tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28674339198638622132024-03-13T20:16:56.804-06:00Avid AngelBeing avid in a world of failing morals is a challenge. Being an angel in spite of internal devilish desires is arduous. Being both avid and an angel; that takes skill.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01569871059523805722noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867433919863862213.post-17737892232222584982014-04-22T05:37:00.001-06:002014-04-22T05:37:48.270-06:00The Ides of March & Social Cognitive Theory ~ How learning happens in th...<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/M1U62loQG8U" width="480"></iframe></blockquote>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01569871059523805722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867433919863862213.post-61369324557854827362014-03-13T22:36:00.002-06:002014-03-13T22:36:23.388-06:00Birthday Poem for Dad - March 1, 2014<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Seventy-three, oh to be just twenty-three, </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
though never has this wish come to your mind.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Full of vitality, laughter, love and passion,</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
your age never does reflect your fashion. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Since you know your life was designed,</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
by our Heavenly Father, who sent you</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
to God-fearing parents in relation to</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
a loving grandmother who always knew</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
you were her special sugar,</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
fast as a pistol from Ruger.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Now your time on earth sublime</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
is just as fun as on day one.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
You are loved by all who know you,</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
due to your analytical review</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
of all that life shares with us</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
from the fearful to the trusts.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
May your future continue to be bright--</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
if you experience a minor slight</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
of hand, may your hope still be as grand.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
And may you have all your birthday wishes </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
and as many birthdays as you wish.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Happy Birthday Dad!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqcHM9qOKtxSEF9L4CWSwdJSN4Kd8SirD-Wn5uOGoLJpqzzWZTR-kl8eCmCVCqB49U5nAloSgCefcSXhihsAEYbeLyc5kTdFUhzl2_OArnk9Cn34iQ5Gpx3t2sAE4w82IW6lAuJfITEEA/s1600/Dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqcHM9qOKtxSEF9L4CWSwdJSN4Kd8SirD-Wn5uOGoLJpqzzWZTR-kl8eCmCVCqB49U5nAloSgCefcSXhihsAEYbeLyc5kTdFUhzl2_OArnk9Cn34iQ5Gpx3t2sAE4w82IW6lAuJfITEEA/s1600/Dad.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>73 & Sharp as Can BE!</i> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01569871059523805722noreply@blogger.com0Oak Harbor, WA 98277, USA48.3220908 -122.642766848.153160299999996 -122.9654903 48.4910213 -122.32004330000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867433919863862213.post-38180728247066495062014-02-22T13:35:00.000-07:002014-02-22T13:42:15.019-07:00Frozen in Time: One Mormon Woman's Response to the Future Disney Classic "Frozen"<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My how graduating Valedictorian, getting married, changing your name and moving to a new city can change your perspective on life. If that wasn't enough excitement for last year, I also had the opportunity to marry into the military. (Any of you who know me well enough also know that the word "opportunity" used here is an effort to accept the positive.) Originally, I had very mixed feelings about joining the military without actually signing the contract myself; and, therefore, be forced--errr prepared?--for military life through the bootcamp experience. Lastely I've focused on the fact that I knowingly and willingly signed up for the school of the hard-knocks. And truly, as I've seen many times in my short life, it's the best way for me to learn. (My dad always said to me while in pain, "Suffer baby, it's the only way!" Oh how true... and that became my motto for life at 21, but we'll get to that...)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sadly (but not surprisingly to anyone), all this change at once did not bode well for me. I spent the last few hours of 2013 slowly going manic (as in having a literal manic episode matching the "textbook definition of mania"--to use the words of the lovely and caring RN assigned to me.) Going crazy inside of the walls of my own home, as my husband helplessly watched his wonderful, beautiful, hopeful, newly-wed wife loose touch with her reality, was not a good experience for either of us. In short, I was in the process of being diagnosed with a major mental illness: bi-polar disorder Type I. You can read more about it <a href="http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/default.htm" target="_blank">here</a>, if you've never known someone with this illness. Though, I will mention that the doctors are saying that I am a very unique and rare case because I exhibit more manic cycles than depression cycles.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know that a lot of you are going, how does all this have anything to do with the title of this post. But this is not a short message. Nor is this post for those who are not as strongly-winded, strong-willed or strongly-opinionated as myself. I'm just saying it as it is, just the way I see it. I have cried harder, sang louder, prayed harder, worked faster and succeeded longer BECAUSE of my mental/emotional illness. The result is just naturally strong lungs. (Too bad I wasn't a swimmer in the Olympics, right?)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am a 29-year-old-woman who was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder less than two months ago. This means that I have suffered with a serious mental illness and felt very alone in my struggle for 29 years--despite an amazing support system of family, friends (in and out of the Mormon faith), not to mention the wonderful and talented teachers, leaders, coaches and professional associates who have guided me and shaped my development into the woman I am today. In light of this new discovery, I feel that I have finally "found my voice." Finally, I've found a cause worth fighting for, like awesome <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiqmZLOaD8o">Mulan</a> did. (My family is already cheering to know that I am not merely a "rebel without a cause," but indeed was, have been, and always will be, a good, little girl in a BIG, confusing world, who needed a lot of special attention to navigate and orient herself in a world that does not talk about mental illness positively.) </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>SIDE-NOTE:</i> if you haven't figured out that this post is about how the movie <i>Frozen</i> is the best Disney film to ever represent the "story of my life," then I pity you. Obviously we are not good enough friends yet. All my friends know that I have a strong aversion to and strongly dislike "Disney princesses." The very term makes my skin crawl. Why? Because I really despise the fact that as a little girl circa 1990, all that I was told in the movies that were "age appropriate" was to rely on only men to solve my problems. Call me a feminist, because I am one. It's not that I disrespect the patriarchal society in Moronism. It is because of the patriarchal society in Mormonism that I am such a strong feminist. But that talk is for a different post.</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Getting back to the film <i>Frozen</i> and why it was so interesting to me in light of my recent diagnosis, my struggle with my strong libido as a Mormon youth (told you I could out-share you!), and my turbulent mood swings in general... Practicing my religion has taught me time and time again that my best advocates and the people most willing to help at a moment's notice are my mother (of course) and <i>my sister</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My sister has personally done more to save me than any other person, with the exception of my mother and the Savior, Jesus Christ. This should be earth-shattering news coming from a newly-wed, right? Why aren't you writing about how amazing and wonderful your husband is, Angela?! Because my husband doesn't need me to tell the world how amazing and wonderful he is. He simply exudes attractive qualities consistently without prompting and anyone who knows him knows he is my "Disney Prince," if I were to ever have one. He may not be perfect, but he surely knows how to perfectly comfort, guide and help me to be the best I can. The world expects men to be intentional, skilled and courageous. That's why we teach young men that volunteering for military service or to serve a mission is a noble and brave cause worth fighting for, even if we, as Americans, don't all agree on which religion or what political party to join up with.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHQxPAv6mpR8drOnSi88y9-venF7VTS5FPjLBT77GMAusPRGvoiaPfjg3voUuuLGavVfXvLhysH1B0o94-e_NDhCb-kYEUp6EeMIZ2k8DC0lnvoOXetiKEY5SWiUQdwzwMNXVKM8Vs4w/s1600/2014-02-19+13.17.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHQxPAv6mpR8drOnSi88y9-venF7VTS5FPjLBT77GMAusPRGvoiaPfjg3voUuuLGavVfXvLhysH1B0o94-e_NDhCb-kYEUp6EeMIZ2k8DC0lnvoOXetiKEY5SWiUQdwzwMNXVKM8Vs4w/s1600/2014-02-19+13.17.14.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A piece of the EMP's current exhibit <i>Fantasy</i>, <br />
which I found the day after writing this post in the middle of the night.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Contrarily, feminine strength, like my sister, Tessa, "The Lion," consistently demonstrates is such a RARE quality! I wish that the movie <i>Mulan</i> or <i>Brave</i> (or even <i>Rapunzel</i>!) had been out when we were six, instead of the AWFUL rendition of <i>The Little Mermaid</i>, which completely pulled Christ out of the picture and nullified the authority of parenthood -- (where was her mother the whole freaking time, right?!!) If we had watched Mulan growing up, we would have been just as excited to wear a kimono AND wear yoga pants, to put makeup on, and try kickboxing. Instead, at the age of six, I was fed the ridiculous ideas that many people, including several <a href="http://wellbehavedmormonwoman.blogspot.com/2014/02/movie-frozen-gay-homosexual-agenda.html" target="_blank">well-intentioned Mormon women</a>, fear that <i>Frozen</i> is also teaching: rebellion, un-quenched desire, feeling trapped by authority, the danger of succumbing to passion etc. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70x2E3-x70hEvIGZYe0mevse0B7VB435_9qzEIU5uhQDtTycmepUOBeh20UnoRWM6_w0tAGHa4cuDGIcUKzcfX6iBZIF0sj5noJ3BLNHA5a16ag911seDS-fh8jWwhf2UCZkLCpDeZhI/s1600/2014-02-19+13.19.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70x2E3-x70hEvIGZYe0mevse0B7VB435_9qzEIU5uhQDtTycmepUOBeh20UnoRWM6_w0tAGHa4cuDGIcUKzcfX6iBZIF0sj5noJ3BLNHA5a16ag911seDS-fh8jWwhf2UCZkLCpDeZhI/s1600/2014-02-19+13.19.05.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The typical damsel in distress characters have never been our thing.<br />
