195! Booya!

Hello everyone. Steven continues to be bogged down with over time, but it's all good when at the end of the month he has a fat pay check right? Well, with the over time I've been biking and busing to work. Steven and I had gotten some bike stuff last Saturday in which one of them is an odometer. I got it all set up and tried it out on Monday gong to work. Found out it took me 30 minutes to get there with an average mph of 7. And I burned roughly 170 calories. I only rode the bike to one of the shifts since I don't want to over do it. I was consistent for 3 days in which I chose to just use the bus Thursday. Then I took it to work again Friday since I only had a half day.

The shift also shifted slightly. I am now closing Preschool 1 which I'm not 100% thrilled about. I don't feel like I've been in that room enough for the kids to know me well let alone I haven't really gotten to see how the other teachers interact with them to get them to listen better. So Tuesday I was feeling like a fish out of water what with me trying to get the 2-3 year olds to sit and journal while changing diapers. Half the kids were running around the room, dumping toys out and of those kids 3 were continually getting up on the table and in my head I felt I was failing horribly as a teacher. I felt I was going to be critiqued for my lack of control and was embarrassed to have parents come in in the midst of the chaos and mess.

Thankfully, I was able to get the diapers done, the kids off the table, the toys put away and entertain the final few kids that were left. I was even more surprised when I was able to get out on time when I was sure I'd been there a good 20 minutes longer because of the mess that was there. It definitely had me dreading the weeks to come in which I would be closing this room, yet I told myself, this is the new thing for me to pray about so I could learn to love it (and them).

Well this mind set I think helped me because Wednesday went by so well! I went in later than the other day to relieve the teacher there and was able to do some stories and dance with them (which they had a fun time with). I also received what I felt was really good news. My boss came to ask if I liked my split shift or if I'd be interested in a straight shift. I told her I wouldn't mind doing a straight shift since Steven has been bogged with a lot of OT (and the 4 hour break was bothersome with out the car). So it sounds like I'm now gonna be team teaching in the Pre-K room! I'll be working 6:30-4:30 (2 hour lunch) and I'll be working in the room I like the best. It can be tough no doubt, but the kids are use to me and the teacher in that room has been such a good mentor for me. It sounds like I'll be starting this shift tomorrow, but I'll be in the infant room for the first 2 days since the infant teacher is on vacation. I'll be sure to let you know next week of the schedule.

Friday I had 2 Doctors appoitments. Both went by well! I even found out I'm 195 :D I hope I'll continue to drop. Also, had my blood drawn, but I didn't know I was suppose to fast... so here's hoping the test results come back slightly accurate. If anything, I'll take the tests with a grain of salt since they might be somewhat off.

Yesterday Steven and I went to the Temple to help out the Primary. We got to take pictures while walking the grounds and learning about the exterior and the symbolism you can find there. It was so nice being there and I so can't wait to get my endowments. It was a fun trip.

When we got home, Steven got sucked into WoW while I dinked around with drawing, a nap, and my shows online.

I hope everyone has had another great week. Tis time to go to church, so I fare the all well!

<3

P.S. Here's the recent pictures of our plants :D

Carrots Day 21

Green Beans Day 21

Marigolds Day 21

Romaine Day 21

Strawberries Day 21 (There are flower buds now!)

I Cut Steven's Hair!

I had this all written up on Sunday, but the internet then stopped working... so in short, sorry this is out late!

It's hard to believe this week has already gone by. I don't remember it being a quick week, but reflecting back, nothing grand happen and last Monday seems forever ago.

Some highlights include giving Steven a hair cut, hanging with Jessica and Adam, transplanting the plants, ordering internet and being with 4 infants for... 3 hours!

Monday for FHE I cut Steven's hair! I think it turned out great. What say you?

