Well, another week has come and gone. For me it doesn’t feel like anything has really happened out of the ordinary, but you can be the judge of that, and by ordinary I mean the grind of school and work that suddenly intensifies at the end of the semester creating it's own kind of Madness.
Monday we had a Burningham FHE and celebrated Steve and Jeff’s birthday at Jason’s parents’ house in Alpine. We really tried to pack it in that day because we left our apartment at quarter to 8:00 in the morning and didn’t get home until close to 11:00. Fortunately that included a full day of classes, work, an appointment with the chiropractors, laundry, most of our taxes, dinner, and FHE. It was a busy day, but we got a lot done! We finished our taxes the next night and have a pretty big tax refund coming which is nice since it might have to cover my tuition for the next while.
Tuesday I had an appointment with the dentist and was very glad to hear the report that I didn’t have any cavities, especially since we don’t have any dental insurance right now. Jason went in last week with the same good report, so we’re good for another six months.
Friday morning I had a pretty important presentation for my Instructional Design class. We presented our prototype to our client (The Church History Department). It took many, many hours to prepare, but the presentation went really well and all the people who came to see the presentation (5 people) plus my professor were really pleased. That's makes me really glad because hopefully I can put those may extra hours back into teaching since my classes that I teach start back up this week and I have a very large and important paper due in two weeks that really needs some attention.
Friday night we babysat for Jeff and Sally’s three kids and Saturday I studied about four hours for a Statistics exam with some girls in my class. It’s funny because I was hoping to be using more math since it seems like Statistics is a math class, but really we’re learning all the theory behind why and how the statistics work in research and learning how to program it into a statistical software called SPSS, and let’s just say that the computer part is by far the easiest part. Oh well, I definitely know I’m learning something, otherwise my essay tests wouldn’t be 4-5 pages single spaced.
That night Jason and I went to a BYU men’s volleyball game which was fun to watch considering all the things we’re learning in our volleyball class--which reminds me, I need to take a written test for that class this week. :) BYU played UCLA and won in close matches 4-1.
Today was our fast Sunday. We got a new Relief Society Presidency today and they seem like they’ll be a great group to have. We also had a ward dinner after church to break our fast that was very yummy as well.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
March 22
I don’t think this letter will be long, but I’ll give you an update. School and work are going well. Jason decided to take a “promotion”(?) in his work from being a coder to a group leader in the coding lab. He gets a raise and more responsibilities in the lab, but I think it will be a good thing since he generally likes what he does.
Thursday I went to an enrichment and we learned how to make wan tons and egg rolls from scratch from a girl who grew up in Hong Kong. They tasted really good, but it took so much work, I would rather just go to a restaurant every once in a while and eat them there.
Friday I went to a BYU v. U gymnastics meet with Sara. I really like gymnastics so it didn’t matter that we totally lost. The U has a great team, so it was fun to watch them perform. Afterwards I watched a movie with Jason called “Fireproof.” It was really good about a fireman and his wife that were really struggling with their marriage and almost got a divorce until the guy’s Dad made him promise not to file until he tried this “program” for 40 days which helped him treat his wife better and find the need for religion. We really liked it and it had a good message.
Saturday Jason went and played football with his elder’s quorum while I tried to do work and homework. Jason didn’t really feel like doing his homework, so we ended up playing games and eating pizza for awhile that night.
Today we went to the Draper Temple dedication at our stake center. We have late church and Sacrament Mtg. is late, so when we had Sacrament Mtg., that’s really all we did. We sang one verse of the opening hymn, had an opening prayer, conducted business, the priesthood administered the sacrament, and then had a closing prayer. It seemed pretty weird to be so short.
We all had to leave and then come back 30 minutes later for the temple dedication. The dedication was really nice and I enjoyed hearing the talks from the General Authorities.
Thursday I went to an enrichment and we learned how to make wan tons and egg rolls from scratch from a girl who grew up in Hong Kong. They tasted really good, but it took so much work, I would rather just go to a restaurant every once in a while and eat them there.
