Rise and Shout!

It's the time again....COUGAR FOOTBALL!!!

Yesterday BYU had its season opener against Northern Iowa. Let me break down this joyous event. It all started out with the pre-game party at my friend Carie's. There were lots (and I mean lots) of hot dogs, and face painting. Here is Carie getting her face painted by Amy and some girl I don't know...I think her name was Mary Beth?

Here I am with my pal Mel Merrill

Then we took off for the stadium. This year BYU decided to no longer do the rotating seats. Now I know this is how it used to be. And you would have to stand in line for hours to get good seats. This year the method of getting seats was stupid (sorry, that's just my opinion). You signed up online and they said whoever bought their tickets earliest would get good seats. They lie because I know plenty of people who had much better seats than I did. Now if you look at these pictures....

you will see a wall behind us. Yes, that's right...I paid $144 for season tickets (okay, it's for an all-sports pass that gets me into any other sporting event as well) that are 3 rows from the top!!! I was not too happy. But to look on the bright side, at least I'll get a workout every time I climb those stairs each week!!!

Now I might also point out that it was the hottest day ever (once again, exagerating...but it was really really hot and extremely sunny!) Whoever told us to wear navy blue shirts when it's 100 degrees outside must hate me. :) I almost passed out a couple times because of dehydration. The whole crowd was so quiet and not very exciting because we were all so hot. Apparently there were more paramedics in the stands taking care of fans than paramedics on the field (which is a lot...Northern Iowa had a lot of injuries) :) But thank goodness for the giant snow cones we got...they saved us. :)

Hooray for BYU football! Even though we didn't play all that well yesterday (and still won 41-17), and there aren't any night games (I love night games! They're all on Saturday afternoons) I'm still excited for the season. Go Cougs!

Here they come...

Last week of August...one of my least favorite times of the year in Provo. Every year I forget just how bad it is! Students returning (or coming for the first time) to school at either BYU or UVU (UVSC officially changed their name this summer) are pulling into town. You can tell by the Uhauls and packed mini vans driving down the streets. My favorites are the little compact cars that are stuffed to the top with everything a poor college student can fit to survive the next school year. It took me forever to get home from work tonight....not because of interstate traffic, but University Avenue! Ugh! Bring back the summer life of half the town being gone! You better believe I will be avoiding Walmart this weekend!

One week down!

Well, people keep asking how my first full week of school went, so I figured I'd do a quick post. So far, so good! It's kind of fun because I already know all of my 8th and 9th graders because I've taught them all in the past two years. And I always like 7th graders, so I really can't complain! It's amazing how much easier it is for me compared to my first year! I actually think my students are funny now! (give it a couple weeks, and I probably won't think they're funny anymore) :) But I really can't complain!

A fun way to top off my first week was with a phone call from my brother Brent last night saying that he proposed to Allison last night! I've never actually met Allison, but we've chatted on facebook and have talked on the phone a couple of times. I'm so excited for them!!! He proposed on their way up to see my sister Cherilyn in Pinetop, AZ. Cherilyn took a video of the story if you would like to check it out.... http://hallsfamily.blogspot.com/ Congratulations, you two! :)

I'm a Grizzly!

Today at school I was sitting in my classroom by myself (we only had 7th graders today, so I only taught 3 periods) when suddenly I hear someone growling. I looked up to find a dancing grizzly bear in my room. :) Some of the student council girls were bored, so they came to show me the school's latest purchase! Last year our school did a fund raiser to get a mascot costume, and I am proud to say that I was one of the first to wear it (even if they'd only let me me wear the head and hands) It was awesome! Go Grizzlies! :)

Back to school, back to school

That's right...I'm sitting in my classroom right now...remembering how cold it always is in here! I just got out of our lovely 5 hour opening faculty meeting. It's always fun coming to these and hearing the same thing year after year. I can't imagine how those who have taught 30+ years can handle it!

But there are all sorts of changes this year...We have 18 new faculty and staff members (for those who don't know, that's a LOT!!!) Last week I was asked to be head of the CTE (Career and Technical Education) department...so Tech classes, business, and FACS (Family and Consumer Sciences...that would be me). I would like to publicly thank Heather for ditching me and giving me this new responsibility in my life. Thanks, girl! :) I'll also be mentoring two new teachers this year (thanks again, Heather), which is funny because since I'm only a 3rd year teacher, I also have a mentor (who is my principal...thanks again, Heather) :)

I'll be teaching 4 classes this year (the most I've ever taught...Mom, I don't see how you teach K-12 music!) So you could say I'll be a bit busy this year. Who needs a social life, right? :) Well, back to work I go! I hope you're all doing well!

Happy Birthday to Me!

This year I didn't think I'd do a whole bunch for my birthday since I didn't really have any roommates. Wrong! My friends are amazing! The day started off with a bang when I went to the amazing Provo Bakery with Kaylene and Alisha (calories don't count on your birthday)

Then we went and got pedicures...which was MUCH needed after a summer of flip flops!

After pedicures, I went and visit my friend Heather for a good couple of hours. I'm going to miss having you next door this school year, Heather! :( Thanks again for the awesome PINK camp chair!!! :)

That evening I went with Carie, Melanie, Amy, Kristen, and Sharla to dinner at Bombay House....so good!!!!! We took a picture with Carie's camera, so I'll have to post that when she gets it to me...it was a good one :)

And then there was the birthday party...amazing! :) Carie wanted to be in charge of decorations, and she wanted it to be a surprise...oh, was I surprised!

That's right! Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus was the theme! It was hilarious! Here are some other happy pictures from the party...

Justin, Ethan, Amelia, Lawrence (all in my ward)...
Sharla (old ward)...
My old roommate Megan and her husband Neil...
My roommate Kristen and my old roommate Katie and their matching shirts...
Shelley (I was her counselor in RS) and Alisha (my soon-to-be roommate!)
Kristen's amazing Birthday cake creation (I swear I'm not picking my nose)
Katie (old roommate) and Dave Buck (in my old ward)...
David Call (in my ward...I had 5 Davids at my party...it was amazing and a little confusing) :) ...
Emily, Asian, Christa, Jenny (all in my ward)...

The cool kids hang out in the kitchen....Alisha, Kristen, Ethan, David, Cheryl (another soon-to-be roommate)...
And of course thanks for all the phone calls, emails, cards, etc. from some of you. It was an amazing day and great way to kick off 24! :)