It’s Kinda like Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

I don’t know how many of you are familiar with psychologist Abraham Maslow, or, really, how many of you are still out there, but he proposed that we must first meet our basic needs of health and survival before moving on to more subsidiary needs such as creativity, morality, or in this case, blogging per say. Well, lately, blogging is nearing the top of my proverbial pyramid, along with purging my email inbox and organizing all of our computer cords.

And, I know, I know, we’ve been here many a time before- lapses in blogging, blah, blah, blah. Moreover, what’s worse is that I actually have more of a surplus of post worthy events than a deficit. I’m totally not complaining, just defending my position. My plate is chock-full of fantastic courses, it’s really more about finding the time to blog. So, here’s my pecking order (pun intended) for what’s been on my proverbial plate since we last blogged. Some I have conquered, completed or barely squeaked by, others are still on the schedule.

Cruise around the Caribbean my man: Oh so many more details to follow! This endeavor warrants its own post! Expected date of completion: Mid-March 2011

Training for and conquering SoCal Ragnar relay: Expected date of completion: Mid-April 2011

Planning and executing ward Easter Egg Hunt activity: The beehives were in charge of coming up with and manning the craft table. Try and come up with a craft for 200 plus kiddos that spans 2-12 years of age- Impossible! Although, if I may be so bold, I think our little chickies came out super cute! Expected date of completion: Late April 2011

Prom/End of school year shenanigans (endless amounts of grading, faculty dodge ball tournaments, awards ceremonies, pep assemblies, graduation night) I knew I was only a chaperone, but still, those same feelings of self-doubt and high school insecurities rushed over me as I was standing alone on the dance floor. I guess it's to be expected when I'm the one waving the gaudy flashlight in your face preventing you from 'gettin' jiggy wit it' on the dance floor:Expected date of completion: April-May 2011

James’ last semester and graduation tomfoolery (late night study sessions, invitations to be made and mailed, menu to plan) Expected date of completion: January-May 2011

Baby shower for a friend- She’s due in June, baby shower’s in May (invites, menu, favors, decorations) Don’t be surprised if the shower menu bears a similar resemblance to graduation party menu. Hmm… Expected date of completion: Late May 2011

Mother’s day card’s and photos taken and printed (my mom has been asking for a current pic of the two of us for some time now, seemed like such a simple idea, we’re just terrible at the planning and executing part, shout out to Walgreen's photo department for letting us print pics at 9:55pm : Expected date of completion: Early May 2011

Girls camp ( theme to be chosen, t-shirts to be designed & ordered, pillowcases to be made, skits to plan, campsite to decorate, needless sundries to make for their pillows each night) Expected date of completion: Early June 2011

Operation: Knock me up (for a while there I thought I could cross this action item off my list, but it turns out, it’s back on the docket…again. Expected date of completion:??

So there you have it bloggers and blogettes! Here’s to hoping that blogging keeps edging its way higher on my priority list, life stays interesting enough to bog about; and now with Bin Laden eradicated that’s one less item I have to worry about! It’s really a win-win!

From Pumpkins to Presidents, and a few P's In Between

Perhaps, I stayed true to my demands in my last (seems like eons ago) post; when I vowed no new posts until my students’ labs were graded. Well, that semester ended, and spring semester is well underway and I find myself again grading labs. We won’t disclose exactly what happened to those other labs though- that’s an animal of an entirely different color and species. Today, though, I finish grading and I post! Risky undertaking? Perhaps. But, I’ve just spent the last 3 days laid up confined to the couch getting my year’s worth of small screen entertainment. Heaven in theory, but my brain is itching for more stimulation than my 2-D 42incher can offer. Perhaps if we had 52" 3-D 1080P HD… but, I digress.

Pumpkins:
Well, last time we did the blogging we were gearing up for our annual All Hollow’s eve party. It’s our 3rd go round, so I feel we earned the rights to “annual”. What say ye? Anyway, it was kind of a success, if I do say so myself. Our entire street was packed with cars! We had to make multiple ice runs (yes, you heard that right, ice runs- not beer runs, we’re so cool like that!) In fact, I feel we came off victorious from Halloween, in general. We attended another annual party, we were newbie’s at this party, and yet we walked away runner-up for best couples costume and a gift card. The Victor’s were Jan Brewer and Terry Goddard- very topical.

