What is the What?

I borrowed this book from Tyler's Aunt Sandy who is a bleeding heart biologist among many other wonderful things. I held onto it for a few weeks before it finally felt good to read. Once I started I could not stop and have been talking about it since I finished. The book is a pseudo-autobiography (pseudo meaning it was written from the perspective of Achak Deng, but because his English is not perfect Dave Eggers wrote his story) about a boy who was chased from his village in the Sudan at age 7. From then until he made it to the United States in his early 20s he join thousands of young boys and other refugees cross the Sudan desert into Ethiopia and then to Kenya. The book was so enlightening to me because I had no idea what really was going on in the Sudan and Darfur beyond what I piece together from the news and the Hotel Rawanda movie. I also had little idea of what living in a refugee camp was like. The book was also really well written and made you think about who we are as Americans. I highly recommend it.

Well this will probably be the last post for a while unless I can get on from Italy. We leave tomorrow :)

Wedding Day with the Ellis's and Friends

This weekend Ty's family had a gathering of friends from across the country for Allie Swenson's marriage to Bryan Babcock. The ceremony and reception were beautiful. I think everyone had a great time!

Golf Fever

It is finally warm in Provo which means one thing for Tyler, Golf! Although Ty has a full time job, he still works a few hours a week at the local golf course because he just can't let go. I, of course, don't mind because the free golf saves us a fortune! In addition to working at the golf course he has also managed to fit golf into his NYLife work schedule--what client will deny free golf? Sunday afternoons are filled with me dodging light balls as he practices chipping in our 1 bedroom basement apartment. Following our Dodge-golf ball game is a 2 hour cleaning ritual of his clubs. He also has started carrying clubs and light balls every where we go. A wait at our favorite Italian restaurant is no problem anymore. And even shopping can be enjoyable for both of us as long as he can watch the current golf tournament on his blackberry.

-I'll post the pictures that are suppose to go with this blog soon. This is why I am a terrible blogger - I have been trying to load the pictures for the past 20 minutes and it keeps telling me there's an internal error! :/

Eye, Eye Captain

These pics are a little old, but I just got them downloaded so I thought I would share them. After Tyler finished a 21 credit semester, we took a little break and stayed at the Anniversary Inn in Salt Lake City (we had a free night stay). Now, this is no ordinary hotel. Each room has been decorated to place you in another time and place to help you and your love enjoy a romantic getaway. Tyler and I chose the Treasure Island room which had a jacuzzi tub surrounded by sails and rigging, and wooden staircases leading to our captain's quarters. It was a little cheesy but we had a great time anyway!

Year Review

On Thursday I finished the last day of my first year of teaching. As I look back on the year I have learned a lot about how to control, motivate and even teach 12-14 year olds. As a tribute to my students, who were enthusiastic, worked hard and sometimes made me crazy, I have devised a list of 10 reasons I am excited to go back and spend the majority of my waking time with a bunch of dramatic teenagers next year!

1. My students make me laugh
Student: "Can we have a party today"

2. My students can turn a gloomy day bright with their excitement and desire to learn
Student: "Wait, Joseph Smith and Pocohontas didn't really fall in love?"

3. My students ALWAYS keep me company
Teacher: "You have ten more minutes of lunch. Let me enjoy mine with peace and quiet!"

4. My students are helpful
Teacher: "Pick up fifteen pieces of trash, hair, lint and anything else you find other than carpet on the ground."

5. My students say nice things and even bring me gifts
Student: "Mrs. Ellis, I like your shoes."

6. My students turn in their homework (most of the time)
Teacher: "If you have not turned in your homework, it is late, meaning you already have an F on this assignment."

7. My students care about their grades and want to succeed
Student: "Is there any extra credit?" "Whats my grade?" "There's a TEST today?"

8. My students tell each other to behave and be quiet
Student: "Guys, shut up! Mrs. Ellis is trying to teach!"

9. My students are clever and witty
Student: "But you said...."

10.My students are there for me and let me be there for them when they need it
Student: "Was that other teacher yelling at you? I swear I'll go and beat her up"


Thanks for a great first year!