Also from the <i>Fantasy</i> exhibit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have been DYING to write a 1500 page treaty on why Disney should be boycotted for writing, approving, producing, promoting and continuing to distribute <i>The Little Mermaid</i> for the past 10 years. I believed that the ideas in the film had so permeated my subconscious that when my parents were divorced (ironically, the same year my friends started pointing out "cookies" like this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcEjSK1T5jQ" target="_blank">obscenity</a>) I lost all my belief in "true love," and hence, Disney <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/12/the-real-story-behind-eve_n_4239730.html" target="_blank">ruined my childhood</a>. You can imagine my further disappointment when one day I looked up the film on Wikipedia and found all the research I intended to do was already done. (If you read the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Little_Mermaid_(1989_film)" target="_blank">article</a> for your self, you must promise me that you scroll to the VERY bottom where it briefly discusses the controversy of the film. I wonder if Disney has anything to do with the placement of that paragraph...) My point is that there is already enough disillusionment going on with children all because of the INTERNET. We can't stop that from happening. We can only be honest with our children and encourage them to ask us questions when they find that hidden "truth/lie" we've been conveniently keeping from them. We already know they will find it. It's just a matter of time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So when my unborn-child starts to sing "Let it Go" at the top of her lungs some day, it will be because I'm the one who introduced that song to her. Because I'm the one who showed her the film, took her to the play, and then asked her to tell me what she thinks, what she feels and how she relates to the characters in the story, just as my mother did with me when I saw the film <i>The Little Mermaid</i> in theaters at age six (all I could talk about was the cool water and the fun songs!). As I've aged, I have come to the conclusion that I have blamed <i>The Little Mermaid</i> for ruining not just my childhood, but my whole life, because I was not willing to take responsibility for my thoughts, feelings and actions in response to a beautiful, but in my opinion amoral, film. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Consequently, if I had been BRAVE enough to actually talk with my mother, instead of my sister, about what I was feeling, maybe I would have gotten through my tweens with less disillusionment. Maybe I would not have been so influenced my Ariel's poor example. Maybe my choices would have been extremely different. Then again, maybe I would still come out with a self-loathing and fearful experience much like the character Elsa. My point is that it is the responsibility of parents to teach them how to question AND where to find the answers that REALLY count. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I believe we can glean inspiration and guidance from characters that teach us something about ourselves. I didn't learn anything from Elsa that I have not already experienced in life, just like how I did not become a rebellious young woman because I watched the movie <i>The Little Mermaid</i>. Art is all about creativity, self-discovery and self-exploration, all of which can lead to selfish choices, but that does not mean that we should avoid creativity, or sexuality, or driving a car simply because they COULD be dangerous. (After all Blacks, Mexicans, Jews, Mormons--now LGBT, Muslims and Africans--have all been painted as dangerous in the media, so it must be true, right?)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/DAJYk1jOhzk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>By the way, you should check out this Africanized version of my new theme song.</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is because movies hold the power to show us our dreams that it is so important that we make sure we monitor how our children internalize them. We must be sure that we teach them how to actually avoid that danger, how to recognize when something doesn't FEEL right and help our children to find the feelings that they need to achieve their wishes and their dreams. That idea is what Walt Disney intended for his company to be all about. Stories like <i>Mulan</i>, <i>Frozen</i>, and <i>Brave</i> help us to find the strength to go for our dreams, even when the world says it's impossible and our fears tell us that we cannot.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The character Elsa was misled, poorly parented and left in fear of her own abilities. Anyone can make the argument that they can relate to her disillusionment, fear, and isolation because we all have felt that way. Only Christ can take away fear, read 2 Timothy if you want to know how. My parents taught me this scripture to help me find the power to leave my fears behind and in the process unleashed my creative nature on the world. From the day that I first learned that God is all about POWER, LOVE and a SOUND MIND (the natural opposites of FEAR) I have done everything I could to embrace those feelings into my life. The principle of unconditional love, which Elsa sadly did not feel, has helped me find my best creative works in music, photography, graphic design, theater and even in my homemaking as a new wife.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/L0MK7qz13bU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The first time we saw the movie, it was the Sing-a-long version. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Seeing the lyrics only helped me love the song more.</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So in essence, instead of the life motto to "Suffer, baby!" I will chose to embrace the life motto of "Let It Go." I will not use this motto to justify moral relativism, but as a stance that I am good enough, capable enough and worthy enough to pursue my dreams, even with the challenges in front of me. May we all be able to pursue our dreams with the same confidence, I pray.</span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01569871059523805722noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867433919863862213.post-40717706118045078412013-06-01T22:23:00.000-06:002014-02-24T00:11:06.050-07:00Graduating Valedictorian - April 26, 2013It has taken me a while to be willing to write about my graduation experience. While I definitely loved having over 1500 pairs of eyes on me, I was surprised at how calm I remained. I am truly shocked that my voice didn't quiver, or that I didn't melt into tears (and ruin my makeup!) The whole experience was so surreal, it felt like I had known from the very first day at UVU that I would be sitting there. Well, actually the idea had crossed my mind from day one and it became a secret ambition which I shared with only my mother and my closest friends--because no one really TRIES to get a perfect GPA in college except for the med students, right?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtiPXCBdfYVjYEyx3QJkYGa3mjpLZOWylMuhYedZY1Ic7i5r7pJSoyk23VJSnMUogV_mDikY4oGRH-vAWmY8uJt87-Cz7hZhsZTQOzAKt_NH6t2r3eAsN4Y0EueEtqQTBZsc-oWLSCBIE/s1600/Backstage-UVU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtiPXCBdfYVjYEyx3QJkYGa3mjpLZOWylMuhYedZY1Ic7i5r7pJSoyk23VJSnMUogV_mDikY4oGRH-vAWmY8uJt87-Cz7hZhsZTQOzAKt_NH6t2r3eAsN4Y0EueEtqQTBZsc-oWLSCBIE/s1600/Backstage-UVU.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backstage at graduation... just a few mins before go time!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Maybe I just believed that I could become Valedictorian for long enough that it came true for me--at least that's what the positive psychologists would have you think, since visualization actually works. Maybe I am just living the American Dream; after all if you want something bad enough to work harder than anyone and everyone else, you'll reach your goal--but no; that's what the social psychologists want you to believe happened. Maybe I made a deal with the devil and traded my brain with a robot so that I could manipulate everyone into thinking I'm the smartest person in the whole school... No... That's what BYU students want you to believe happened. har har har.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZBBRLA97TsM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
What really happened is that God answered my prayer.<br />
<br />
Because, in all honesty, I prayed to become Valedictorian so that I could give a speech that would reverberate around the whole world. I wanted to give a speech that would reach my family--my whole family, everyone from Grandpa Lee in Mendon, to my Uncle Jim in Heber, to my brother in Pennsylvania... but more importantly to my father in Abu Dhabi. When I left Abu Dhabi, I made a promise to my Dad that I was going to work as hard as I could to succeed in school and graduate, no matter what. But I also had made a promise to my Heavenly Father that I would do my best to get married too. The Lord told me that I had been too stubborn and that was why many of my relationships had failed, but he promised me that as I went to school in Utah, I would be married, because that was what my heart desired.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFR6f2oN43eLHykPakxwAnJFRYGnlI0yd4R5Jo-780tZcO0NbxypEQaOx-ukvyYnXmk81NojupndIXCk_5AITaqDEI5qGUROGntqAnv1uYmhZx0ZncWzZytFySTs7n1dopFX_xaNkbJ0/s1600/Grad-me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFR6f2oN43eLHykPakxwAnJFRYGnlI0yd4R5Jo-780tZcO0NbxypEQaOx-ukvyYnXmk81NojupndIXCk_5AITaqDEI5qGUROGntqAnv1uYmhZx0ZncWzZytFySTs7n1dopFX_xaNkbJ0/s1600/Grad-me.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
