The one with the updates

It's been a while since  I last updated. I actually can't believe that it has been over a month. However, with the wedding less than three months away we have been spending most weekends either meeting with our parents or planning on our own. We booked our honeymoon a few weeks ago. We will be going on a tour of Italy. We have never been to Europe, so we are really looking forward to it. We will be leaving June 24th and coming back July 3rd.

I have been nominated to attend 6th grade camp. I am somewhat looking forward to it, but I don't really want to make 4 days worth of sub plans. Several of my kids are going and they seemed happy that I was going so I think it will be a good few days.

This past week has been extremely busy. I haven't been able to get home before 530 everyday. I am glad I have a three day weekend. However, I am pretty much booked for the entire time. Hopefully, I will find sometime for relaxation.

The one with the large purchases in 2010

Happy New Year!

2010 is going to be a very big year for us. Actually, it already has been a big year for us and it has only been 2 days! New Year’s Day we decided to pick out our wedding bands. We have had this on our “to-do list” for a while so it was nice to get it taken care of. I went into looking for wedding bands thinking that it would take quite a while for us to pick things out. Boy was I wrong. I think we were in the store for about 30 minutes. We walked in, looked at rings for Scott and he found the one he liked pretty quickly. I told the lady what I was looking for and she found a few that were similar. I found one I liked and that was that. We know have wedding bands and so ends Jan. 1.

January 2nd was another BIG day for us. We have been looking at cars for a while, and decided it was time to go test drive. We had no idea what kind of day we were in for. We left the house at 1230 and went to our credit union to find out about getting a loan. We ended up having to open a joint checking account (which we were planning to do eventually). Then we were approved for our loan. We went to Ford to try out the Escape; it was now 2 o’clock. Before we left home, we had printed out an ideal car with all the things we wanted. We took a test drive and really liked driving the Escape. We sat down to discuss finances and finding a car that was similar to the one we wanted. We checked several different styles both new and old. We really wanted black interior and a steel gray color outside. We could not find one that was like this with the other things we wanted. (Apparently, people like the tan interior better) We looked at some used cars on the lot, but again we didn’t see what we were really hoping for. We found a car that was a silver-bluish-gray color (much lighter than we wanted), but had black interior and was about 10,000 less than the new car. It was in great condition. I was not as happy with it as Scott was, but eventually we determined that this was the car we were going to buy. I was still torn as too whether or not this was the right choice, but the two things I wanted were the dark outside and dark inside colors. I got one of the two and the price was much better than building a car ourselves. So in the long run we made the right decision.

So now it’s about 330. We are thinking that it will probably take about an hour or two at most to get everything finalized. We were in for a real surprise. After filling out lots of paperwork…unfortunately a few pages we had to fill out again (minor technicality since we are not yet married). We sat, and sat, and then sat some more. While waiting we were texting the parents, making some wedding plans and updating facebook. Around 6 or so we were finally called back to meet with the finance person who was going to go over all our paperwork….almost the home stretch. The lady was very helpful and went over our mountain of paperwork. We signed, and signed and signed….oh and then we signed some more…wait until we get a house…however rumor has it that cars are more paperwork…I’ll have to ask Matt…who just bought a house! So after signing everything we went to visit “Stevo.” Stevo looked and sounded like a car salesman out of the 1940’s or 50’s. Anyways, he gave us the keys, showed us the ins and outs of the car and sent us on our way.

We said good-bye to my little red car. It was a good little car. On Wednesday I filled up my tank with a 25$ gift card and this tank of gas drove me to and from my parents in Indio and then around town. I think the mileage was 375 or so and I probably had about 4 gallons left…such a good car. The highest mileage on a tank of gas that I can remember was 470 or so. I planned it right by not having to pay for that tank of gas and we got the first tank of gas in the new car free! I have high hopes that this new car will be fuel efficient, but I am pretty sure I will be a little disappointed.

