Sometimes bad things happen to good people

I had a student come in and talk to me. It wasn't about homework or a project, it was a sincere chat. This student has had a hard life. I can't imagine some of the things high schoolers have to deal with. But this student has overcome those things, and will be graduating with honors in a few more weeks. But he asked me if I believe in God? And I told him I did with all my heart. The follow up question, why do bad things happen to good people? How do you answer that? I mean I did answer it and told him what I believed in, I guess it was a little missionary moment for me. But yes yes, sometimes bad things happen to good people. There is a talk by Elder Richard G. Scott, and he talks about trials and challenges. He says our trials are a result of two things. One would be sin on our part, and the other one is because the lord favors us and wants to make us stronger.

Last week when I was in California my mom called me and left a message. I could tell by her voice that something was wrong. She told me the next morning that my nephew was in a really bad motorcycle accident and he is so blessed to be alive and not paralyzed, but he did break his back. I was saddened and relieved at the same time. I don't know why things happen the way they do, but I do know that it is part of a bigger plan and bigger test. I just hope that I won't miss the lesson.

California

I had the opportunity to go to DECA Nationals last week in Anaheim, California. I had one student qualify and then I was helping chaperone another school in our district. We had a successful time, but I wanted to write about some of the highlights.

We had a four day hopper pass to Disneyland and California Adventure, but the end of the trip I was all disneylanded out. I get motion sick ever since the incident so some of the rides I can't do. I still think Snow Whites Haunted Castle is scary...I was traumatized as a child and will never forget the witch and how she pops out at the end. In fact, she pops out more than once, I think they must have remodeled the ride. The Tower of Terror is by far one of the funniest rides there. Walt Disney really knew what he was doing. I am so amazed at the logistics of it all, it is a marketing teachers heaven. I should start a class just to study Disneyland, and then we would have to take two field trips one to Cali and one to Florida, just to compare and contrast the differences. I wonder if my district will buy into this one:)

We also had the chance to go to a Dodgers game. It was quite excited even if we got their late. Our bus driver thought he was save time by exiting early and going the back roads, but it ended up not being a short cut. In fact, it took us three hours to get there, and I was getting bus sick...all the stop and go. We had super high seats, but the Dodgers pulled it off and we won. 55,000 fans...sold out. Not to mention the $6.00 water and the $6.00 nachos, I would have to say the memory is priceless. The bus ride home...40 minutes.

I also got to see my good friend Jenn. We headed out to Huntington Beach for a couple of hours, complete with TK Burgers and some sun. ( Most of the week was lacking the sun)

Oh lets not forget the reason we were over there. DECA Nationals. Utah didn't do as well as we hoped. We had 8 finalists.

We also went and saw Ghosts of Girlfriends Past...super lame ladies. Save your money. I wanted to leave like thirteen times, but kept thinking it was going to get better....but it didn't.

Is this for REAL?

On Saturday night my friend Melanie asked if I wanted to g to the REAL Salt Lake soccer game. She had premium seats ($135) so I said what the heck. I actually had a really good time. The game was sweet, well the second half was. We scored six goals to their zero. It was fun. It was a bit cold, but the game was exciting. The stadium is beautiful.

There was one of those really loud and annoying fans behind us. We sat in the second row right behind the home bench. Anyhow they were yelling some really dumb things. For example at the other team "Thompson I hate you," "Go home" "Ref, that was a filthy call". I wanted to take a picture of the guy so I could blog about it. I just was really wondering if he really loves soccer and the REAL that much to hate a player on the other team. I just feel that hate is such a strong ugly word. Anyhow I got a picture of one of them. ( I since took it down, because I was tactless by putting it up). It was none the less entertaining. Thanks Mel for the seats, it was fun.

