Hopes for 2011

I admit that I am happy that 2010 is over and I am ready to start a new year. 2010 was full of ups and downs. Some hopes I have for 2011 are (not in order of importance):
1. Find and move into a place of our own again (out of my parents' basement, however I am extremely grateful for their generosity)
2. Join a gym and go religiously
3. Graduate with a 4.0 (is it possible?)
4. Find a job in Utah County so that we can move down there for Philip to attend BYU
5. Re-vamp my scripture reading and read religiously
6. Diminish eating at restaurants to twice a month at most
7. Visit Ray and Kevin in Orlando
8. Re-visit family in Oregon (have to give the state a try in the warmer months)
9. Have all my student loans paid off
10. Be a faithful and helpful companion to Philip

I think the best part of my goals is that they all are definitely achievable this year (I hate picking new years resolutions that are unachievable, and every good social worker knows do not pick goals which aren't achievable).

Halloween

I love Halloween. This year I was a pirate along with the office, admin, and counseling staff of Redwood Elementary school (my internship). I had the privilege of participating in their costume parade this year. Do you remember when your school did that? I loved Halloween as a kid--that is why it was awesome to relive it with the kids. They are so cute. Philip and I also worked in the Halloween carnival in our ward. Philip helped me put together my costume thanks to his Ecuadorian treasures from his mission (the shirts, a turtle bag).



For my job, I took the girls to see 30 lb. pumpkins dropped from a cherry-picker by the SLC Fire Department at Gallivan Plaza. It was great to watch them explode like that. Plus it was free, always a good time as long as it's free when I am doing respite care (Medicaid money pays for this so don't worry taxpayers, I keep the entertainment costs down).

We need a replacement

On the night of the 24th we had a huge wind storm here in SLC. I kept waking up due to the rain hitting the window and I thought that was intense. Then I walked outside and saw this...





We are very grateful that even though one of the trees fell on top of Philip's car, there were no dents or scratches. It is a blessing because I don't think we could afford to fix Philip's car right now plus the emotional strain for Philip could be permanently damaging. I am terribly sad however for the poor Aspens. They are my favorite type of tree and they were lovely in my parent's front yard. I will let you all know what the replacements will be. I think my mom wants to find another type of tree which will be more durable in a wind storm. I was talking with some ward folk and they told me that a small tornado whipped through our area the night of the storm (according to Fox weather report--not sure the accuracy of anything Fox-related...). What do you think? Also, any good suggestions for a replacement tree?

First Gig

My Grandpa Jim passed away last month and I played the piano at his funeral. He always wanted Jazz played at his funeral so I stepped up and volunteered to play. I really felt his presence while I played and it was an honor to be able to play at his funeral. Ever since then I have wanted to play at weddings, events, and small parties. I also wanted to do this to earn some extra money. I posted an add on Craigslist. My first gig was last Tuesday night in Park City. It was at a private home overlooking all of Park City--it was huge! The event was a fundraiser for the Republican Party. Jimmy Shea was there (Olympic gold medalist from SLC 2002 who lives in PC) along with top people running for office. Jimmy Shea auctioned off a day of skiing at Deer Valley with him and three other Olynpians for four. The winner paid $1100 for it.
I was so nervous to play! There were lots of people there and it was so loud and there was a bar so I don't think my mistakes were heard (hopefully). The biggest obstacle was my back--it hurt so bad after playing for an hour and I played for three. I brought 14 songs that I am decent at but it felt extremely redundant playing them over and over again. I wonder if the people there thought that too? At the end my "employer" paid me and said he'd like to hire me again. I gave him my card. Overall, I think for my first gig, it went well. Thank you Grandpa for giving me courage to try something new and exciting!

Siegfried's Specialty

My father and I met downtown today for lunch and we went to one of my favorite spots- Siegfried's Delicatessan. It's a German deli and you can order lunch there. I got the special of the day- two brauts, speatzle, and sauerkraut. It's my fave and oh so good! Thanks Dad for lunch.

I am in love

I am in love. Today is the first day of my life. Today is the day I got to know my love-my new MacBook Pro. It (I haven't figured out its gender yet) has given me a new world filled with endless possibilities. I am worried about taking it to college with me. What if it gets stolen while I am riding trax alone in the dark (class ends at nine)? What if it gets dropped, or a virus? Or worse, my classmates think I am a snob? Philip told me to tell them the reason why I got one is because my husband really loves me. Thanks Philip for such a loving gift.

New student

So I have been completely lost in my changing routine and therefore have not thought about keeping up with my blog. I started as a grad student at the University of Utah. With that I am working at a 20 hour a week practicum/internship at Redwood Elementary School, learning how to become a school social worker. I resigned from my full time position as a care coordinator from Valley Mental Health and now work part-time (Saturdays only) as a respite provider. Life has been a bit hectic with 16 credit hours, my practicum which extends the 20 hours, my job, and my calling as a primary teacher. Oh and taking care of Philip, making sure he eats enough (I fail at that often:). I do love being in school and my practicum. Redwood Elem is a Title 1 school and 90% Hispanic population-the kids are so cute, even the trouble makers who I get to work with extensively. Some problems with the area surrounding the school: continual gang violence such as drive by shootings, people living in shacks (I've visited them), rampant poverty. I can't believe these kids can even get themselves to school everyday and pay attention in the classroom all day! I am growing an increasing appreciation for public education system and respect for its workers. I am noticing a constant struggle in the school district to cover basic costs. Our school was given $1300 for paper supplies for the entire school year-ridiculous! Anyway, I will get off my soapbox.