My Evil Villain <3

Then came transplanting. I did the marigolds and romaine lettuce on Tuesday. Then Friday I finished transplanting the green beans and carrots. This is what they currently look like! (You kinda have to look closely)

Carrots Day 13

Green Beans Day 13

Marigolds Day 13

Romaine Day 13

Strawberries Day 13

Wednesday Steven ordered internet. We got the first part Saturday and it looks like we actually have to wait til tomorrow to pick up the package... actually, with Steven doing 12 our days this week again... not sure how we're gonna pick up the package that should be coming tomorrow. The office is only open 9-6 and we're not home til 7.... darn. Looks like we'll have to put up with flaky internet 'til Friday. Oh well.

Thursday Adam and Jessica came over in which they taught me how to play Egyptian Rat Screw (ERS). basically it's war and speed and slap jack all combined. You split a deck of cards into piles equal to the number of players. You're suppose to play fast by flipping the top card of your deck over and put it into the pile in turn (play goes clockwise). If you play a face card of an Ace, then the next player has to put down a curtain number of cards onto the pile. A Jack you only have to put 1 card down, a Queen- 2, a King- 3, and an Ace- 4. When you put the number of cards down in response to the face card that was played you are hoping to play another face card in the process. If you do, the next player has to put down the number of cards according to the face card played. If no face card is played then the person who last played a face card gets the pile (which you want!).You also want to pay attention to the cards played for doubles (J&J, 6&6, 2&2, etc.) and sandwiches (626, J4J, 9Q9, etc.) anyone can slap on and claim the pile. And if you are playing with more than one person, if you run out of cards in your deck, you can try and slap in again before one person gets all the cards. You play to the left and who ever takes the pile plays a card to start the pile building again. Needless to say, I was owned! Jessica and Adam are way too good.

Friday the Infant teacher was sick, so I was in the baby room for a long time! It was pretty awesome. I'm definitely getting better at juggling the mass of them and knowing who's truly needing attention versus those who just want attention. I opened and closed the class room. And as an added bonus the Preschool 2 class was in another room so I was able to clean in peace :) It helped me get home more quickly.

Yesterday was gonna go skating and play a big game of Magic, but plans fell through. Instead we went on a long walk and got some bike equipment and said "Hi" to Jessica real quick. Then we went home and Steven got the internet stuff set up as best he could (and now we wait hoping we'll be able to get the second half before Friday).

Hope you all have had a good week. The suns out and Steven and I are off to go grill some kabobs!

<3

Dancing With Myself

Not my best color job, but I love the body shape.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

What a beautiful week we had here in Western Washington! So beautiful that Steven and I had planted a garden on our deck! I can't remember why I suddenly was in the mood for growing a garden, but I was. So FHE Monday night Steven and I planted our garden. We planted marigolds, green beans, basil, carrots, and lettuce (romaine and butter head). We also planted 12 starter strawberries in a Topsy Turby planter and here's hoping we will have a good harvest in a few months. If the strawberries do really well, then I plan on making strawberry jam! (P.S. Click on pictures to enlarge)

Day 1

So that was Monday. Tuesday I got to spend some time with my Dad and we went to eat at Claim Jumper. It was very tasty and I thought the grilled artichokes were the best of it!

Wednesday Steven came home talking about how they had some new testers in their department and how he was training them today. One person imparticular stuck out. This woman kept asking questions, some of which seemed really silly for someone who's to be testing games to be asking. Later one of his other co-workers mentions to him that the girl is flirting with him. Steven, completely surprised by this statement, didn't believe it. However the next day when the questions continued he began to wonder. During that day she came over to Steven's computer to ask another question and while there pointed out Steven's wedding ring, saying that it was interesting. The thing is Steven wears his wedding ring on his middle finger due to me sizing it wrong. So he informs her it's his wedding ring in which she, sounding surprised, states the obvious that it's on the wrong finger. Steven tells her why, but in a very 'yep-I'm-married-can't-flirt' kind of way (basically he felt that he over explained it when he really had no clear idea if she was flirting with him).

I enjoyed hearing about this potential flirt just because it was gratifying to see that Steven was still very into me. Since it sounds like she keeps asking questions and not quite comprehending tasks that to Steven seem quite simple.

