Thursday, January 29, 2009

My Dear Grandma

For the past year or so, I've had the chance to get to know my grandma in a way that I never thought possible. As she's been struggling with a debilitating brain disease, I've come to realize that the grandma I've known and loved for so long is no longer with us--almost. Even though she may not be entirely with it, I've had many chances to see her sweet spirit.



As I was sitting with her on the couch a month or so ago, just seeing how she has deteriorated made me cry. I just hugged her and rested my head on her shoulder. As I'm sitting there, crying for her, she reaches over, pats my leg, and says, "It's alright sweetheart." Which of course, made me cry even more. It was one of those sweet, yet brief moments where she maybe remembered who I was. When I look back and remember her, these are the times I will remember and cherish most. What a strong, sweet, and loving spirit she has.



As I was going through some old pictures the other day, I came across these pictures. They were taken just after I'd won Regional English Sterling Scholar my senior year in high school. Grandma and Grandpa were always so great to support me in every way that they could. I guess you could say that I'm just returning the favor as they enter this stage of their lives. This is how I always want to remember them--smiling and laughing--surrounded by those they love.

Let's Give Another "Hurrah" for 6th Graders

This wonderful message was written on last term's name tags. As I was putting in new tags, I saw this and it brightened my day because I also love Jesus Christ! :)
Misty, I know you will appreciate this! In fact, you might be the only one. :)


Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Funny Students

So, my class has been learning about microorganisms this past week. They've studied about bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and protozoa (which is my favorite because it's fun to say), and they even made their own replica of a type of bacteria that is common in everyday life.

About a week into this, one of my students wasn't in class. Someone questioned, "Where's Ian?" to which I replied, "How should I know?! Maybe he's home sick." This led to rapid responses by a few other students: "Maybe he has a virus," and "Maybe he has E-coli," and "Maybe he has
Salmonella." Last but not least, "Maybe he has African Sleeping Sickness."

Haa Haa! It was really a funny chain response. The kids who heard it, along with their teacher, had a good giggle. :)

P.S. Speaking of students, I just found out that the whole grade is going to bike the Antelope Island causeway this spring! I better get riding! :)

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Kevin's Airforce Graduation!



We are so proud of you, Kevin! :) P.S. Blame Mom--she sent me these.

Equality for All

Now, I know today is a history day with the election and all, and it started me thinking about those silly things that are done so that everyone has "equal" access. Now, I'm not saying that people shouldn't have equal access, but sometimes the result is just ridiculous! For example:

*I drove up to the library book drop. The drive up book drop, not the walk up. There is braille on the bottom of the book drop. Now, first of all, I don't think that someone who is blind would be driving a car. Secondly, do public libraries even carry books in braille? If someone knows the answer, please inform me. Plus, I didn't really notice any other signs in braille. This seems as ridiculous to me as having braille on the ATM when the person obviously can't read all of the words on the screen. Really, I just think it's silly. I'm not trying to nag about the blind. I just think we've gone a little bit far sometimes.

Know any other examples? Comment, and I'll post them! I'm sure I'll find another one soon.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Try, Try Again

So, I've decided that my theme for life this week is "Try, Try Again." I've tried both aerobics and ice skating earlier in the week without any success. However, I went back to aerobics (the basic class this time), and it was much more exciting than the first time. I actually knew what was going on! Also, I tried ice skating again. I went with my roomies to the Gallivan Center last night. I just have to say that ice skating on hockey skates is much easier than ice skating on figure skates! My experience was about 90 percent better than before; say goodbye to rubber legs! I still got blisters in weird places, but I'll chalk that up to having weird shaped feet. The moral of my week: If at first you fail miserably, try, try again. :) Or something like that . . .

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Not for Me

So, I've found a sport that's definitely not for me. No, it's not aerobics but is just as challenging. Ice Skating. Yep, it's true. I had a terrible experience in high school with ice skating, and I didn't try it again until now. Well, now I remember why. I went to an activity with Tiffany last Friday night. After lacing up those dang skates, I only went around three times. 3 times! That's it. It was as if suddenly my legs had turned to rubber and no pair of skates were going to help. I'm sure I looked as ridiculous as I felt. I finally just stopped because my feet hurt, and it's a good thing I did. I had blisters already--and some were bleeding! More power to those who want to take up this sport of bleeding feet and rubber legs. Good luck!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Morning Thoughts

I wanted a computer and bought a gym membership instead. I guess the computer will just have to wait a few months or so. Oh well!

So, this morning I was at aerobics, and decided that it definitely wasn't the beginner class! You know that place where you realize you're not quite as coordinated as you thought?

I'm there. :)

Monday, January 12, 2009

New Year, New You (or ME!)

Some quick goals for this year:

1) Be on time! Now, I'm usually on time when it comes to being places. I'm talking about not putting things off. Obviously, it's a few weeks past the new year . . . enough said.

2) Travel somewhere I've never been. Oohh! How exciting!

3) Make more time for myself! I'm making a goal not to go to work before 7:30 and to leave before 4:30. Hey, it's a start!

4) Read 12 new books. Hey, I'm busy and that's 1 a month. At least this way, I can exceed the goal, maybe. Know any excellent books?

5)Finish 3 quilting projects. They are currently in the works . . .

6) Pay off my car. Yes, this is a big one, but I think I can do it! A 5 year loan in 3 years--I'm up for the challenge!

7) Drink water, not soda pop and exercise more often. I'm actually doing really well at this one, but Parent Conferences are in a few weeks, so anything's bound to happen.

8) Complete some of my personal and family history work. I'd also like to work on geneological indexing. Actually, it's kind of fun!

9) Find a time and a place to be a volunteer. This could be a volunteer trip or something more consistent, like once a week volunteering. It makes my life more joyful!

10) Spend more time with those I love. Our time in this life is so precious and short.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

And she said . . .

So, the other day as I was teaching, I came to the realization that TV is giving my students the wrong ideas and a sense of humor. After reading some articles, we were having a discussion on the Great Depression, what caused it, how it impacted people, etc. At the end of the discussion, one of my sixth grade students raised her hand, and she said, "Ms. Husbands, I think what the people of that time needed was Cymbalta." I proceeded to make a silly smirk and replied, "Funny, but you watch too much TV!" For those of you who don't know what Cymbalta is used for . . . it's a prescription for depression. Yes, I probably also watch too much TV.

Gotta love those student comments.