I also had the chance to take my two nieces to a movie on Saturday afternoon. It was raining so the park was out. We went to the dollar show and watched "Hotel for Dogs", Nicole enjoyed it, but Emma did not like it. She liked the fact that we got popcorn and red vines. She kept saying I don't like this show can we go home now. During the movie she had to go to the bathroom, and while we were in there for like ten minutes, she said some pretty funny things. I am sure that other patrons coming in to use the bathroom had a nice chuckle of all the things a three year old thinks to say while she is going to the bathroom. My favorite, "Don't you love being a princess Amy? I love being a princess." Yes Emma you are a princess!

Spell Checker

My sister Lou asked me last night, "do you know that your blog has a spell checker?" I replied, "I guess I never really paid attention." I then proceeded to ask her what I spelled wrong? And then she started telling me....so after the fourth word....I was like OK I get it. I guess I just keep waiting for my misspelled words to be underlined in green. My fault. I will admit and I will try to be better.

Happy Birthday Dad (A day late)

So it was my dads birthday yesterday. He has been working out of town so I gave him a little call. I also told him since he never wants any birthday gifts, I bought myself a new laptop instead. He told me that was a good idea. Anyhow I wanted to let everyone know how awesome my father is. He is truely one of a kind. He is such a good example to me. He has taught me from day one to be a hard worker (even if that meant mud fights in the garden). He leads me by example (even if that means crying over hallmark movies). He used to kill my spiders, but know since I am a homeowner I have to do it myself. My dad is amazing. He can fix anything. He can open any bottle. He is a master chef. He is made out of steele. He treats my mom with the upmost respect and honor. I love you dad! Happy Birthday.

I would add a picture of us, but since this is a new computer I haven't added any yet. But my dad is very handsome even if he is over 60.

Spring Break

I just got back from a couple days in the beautiful city of Las Vegas. I went down to visit my sister, do a little shopping and relax from the awful week before. So here is a little travel log.

Our first stop was getting a lovely pedicure, one of lifes simple pleasures. And since its now spring I feel its finally time to put away the boots and break out the sandals, even if it does snow again. We then hit the first goodwill of the weekend. It was some what successful. One skirt, one shirt and some jewelry.

The next morning we hit one of my favorite places to eat for breakfast. It is called "Hash House A Go Go." The plates are huge and the food is super delicious. I decided to order my first "Hash". It was pretty much my very own skillet full of food. While I was eating I found a small piece of cardboard, I guess its because of the carton of mushrooms or something. Anyhow they comped my food. Great that was $13 more for shopping.

We then hit the big goodwill, lets see another skirt and pair of shorts later, we left. We hit a couple of other stores, also very successful. We then went over to Ezra's sisters for a barbeque.

The next day we hit a couple more stores, we found this $3.99 discount shoe store. It was floor to ceiling of shoes....1000 of pairs. But you know what I didn't buy one pair. They were all really cheaply made and not comfortable. I know I know....not a single pair.

For dinner we went to BJ's, famous for Chicago style pizza and Pizookies. It was so so so good. We then colored easter eggs. I don't care how old I am, coloring easter eggs is fun.

Today was Easter. Church was amazing, and once again I am so thankful for being a member of this church and for all the blessing I recieve. I am so thankful for the knowledge that I have and I wish I understand the atonement more fully. I keep learning and living and want to be a better person.

Happy Birthday Mom

Today my mother turned 58. Although I still think she looks like she is in her forties. She is still one beautiful woman. She is one of my best friends. She is one of my examples. She is a superhero. She is constantly sharing her love, support, sholder, and food with me. I love hearing her stories and never get tired of her love. I hope to be a mother like her some day. Thank you mom for all you do for me. I am one of your biggest fans. I love you!

We went out to my sisters in Tooele to have her birthday dinner. It was delicious! And the gluten free chocolate cake...that was seriously to die for. I love being around my family. They offer me so much love and support. My little niece Emma of course is hillarious. We took a walk today and I kept telling her that her shadow was chasing her, so she was trying to turn around to look at it while attempting to run in her new dora flip-flops. It was quite the site. Her little behind shaking in the sun.