When I left Abu Dhabi, I felt so terrified to be out on my own away from the protection of my family again. But I also felt exhilarated to have another chance to graduate and to repent for taking my first chance too lightly (I played too hard at Westmini, like every Freshman and Sophomore does.) When I went to UVU, I thought of myself as a Senior, because in a lot of ways I already was everyone's senior (cuz I was older!) So naturally, I felt comfortable being a leader in my classes, taking every assignment seriously, and building a good relationship with my professors. I did my best to be the best student in every single class I attended. Many of my classmates would be happy to attest that I did not turn anything in unless it was perfect. I would rather re-write an entire group paper than turn-in something poorly written and not as well crafted as my best--yes, I made some enemies doing that, but in the end they always thanked me for the big, fat A they got. (I always said, "Don't worry, we'll get an A," whenever someone freaked out that I was being <i>too</i> honest, or <i>too</i> bold or <i>too</i> dull... but I learned a long time ago that everyone hates their job--even teachers--and the reward for being a teacher is to be surprised by their students.) Don't get me wrong, I did plenty of procrastinating too (still haven't broken that old habit!) But I also did a lot more thinking about my assignments before I tackled them.<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0qV_9zo1LsZXUL2TQ48nW717OqI7hoHjRi4WFrEL_CGoaVbwDj7TVhwdPtKuwTvQqXxCtj6eZjqSqfBQJfKMpDRXwFqnCzH7kz1HMlVcxBoM07MJmhWxAhE7Ze7R3_StBjtXo6LzHQI/s1600/Grad2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0qV_9zo1LsZXUL2TQ48nW717OqI7hoHjRi4WFrEL_CGoaVbwDj7TVhwdPtKuwTvQqXxCtj6eZjqSqfBQJfKMpDRXwFqnCzH7kz1HMlVcxBoM07MJmhWxAhE7Ze7R3_StBjtXo6LzHQI/s1600/Grad2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My friend, Jace, and I at the Commencement Ceremony</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I too was surprised, but not by my As. When I first got to UVU, I thought that it would be easy to be the best in the class because I thought that no one there cared about their education. I looked around the school and saw a TON of Freshman and VERY FEW Seniors. Though there were people of all ages who came through (babies and elderly are both common on UVU campus!), I saw very few leaders who were actually doing something meaningful. I felt that not enough of the Seniors saw the influence that they COULD have on their school, so I thought, "I'll show everyone how to be a great LEADER!" HA!! I'm so naive sometimes. <br />
<br />
In all reality, I was surprised by the quality of students I found at UVU. As I talked to my peers and really opened up to them about my life, they became willing to share some details of their lives too. I can honestly say that some of my life-long friends were made on that campus because I know that UVU breeds students who are trustworthy, hard working, and honest. I once left my cellphone in a bathroom stall and it found its way back to my desk! I talked to many students who worked full time, were married with children, had a large church calling, and were enrolled in 15 credit hours! Who at BYU, or the U, or even Utah State does that?? Who has the ability to get good grades in that kind of a situation? The more I learned about the sacrifices our students were making to come there, the more I respected the students and the more I loved my school. I am now a Wolverine for LIFE and I bleed GREEN (in a school that has no Football program---yet!)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZtW26aV8EVAFEoo1Hon2zmWIgB9kFIaf9H1AVNN0N5M0pkSTlDqqY-DWK5hcFi0Wq1GTMWe7K9AVhp8-cOkAoeDq7R-I2WphHE17iXPMzYKNp8pxwWoDhvelRMHJ59E3uwvYmCh5ZJQ/s1600/Willy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZtW26aV8EVAFEoo1Hon2zmWIgB9kFIaf9H1AVNN0N5M0pkSTlDqqY-DWK5hcFi0Wq1GTMWe7K9AVhp8-cOkAoeDq7R-I2WphHE17iXPMzYKNp8pxwWoDhvelRMHJ59E3uwvYmCh5ZJQ/s1600/Willy.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cousin, Darci, and me with Willy the Wolverine!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Because I made just as many friends as enemies, I was always creating a stir, wherever I went. I like to create a new current in a room. I like it when I can get the air charged, almost like you can taste the electric shock on the tip of your tongue. I did that in every class, at least once. Sometimes every day, in some classes. I would whisper in my friends' ears jokes about what we were learning, just to see if I could get them in trouble for laughing too much. If they laughed hard enough, then I would get to tell the whole class my joke! What an awesome reward for being a "bad" student!<br />
<br />
One of the experiences at UVU that made me feel very successful was when I went to Nationals with Collegiate DECA. I had never been in DECA before. In fact, I had never wanted to be in DECA in high school. A friend tried to recruit me, but it didn't sound as fun as choir, theater or art class, so I didn't check into. This time, my professor <i>insisted</i> that I get involved--for the sake of my future career. So I thought, "But I don't have any time for it!! I'm already doing too much!" I even asked my professor Colleen Vawdrey if it would be worth it for me to go to the club meeting. She promised me that it would, so I went, begrudgingly. Needless to say, I had so much fun getting involved and making new friends that year. I met so many awesome people and took home some major awards! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMeGVt4h5FhJ4ZoV1PxxapEsrSvrjfNzkcTqFXVwgj5ll8SM9vIUNUR6IHxfZUDOSbaWsHgmEL14LpIQehc6ndilTxcfY_T5X_cjXiHbUwo6xd7mwHUAXkrt6PvZR0GI2DQ63k94bb-u0/s1600/DECA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMeGVt4h5FhJ4ZoV1PxxapEsrSvrjfNzkcTqFXVwgj5ll8SM9vIUNUR6IHxfZUDOSbaWsHgmEL14LpIQehc6ndilTxcfY_T5X_cjXiHbUwo6xd7mwHUAXkrt6PvZR0GI2DQ63k94bb-u0/s1600/DECA.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DECA Friends before the Jazz game!<br />(from left: Michael, ??, me, ?? Dan, Grace, ??)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Winning 1st place in Fashion Merchandizing and Marketing made me feel like a rockstar!!! I think the most shocked person up there was me! I thought I would be lucky to be in the top ten, when I got that, I thought I would be lucky to be in the top three. When I was announced as the winner, I was so surprised! When I asked the girl in second place what school she attended and she said, "The New York Fashion Institute" I seriously thought she was kidding at first. I wasn't even enrolled in an art of design major! I just picked the category that sounded like the most fun to me! I honestly had no intentions of winning when I signed up. Oh, and I only got 2nd place in that category at State, so there ya' have it -- it really does take some losing to make a winner!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtxiqhiAZo05ekyp7jCoy19h0k8jEcURo3Ez1_oi1TCEsQQB0V0iR25UrzcvuO1n51nAFDGpS4PqpP1TjeZkn6ay9jUONwoah95EPyg28VDDwXvA7wgi3JVtt5-bNArqum2oD5h6MiqA/s1600/DECA2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtxiqhiAZo05ekyp7jCoy19h0k8jEcURo3Ez1_oi1TCEsQQB0V0iR25UrzcvuO1n51nAFDGpS4PqpP1TjeZkn6ay9jUONwoah95EPyg28VDDwXvA7wgi3JVtt5-bNArqum2oD5h6MiqA/s1600/DECA2.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Another very special experience for me was the day I <i>finally</i> got to eat lunch with President Matthew Holland. It was rumored that he would often sit with students whenever he ate in the cafeteria, so I had hoped this day would come in the beginning. Instead, I'm happy that it happened at the very beginning of my last semester on campus. I was so happy to finally tell him all the important, fun and exciting things that had been happening as a student, and as a staff member at UVU. It was so nice to be seen differently from the other students and to be heard by the most important decision maker for the school. I told President Holland that he had done an excellent job in improving the seriousness of the academics at UVU and that he would be continually surprised by the ambition of the student body. (I also hinted that we should get a football team, but I'm sure he already knew that! Then, I practically begged him to ask his Dad come and speak to the Institute on campus.) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfRZyvhhUN2pmtD281X3wrtKiPmbbROkrly3lELeGQI5IvwQ4xKJMUqOZT1_DgApSw3GN9p3HtAVxl5aLvtDTOvZEAksFBveRQzpVGBMCDx8ZvCMNmHX4gTA8I5sn-zVxy9xogCPs82Q/s1600/Grad1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfRZyvhhUN2pmtD281X3wrtKiPmbbROkrly3lELeGQI5IvwQ4xKJMUqOZT1_DgApSw3GN9p3HtAVxl5aLvtDTOvZEAksFBveRQzpVGBMCDx8ZvCMNmHX4gTA8I5sn-zVxy9xogCPs82Q/s1600/Grad1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I was also blessed to tell President Holland about the time that I met his father, Elder Jeffery R. Holland, in Abu Dhabi. When I first told him that my Dad knew his Dad, he looked at me like, "Really, you're going to try that too? Everyone tells me that line." But when I mentioned my Dad's name and where he lived, his eyebrow narrowed and I could tell that he was truly curious. I really love curious people; they are so much more interesting to talk to. I mentioned that my parents most likely would not be able to attend my graduation ceremony and that I was having a hard time feeling celebratory when I was so desperately homesick. I even confided in him that I had set a goal to become Valedictorian and wasn't sure if that would even happen now. I think at this point he asked about my grades. I told him they weren't "perfect, but pretty darn close." He said "How close?" and I said, "3.95." He looked at me as if to say, "That's good enough." I told him that I was having a hard time choosing which college to put on my graduation form (I was technically part of three different schools: Woodbury Business, College of Technology and School of Education.) He said to put down the one where my heart was, and I thought of all my friends in the BMED program. At that point, I knew I would want to be with my small little group of friends, who had worked so hard and gotten so little recognition. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qvloCr97ofMVT_oc4Da2rbCD561-8ZEfWGf4w3UFr9uRlMsgpiIieDpchK2KY2l-kcbig79zlz8j2fJ57SEg0DI_7YXdw68UhBHMnIiVgNgW4LSjPTKQGeHLJb1BFk_t3zN5B7sgtEE/s1600/graduation-ladies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qvloCr97ofMVT_oc4Da2rbCD561-8ZEfWGf4w3UFr9uRlMsgpiIieDpchK2KY2l-kcbig79zlz8j2fJ57SEg0DI_7YXdw68UhBHMnIiVgNgW4LSjPTKQGeHLJb1BFk_t3zN5B7sgtEE/s1600/graduation-ladies.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The BMED Gals (from left: Chelsea, Melissa, Kate & Me)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One more thought about my college experience at UVU: It wouldn't have been the same without all the friends I made in the singles wards. I can't name them all because there are too many, but they're all on my facebook, so I don't think I'll ever loose them. Cheers to success with friends! :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4RZ7NgUqP6qNMuZH9_Ej_q4rjaZqVutSMfMiJHeIIwCUMCyKapjD1kw8PAlplfgMP4iTMRgsTcyzo0-ttcu-E5y8Xa7ORNcf96Cz5W4fhjWyECCd9YEiHTimHOpOiNjxiiY7yhXKuVY/s1600/singlesward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4RZ7NgUqP6qNMuZH9_Ej_q4rjaZqVutSMfMiJHeIIwCUMCyKapjD1kw8PAlplfgMP4iTMRgsTcyzo0-ttcu-E5y8Xa7ORNcf96Cz5W4fhjWyECCd9YEiHTimHOpOiNjxiiY7yhXKuVY/s1600/singlesward.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely lady friends from Ward 202 Party Crew at the <br />Ward's 1st Film Festival<br />(From left: Bredee, Me, Teddy & Alena)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01569871059523805722noreply@blogger.com0Orem, UT, USA40.2968979 -111.6946474999999740.2000099 -111.85600899999997 40.3937859 -111.53328599999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867433919863862213.post-8433298119042352342013-04-17T12:33:00.000-06:002014-02-22T12:59:21.820-07:00Student Teaching - Day 65Well, now that it's done and over, I have to say, it was worth all the sweat, tears, sleepless nights, anxious mornings and semesters of planning. I really had a blast (even though that last sentence makes it seem really painful--but it mostly applies to the semesters leading UP to my Student Teaching.)<br />
