It's coming!

And when I say "IT", that can mean so many things!

--Hawaii (notice how my little ticker guy at the top of the page is almost on dry land!)

--My sister Natalie and her husband (they're coming here for the weekend!)

But the "IT" I was thinking of is GENERAL CONFERENCE!  I love Conference.  It makes me so happy!  What an incredible way to rejuvenate.  

I'm ready for it.  

I NEED it.

4 more days!

Orlando!

I just found out that I get to go to Orlando in October for a conference.

Orlando!

Do you know what else is in Orlando?

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

I've been wanting to go!

Who wants to come with me?

(I'm serious!)

The conference is on a Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.  Which means I can play on Saturday (and probably nights of the other days as well)

Best Surprise EVER

This morning, I was having a really hard time getting out of bed.  I've been so tired, and other than the huge cramp I got in my calf at 4am, I had been sleeping quite well last night.  I didn't want to get up quite yet and face the day!

When I finally got up, I noticed a few things that were a little "off".

1. The bathroom door wasn't propped open with the brick from Nauvoo (our door doesn't stay open unless you do.)
2. A lamp in the living room was still on.

I ignored it and continued stumbling into my bathroom where I saw a note that said something like,

"Shannon, I have a surprise for you on the couch.  It's ME!  I can't wait to play with you this weekend!"

I ran into the living room, and who did I see?

My sister, Cherilyn!

Oh my goodness!

I cried.

My voice was very high-pitched.

I was so surprised!

I have the best family ever!  This week I've missed them so much.  I've wished they all lived closer.  The fact that David would let Cherilyn leave their 5 kids (one being sick) for a few days so she could come play with her little sister means so much to me!

I love you, Cherilyn!

iPad

I've only told a couple people this, but I secretly (and not so secretly now) want an iPad.

I feel a little silly admitting it since I was so against them when they were first released.  I just saw it as a glorified iPod touch.  And yes, I still think that's what they are.

But I kind of want one.

I've been wanting a new computer for a few years now.  My current laptop is about 7 years old.  It takes about 30 minutes to turn on.  Once it's on, it takes forever just to pull up a program.  If you try to download something, you'll be there at least an hour (or in the case a couple weeks ago, it never came).  If I accidentally unplug it, it turns off right away.  It also makes sounds equivalent to that of a space shuttle taking off to the moon.

I'd love to go the route of a MacBook, but I feel like I can't justify such an expensive purchase.

What are my current uses of my computer?
-Blogging
-Facebook
-email
-random internet browsing/googling

That's really about it.  Do I need a MacBook for that?

Or could I just get an iPad?

What are your thoughts?  I could use some help here.  I'm easily persuaded.

And let's be honest...I really want to play Angry Birds.

Guess what...

I have the best friends and family.

Ever.

Just thought you should know that.

Thank you!

I love you all so much!

The Miracle of the Girl Scout Cookies

A couple weeks ago, I bought some girl scout cookies from a student and the daughter of a co-worker.

I did this last year, too.  

However, within a couple of days, they had suddenly vanished.

I can't help myself...they're delicious!

So the fact that it's been a couple weeks since I bought them, and I still have quite a few left...it's a miracle!  I've even shared quite a few of them!

3 cheers for Samoas, Tagalongs, and Thin Mints!

Shredded

In preparation of our great Hawaii trip, my roommates and I are doing the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred everyday until we leave.

We've only done it 2 days, and I tell you what....my calves already feel like they've been through a shredder!  And oddly enough, I love it!

Why I love teaching in Utah

I teach in a very unique place. 95% (or possibly more) of my students are LDS.  It isn't uncommon that I hear a student comment start with something like, "Yesterday in Sunday School....".

I love it.

It cracks me up every time.

What did I hear today from half of my class?

"We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent...."

Apparently they were seeing if they could recite all 13 articles of faith.

Such great kids.

And in the same class I heard all about a kid's probation officer.  

I guess there's a little bit of diversity here.

Random thoughts for a Wednesday Morning

One month until Hawaii!!!!

And this morning I drove to work without my lights!

And I'm approaching a 3 day weekend!

And I didn't have to make a lunch this morning because I have left-overs from Chili's!

***

Exclamation points all around!

He's how old?

I have a 15 year old nephew!

This makes me feel so old!

Happy Birthday, Steven!

Good luck with the whole driving thing.

Joshua Radin

Last night I went to a concert of one of my favorites.

His name is Joshua Radin.

I'm in love with the man's voice.

I didn't actually take this picture, but this is pretty much what he looked like...with the addition of suspenders.  And we definitely weren't this close.

We were more like this close...

(picture courtesy of my camera phone...great quality)

Happy Birthday to my beautiful sister, Kristy!!!

 

(This is the only picture I have of the two of us on this computer...aren't we cute?)

I'm pretty sure she only looks at my blog every 6 months or so, but that's okay!  I want the whole world (or the 5 people who read this) to know that it's her birthday!!!