Veteran's Day

Nevada is so fabulous in so many ways. The way I truly appreciate this weekend is that they go all out to celebrate Veteran's Day. They have a huge parade, free stuff to Veterans all over town, etc. Did I go to the parade? Nope. Did I get any of that free stuff? Nope. BUT, I did get the day off...which basically rocked.

My dear husband has an addiction. So, we drove downtown Las Vegas, past the lights and the Strip, to the scary end of town. It was time to make all his dreams come true.

Yes, it was in this ghetto building with a ghetto sign and inside was no different. There were broken games lining the back wall and a strange smell throughout the room. But, don't worry- they had a snack bar....

The beauty of this place was not the fancy germ infested popcorn machine. The beauty of it is the history of the American culture that can be seen. The beauty of it is found when you see it for what it really is...a giant room of pinball machines. Rows and rows of them. $.25-$.75 a play. Pinball machines from the sixties to special edition Lord of the Rings with the highest pinball technologies.

Andrew loved it. I even did too.

The weekend didn't stop there. Let's just say: 2 dogs, 2 drinks, 2 churros, 5 bucks. Gotta love Costco dates.

Today, the finale will be a movie and ice cream from Coldstone (paid for by a gift certificate and a BOGO coupon I got from signing up for the Coldstone newsletter.) Summary of this weekend: good deals, good times.

Vegas

Yes, I know. I've been terrible and I wish I could say I would do better, but I'm just not sure if I can commit to that. Quick and to the point: I had an awesome summer-going to Brazil, the Carribean, being homeless and hanging with fam-but now we've made it to Vegas...obviously.

The beginning of the school year was nuts. I was doing school stuff nonstop. But, now it seems to be slowing down and even getting to the point where it's fun. Don't get me wrong, there are those periods where I wonder what the heck I am doing trying to teach such crazy hooligans anything, but there are also those days where it's just fun. There was a trunk or treat a couple weekends ago at the school. Andrew and I dressed up like little red riding hood and the big bad wolf. It was pretty good if I may say so myself!

We haven't had a chance to do anything too Vegassy (yes, that's a word now) yet. I had Friday off because of Nevada Day. It's this state holiday where the state decided to take the day off. I'm not sure why, but I definitely didn't argue with a day off. Andrew and I went to Red Rock Canyon and hiked around a bit. It's pretty (note the pics) and it's one thing off my "to do" list.

We like living here though. There was a few weeks where we were doubting it because of the never-ending heat, but lately it's been beautiful.

Andrew and I don't have cable or satellite, so we started Lost on Netflix. We finally finished Saturday and are just glad that it's over and we're free from it. Although, I do have to admit I've dreamt about it the past few nights. At first I hated the ending, but I guess it grows on ya the more you think about it.

I'll try to do better with the blog. But till then: Peace!

One Year!

Tomorrow is our anniversary. And yes, it did go fast. Here's 12 things that recap a few things during our first year of marriage:

1) Our favorite movie (meaning one that we agree completely on) is "How to Train Your Dragon"

2) Our biggest "fight" was over toothpaste. (And no it is not because one of us is anal about the cap or anything)

3) We have spent 365 days next to each other when we sleep at night (meaning neither of us has gone out of town overnight or something)

4) We are addicted to shows on A&E, The History Channel, and Discovery. They're really good. We even made sure to be home on Friday nights in time to watch "Gold Rush." Wow. That feels good to get that off my chest. Yes, we were fans of Gold Rush.

5) This year I have spent more at the grocery store than I think I have during my three years living on my own combined. It was hard at first.

6) We still sleep with separate blankets. Let's face it: Andrew's not a good blanket sharer.

7) I now know more about sports than I ever wanted to know. . . and I'm still learning....unfortunately. And I still don't get why you need to watch 5 different sets of highlights for a game you just watched. Maybe this year I will figure it out.

8) We actually agree on a favorite restaurant: Texas Roadhouse, Baby!

9) Our favorite date was definitely indoor skydiving.

10) Andrew is still the only person that can truly make me angry.

11) It creeps me out how well Andrew knows me. He can sense the minute I am upset...when I usually can fool other people quite well. Sometimes I don't like this trait of his.

12) Andrew and I are very complimentary in our financial view. He is willing to spend money on things I don't like to (like food) and I am willing to spend money on things he is not (like trips to Brazil). So, although this may seem problematic, because it sounds like we're big spenders...it actually just keeps us from being lame. We actually enjoy life instead of just being obsessive about our bank account go up.

Moral of this story....we've enjoyed life together and can't wait for other adventures to come our way!

Happy Celebrations

Happy Easter! Happy Graduation! Happy Life!

The weekend with the parents and Jeff was great! It was so much fun, but as always too short.

Graduation was not the most thrilling thing for everyone to watch. Bonnie, Lee, Jeff, Andrew, Mom, and Dad endured the little less than 2-hour ceremony. (I am just glad my college isn't one of the popular ones!) But, it was fun and definitely gave me the officially done feelin'.

Final Days

Student teaching was fun. It was an absolutely great experience. But...(and there is always a but..) I am so glad it is over. And yes, you heard right: IT IS OVER. I'm done student teaching. Basically done with college. Tomorrow I have to show up for a ten minute interview. Then the 22nd I have to show up for an hour and half ceremony dressed in a funny cap and gown. Then, I'm legit. Quite nuts really. I can't believe I have spent four years here and now we finally get to move on. Was it always the best time of my life down here in Provo? Heck no. Would I have rather been doing something else? No way Jose. It was a great time of life and I wouldn't change a thing. It was a blast and full of life memories and experiences that are irreplaceable. Go BYU.

Summer Adventures

Our summer is going to be great. Here's the update for June.
From June 21-28, we will be in Brazil. We bought our tickets Friday night. It's official.
Exciting. Should be an adventure!

A blonde moment...It was inevitable

This week I experienced a blonde moment. I have these once in a while, but only a few that I think I will remember forever. This might be one of those.
Here is how it played out. Two students (we'll call them S1 and S2) were chatting quite loudly while they were working on the assignment. I was just cleaning up from the lesson, so I was still positioned in the front of the classroom. And remember my cooperating teacher is Mr. B.....and action.
S1:....Area 51!
Me: You guys are too young to go to Area 51!
S2 and S1: Really?!?!
S1: But I had a friend that went there.
Me (not wanting to get into any discussions about Area 51 and the things that go on there): Well, anyway, just stop talking about it and start workin'.
S2: Well what is Area 51?
Me: Don't worry about it, just get working on your assignment.
S2: I'm going to go home and go look it up then.
Me (not wanting parents to think it's because of me that they are looking such a thing up) :It's just this dancing place.
S1 and S2: A dancing place?!?! Where?!?!
Me: In Salt Lake. Now work!
Mr. B: The secret government place, Area 51, is in Nevada.
My face then turned bright red. Because of course the students had been thinking of the secret government facility and not the club... in Salt Lake...that I thought of.
Duh.
I've never even been there! (To the club I mean...well actually I've never been to either of them...) The point is that it isn't because I was a clubber that this happened. It was just, just, just a blonde moment. End of story.