<br />
Today, Mrs. Josie surprised me with a book of notes from my students.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwVjKAFZLDVQaoitnzWwj0JW7_Ah5k4AQTrwrL5zWpgEl3qHGSRIM9fQpMxPycLRlPV1fk1R7BbA8Ed7xXT7GMxs1m4HVTCPC6Js9ILJjH-_88GeRl5HthYtCh6b9SeIUsz3_OIC70RQ/s1600/2014-02-22+11.34.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwVjKAFZLDVQaoitnzWwj0JW7_Ah5k4AQTrwrL5zWpgEl3qHGSRIM9fQpMxPycLRlPV1fk1R7BbA8Ed7xXT7GMxs1m4HVTCPC6Js9ILJjH-_88GeRl5HthYtCh6b9SeIUsz3_OIC70RQ/s1600/2014-02-22+11.34.38.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Book Cover</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Honestly, I shed a few tears (some of laughter!) but all the notes were very sincere and sweet. I'm going to miss everyone! Here's a few of my faves just for kicks and giggles:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFegi6HbetGtJJViyeqJDe9DQVZ6bWCjuQc4nLaZ4V3O_5C9F6psHE-oDvOCyMmHkqD4M2GDWrPUh8Uezj6Z11jVZl6BaXdzARRzeU71q0rFY3b5CYB0KsXzUD_OuUgwrWI_l5xfbiIgo/s1600/2014-02-22+11.35.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFegi6HbetGtJJViyeqJDe9DQVZ6bWCjuQc4nLaZ4V3O_5C9F6psHE-oDvOCyMmHkqD4M2GDWrPUh8Uezj6Z11jVZl6BaXdzARRzeU71q0rFY3b5CYB0KsXzUD_OuUgwrWI_l5xfbiIgo/s1600/2014-02-22+11.35.45.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From a student who claimed to hate computers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULbimsmmMhcFFN6ghKwooX3juXDEIw9nnzQOU2DcSkmkiKOKum1E_BEBaP4xCzLLqHN1TUXNNTmSJ6v74QgkRaMCMLo7JPQd5vEuQ9zHnO7ue1x6dRSc8EdmDBj6rgQK-7xwe37zeRd4/s1600/2014-02-22+11.36.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULbimsmmMhcFFN6ghKwooX3juXDEIw9nnzQOU2DcSkmkiKOKum1E_BEBaP4xCzLLqHN1TUXNNTmSJ6v74QgkRaMCMLo7JPQd5vEuQ9zHnO7ue1x6dRSc8EdmDBj6rgQK-7xwe37zeRd4/s1600/2014-02-22+11.36.20.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From his friend who loved computers and was VERY good at them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkXsw7gzIbMeU41QD1Lxh6zMg-eGmI0JteAw6ZTkYveliuGYcQjgt1eizmhQguZ6FeLa3vxy7xX2R5MQR81uJQ2DnVvgYwHSD7Fbu2_qLjRG02HPxZBF5tDfCtpdEAFNlNdb7b6O9YQ0/s1600/2014-02-22+11.37.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkXsw7gzIbMeU41QD1Lxh6zMg-eGmI0JteAw6ZTkYveliuGYcQjgt1eizmhQguZ6FeLa3vxy7xX2R5MQR81uJQ2DnVvgYwHSD7Fbu2_qLjRG02HPxZBF5tDfCtpdEAFNlNdb7b6O9YQ0/s1600/2014-02-22+11.37.29.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From all the TA's</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0x5E2hBtPXq0BxGsafPC3zuWv-pFicRGMwak8UjiTJWiwIkj-Src-U7YwRSMQGszbPrHdlBd-pQgkhrm3Ndf352-BC1_DBG9EWL2B-R1IdkMXIK5CJPa_BQdM-piqdZGcCRmvBzGzKmM/s1600/2014-02-22+11.36.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0x5E2hBtPXq0BxGsafPC3zuWv-pFicRGMwak8UjiTJWiwIkj-Src-U7YwRSMQGszbPrHdlBd-pQgkhrm3Ndf352-BC1_DBG9EWL2B-R1IdkMXIK5CJPa_BQdM-piqdZGcCRmvBzGzKmM/s1600/2014-02-22+11.36.27.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From a sweet girl obsessed with Cody, obviously.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1v_cfNkU_IsASCT5mGQqtVHfwxfBCqrt6aSZLHQhqMhyphenhyphen2XCgFQvoyWjeOcanYAu2at5MOPqDzcDHIjbdnSEygenkto6aA1_iYFy0KrrFFOCldPlqaI2i3qe3BbS1ubZ1R2ONEeaPuyg/s1600/2014-02-22+11.36.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1v_cfNkU_IsASCT5mGQqtVHfwxfBCqrt6aSZLHQhqMhyphenhyphen2XCgFQvoyWjeOcanYAu2at5MOPqDzcDHIjbdnSEygenkto6aA1_iYFy0KrrFFOCldPlqaI2i3qe3BbS1ubZ1R2ONEeaPuyg/s1600/2014-02-22+11.36.42.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From a student who had a traumatic experience at the begging of the semester. <br />
She is seriously the braves girl in that whole school. <br />
(Also very classy, sweet and smart.... and talkative.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhJqC-I7Dc3WSLk9Ke5IE1LZhv9L2G-EBtLEEdnv8lPDuKFBM9P_fWFRNJwollSX5qLl05upKWtUXvmOtgyz3T9pWGmoh78L8zeVg5WgozdqbrUo-0Lr36CzRX7gfhLrtj06HeAhPu0o/s1600/2014-02-22+11.37.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhJqC-I7Dc3WSLk9Ke5IE1LZhv9L2G-EBtLEEdnv8lPDuKFBM9P_fWFRNJwollSX5qLl05upKWtUXvmOtgyz3T9pWGmoh78L8zeVg5WgozdqbrUo-0Lr36CzRX7gfhLrtj06HeAhPu0o/s1600/2014-02-22+11.37.13.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From an awesome TA who worked with me for two class periods.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUp9v3WyGXjTS06f2sygklkGBmkd73rVOEOBNsGUYCIkhqbVBtlbVNU5R_k0eacgSpKuI_6MnpWaD9XIgwXq0iGLVyAtjDMWrkaXugkXo6EiXDHVniQZ08YPERLxBJQBJHGf38Wy1DvyI/s1600/2014-02-22+11.37.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUp9v3WyGXjTS06f2sygklkGBmkd73rVOEOBNsGUYCIkhqbVBtlbVNU5R_k0eacgSpKuI_6MnpWaD9XIgwXq0iGLVyAtjDMWrkaXugkXo6EiXDHVniQZ08YPERLxBJQBJHGf38Wy1DvyI/s1600/2014-02-22+11.37.01.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From my students, some with disabilities, all of whom worked VERY hard to succeed in class!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8L_3qtJZMFijhOBhGFE9jC_a1DQ6aUy2rD6ImrDrWOG0yC7SpKyKNUM-SrPNXDgeOFl36AOLKTVpgsoHMMFj-4JOaNSn_kK32kIubuj6lh9K-XDLSAOHBgaaYP9frODr7zff2c9Mzgg/s1600/2014-02-22+11.36.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8L_3qtJZMFijhOBhGFE9jC_a1DQ6aUy2rD6ImrDrWOG0yC7SpKyKNUM-SrPNXDgeOFl36AOLKTVpgsoHMMFj-4JOaNSn_kK32kIubuj6lh9K-XDLSAOHBgaaYP9frODr7zff2c9Mzgg/s1600/2014-02-22+11.36.49.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the Cody previously mentioned. <br />
He was a sweet kid (even if he did flirt with all the ladies to the point of distraction -- which <br />
was a problem that we worked together on until we were both happy with the arrangement).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In all reality, I am surprised at how easy it was for me to get into a groove. It's like I got started, got busy and then looked up only to find that that I was at the end. I am really grateful I had some serious support to make it fun. Thanks to my cooperating teacher, Josie Reynaud, I can say that it was an amazing experience and very fun to complete! She told me in the very beginning that the best way to keep my sanity was to go to lunch with her and the ladies every day. Boy was she right! Getting to know the Lunch Bunch (a group of VERY fun ladies who probably wish to remain anonymous!) made the time go faster and helped me to laugh at the stuff that didn't really matter. I found that their friendship made me want to work in a school more than anything. It was nice to have teachers and staff members see me as a co-worker, even though I was a volunteer. Thanks to everyone at SHHS who made me fall in love teaching!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01569871059523805722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867433919863862213.post-53578418533107393862013-04-16T18:09:00.002-06:002013-04-16T18:09:54.317-06:00Student Teaching - Day 63<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/jtYEVAkpx9o?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
During the first two weeks of class, I was required to record myself teaching. That part wasn't very painful, but watching the video sure was! In my last week of teaching, I decided to record my accounting class and see if I've made any progress. I chose to use my accounting class as the test because it has been my most difficult subject to get a handle on.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Below is my reflection on both videos:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Tahoma;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Recording # 1</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">1. What
do you feel was successful in your teaching?</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">I had a good idea to get students involved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was clever to put the information at the student’s level
so that they could connect with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I also did an ok job of explaining the concepts, though it would have
been better to have more vocabulary.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">2. What
do you feel could use improvement in your teaching? </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Everything!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like I
was not a very “with it” teacher in the video.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look confused and like I don’t know what I’m doing and I
feel really bad for my accounting class and how they’ve put up with my bad
teaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like I wasn’t
teaching, I was just fumbling everywhere. I also talk too much to myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I do too much walking back and
forth from the front to the back because my materials were not together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also turned my back to the class
while writing on the board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also
had terrible wait time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">I had no idea that the student I wanted to involve (Porter) was just
flirting with the girl in the front row the whole time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like every time I turned my back
or was busy organizing my materials, he walked over to flirt with this girl,
was talking to her, or getting her to walk over to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not to mention him waving to the camera
after finding a Kleenex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t
believe that I was missing that the whole time!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel so oblivious!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">I also noticed that it took me 15 minutes to get class going! If I was
better prepared, then I could have used that time more wisely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I did get it going, I didn’t
demand that people stop talking – or take over their screens to help them
focus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My introduction also took
about 15 minutes instead of about 5 minutes. And it took me five minutes to get
the document camera going.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">3. What
are your goals for improvement based on this experience?</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">I would like to develop better vocabulary to explain the concepts more
clearly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">I would also like to do a better job of managing student behavior.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">I would like to manage the technology and my materials better so that