Police:
2 weeks before Christmas I was home organizing my button collection by hue (normal people stuff, right?), and James had just arrived home. Moments after his arrival, there was a pounding at our front door. My thoughts turned to slightly impatient neighbors bearing Christmas goodies; boy was I mistaken. We opened the door, and there stood 3 of the Town’s finest officers, with less than cheerful expressions on their mugs. They were not here to spread Christmas cheer. They immediately separated us, James outside with 2 officers, 1 officer inside with me. He started bombarding me with questions about me, James, our house, our lives, my menstrual cycle, my great grandfather’s scholastic achievements and medical history, etc. Ironically, I was most humiliated when he poked his head down our hallway and into our “everything” room, and walked through our muddled laundry room. Amidst all the confusion, I thought about the blockbuster classic-Home Alone when Joe Pesci comes to the McCallister home disguised as a policeman. That is so what was happening, right? Eventually, we all make it outside and one of our vehicles comes into question. They asked me to describe exactly what was in the car and trunk. I proceeded to tell them, my mom’s hand-painted nativity set from her mom, a shark steam mop and a picture of Jesus that I was going to use for mutual the next night. Turns out, someone had stolen our license plate, placed it on their car, and proceeded to loot a bunch of Coach Purses from a mall nearby. The police originally believed James to be the perp, especially considering when he arrived home he was seen inserting a bagged unidentified object into his backpack. Turns out, it was a Christmas present for moi, which he legally bought and paid for! After they realized we weren’t dim-witted coach purse stealing crack addicts that use their own vehicle as a get-a-way and their own house as a rendezvous point, they complimented us on our Christmas decorations and went on their way. We ordered new plates, and are looking into stronger bolts.

Now onto paradise:
There is no real legitimate value in this little tid-bit of information. It’s not particularly inspirational or moving. It’s not a tear-jerker nor does it contain any side-splitting comedic value; Nonetheless, It starts with a “P” and I’d like to take this opportunity to let you know that we BOOKED a CRUISE! Signed, sealed, delivered, I am yours, Paradise! Why, you ask? Wedding? Funeral? Family reunion? Big work promotion? The answer is E, none of the above, my comrades. We are cruising because we CAN and WANT to! Plenty of details and pics to follow, for sure!

Procedures:
Those of you that know me, may be aware that normally between the hours of ugh and anguish I am enriching the lives of 160 young minds. Now, between the months of sigh and relief (June & July) all bets are off, however, we are smack dab in the middle of ugh, with a low pressure eekk system in the forecast. So how is it possible that I am posting? Did I pull a Ferris Bueller’s Day off? Heavens, no, I am much to chicken for that! I had to take a few days off to have a small laparoscopic procedure done. I had a pesky cyst on my left ovary that had taken residence for well over 6 months. It simply had to go! Luckily, my fabulous doc was able to save all my lady parts! Now, even though my ovary is not accepting applications for new tenants, there is talk of a lit vacancy sign in the neighborhood.
Recovering from anesthesia is the worst. I hate having no control over my eyelids and body movement. I love the warm blankets though; no amount of I.V. or needles are worth it. I did not faint, but perhaps a few tears were shed. I had an epiphany from my extensive (6 hour) hospital stint. I was not built for hospitals. I am a wimp, and wanted to go home as soon as I could. Once home, I watched…er intermittently slept through the following: 2 episodes of American Idol, 17 again, Easy A, Red, Dinner For Shmucks, Bride Wars, Leap Year, Extraordinary Measures, Saturday Night Live, The Today Show, Knight and Day, 3 Men and a Baby, Valentine’s Day and possibly more but can’t really recollect-thanks to the drugs. Next on the docket (if necessary) are Gilmore Girls, Juno and Across the Universe. By the way, thank you drugs, family and friends for nursing me back to health. I heart you…mostly the drugs though.

And finally, Presidents:
In an effort to curb your enthusiasm for my blog posts, and if per chance it’s a while till we meet again, I am going to give you a forecast, at least until president’s day. That is my next day off. From now until then, my time will be spent with the following: (My newest nephew-Matthew, my new design toy and my 2011 venture- the Ragnar relay).

Save The Date

I've always wanted to send out save the date cards, but haven't for a few reasons: a) let's face it, typical Mormon engagements negate such a need due to their often swift nature, b) it's hard enough trying to get the actual invites made, addressed and mailed prior to the day of the event and 3) I never really hosted an event (wedding aside) worthy of save the date cards. Well, we're having our 3rd annual Halloween party! So, come Saturday night, make sure your schedule is like my student's minds- Wide open! Party starts when you arrive! All family is welcome, and costumes are encouraged. Plus you'll get to see what I've been working on, armed with my trusty glue gun and the materials below. Hope to see you there!