Friday I went to a BYU v. U gymnastics meet with Sara. I really like gymnastics so it didn’t matter that we totally lost. The U has a great team, so it was fun to watch them perform. Afterwards I watched a movie with Jason called “Fireproof.” It was really good about a fireman and his wife that were really struggling with their marriage and almost got a divorce until the guy’s Dad made him promise not to file until he tried this “program” for 40 days which helped him treat his wife better and find the need for religion. We really liked it and it had a good message.
Saturday Jason went and played football with his elder’s quorum while I tried to do work and homework. Jason didn’t really feel like doing his homework, so we ended up playing games and eating pizza for awhile that night.
Today we went to the Draper Temple dedication at our stake center. We have late church and Sacrament Mtg. is late, so when we had Sacrament Mtg., that’s really all we did. We sang one verse of the opening hymn, had an opening prayer, conducted business, the priesthood administered the sacrament, and then had a closing prayer. It seemed pretty weird to be so short.
We all had to leave and then come back 30 minutes later for the temple dedication. The dedication was really nice and I enjoyed hearing the talks from the General Authorities.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Happy St. Patrick's Day
Well, I’ve let a couple of weeks get past without writing, although if you realize where I am in the semester, it’s not too surprising. I just wanted to hit a few of the highlights
A couple of weeks ago (March 3) we had our last racquetball game. We played really well and won the first game. I served the point that should have been the game point on the second game, but after a few dives on the floor, we ended up barely loosing and again in the third game as well. The bad news is that we lost when we could have won, but the good news is that we have a little more free time to get our homework done.
A few days after that we went to the Draper Temple open house with a couple of Korean friends and Jason’s parents. One of the Koreans spoke almost no English, and the other Korean wasn’t a member of the church, so we were glad they had each other to talk to. The Temple is beautiful and it was a good experience to be able to go.
Friday we watched “A More Perfect Union,” a movie produced by BYU about the forming and signing of the constitution for Jason’s American Heritage class. We both liked the movie and I was just glad to have an excuse to watch a movie with Jason since he doesn’t usually like to watch them with so many other things that need to get done.
Saturday night we went to the last home BYU basketball game against Air Force with Jason’s family. We barely beat Air Force, but it was a nail-biting, low scoring game. After the game I cut Jason’s hair. I don’t know that I do the best job, but he doesn’t seem to notice any big mistakes and it’s always nice to save a little money.
We were also really excited that night to find out about Anna Renae. Congrats to Neal and Katrina.
Last Tuesday Jason and I both came down with something pretty awful as far as being sick. Early that morning Jason woke up and started throwing up, and an hour later I followed suit. We took turns all morning sharing the bathroom intermixed with sleeping in between. Jason felt better by the afternoon, but I pretty much slept the entire day and night and felt better when I woke up Wednesday. I slept about a total of 33 hours or something like that. I don’t remember the last time I’ve been so sick to my stomach, I hope it’s another long time before I am again. It’s definitely not fun. There must be something going around because when I mentioned it to a group of girls in my ward, they said all of them had been throwing up in the last week as well and none of us had seen each other.
As a result of being sick, both Jason and I spent the next few days getting caught up with work and schoolwork. We didn’t even see much of each other, let alone talk or eat together.
We spent part of the weekend looking at a house and condos that Jason’s dad was talking to us about buying since it’s a good time to buy and he’s looking to invest some money, but ultimately we didn’t feel good about moving, so we’ll probably be here a while longer.
I do have to share one embarrassing moment from a few weeks ago though. I usually forget about these moments if I can help it, but this was pretty funny so I thought I would share. I was helping out Dr. Graham with a teacher technology in-service class in the McKay computer lab that has a separate room as part of the lab. The separate room is mostly glass so people can see in and see out. Anyway, the lights were off and I was standing at the back of the room by the door talking to Dr. Graham to excuse myself early since they didn’t need my help anymore. I turned to leave and walked right into a glass panel that is right next to the door. Fortunately I didn’t draw too much attention to myself since I was at the back, but Dr. Graham was standing right there and got me pointed in the right direction. I can’t help but laugh at how funny that must have looked!