class runs more smoothly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">I would also like to use students’ names to reinforce correct
information.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Recording # 2</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">1. What
do you feel has improved in your teaching?</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">I feel that I am doing a better job monitoring the classroom, there was
not as much wandering around and the students were doing a great job at
focusing and going along with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I also did a better job of using their names to reinforce learning and I
did a good job of listening to student responses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also did not get as confused with the content. I was much
better prepared for this class than the lass class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also did a much better job of managing my materials and
did not walk back and forth as much as the last class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was more clear in my directions and
my transitions into activities were much smoother.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">2. What
areas do you feel could use improvement in your teaching? </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">I could do better at student recognition and letting the students shine
when they have accomplished something difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Students had just taken a test and I forgot to congratulate
those who had done very well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I
also did not say thank you to my student volunteer, or give him professional
development bucks for helping me out!)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">I could improve more by being better prepared with the material and
practicing explaining it to myself a few times before I try to explain it to my
students. I kind of got off track in my lecture, but I did do a better job of
getting back on track to get class finished.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">I did a good job giving hints that will help with the homework, so that
students will not get confused (Ex: what recommendations to make to lower
expenses).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">3. What
are your professional goals based on this experience?</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I would like to
develop more procedures to give students recognition in class.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I would like to
study Accounting more so that I can be more comfortable with my content.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I would like to
build stronger Teacher-Student relationships and do what I can to help them be
successful.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I would like to
relax, smile, have fun and be myself more in class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took me a long time to finally get comfortable enough
with what I’m doing to have fun with the students.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I would like to
find a more relaxed pace and not go too fast for the slower students.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I would like to
develop more of my own curriculum pieces to help students learn to problem
solve and get more creative in class.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01569871059523805722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867433919863862213.post-91471116982467525052013-04-16T10:02:00.003-06:002013-04-16T18:29:38.439-06:00Student Teaching - Day 59Wow! I made it to Spring Break!! YAY!!!<br />
<br />
I have so many goals I want to accomplish with this week of free time! I've made a huge to-do list of all the things I need to do before I can graduate (coming up in 26 days!):<br />
<ul>
<li>Make a graduation invitation on facebook </li>
<li>Complete the Utah State Ethics review online</li>
<li>Write my Graduation speech (I told you guys I was elected Valedictorian, right?)</li>
<li>Complete my interview assignment (I basically will give myself a job interview to prepare for future teaching positions -- post in the comments if you want to see it when it's done!)</li>
<li>Complete the grading assignment (I interviewed some teachers on their grading philosophies, feel free to read it <a href="http://avidangel.blogspot.com/2013/04/student-teaching-day-31.html">here</a>)</li>
<li>Complete Part III of my Senior Project.</li>
<li>Write my management case studies.</li>
<li>Make a vlog?</li>
</ul>
Well, the Vlog probably won't happen because I also have a huge to-do list for the wedding. It includes:<br />
<ul>
<li>Take my dress to the alterer</li>
<li>Drop off my ring to be resized (and pick it up a week later)</li>
<li>Go to my bridal shower at UVU</li>
<li>Go to my bridal shower in Logan</li>
<li>Keep bleaching my teeth!</li>
<li>Get some much needed rest!</li>
</ul>
Not to mention that I need to finish some projects for my students:<br />
<ul>
<li>Grade Excel Projects</li>
<li>Prepare for Accounting lessons</li>
<li>Prepare review for Excel Test</li>
<li>Update Canvas pages for the rest of the term! </li>
</ul>
Let's hope I can get all this done and be ready to finish my student teaching with a BANG!<br />
<br />
UPDATE: I got really sick two days after writing up this list. I think I finished about half of the items and managed to drag myself through the other half. Thank goodness that I had time to just lay in bed and relax! I guess I accomplished one of the goals for sure! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01569871059523805722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867433919863862213.post-69266895894288434522013-04-16T09:50:00.001-06:002013-04-16T09:50:59.324-06:00Student Teaching - Day 45Sorry to disappoint, but videos will be rare from here on out. Student teaching is taking up a lot of my energy and free time. I don't think I will survive.<br />
<br />
It's not that the kids are wearing me out or anything. In fact, they are really great kids. They rarely misbehave, and when they do it is usually because they are flirting with each other.<br />
<br />
No, it's the wedding planning and being away from my fiance that are killing me. Every day, I go to school and I teach and give and am selfless, and then by the time I get home, I have tons of emails, texts, phone calls and errands to run for the wedding planning. Then of course, I want to take time to talk to my fiance, so by the time everything is in a stable condition (No! Not crossed off the to-do list! Just in a manageable place!) I get to go to sleep and wake up and do it all over again. <br />
<br />
I have no idea how teachers have a life outside of their jobs. I feel like I could always be tweaking and improving my instruction methods and course ideas. Or grading. Or building better student-teacher relationships. Or contacting parents. Or brainstorming with other teachers. There is just so much to do and so little time to do it!<br />
<br />
So many days I send my students out of class and I wonder, did I really teach them anything? What did they get out of today's lesson? Do they feel that the work they are doing is important for their success in life, like I do?<br />
<br />
Luckily, these questions don't keep me up at night. Nothing does! I'm too tired to think, I usually just collapse at the end of the day. I can't keep this up forever, but I feel like it is worth it to pour my heart into my teaching and do my really best. The good news is there are only 20 days left! I hope I use them well!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01569871059523805722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867433919863862213.post-79268063710568547032013-04-16T09:41:00.000-06:002013-04-16T18:28:51.403-06:00Student Teaching - Day 33<span class="bqQuoteLink">"I was told that I had to give grades to the students, which I wasn't particularly interested in doing.</span>"<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span class="bodybold"><a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/merce_cunningham.html" title="view author">--Merce Cunningham</a></span>
</div>
<br />
Today I interviewed some teachers about their grading philosophy. Feel free to read the results below:<br />
<br />
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Courier New";
panose-1:2 7 3 9 2 2 5 2 4 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Wingdings;
panose-1:5 2 1 2 1 8 4 8 7 8;
mso-font-charset:2;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:0 0 65536 0 -2147483648 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
p.MsoNoSpacing, li.MsoNoSpacing, div.MsoNoSpacing
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:140583463;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:1167991502 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l0:level2
{mso-level-number-format:alpha-lower;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l1
{mso-list-id:710307062;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:1167991502 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715;}
@list l1:level1
{mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l2
{mso-list-id:1414862250;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:-1340604180 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l2:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
</style>
-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Part I – Interview A</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mr. Downey teaches Spanish and PE to
sophomores and juniors.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mr. Downey believes that prompt
feedback is very important. When they do a worksheet, he goes over it the same
day with them in class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For tests,
he tries his best to have it back by the next class period (which is two days).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Everything is graded, but often
students grade their own work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes it’s based on completion, but this way, students still have
the opportunity to learn from their mistakes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">His grades are based more on results,
though there are opportunities to raise their grades by completing the
assignments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some worksheets are
graded on completion and others on accuracy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tests are based on results and are more heavily weighted
than the assignments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He does
offer retakes on tests, so students can demonstrate learning with more
practice, which is grading on effort and results combined.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He believes that it is more important
for students to know the material, so he accepts late work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the assignment is important enough
he may set a deadline and accept it for full credit for 2-3 days; after that it