Wednesday I got together with Jessica for a game night. We played Super Mario in which we took turns collecting stars. It's kinda interesting because Jessica is a secret gamer. If someone told me she liked playing video games I'd say, "Only because her brothers and boyfriend plays." Nope, she plays on her own whim too which is pretty cool. Plus, the Nintendo 64 she has still works and she has a bunch of the old games I remember playing in elementary school.

Thursday I noticed our first bud springing forth! It is one of the Romaine buds. By Friday evening even more buds were visible! Some of the butter head were poking up too. Saturday a Marigold was coming up and this morning even more buds from the lettuce and marigolds were coming up. The strawberries seem to be doing well.

Day 4

Day 4

Day 5

Day 5

Day 6

I hope the rest of the seeds begin to poke out soon. I so can't wait to get them into their planter boxes and watch them get bigger and bigger. (P.S. If anyone of you who are close by would like a starter plant, I'm sure I'll have plenty to spare!)

<3 Meri

The Growing

In a cocoon
Safe and dry
I wait in numbing thirst

Of something I
Know not what
To wake me from this curse

The darkness now
Sinking in
Victim to unknown fate

But wait! I feel
Open space
And coolness in my crate

I seek blindly
Thrusting down
My feet to better stand

And from my cage
I am free
Reaching up with my hands

Blinded by warmth
As I rise
Gaining height everyday

The curse broken
With the rain
I thrive in Heaven's rays

Inked Unicorn

I hate how some of my old quick sketches are some of my favorites. Like, why can't a whip out amazing art work every time I draw? Yes, this isn't the 'best' of drawings, but I like how.... stylized it turned out. As though it were a logo of some sort for something cool.... if that makes sense.

I like this Unicorn!

Drawing Game: Dog

This was a game that my art teacher in college had us students do. We passed our sketch books to someone and then we were instructed to draw some lines. My teacher had my book and drew a big squiggle and an upside-down V. As you can see, I turned it into a dog :D

A Dying Dance of Resurrection.

This week was a good and sad one.  First Steven began his long week of 5 hour days. He is still alive and wasn't as burnt out as he thought he would be by the end of the week (maybe it's because he didn't have to work Saturday too).

This work week for me was a tad on the crazy side. the first 2 days we had two lead teachers out and that was hectic as we made sure people were where they were suppose to be so no one was over ratio. I got to work about an extra hour this work (woot OT). Plus I was spending my days at work since I didn't want to bus all the way how during my 4 hour break and risk being late coming back.

Thursday and Friday a co-worker switched shifts with me (she needing the 4 hour lunch for some appointment/errand). I of course was cool with it because I was already staying there and it meant I got to sleep in an extra hour. Steven took advantage of this Friday morning. When I woke up to go get ready for the day, I found under my keys a ticket for 'the April 7th Saturday Night Ball.' For a moment I thought he was seriously taking me out somewhere to dance but I then figured this was just gonna be me and him at our house (which is was). I didn't care, I was thrilled! It wasn't a holiday or birthday or anniversary. It was a spontanious date he planned ^_^

It thought it extra sweet of him because I had told him Thursday night that I was gonna go to Jessica's house for game night and then stay the night at my parents since I wanted to see my dog Thor. My mother informed me that he has a very high chance of having bone cancer and probably will only be around for another week or 2. I thought about how I could see him during the coming week, but I was just too busy and Friday night/Saturday morning seemed like the only time I'd have available. I didn't want to risk waiting til next weekend to see my boy in case he only had one more week in him.

So back to why it was sweet of Steven to plan this date was because he was gonna have a bunch of time to himself. I thought him preparing a date for us with the many hours he'd have to himself while cramming WoW and lesson planning into it as well was very considerate. Let alone we haven't had a lot of time to do stuff together during the week.

Saturday before going home to the Ball I got together with my friend Jackie again. We spent our time in China town looking at Manga's and other Asian foods and gifts. I had gotten a bite to eat and we went out to the park across from Uwajimaya (the Asian mart) so I could eat. In the midst of chatting and eating we heard some singing and drumming. We looked around and saw some martial artists. We decide to go watch, which turned out to be a very entertaining decision. They were sparing/dancing with each other. 2 at a time and they'd tag each other out. Some times they'd hit or kick each other, but mostly it was them kicking and purposely dodging each other. At the end it was announced that they were a fitness group and paced out postcard sized fliers. I plan on checking them out because that looked like tons of fun and a full body work out.