A couple of weeks ago (March 3) we had our last racquetball game. We played really well and won the first game. I served the point that should have been the game point on the second game, but after a few dives on the floor, we ended up barely loosing and again in the third game as well. The bad news is that we lost when we could have won, but the good news is that we have a little more free time to get our homework done.
A few days after that we went to the Draper Temple open house with a couple of Korean friends and Jason’s parents. One of the Koreans spoke almost no English, and the other Korean wasn’t a member of the church, so we were glad they had each other to talk to. The Temple is beautiful and it was a good experience to be able to go.
Friday we watched “A More Perfect Union,” a movie produced by BYU about the forming and signing of the constitution for Jason’s American Heritage class. We both liked the movie and I was just glad to have an excuse to watch a movie with Jason since he doesn’t usually like to watch them with so many other things that need to get done.
Saturday night we went to the last home BYU basketball game against Air Force with Jason’s family. We barely beat Air Force, but it was a nail-biting, low scoring game. After the game I cut Jason’s hair. I don’t know that I do the best job, but he doesn’t seem to notice any big mistakes and it’s always nice to save a little money.
We were also really excited that night to find out about Anna Renae. Congrats to Neal and Katrina.
Last Tuesday Jason and I both came down with something pretty awful as far as being sick. Early that morning Jason woke up and started throwing up, and an hour later I followed suit. We took turns all morning sharing the bathroom intermixed with sleeping in between. Jason felt better by the afternoon, but I pretty much slept the entire day and night and felt better when I woke up Wednesday. I slept about a total of 33 hours or something like that. I don’t remember the last time I’ve been so sick to my stomach, I hope it’s another long time before I am again. It’s definitely not fun. There must be something going around because when I mentioned it to a group of girls in my ward, they said all of them had been throwing up in the last week as well and none of us had seen each other.
As a result of being sick, both Jason and I spent the next few days getting caught up with work and schoolwork. We didn’t even see much of each other, let alone talk or eat together.
We spent part of the weekend looking at a house and condos that Jason’s dad was talking to us about buying since it’s a good time to buy and he’s looking to invest some money, but ultimately we didn’t feel good about moving, so we’ll probably be here a while longer.
I do have to share one embarrassing moment from a few weeks ago though. I usually forget about these moments if I can help it, but this was pretty funny so I thought I would share. I was helping out Dr. Graham with a teacher technology in-service class in the McKay computer lab that has a separate room as part of the lab. The separate room is mostly glass so people can see in and see out. Anyway, the lights were off and I was standing at the back of the room by the door talking to Dr. Graham to excuse myself early since they didn’t need my help anymore. I turned to leave and walked right into a glass panel that is right next to the door. Fortunately I didn’t draw too much attention to myself since I was at the back, but Dr. Graham was standing right there and got me pointed in the right direction. I can’t help but laugh at how funny that must have looked!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
March 1st
It’s hard to believe that it’s March already. And based on how great today’s weather was, I’m predicting snow at the end of the month. You know what we learned in 1st grade, in like a lamb, out like a lion. Was it just me or did you make the picture of the lamb with cottonballs and the lion with the curled up paper strips on the pencil for the lion's mane to hang up in the school hallway?
We had our stake conference this weekend. It went pretty well. We had Elder Teixera from the 1st Quorum of Seventy come visit our stake. He is a pretty dynamic speaker, so it was interesting to listen to him. He talked a lot about making your family your priority and having the faith to do as the Lord asks. He also reminded us of some wise financial council such as living by a budget and spending less than you make. We also went to the CES fireside in the Marriott Center for Elder Hale’s address. He talked about the importance of standing on high ground and not giving way to the temptation to lower our standards. We took a Korean woman with us who is here visiting the United States for a couple of months. We also invited to go with us to the Draper Temple Open House on Thursday. She is a member of the church, but she doesn’t speak much English and she likes to experience what the church has to offer here.