earns half credit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’ll accept
late work up until the unit is over.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No, he doesn’t have participation
points in Spanish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In PE he does –
but then it’s most of their grade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In his Spanish class he does take time at the end of the term to go over
the breaks in the grade and bump up students who are courteous, on time, as
good questions and the like.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do it immediately – keep everything
current.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Part II – Interview B</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mr. Moody teaches English to juniors
and seniors.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He always updates SIS at least once per
week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Moody also assigns
between 1-2 graded papers or tests per every class period, making sure that it
is consistent with the unit and something they need to know.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Everything is graded because students
are smart and they know if it is not graded and then they believe that they
don’t have to do well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the
major assignments is a 46 page research paper, which he goes through thoroughly
to help students understand how to format large works.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ninety-nine percent of students’ grades
are outcome based.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Moody
recommended being very careful with credit for doing it because it deteriorates
students’ ambition and desire for accuracy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mr. Moody’s late work policy is very
interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the beginning of
every semester, he is very clear about his expectations and lays out the three
scenarios for late work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
explains it to students this way:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you are here the day the assignment
is given, but you are absent the next time, you will turn it in when you come
next.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you were absent the day that the
assignment was due, then when we grade it in class, you will stay in the hall
and then be prepared to turn it in next time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you were here the day the assignment
was given and the day that it was graded, but you did not complete it fully,
then you may complete it for half credit.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I really like the way that he explains
it from the student’s perspective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He also takes great care to score everything at the beginning of class
so that students who need more time could do it at home and that everyone can be
prepared for learning today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
said, “If you are clearer on your expectations, it makes less work for
you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No, there are no participation points,
but there are attendance points.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the past at Payson High, he had a hard time getting students to come
to class because so many parents would just excuse their students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An unexcused absence is worth 6 points
and a tardy is worth 4 points.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
students who are not on time will see it appear in their grade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, his policy is clearly ex<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>plained every semester and it is in his disclosure.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Best advice: Don’t let it pile up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do it every day! (Or at least every
other day!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no short
cut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be efficient. Make-up work is
the worst, but it’s unfair for us not to accept it from a student.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just be clear and be consistent.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Part III – My Grading Beliefs</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Balancing
between efforts and results seems impossible sometimes, but I believe that they
can complement each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
example, on assignments, it is important that students really try their best
and complete the work in front of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But to track improvement, it is also very important that they can
demonstrate results on tests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
will use a mixture of both because I believe it gives a fairer picture of what
the students are capable of accomplishing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the business world it is all about results, but it is
often the employees that give their best efforts that achieve those
results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it is important to
value both in the classroom.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
will equally weigh assignments and tests because in the real world, it’s all
about whether you can do the work and whether the work gets results (improves
over time).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My break down will be
similar to my cooperating teachers because it really fits the goals of a
business department:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On Time
Quizzes (20%) – like an attendance or participation category</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Keyboarding
(10%)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Assignments
(30%)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tests/Quizzes
(30%)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Professional
Development (10%) – requires students to take on outside projects that
encourage students to gain professional experiences.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My late work policy will be to accept
late work until the last day of the term.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t like fighting students or disappointing them when they have
turned something in after the fact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I would rather count it and give them an opportunity to demonstrate
their learning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My cooperating
teacher had the policy that you could complete it for up to one week late, but
the second week it would be half credit and on the third week it is no longer
accepted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find it so hard to
keep track of and I just didn’t see how it helped the kids who really
struggle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the other hand, if I
did decide to adopt a more strict late policy, I would be sure to explain it to
the students in terms of the working world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, if you complete a report a few days late, your
boss may not mind, as long as you discussed it with them ahead of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if you come to your boss a month
after the report was needed, they are going to look at you like your crazy
because by now they need this month’s report – not last month’s report!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I may decide to be strict later, but
for now, I would rather help students succeed, no matter when they are ready.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I will allow test to be redone and any
major assignments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have found
that most students do not want to redo an assignment, so it is not that much
more to allow them to redo them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I do not like offering extra credit;
however, I do like the idea of offering extra credit in the Professional
Development category – because one can never have too many opportunities to
grow professionally!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My plan to provide feedback to students
is simple. Grade everything right away. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I plan to employ several TAs to help with grading the simple assignments
and giving feedback on formatting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I plan to grade the tests immediately and have them back to the students
by the next class. I really like being able to share in student successes and
give rewards to students who succeed so I value giving timely feedback.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01569871059523805722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867433919863862213.post-86714068652357261072013-04-16T09:39:00.002-06:002013-04-16T09:39:33.057-06:00Student Teaching - Day 30<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/osIK7A66xXk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I found out today that one of my students did indeed record our lesson on Making a Post! <br />I am flattered that he found it funny how I dance around the classroom looking like a fool.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But more importantly, I hope that he remembers the lyrics to our song on the test!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The song was originally titled, "I Take A Walk" and was written by Passion Pit.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I rewrote the lyrics to help my students remember the steps for accounting.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01569871059523805722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867433919863862213.post-73937265049873766152013-02-12T17:12:00.001-07:002013-02-12T17:13:21.061-07:00Student Teaching - Day 27<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/SQz3mSAdrmk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today was great! I felt more relaxed, had more fun and got to know more students.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am really starting to enjoy getting to know each student and their personalities.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I keep seeing students who were behind or struggling come in after school and during lunch, so I feel like I am making a lot of progress and helping them to improve. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Funny story: <br />
Last week I caught one of my students sluffing his English class and I told him that I had lost some trust because it wasn't very responsible for him to leave his group hanging and have to do a presentation without him. I told him so when he asked to use the restroom. Today, he came and asked me to use the restroom and before I could respond with my usual, "Yes, please just take the hall pass and be fast," he blurts out, "Don't worry! I'll come back!" I let my guard down and laughed really hard because I had totally forgiven and forgotten last week's experience. But I'm glad to know that he's still looking over his shoulder!<br />