Where's The Pause Button On This Thing?

Slow down, you’re movin’ too fast! I have recently felt that my time continuum has experienced an abrupt shock, like when you see the sudden spike in an EKG monitor thingy and it starts with that incessant beeping. It won’t stop unless you unplug the dang thing. Or, when you accidentally spill orange soda on your remote control and the fast forward button is permanently lodged in the affirmative position, and then only catch every 3rd scene of the movie. Or when you doze off in sacrament meeting and wake up and it’s Thursday, but you only thought you were drifting in and out of consciousness for the rest hymn. It is called a rest hymn, correct?

Anyway, that’s how I feel. Last time I checked I was 5 and happy meals still came in those cute cardboard carriers, with a toy that undoubtedly contained lead and was made in China but was never recalled. Now, it’s a half past November, and tomorrow is practically New Years. I don’t have time for this fast forward nonsense. P.S, did I mention that 2010 has nigh left us?

Moments and events lately seem to escape my mind, and some even seem to be running in tandem. For instance, did I really survive the 1st and 2nd quarter, and already 2 weeks into the 3rd quarter? Have we almost made it past electron configurations and quantum mechanics? Have I really graded 170 individual lab reports, entered the scores, and handed them back one by one after an intimate one-on-one discussion about each student’s progress? Have I really taken multiple trips to phoenix Children’s hospital to spend time and comfort friends and family there? Did I really have a fall break, and go to Disneyland where I ran into one of my current students at the hotel? Have we already celebrated 8 family birthdays’ this month? Did I actually complete our Halloween party invitations and get them mailed off prior to Halloween? Did I actually make it to the post office and mail a package to Joshua? Have we actually reseeded our lawn and planted fall/winter flowers and not forgotten to water them? Did I actually try and attempt to be on time to a relief society activity, only to find out the location had been changed, and the start time was 6:30 instead of what I assumed (7:00), and the chocolate chips I just ran to the store to purchase were no longer needed, but my help was appreciated? Did I really go to Denny’s at midnight this past Friday to celebrate one of my favorite laurel’s birthday’s and eat a chocolate shake and some deep-fried pancake balls only to wake up at 6 am the next morning to help out with a benefit garage sale/bake sale/boutique, and then spend the afternoon scouring thrift stores for Halloween costumes, and then spend the evening doing laundry and making more birthday gifts? Did I actually make 4 separate round-trips to our church building today, all before 1 pm? Is it really 11pm on a Sunday night, when I should have been in bed 2 hours ago because I know, as well as my students do, that grumpiness will certainly ensue, and exponentially increase the longer I am awake.

Seriously, how? When? In what dimension do I accomplish all of the above and also have time to make dinner, go to the gym and spend some time on the million other things on my “to do” list? The above may seem like a long “to done” list, but my “to do” would put the aforementioned list to shame. So, what’s the solution? I want to enjoy all of the above, but still have time to exhale, and then inhale, and then repeat a few more times. Where’s the line between running your mind and body into the ground versus letting your mind and body rot of lethargy? And I don’t even have ankle biters yet either! Sometimes I think the only viable option lies in one of the shortest words in virtually every language: NO! If my mouth could but learn to form that particular sound, I may not be in a sate of constant crisis management. It also doesn’t help that I’m a bit of a perfectionist parading as a procrastinator, or is it the other way around? Hmm, what do you think? Well, it’s even later still, and I’ve really got to get some shut eye. Keep an eye out for that pause button for me, will ya?

p.s. The part about finishing the 170 lab reports is a slight fabrication. I’m not as done as I may have previously professed. In fact, they are weighing my soul down! We’ve been everywhere together- to church, to family dinners, even to Disneyland in hopes that I may have a spare moment to get some grading done. And also, the part about having an intimate one-on-one with each and every students total crap. If I even attempted that with 170 students... Don't even get me started on my class size. Anyway, back to my point :New deal- no more blogging until lab reports are graded. Pinky promise.

Hellow Autumn, Welcome to Summer!

Goodbye monsoon! Today was the official end to our local monsoon. Although, I'm not really buyin' it. First of all, just because my car is dusty and filled with water spots does not constitute a monsoon. Second of all, it can't just be monsoony at night while I'm getting my beauty sleep. It's just not fair. C'mon AZ, if you really want to keep this place inhabited by people you are going to have to intersperse some rain in between all of the hellish sunshine. Conference weekend is usually our benchmark for scalping and planting our winter law (insert gloat here), but it's not going to happen with 105 in the forecast. Anyway, I digress... With that said, I guess rules are rules. So long monsoon season! Hello Autumn, welcome to summer. Here's a recap of my fav's from summer 2010.