We finally left the dealership around 730. We had not had much to eat and were in need of food and water. We decided to go to a sushi place by our house. Unfortunately, it was closed. So we went to another sushi place which had a 45 minute wait…ugh! So we settled on Sammy’s Woodfired pizza next door. While waiting to order a huge sundae was brought to another table. We decided we should celebrate with one too. But buy the end of the meal we decided that we would just go to Vons and get some ice cream, which in the long run will be cheaper, last longer and be less fat and calories. It was delicious! We got home around 930…what a long day. It felt like we had spent the day at Disneyland. It really wore us out.

Today is a new day…what large purchase should we make today?

The one at Disneyland

Education & Technology Quotes

While writing my thesis, I came across this slideshow of quotes. Enjoy! Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

Education & Technology Quotes

View more presentations from Tony Vincent.

The one with the twins (nope.... not mine)

This past week and a half has been challenging for a friend of mine. Bethany who was pregnant with twins went into labor on Tuesday. She was either 28 or 29 weeks along. We knew that the twins would come early, but everyone was hoping they would grow to at least 32 weeks. Anyways, they were born on December 1, 2009. They are two twin boys, Jaxon and Miles. Jaxon is 3lbs 1oz and Miles is 2lbs 6oz. Jaxon is on feeding tubes and oxygen and doing okay with the circumstances. Miles is not doing as well. He is having challenges with his esophagus and his aorta. He will have to have surgery in the near future. Bethany and Drew are holding up, but I am sure more they are more tired and worried than they let on. Please keep them all in your prayers. Not being a parent yet, I can only imagine what they are going through right now. All the emotions of being a first time parent, with two babies fighting to grow, cannot be an easy thing at all. They have been in the hospital for about two weeks now and we all know that hospitals are not fun. No matter if they have a private room or not, hospitals are not pleasant places. I know they are struggling to adjust, but will pull through for their children. Please keep this family in your prayers.

The one with a lot of stuff

I made it to my first real break from work. It was a struggle for those last few days, but 5 days to myself is much needed. Not that I am counting or anything, but when we start back on Monday we will only have 15 days before break. I think I can make it!
Wednesday: I started the day with a wonderful haircut with color from Meghan. Then I met up with her mom, Penny, to get some things at Target, grab some lunch and then visit our friend Bethany in the hospital. Bethany is 7 months pregnant and on strict bed-rest. Unfortunately, she started having contractions and is in the hospital for the 4th time. As we would find out later, she is now there until she gives birth. We are hoping and praying that she can hold on a little longer hopefully to 32 weeks. Bethany is pregnant with twin boys, Jaxon and Miles.

Thursday: Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! This year Scott and I decided to stay home for Thanksgiving. We had planned on going to Bethany and Drew’s for dinner, but as you just read, she was in the hospital. Instead we cooked Cornish game hens, asparagus and cheesy, garlic mashed potatoes. As much as we would have liked going to see family, the both of us really needed a vacation. When we visit our families it becomes either a long day of driving and eating or we stay over, don’t sleep well then have to drive home the next day extremely tired. We spend the next day recovering and then only have one day to relax. It has been a wonderfully relaxing few days.

Friday: My first official BLACK FRIDAY!! I am typing this, so that must mean I survived. I was going to go with my friend Cassiopeia, but she wasn’t feeling well. I switched plans and called Meghan and Penny. I was able to join them. I headed over to Parkway Plaza to meet them at 7. The mall was not that crowded. I did not have to fight for a parking spot and it was fairly light inside too. We were able to go to several stores and found lots of great deals. I think I bought out Bath and Body Works. After the mall we headed to Kohl’s. Kohl’s was incredibly crowded! If I wasn’t there with Penny and Meghan I would have left without buying anything. We waited in line for an hour to get to the checkout line! Boy were we tired after that.

