season more fun. Now if only my plate wasn't so full with so many different things!

Updates

Life has been crazy busy lately. This week was non-stop and I'm so happy it's the weekend AND we have all next week OFF! I'm really looking forward to some R&R, catching up on my Oprah shows, working-out and just enjoying peace and quiet!! School is now is full swing... I'm finishing my masters at NDNU so I have two classes this semester and then just one final one next fall. Work has been really hectic because we are talking full fledge about the programs for next year. It looks like there are going to be a lot of changes, which I'll go into details later as things are still up in the air. It's good things though and I'm really looking forward to it!
I'm also coaching Softball! I coached a few years ago and by the end of the season I said I'd never do it again.... well, here I am! It's going okay so far. There are some girls out there that should NEVER be playing any sport that includes a small hard ball... but they are learning slowly! Our first game is in a week from next Tuesday so I'm starting to feel the crunch to get the girls up to par.
Valentine's day was lovely with Geoff. We decided no gifts (just dinner) since we have a lot of expenses coming up (travel). I got home from softball practice that evening and my sweet boyfriend had all of our candles lit, a lovely appetizer spread and wine. It was perfect! That night we went out to dinner at a local sushi restaurant... yummy! I'm so lucky to have Geoff in my life... he's #1 :-)
Now it's finally time to take some deep breaths! Well, at least until class and practice!

Don't tell God....

that I'm starting Lent 5 days late. Goodbye gooey chocolate and sweet sugar, I'll miss you. Until Easter....

Happy birthday mama Abo!

Last weekend Geoff, Michelle (sis), Shawn (her BF) and I flew to Seattle to surprise my mom for her 60th birthday! We had a fantastic weekend! Mom had no idea that dad had organized a party for her on Friday night at the Crow restaurant in Queen Anne. I actually was a little worried she was going to pass out when she saw us all there... but she managed, after many tears, to keep herself composed! We spent the rest of the weekend hanging out with family and seeing my friends. The weather was decent (not too rainy) and the family time was just perfect. Sunday morning Piper and JJ prepared a lovely (5 course!) brunch and we spent the morning celebrating mom!

We wrote a song to sing to mom to the tune of "You Are My Sunshine." She cried the whole time!

With the "boys" from high school! It's always so great to see them.

Our time to shine

My fabulous instructional assitant did some clever leg work to get an article in our local newspapers about Post-Secondary programs in our district. The article is online, including a picture of me with one of my students lifting weights at the YMCA. I'm so proud of the crew! I really hope this gets our name out there to different non-profits that would be interested in having our students as workers or volunteers.
If you want to check it out download the current issues at the sites below. The Sunnyvale and Cupertino papers have the same article, just a different picture on the front page.

http://www.community-newspapers.com/cupertino_courier/

or

http://www.community-newspapers.com/sunnyvale/

New couches!

Our amazing friends Tom and Michele sold us their practically brand new couches for a fantastic deal. They are beautiful, comfy and even big enough for Geoff! They look great in the apartment and will look even better in a nice house (maybe, one day!). We call them our adult couches as we've never owned any 'real' furniture. Now if I can just get Geoff to agree on getting rid of his leather chair (from college) that has been in our living room! Here are some pics of the new beauties!

If you look close enough to this pic you can see Geoff's black eye from his rugby game last weekend. Lovely, huh!? (Oh and yes, we both have our dessert in hand... fudge pops! Yum!)

Ski Bunny

Over the weekend Geoff and I went with our friends Arcia, Gregg and Ashley up to South Lake Tahoe. This was my probably my third time skiing as an adult (my dad said the few times he took me up as a kid I just complained the whole time) and I think I can officially say I know how to ski! I finally made it up past the bunny slope and hit the real deal (ok, just the green runs!). The weather was perfect and we had a really good time. Geoff was learning how to snowboard so the two of us together were quite a scene. If nothing else, we looked good trying!






And of course we made time to hit a few casinos and bars....

How could I forget...

I was totally busted by Patrice for not posting these pictures!! Over Christmas break Geoff and I had lunch with Patrice (my good friend since elementary school!) and her new baby Payton June. PJ is absolutely adorable and Patrice is a fabulous mom. It's so great that all my friends are having babies because I'm learning SO much from them. At this rate.... they will all be graduating high school by the time I have my kids! Hehe!

This is why I love my job....

This morning one of my students, Andrew, was having a hard time following directions and being compliant. I looked at him with very stern eyes and a harsh tone of voice and said "Andrew, you better turn it around right now." Without hesitation, Andrew literally "turned it around", did a 360 with his body and with full turn looked me straight in the eye. Did he understand what I meant... I think so!
Today we also had the Sunnyvale Sun and Cupertino Courier (local newspapers) come to spend some time with our class, interview us and take pictures. They are doing an article about Post-Secondary programs in my district and it looks like we are going to have quite a spread. I'll make sure to post the article when it comes out.

Precious

Our friends Jill and Kyle just had their first baby.... Brooklyn Page. She is simply adorable and mom and dad are really excited (and tired) and all three are doing great. It was fun to spend a little time with them at the hospital and I can't wait to see her again! I can't pass up posting this one too... so cute (and a natural, if you ask me!)

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!