San Diego with friends

Our morning exercise. Seriously, my body would be smokin' if this was my workout scenery. Instead, I'm stuck watching CNN and MSNBC on the treadmill at the gym. Seriously, news does not help me forget that I'm running. I need E! true Hollywood story or TMZ to help me forget my troubles. I know you all feel the same, don't lie. Notice Caleb's bike. It had a sticker on the car seat that said "big daddy"

Our transportation to the beach.

I chose the bike because it went with my outfit!

A cotton candy machine

James' heaven will be made out of this stuff!

I was reluctant to post about our deep-sea fishing endeavors because it was some fierce suckage. I was a poor sport, and grumpy. But, time heals most wounds. I've forgiven everyone else for catching my fish, and I'm happy for them for catching my fish. I'm just still a tad bitter that EVERYONE ELSE ON THE BOAT CAUGHT SOMETHING EXCEPT US! The crew tried to "help" me catch one by hooking the fish and letting my reel it in. I told them I didn't want their pity fish and flipped them off (ok, so not really, but if I wasn't such a goody goody I may have) That's the severity of the situation. I did tell them I didn't want their pity fish though. James took it anyway. My smirk says "I'm trying to be supportive for all my friends who caught something and trying to make the amount of money spent on this excursion worth it, but really I just want to pout so get the camera out of my face"This was all that was left of one of Shanna's catches after she was being trailed by a seal. I think the seal got the better end of the deal. As you can see, though, she is still all smiles because this was probably the 3rd or 4th fish she caught.

Freudian slip that Caleb got cut out of the picture, perhaps. I'm pretty sure he caught the most fish in our group. Karma, baby, Karma!

One of the joys of being in young women's is getting to go to girl's camp and not going to all the classes and such. This was our camp. Very cozy, very dusty, very camping!

on top of a very high look-out tower

calm and collected

probably the highlight of my summer- my secret sister rocked my world. Cereal one day, peanut butter the next, and a burts bees chap stick to top it all off.

I'm so glad Mekenna and Catty (nieces) came!

4 days past due for a shower. Good thing blogs aren't scratch and sniff!

17 hours worth of car riding later, my mom and I attended another Utah wedding.

And it rained, and it was freezing, but BEAUTIFUL!

The obligatory, yet coveted pic with Hailey and Natalie. Girls, you make my heart sing!

The mother of the groom. Isn't she lovely! She'd probably kill me for posting this, but chances are she'll never look at it. Plus, she was the one whoe posed long enough for me to snap this rare moment of beauty, elegance and grace!

In July, we bid adieu to our bff's Mike and Erin. But, by far the funniest moment happened to my 2 1/2 year old niece, Mia. Below, she is sporting her 3 month old baby brother's onesie. Why, you ask? Because her father was in charge. 'nuff said! She was originally dressed in gender and age appropriate attire, but she peed her pants and her father decided this get-up was the next best thing. It was so funny to see her running around in this, I was about to pee my pants. I wonder what Adam would have had for my wardrobe alternate?

Ok, a shot of the ever happy couple leaving for D.C.

I took a quick jaunt up a "hill" at the end of July. And by quick, I mean a 4 hour hike with a pack the size of a pregnant ox strapped to my back, digging into my hips, and by hill I mean mountain. We had a weekend youth backpacking retreat, so I was forced to go...

It was beautiful at the top! We camped overnight and got water from the mouth of the spring. Thank you heavenly father for pieces of heaven in sunny Arizona!

I heart the youth of our ward! (they must have some awesome leaders)

The hike down was a literal DOWN-POUR! Rain, lightning and thunder were our companions. We knew no one would believe us so we had to break out the camera for proof. I bet you're still a skeptic. James is.

A flash flood, by definition! This wash was DRY the day before. Honest to blog!

We ended our summer with a quasi-impromptu trip to LA. Mostly to check out a car. Yes, you heard that right. We drove 6 hours to look at a car. And then we drove back, without a car. I'll explain later... Along the way home we stopped at the outlets. It was a nice getaway.
Here is the view from our hotel room. This was so meant to be!

Their target has an elevator. I was stunned.

There ya have it folks, another summer under the proverbial belt. During summer I often contemplate how I ever have time for a full time job!