<br />
FBLA / PBL story:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today I got to be the backup guest speaker for the FBLA luncheon. I talked about my experience with PBL in San Antonio, Texas and helped the students to strategize their competition time by breaking it up into smaller chunks. It is fun to see students at the beginning of their professional experiences and be there to encourage them.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01569871059523805722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867433919863862213.post-2497193974781548252013-02-04T23:13:00.000-07:002013-02-04T23:13:55.868-07:00Student Teaching - Day 19<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxHfTYvHQJ84K8Sj-X4AdBN3lUf2OFrFEk-wXRq2Nbz_ColeP6gslng-pDGygy0ABS8z1vJlGFXAH61iuPTqQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I made this video on Friday, but I've had a hard time getting it to upload. (Huge file sizes are a pain!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Luckily, this video explains how I feel about school this week too.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today I got a canvas email from a student that said "your so cool." </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wrong use of your, but it still made my day!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Getting to know the students has been my favorite thing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's to the next 40 days! :)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01569871059523805722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867433919863862213.post-24750329763911380182013-01-25T17:35:00.000-07:002013-01-25T17:37:38.082-07:00Student Teaching Day 15<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy6xpbqgf56Dn8uhlcahS10d90suCVyG4J_qzyHYV0ynkLzjtuCg899_sKZnAg0C6_0jE3VxdmpDTIQWi8TxQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have had a lot of fun with the students in the past week!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's been great to get to know their names and see them learning!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now I'm over the winter blues and ready for spring.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stay tuned! Feel free to post your comments below!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01569871059523805722noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867433919863862213.post-58689622899789302992013-01-14T18:07:00.000-07:002013-01-25T17:37:09.318-07:00Student Teaching Day 7<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwOJimeZF3_3BTJ2BnAHA1dbDZ2uNpY4PuBKbH3KoL6IJL7Im4g-qh1p0IJmMBjptS_P_Ogq7anqvP8EwAA6Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stay tuned for more details! Luckily, I don't teach tomorrow, so I hope to get back some energy!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
* Sorry this video ended a bit abruptly, but I was just going to whine about doing homework, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so count your blessings!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have a blessed day! See you next time!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01569871059523805722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867433919863862213.post-49796222177770032262013-01-11T19:58:00.000-07:002013-01-25T17:36:40.682-07:00Student Teaching Days 4 - 6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw3v9u5QpMBYNMLrCCG3VDHKxIOEksihioDRWjIbozjFptPgMe4XImmMzBZ-0dnPwN0RPS7HT-SEdJ_3NjqiA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
The last three days of the Term have been quite eventful! Stolen candy bars, students barely passing, faculty meetings and of course, GRADING! I want to know how I can avoid the assumption that all students are dumb. Comment below and give me your tips! Thank you!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01569871059523805722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867433919863862213.post-69271907899800719702013-01-08T21:07:00.000-07:002013-01-25T17:36:06.093-07:00Student Teaching - Day 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzZHZ9S9kGigYmrmBsWohHyzBKSS03Igaymx-1N9gbc8ztQyYGgRPh_uf_qjXlmYl9uDlA05Om3jW9iydX3vw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Thank you for all the support! Knowing people are pulling for me will help me get through the hard days to post! I found out today that my first formative observation from both my university supervisor and my coordinating teacher will be on January 22nd. Got a lot of work to get ready for that! I'll keep you posted! Tomorrow is my first faculty meeting! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01569871059523805722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867433919863862213.post-41805878805327098332013-01-04T17:33:00.000-07:002013-01-04T17:33:04.173-07:00Student Teaching - Day 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzc6jKTQssOc5l5_Lme6ae2Dl_1QwywQKOqYXbA0FjTHiOX88QhK9S1DdoGQvVCG3bZMy3t2RgdWB4PldfJZg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
I hope you enjoyed hearing about my first day of student teaching! I'll be sure to share funny stories when they happen. Feel free to post your comments below!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01569871059523805722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867433919863862213.post-81205362977117956722011-09-01T15:25:00.000-06:002013-01-25T17:49:21.224-07:00New Song?After getting the inspiration for the lyrics below, I have come to realize that my creativity is most inspired by strong emotions. While I wish I was inspired with happy, positive emotions as I sat in Relief Society, unfortunately, on this day, I was inspired with some pretty harsh thoughts. I'd like some feedback on the lyrics to my potential song, so feel free to comment below.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
<b>Human Hypocrites</b></blockquote>
<blockquote>
Sitting here in this hard, cold chair,<br />
I'm listening to you preach<br />
I'm listening to you teach me how to be "better."<br />
But you fail to understand my context.<br />
I feel like you can't see my past<br />
and can't ever get my reasons<br />
for the choices I've made. <br />
The choices you're preaching against.<br />
<br />
<br />
Aren't we all hypocrites?<br />
Don't we all fail to reach our pure ideals?<br />
Don't we all say things we don't mean at least sometimes?<br />
Don't we all do things we regret later?<br />
Aren't we all human?<br />
Aren't we all hypocrites?<br />
<br />
The good news is that we can keep trying.<br />
God doesn't give up on us.<br />
He made us into humans<br />
and he made a way for us to fix our mistakes.<br />
<br />
Someday we won't all be<br />
frail and fragile humans.<br />
Someday we won't all be <br />
hypocrites.<br />
But today is not that day.<br />
<br />
Today I am a hypocrite.<br />
Today I'm feeling human<br />
and all I need is<br />
for you to stop your talking<br />
And put your arms around me<br />
And love me like<br />
I am perfect.<br />
<br />
Because aren't we all hypocrites?<br />
Don't we all fail to reach our pure ideals?<br />
Don't we all say things we don't mean at least sometimes?<br />
Don't we all do things we regret later?<br />
Aren't we all human?<br />
Aren't we all hypocrites?</blockquote>
<br />
I don't have the music down on paper yet. But I could hear it. For years I've wanted to write lyrics to songs and the lyrics finally came to me WITH the music this time. It's a first and something I feel is worth celebrating. Wahoo! The music sounded like Alanis Morissette mixed with Mindy Gledhill. It was spiritual and yearning and somewhat calm, but with the undertones of a jaded and hurt person. I've never wished I could play the piano so badly because if I could, I felt like I may have been able to play the chords and hear where the song was going. Hopefully, I can learn the piano soon and start to write more songs!<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01569871059523805722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867433919863862213.post-50593056635379427722011-06-12T23:13:00.001-06:002013-01-25T17:51:56.969-07:00Can I Use Your Phone?While I was eating dinner in the University Mall before my shift at Forever 21, I was reading a book called "A Conversation with God." It's an interesting book that documents a man's personal revelations. While most of the main points agree with Mormon doctrines, somethings are a bit off. But it's an interesting read nonetheless. As I was contemplating the vast expanse of the universe and God's booming voice, I was suddenly approached by the young man I had bought my dinner from.<br />
<br />
"Hi," he said.<br />
<br />
"Hello," I replied with a smile.<br />
<br />
"I was just wondering if I could use your phone."<br />
<br />
"Oh, well, sure," I stammer, "I mean, the problem is that whatever number you dial, you have to save it first because my phone is a little ghetto." I have a feeling I've explained too much as he replies.<br />
<br />
"That's not a problem. I was just going to call God and tell him that I've found one of his angels."<br />
<br />
You can imagine how big my smile was. I beamed. I felt so unique, so special, like a treasure. And it's not that I know this guy, or that he even knows me. Or even that we'll become best friends and then fall in love and get married. None of those possibilities matter. But what is significant is that he would take the time to lift me up and remind me that people are kind and aware of others (despite what we sometimes believe about this world being cold and cruel). <br />
<br />
And so I learned something. Maybe it is that easy to reach God. Maybe all we have to do is pick up the phone and dial. I know it's been a while since I took the time to listen, so I believe this was just God's way of leaving me a message.<br />
<br />
