This is what compassion looks like.

Right?
Well...except for the creepy red eyes.

Dance Party

We danced to Michael Jackson and tried to learn Thriller. It's kinda hard. But I am proud to say that I did not rip my pants this time! So it was a success.

My Soapbox

So I didn't even know I had a soapbox about this until just barely. My soapbox hit me in the head while I was brushing my hair...so here we go.

A lot of times when I tell people my minor is "Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages", they ask me, "Oh, so do you speak Spanish?" This question doesn't offend me, or make me mad, and it doesn't even really annoy me.

But the answer is no. No, I do not speak Spanish. Why is that even an applicable question? Not all second language learners are Hispanic, even here in Utah. Some English language learners are Arabic. Some are Korean. Some are Russian, some are Chinese, some are Slovakian.

There are so many misconceptions about children learning English as a second language. Even teachers have some crazy ideas and judgments about such students. I guess that is why TESOL is my minor. I will be the advocate.

English language learners, I will stand up for you. I will try to understand you. I will do my best to help you progress cognitively, linguistically, and socially.

I will be the advocate.

*This post is kind of embarrassing because I do not like my TESOL classes and, in fact, I complain about them all the time. Apparently the subject really means a lot to me, though. I am developing a passion.

How I met his mother

So, when we were talking to SCs family last night I realized that the story is kinda funny, and I really need to write it down. Of course, what better place to write a funny story than my blog? I hope you all can share in the joys of my life.

It was a fine September afternoon. One of my TELL classes was canceled, which was fine with me because that meant 2 1/2 hours of extra time! With that extra time I decided to go to Curves. I got there and started on the circuit, completely absorbed in my own little world. I remember that I was reflecting on the most recent chapter of my life and looking at any room for improvement.

Then a man walked in the door. It was like the most exciting thing that happened that day! I mean, it's not that men NEVER come into Curves, but it is uncommon. I was intrigued, so I watched as a woman who was on the circuit went to greet her husband and exchange keys with him, or something. It was a good way to break up the monotony.

After I finished, I was stretching when the same woman (the one with the husband) leaned over to me. This is the conversation.

Sister C: You are so cute!
Me: This happens all the time...Thanks!
Sister C: Are you in high school?
Me: Do I really look like I'm still in high school? Sad! No, I'm a junior at BYU.
Sister C: Oh, do you have a boyfriend?
Me: I see where this is going...No, I don't.
Sister C: Well I have this son-his name is SC-he just got home from a mission in January. He's really nice and quiet and tall. I want to set you guys up!
Me: Sweet! This is great!! That sounds good.
Sister C: Oh perfect. He's at UVU on scholarship studying aviation...
Me: Uh oh...a pilot?!! Awesome!

Seriously, even though he likes to fly, it's been great. He started texting me a few days later and the rest, as they say, is history.

Maybe one of you thought that was funny. I think it is. I have the best Curves Success Story ever!

8 is great

So last night I did not get very much sleep at all. But today at work I felt really happy, like I wanted to talk to all the missionaries and laugh and have fun! This was weird because lately I've been feeling bored and a little bit annoyed at work-I go through phases like that.

Anyway, somehow my mind made the connection: Oh! When I don't get a lot of sleep, I am happier the next day!

And then I remembered that 1. That didn't make sense and 2. Correlation does not equal causation, so I investigated further and realized: maybe I am happier not because I got less sleep last night, but just because last night was a good night.

Yeah. That makes more sense.

As promised

He looks legit, right? It was an awesome costume.

And kudos to Abby for masquerading as a clogger! Great costume!!

Halloween

So I stole this picture from Holly. It was taken at the end of the night and we had both lost some costume pieces by this time...when I get around to it, I'll post some pictures from before the murder mystery party when we're still fully dressed.
It was a pretty fun night! SC and I both escaped from the party without being the accused murderer, although I was the antisocial, germaphobic supermodel. SC pulled off his sensitive and poetic fire-fighting character flawlessly. Fun stuff.