Saturday: I woke up to pouring rain outside! It has been raining on and off all day. I wish it were like this all the time in the winter. I went out to Michaels this morning to get some frames for our new engagement pictures and some other wedding stuff.
For the rest of December I am going to be gathering articles and writing my thesis. My last master’s class is this month! I will be done December 17th! How exciting!

The one with the retirement party and turning 60

Future father in-law celebrating retirement and turning 60!

Scott's Grandfather carved these symbols.

We got this cake from the same place that is making our wedding cake. It was delicious.

The one with the day off!

Yes!!!!! I have tomorrow off!!! YAY for a weekend day in the middle of the week!

The one with the Pirate Ship

We made a pirate ship!!!

The one with the food tasting

Last Sunday we went food tasting at Wiens for our wedding. They have a new caterer so once a month they have a food tasting of appetizers, then a multi-course meal. We were in the Barrel Room, where our rehearsal dinner will be. It was beautiful and gave us some good ideas for what we want and how the set up will be. The food was amazing! We were so stuffed we almost didn't make it through. We started with appetizers which included Casmere chicken (amazing), shrimp taquitos, duck dumplings with a hibiscus sauce, mini cheese burgers with bacon, and some other food I can't remember at the moment. Then we sat down for the meal and sat next to on of the owners, Dave and Leslie Wiens. We enjoyed three salads, a citrus one with a mint cilantro dressing, mixed greens with figs and spinch with a basil/champagne dressing. For the courses we had a mini 12 cheese mac and cheese (beats Kraft!), dirty rice/risotto with sausage and baked cod (cod was amazing), nutty chicken, mashed potatoes, and tri-tip (cooked perfectly...but WAY to rare for Lisa:-)). Then for desert we had a very odd concoction that we are still not sure we liked...or did not like...it had a texture simlar to a thick pudding or soft cheese. It was flavored with prickly pear, a hint of coconut and cardamom. It wasn't bad, it wasn't great...just puzzling. Oh...we also had LOTS of wine of course...we also started with a bottle while we waited outside for the dinner to start. It was a perfect night for sipping wine on the patio.  Here are some pictures!

The one with the race and the registry

Last weekend we went to the NASCAR race at Fontana. Of course we were cheering for #48 Jimmie Johnson! He, of course, won!!! It was an awesome race to see; especially with our driver doing awesome! We stayed Saturday night at Scott's parents house. We went out to look at wedding things. We were able to find some ideas for invitations, but we are not sure what we are going with yet. We went out to dinner then tried out the new deluxe margarita maker! Wow...what an amazing machine! Overall it was a great weekend!

This weekend we started our registry at Bed Bath and Beyond. We spent about 2 hours in the store figuring out what we liked and needed. We still have some decisions to make, but we were quite tired and decided to do more later. Tomorrow we are meeting with a possible DJ.

The one at Ruby's on the Pier

Last weekends adventure!

The one with the engagement pictures

Last Sunday, we went up to Wiens Winery for our engagement session. We were both quite nervous because we do not usually take good pictures. Once we had a glass of wine and relaxed a bit, the pictures seemed to go really well. We get them in 10 days or so and are very excited to see them. We also finished our save the dates..designed them ourselves and printed courtesy of my dad! They are beautiful and will be sent out soon.

As for school....its been really busy as one would expect the beginning of the year to be. So we are in the fourth week of school and we are just finishing up CELDT testing and other ELL and resource tests for placement purposes. Last week, I got one student from another class, this week I got one student from another school Monday, two new students from other districts on Tuesday and I get 7 more...yes 7, transfers from other classes tomorrow. So it is almost like starting the year over. In both my classes I am gaining almost a 1/3 more students...yikes!!! I was spoiled with my smaller class size. Oh well...nothing I can do about it.

The one with Mission San Juan Capistrano

Today we took a day trip to Mission San Juan Capistrano. We started with lunch at El Adobe then headed to the mission. We used the walking tour headsets and learned all about the mission. It had been a while since both of us had been, so it was nice to see what had changed. It was such a beautiful day and did not get too hot until we were ready to leave. There was a lot of traffic, but we made it home safe and sound!