** Update on this experience. One of my friends was working in the same mall a few months later and had this exact same conversation. I guess I fell for a tried and true practice at least! Hahahahahha Life is interesting! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01569871059523805722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867433919863862213.post-29601945799522357562008-08-05T12:48:00.000-06:002008-08-10T12:54:51.228-06:00A Poem for My Fatherheavy as honey<br />full as an ocean<br />the waves from your throat<br />reverberate,<br />rotating every cell<br />as they travel through my spine<br />into my core<br /><br />thick as rain<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">smooth</span> as the skin behind your ears<br />the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">wisdom</span> from your past<br />seeps into my present thoughts<br />lifting the dense fog in my mind<br /><br />where there was black and grey<br />in an instant there is clarity<br />colors combining<br />now only white exists<br /><br />as each vulnerability is exposed<br />my inner self rises higher and higher<br />until I am no longer in my stiff chair<br />but flying above the conversation<br />seeking a place to<br />re-evaluate<br />re-examine<br />re-arrange<br />my faulty conclusions<br /><br />Weightless contemplation<br />is the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">un</span>-seen side effect<br />of your tone.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01569871059523805722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867433919863862213.post-20428648109618028822008-08-02T13:36:00.001-06:002008-08-10T13:20:39.012-06:00A poem for T.H.In the darkness,<br />you reach over to feel<br />my lips as you toss crunchy,<br />salty, sweet pieces of your heart<br />into my mouth.<br />While the plot is moving forward,<br />we are nose to nose;<br />and I'm not making it easy on you.<br /><br /><br />In the absence,<br />you trace my life-line with your fingertips,<br />soft and moist, thick with skin and bone.<br />I feel younger with each stroke,<br />like you are removing the heavy years<br />with every gentle graze,<br />until I am a virgin Cinderella,<br />and you my handsome prince,<br />the hero anxious to kiss my hand.<br />Though we practice lifts like ballroom dancers<br />between a<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">isles</span> of greeting cards,<br />I feel like we are at the finest banquet<br />experiencing our first taste of movement,<br />with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">saffron</span> petticoats reflected in gold trimmed mirrors.<br /><br /><br />Out of the light,<br />with only my toes keeping me on earth<br />and your lips pulling me toward heaven,<br />I feel a glimpse of eternity<br />in the wonder<br />of a first kiss.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01569871059523805722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867433919863862213.post-76765411001115690572008-08-01T13:08:00.003-06:002010-07-09T15:26:37.209-06:00"By their fruits ye shall know them"Part I<br /><br />The light in me is often hard to see<br />Not always am I crystal clear.<br />The disguise is heavy, but I've grown<br />to cherish its weight in my bones.<br />When I see the light in you,<br />and how easily you share its truth,<br />hope rises and forces the mask to flake<br />from my skin, like little seeds<br />sprouting greens through dark soil.<br />I thought that I woud teach you.<br />Now I'm the over-confident Senior,<br />learning from the Freshman how to<br />open up and let the light into<br />my core.<br /><br />Part II<br /><br />As I kiss the sugar off your lips,<br />weightlessness envelopes me.<br />How can I know so little<br />(and feel even less)<br />when I'm expected to be the opposite.<br />I wonder,<br />what will the fruits<br />of our friendship taste like?<br />Sweet?<br />Bitter?<br />Most likely, bitter-sweet -<br />life's favorite flavor.<br />If only all my future loves<br />could be as warm as your<br />southern accent in my ear.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01569871059523805722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867433919863862213.post-9986684921512250512008-07-03T10:40:00.002-06:002008-07-03T11:00:58.690-06:00How She Does ItI just finished reading, "How She Does It" by Margaret Heffernan. I really enjoyed her tone-of-voice and clever insights about what it's like to be a female entrepreneur and run your own business -- something I've thought about doing. I learned alot about how I work from reading this book. I tend to be more masculine in my emotional and communication styles, so it was good for me to be able to learn from other people's life stories and see how I can embrace my femininity not only at work, but in life. I highly reccommend it to anyone serching to improve their business - male or female. And if I ever do get the courage to start my own company, I'll refer back to these critical lessons.<br /><br /><strong>Pattern recognition is essential.</strong> Broad peripheral vision will keep you better informed than market research.<br /><br /><strong>Intuition, empathy, and a sense of zeitgeist are mission-critical talents.</strong> Recognize them, reward them, hone them. People with these talents are much harder to find than number crunchers. **Zeitgeist is capturing the spirit of your time, before the market realizes it's time.<br /><br /><strong>Business isn't rational, and companies are living organisms, not machines.</strong> Don't expect them to perform like machines.<br /><br /><strong>A successful company is built on values and a sense of purpose.</strong> People want to contribute to something bigger than themselves.<br /><br /><strong>Leadership is orchestration, not command.</strong> The true test of leaders may be how little they need to do.<br /><br /><strong>Besides having a market to sell to, culture is the most important thing in business.</strong> Nurturing people is the way that companies build value out of nothing.<br /><br /><strong>Great cultures turn personal values into process.</strong> It is how cultures survive their founders.<br /><br /><strong>Service is ennobling, not demeaning.</strong> Customers are the only source of revenue, and everything else is an expense.<br /><br /><strong>Mistakes are learning.</strong> Those who don't make mistakes don't make anything.<br /><br /><strong>Be a good planner, but a brilliant improviser.</strong> Success hinges on handling surprises, not denying them.<br /><br /><strong>Asking for help is a sign of strength.</strong> If you can't accept help, your business will never be smarter than you are.<br /><br /><strong>Families develop professional talents.</strong> They aren't competition, but sources of education and perspective.<br /><br /><strong>External commitments enhance managerial excellence.</strong> All work and no play makes both Jack and Jill stupid and burned out.<br /><br /><strong>To understand the market, you have to spend time in it.</strong> Every minute you aren't at your desk, you can be picking up signals.<br /><br /><strong>Emotion is not weakness.</strong> It is inevitable, honest, and an energy source. Recruit people with emotional intelligence who have and inspire passion.<br /><br /><strong>Sustainability is the true hallmark of business success.</strong> Profits matter more than revenues.<br /><br /><strong>Stories are us.</strong> They're more articulate and more memorable than numbers.<br /><br /><strong>Business is one way of making the world a better place.</strong> It is about contributing, not consuming.<br /><br /><strong>Business doesn't follow rules.</strong>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01569871059523805722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867433919863862213.post-91907178373889553072008-05-21T03:14:00.003-06:002008-05-21T03:56:50.775-06:00Crashes in Cars<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpR4wCKhE8Srt3Os_Yu7OEoloP4sg-LOkjUyOX5I6Aqj8I9PyeRDBTU_tkt6uHyKQYw8FjUkSuYIGdV-5jSblAEojmgQ9IB3NcujFHAI6EUfNfmtNIHxH4LJDQtbX6YzFI2diKU_RBsE/s1600-h/carcrash.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202759230963745634" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="216" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpR4wCKhE8Srt3Os_Yu7OEoloP4sg-LOkjUyOX5I6Aqj8I9PyeRDBTU_tkt6uHyKQYw8FjUkSuYIGdV-5jSblAEojmgQ9IB3NcujFHAI6EUfNfmtNIHxH4LJDQtbX6YzFI2diKU_RBsE/s320/carcrash.jpg" width="286" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Life is precious.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Fenders are not.</span></div><br /><div><em>After being in a car crash yesterday afternoon, I am so grateful to be alive!</em></div><br /><div>The accident was more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">traumatic</span> than harmful, no one was injured and we did not hit another car, but I know that the outcome could have been much worse. If any one of the circumstances were different, (i.e. there was a pole in our way, or a heavy semi coming the opposite direction) then I would have been seriously injured or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">paralyzed</span> or killed. But thanks be to God, I only have a scratch on my foot and a sore neck from bracing myself.</div><div> </div><div>Getting in an accident is a humbling experience. It wakes us from the deep sleep of invincibility. We are forced to recognize how fragile we are and how little control we actually have in the outcomes of the universe. After the shock subsides, all we can do is brush off the dust, pick up the pieces, and thank God for the blessing of His protection. I wonder if He measures our sincerity by how long afterwards we continue to drive cautiously. Or by how long it takes for us to forget how dangerous the potential weapon between our fingers we casually call a "steering wheel" can be. </div><div> </div><div>And if He does pay attention to our feeble attemts at repentance, at changing bad driving habbits, what causes Him to stretch forth His hand a second or third or 100th time? Hopefully, it's a combination between our faith, His compassion and His mercy.</div><div> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01569871059523805722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867433919863862213.post-42561552494973785432007-12-26T10:53:00.000-07:002007-12-26T10:54:17.293-07:00Christmas Day at the Roberts House 2007<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIFT1uth68uvvbKG3wT4N6a-9MLQPGNoixkDMP1fsseS8Jjrk1mxb9KRySoyV_iskq_6n80VDMG3yikGGX8kgGMKmNB4c4EK5UdgB3ewtuzULzZD9-LPvFXdmbiHH84K_oiDjksFLQIA/s1600-h/DSC00014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIFT1uth68uvvbKG3wT4N6a-9MLQPGNoixkDMP1fsseS8Jjrk1mxb9KRySoyV_iskq_6n80VDMG3yikGGX8kgGMKmNB4c4EK5UdgB3ewtuzULzZD9-LPvFXdmbiHH84K_oiDjksFLQIA/s320/DSC00014.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Dad got comfortable right away with his new ottoman!</div><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShpCspWWROaHViTLk3QZbYBegkBiWQJM6tdlKCqUPfjW2cfDG7zPxow3TTOanjLOV13K41DQDmi34LoRfsYPpj0scoxj-ktrIMOBc5ZeRnTCrDpDk-CoQ_KwcNopH-UNMDM2RHBjEUqg/s1600-h/DSC00015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShpCspWWROaHViTLk3QZbYBegkBiWQJM6tdlKCqUPfjW2cfDG7zPxow3TTOanjLOV13K41DQDmi34LoRfsYPpj0scoxj-ktrIMOBc5ZeRnTCrDpDk-CoQ_KwcNopH-UNMDM2RHBjEUqg/s320/DSC00015.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Mom and Tessa were happy to be models for my first few pictures<br /></div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"> </div><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2tX2hDAfd9RRf1mnkgYbYkzjz9OjMq6nFF14BAigEumxS6qLOsl1ksdz0qX8CnFNSkrEFtWxludojWzNRAsdFfwqyAoc7NEgpB3M69Z3j6X9xKYcySTrHyTMAqSqHi8l0mFAfzrM-LA/s1600-h/DSC00017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2tX2hDAfd9RRf1mnkgYbYkzjz9OjMq6nFF14BAigEumxS6qLOsl1ksdz0qX8CnFNSkrEFtWxludojWzNRAsdFfwqyAoc7NEgpB3M69Z3j6X9xKYcySTrHyTMAqSqHi8l0mFAfzrM-LA/s320/DSC00017.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01569871059523805722noreply@blogger.com0