We spent the weekend going to Stake Conference meetings, going to the temple, going to Enrichment, and going to the fireside. I must say it was a pretty spiritual weekend, which is a good thing since I had to take a long Stats test on Saturday amidst the other activities. Several hours and several typed pages later, I feel pretty good about it, so I hope it turns out okay.
I taught for the last week this week before my students go into the Elementary schools. It’s a really good thing too, because I’ve been putting off some projects that really need my attention now. I’m hoping to get some work done on them, but it’s hard to find time with so many extracurricular activities planned.
This week Jason and I will play in the final round for our division in racquetball. We already played this team before and lost, so I don’t have a whole lot of hope to win, but it’s always fun to play other couples too.
One of the best things that happened this week as far as school is concerned is that I’ve pretty much settled on what I’m doing for my Master’s Thesis Project. I’ve been worrying about it for a while. I talked to Peter Rich, the professor that I work with to teach Educational Psychology , about it for a while one day and he suggested that I do a project to put the Educational Psychology class on-line. At first I wasn’t interested in it, but I thought it over for about a week and decided that it would be do-able and a good fit for me. Peter will be the chair of my committee and I will start working to gather materials starting in May and then actually create the website during Fall Semester. The goal is to be done by December and possibly pilot the class for Winter Semester 2010. The other blessing about doing this project is that Peter got permission for me to be paid for my work, so I can work up to 20 paid hours a week during the summer months while I work on it. It’s so nice to be paid to do school work! I hope things continue to fall into place with this project.
Jason has also been thinking about what he’s going to do this summer. He talked to one of his professors this week after class about possibly doing some research for him this summer. He’s also possibly thinking about working at the MTC again since behavioral coding for more than 20 hours would be a little tedious.
We had our stake conference this weekend. It went pretty well. We had Elder Teixera from the 1st Quorum of Seventy come visit our stake. He is a pretty dynamic speaker, so it was interesting to listen to him. He talked a lot about making your family your priority and having the faith to do as the Lord asks. He also reminded us of some wise financial council such as living by a budget and spending less than you make. We also went to the CES fireside in the Marriott Center for Elder Hale’s address. He talked about the importance of standing on high ground and not giving way to the temptation to lower our standards. We took a Korean woman with us who is here visiting the United States for a couple of months. We also invited to go with us to the Draper Temple Open House on Thursday. She is a member of the church, but she doesn’t speak much English and she likes to experience what the church has to offer here.
We spent the weekend going to Stake Conference meetings, going to the temple, going to Enrichment, and going to the fireside. I must say it was a pretty spiritual weekend, which is a good thing since I had to take a long Stats test on Saturday amidst the other activities. Several hours and several typed pages later, I feel pretty good about it, so I hope it turns out okay.
I taught for the last week this week before my students go into the Elementary schools. It’s a really good thing too, because I’ve been putting off some projects that really need my attention now. I’m hoping to get some work done on them, but it’s hard to find time with so many extracurricular activities planned.
This week Jason and I will play in the final round for our division in racquetball. We already played this team before and lost, so I don’t have a whole lot of hope to win, but it’s always fun to play other couples too.
One of the best things that happened this week as far as school is concerned is that I’ve pretty much settled on what I’m doing for my Master’s Thesis Project. I’ve been worrying about it for a while. I talked to Peter Rich, the professor that I work with to teach Educational Psychology , about it for a while one day and he suggested that I do a project to put the Educational Psychology class on-line. At first I wasn’t interested in it, but I thought it over for about a week and decided that it would be do-able and a good fit for me. Peter will be the chair of my committee and I will start working to gather materials starting in May and then actually create the website during Fall Semester. The goal is to be done by December and possibly pilot the class for Winter Semester 2010. The other blessing about doing this project is that Peter got permission for me to be paid for my work, so I can work up to 20 paid hours a week during the summer months while I work on it. It’s so nice to be paid to do school work! I hope things continue to fall into place with this project.
Jason has also been thinking about what he’s going to do this summer. He talked to one of his professors this week after class about possibly doing some research for him this summer. He’s also possibly thinking about working at the MTC again since behavioral coding for more than 20 hours would be a little tedious.
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