Here are some highlights:

The one with the Update

Wow, I thought it had been a week since I posted, but it has been much, much longer. I am currently working at Emerald Middle School in El Cajon. I am teaching 6th grade English and History and a creative writing elective (which is now the school newspaper). I am completely exhausted, my feet ache and its just been a busy two weeks. I hope the three day weekend will help. Anyways, I will post some pictures and update more over the weekend.

The one with the Sushi

I forgot to post this, but last weekend we made sushi. We used to make it more than we do now because it does take a lot of time. We decided to try some new things this time so we tried using seared tuna, shrimp and scallops. We made several rolls with lots of veggies. Our spicy tuna turned out amazing! I tried making a dynamite roll, which was okay, but I put too much spicy mayo on top. We also tried doing cucumber wrapped rolls which were excellent!

The one with the job and more!

The wait is over! I signed a contract for a full time position as a 6th grade language arts teacher at Emerald Middle School in El Cajon. I will be working with my previous principal!! Also, in talking to one of my friends I realized that all the schools I have taught at are off the same road! It must be lucky! So we have 11 days until school starts, at least one professional development day, two all day staff meetings, and I have to set up a classroom. Hmm...what should a middle school classroom look like? I am guessing I won't need cute name tags for the seats or a prize box of stickers, pencils and erasers. So much to do!

I also went to see an allergist today. I was quite pleased with the way it went. Dr. Pauls asked lots of questions and was quite helpful. I am being tested for a gluten allergy, milk allergy, all common food allergies, and some other stuff to. They took most of my blood, so I hope that something comes of the tests. Unfortunately, these tests can often come up with false negatives or false positives, so if that is the case, strict food diets are in my future. I just hope after 25 years of this problem someone can help figure this out!

The one with Bon Appetit

Today Scott and I went to see Julie and Julia. I have gone to see several of Scott's movies, so it was time he went to see one I wanted to see. A line was actually forming outside the theater so I got in line while Scott got popcorn and a soda. Once I got to my seat I was thinking that some Reeses Pieces sounded good. Although I know I don't need them, a sweet treat sounded good. I didn't want to go back down and lose our seats. Scott came in and guess what he actually bought some Reeses Pieces! I didn't even ask or mention it! Wow..we must really be in sync today. We each had a few and will save the rest for dessert this week. Despite some of Scott's comments during the movie, we both enjoyed it. I have never seen so many elderly people in a theater. WOW! It was funny to listen to them talk about how dark it was in the theater before and during the movie. One group of old people at least 70+ I would say sat in the row in front of us. One lady walked all the way to the end by the wall and sat down. Her husband was getting help walking from what I assumed to be his son. He kept telling him to walk down the isle and sit next to his wife. The old guy responded with "I've known her for 65 years, why do i have to sit next to her? Can't I sit next to someone else, I already know her!" I found this to be quite hilarious. However, no one in his group laughed. As for the movie, I thought the stories were very well paralleled. I also believe I have never seen so much butter in my life. Coming from a person who doesn't EVER use butter (well maybe in brownies)...or like it, I don't know what that says, but if you need suggestions on other ways to flavor food besides butter and salt, just ask! From the foodie inside me, Bon Appetit!

The one with the complaint

We are having a lot of trouble finding a photographer that isnt outrageously priced and still gives us something for the money we are paying. So far we really like Ashcraft photography but they are REALLY expensive and you don't get much for the money. I think it is ridiculous for people to charge so much extra because its a wedding. AHHH!! We have found a few others in San Diego, but the problem is there is usually a travel fee to go to Temecula. I never knew finding a photographer would be so difficult.

The one with the vegtables

About a week ago we decided to make veggies for dinner. So we grilled bell peppers, anaheim peppers, jalapenos, onions, tomatillos and potatoes. We also had a barbequed tofu! Here are the pictures...