I then returned home to my man. On the ticket Steven made it said formal attire, so I told him to give me an extra hour to get ready. He too had to get dressed up too. Once we were both ready Steven lit candles and I put on our wedding playlist and we enjoyed dancing together for about an hour. It was a wonderful evening and I do hope he does this ever so often in the future.

Now it is Sunday. Easter Sunday! Happy Easter! Today Steven and I will both be teaching. I will be substitute teaching the Sunbeams and Steven will be teaching Priesthood. I also will be conducting for Relief Society too, so I'll be somewhat multitasking ^_^

I surprised Steven with some chocolates this morning. One of them imparticular I accidentally found last night. My co-worker had told me about this chocolate egg that had a cream/mousy filling that you ate with a spoon. It sounded there was only one place you could get it and I unfortunately never got around to going to the store she said they were at. But, last night while I was at Fred Meyer, there they were! The chocolate eggs that came in a carton and had spoons so you could eat the filling.

They are so yummy! I believe I'll be getting these every year now as a special Easter treat.

Alas, the more important part about Easter is to remember the wonderful gift our Brother Jesus Christ did for us. He gave his life so we could be saved and He Is Risen so we can live once more with Him and our Heavenly Father. I am ever grateful for the Atonement.

Hope you all have a wonderful Easter and another wonderful week.

The Sugar Graph

A year ago, my friend Amilyn and I thought giving up sugar would be a great idea (for our health, it probably was). We lasted about a month. Later I made a graph for fun to show how "well" we did (though for narcissistic reasons the graph is completely from my point of view).

Mother and Son

Just playing around with colors. Drew this during October 2009 General Conference.

Kids Try To Be Like Us

This will be a quick update since I only have a few minutes to update and time in the next week to post will be very minimal too.

First off, Happy Birthday to my Dad!

Last Monday was pretty cool. I got off work early (the morning shift) and went to deposit my check. Low and behold my parents too were making deposits. I was to go shopping at WinCo next and behold they were too but first they were gonna eat at Ihop and invited me along. I had already eaten but I enjoyed a few bites of pancakes and omelet.

Later that day while I was working my afternoon shift I was outside with the Pre-School 2 class. Amidst talking  with my co-worker I realize it was kinda quiet on the play ground. I see the kids all on the wall at the back of the yard and see one kid out front talking to them. I laughed to myself and said to my co-worker, "If only they were like that inside this morning." So I decide to go over and see what they were playing.

I get there and ask to play. The little girl who was standing in front of the kids said sure. I asked what the game was and she goes on to say, "Well, I'm the teacher and this is the class. But no one is listening to me! They keep getting up, they keep pulling each other's hair, and they keep talking and I can't get any control!" It was incredibly hard not to laugh in the little girls face because she practically said word for word what the other teacher, who was doing circle time that morning, had said to them when they were all squirming about and not listening.

Then the week zipped by and it was Thursday. I got to get together with some sisters in the ward for a girls night out at Menchi's (so good!)

 I got off work early Friday and had Jessica and Adam over since Steven was doing over time. Funny enough they all got to the house around the same time (9pm). We enjoyed watching Tarzan (which was fun nostalgia for me).

Saturday Steven and I went to Amilyn's mother's wedding. That was nice and simple. Kinda long because we got there early, but once the wedding started it went by kinda quick. Then it was time for Steven to go to Priesthood session of General Conference and I had my sis Emily and two friends over for pizza and games.

Then it was today, Sunday, and we enjoyed 2 sessions of conference. First was with some other member while the second session was with my family. My favorite quote of the day from conference is, "Don't judge me because I sin differently than you."

Have a great week. Steven is about to enter into a month worth of continual Over Time which means lots of money, but I get to bus it every where @_@

<3