Bawlfest 2008

Yesterday, we had Challenge Day at our school.  It is hard to describe but it is basically a group therapy for everybody that goes.  It was cool to see my students actually get real and share their feelings with their group members.  The coolest part of the day was what they called "Power Shuffle."  Basically, all of the participants stand on one side of a line.  (there were 80 of us in this small space).   One of the leaders would then say a statement and then, if it applied to you, you would cross the line and go across the room behind another line and face all the people who did not cross the line.  Some of the statements were:

1.  Cross the line if you know someone who has attempted or committed suicide, or if you yourself have ever had suicidal thoughts.

2.  Cross the line if you have ever been told you were not good enough or that you are stupid.

3.  Cross the line if you have lost somebody that you love.

4.  Cross the line if you have ever been picked on or hurt by somebody in this room.

It was cool for the students to know that they were not the only ones going through tough things.  They also were reminded about how each person has worth and that we should be nice to all people, not just those we happen to like.  

My favorite part of the day was when one of my students came up to me and said:  "Alice, sometimes I complain about having your class twice a day and I say things like your class is lame, but seriously, you are my favorite teacher and I really enjoy having your class.  I am lucky to have you for a teacher twice a day."  I love that student.  He is truly one of my favorite students that I have taught in the last six years!  It was awesome to see all the students realize that their actions effect other people and to see them actually apologize to each other for things they have done to hurt each other.  I was reminded why I do the job I do and how lucky I am to associate with the future of our great country!

Challenge Day was a great experience.   Check out their website at:  www.challengeday.org

Another thing that I learned about myself is that I have a hard time sharing my feelings with people.  I especially have a hard time crying in front of people.  I was taught that I should not hold back those feelings because they are normal and that a good cry is how you let things out.  I need to be better about that.  I also need to not make fun of those around me when they cry because just because we are crying it does not mean that we are week.  I should not have picked on my brother about crying when I left Des Moines this weekend.  Sorry about that Bro!  Love ya!

Shamrock Shakes

Here is a picture of finished Shamrock Shakes. These fabulous treats are a great memory of my childhood. So frothy and minty, purely delightful. If I know people who have not experienced this treat, I must introduce them to it! Ben did not experience a Shamrock Shake from McDonald's until yesterday. I convinced him that they are, in fact, awesome! Another convert to the cause!

It is my last day in Iowa. Sad times. I think my brother is going to cry like my mother usually does. Should be interesting. Too bad I decided to wear eye make-up today. I am not excited to go back to work tomorrow. Do you think it would be a good day to call in sick seeing I just took three personal days? I didn't think so either! Sigh!!! Life is tough!

Well, I am going to enjoy a wondrerful dinner before I leave. I hope you all are having a fabulous day! Later, A

200

Happy Birthday, Erich! We celebrated by going bowling. It was awesomely fun. I actually bowled a 200. That is the best I have ever done and probably ever will. It was a momentous occasion in my life. I will cherish that moment for at least three days!

We also went out to breakfast this morning at Erich and Carmen's favorite cafe. It was great food. I even splurged and had a chocolate malt with my eggs.

True confession. I have drank soda while being here. At least I have not eaten candy yet to break Lent. Good thing I am not Catholic or I would be in trouble. Good thing.

Well, we are off to dinner for the birthday celebration. Yipee! I am having a blast.

Tourist in Des Moines

My trip into the city was very fun yesterday. The Iowa State Capital is quite an amazing building. I think my favorite part of the building was the law library. It felt like walking back in time to a really awesome library from the past. The second best part was going up into the dome part of the Capital. It was high up but it was beautiful. I loved going up the spiral staircase to that part of the building. The third best part was the little boy on our tour who was asking very smart questions about the Capital. He is every teacher's dream, or nightmare depending on who you are. I would love to have him in class. It would be much better than feeling like I can close my eyes and it would be as if I were the only intelligent life in the room.

After the Capital, my brother took me to the hanger. It was cool to see where his work is and to actually go into the plane that he flies all the time. It was way cool. He sure is proud of what he does and he should be. He is awesome.

He also took me to a bar and I had the most fabulous ruben sandwhich I have had in a very long time. Yummy! Utah just doesn't understand how to make a good ruben. Maybe it has to do with the whole not going to bars in Utah. Bars always have the best food.

Last night, I watched part of the third season of The Office with Ben. Actully, I prety much watched the back of my eyelids while Ben watched The Office. We then spent two hours in Walmart. I swear that place is like a time warp sometimes. Real excitement and I like the whole laid back kind of vacation. You do not have to do a ton of stuff to feel like you have been having a great time. Now I will go and enjoy more down time as I watch Dan in Real life. You should see that movie, if you haven't yet! It is good!

Dog Blog

Well, I made it to Iowa. It has been a great trip so far. I loved both of my planes here(seriously, they played episodes of The Office) and have spent some quality time with my brother and sister-in-law. They even took me to Red Robin. I am spoiled.

Those pictures are of my favorite dog. (Shhh...don't tell all the other dogs!) That is Pilot. According to my brother she is his "best friend" and "favorite girl." I am pretty sure my sister-in-law finds both of those real hilarious. Pilot is a sweetheart though. When I came home late from going to Perkins with my friend Ben, she came down from upstairs to make sure I was home and alright. I really like her. I wish I could have a dog like her, but I probably would get stuck with some mean dog that would bite me and my friends. It would also probably sniff crotches and be very embarrassing.

Well, it is off to sight seeing in Des Moines. The airport(with my brother of course!) to see the planes he flies, and then off to the State Capitol. Neither of us have ever been inside, so it will be a fun historical experience!

That is all for now. Have been just enjoying my mini-vacation and mostly sitting with my brother in front of the TV. We watched a lot of 90210 this morning. Oh, what an experience to look back to my high school days, when I would watch that show. Man, those were the days. Erich and I both decided we would like to go back to high school with the knowledge we now have being in our thirties. I told him it would still be lame because everybody else would still be little stupid teens. Oh well. Later!