My good friend Sarah Beu Roberts wrote a bit about her "firsts" and her "lasts" according to before she got married and then after she got married. I've had a lot of firsts recently that I would like to share.
Firsts:
Today I taught Young Women's. I think it went reasonably well. They are definitely different than adults... I love them!
I truly saw and heard an older version of Napoleon Dynamite bear his testimony. His eyes were closed and it was very, what I would call, breathey. It was great. It's funny, I find myself being reminded of Napoleon Dynamite a lot here! :)
I stayed for the second wards testimony meeting so I could bear my testimony. I didn't bear mine in our meeting.
Yesterday, I went to Martin's cove and Devil's Gate. I went by myself. I loved it, but I prefer other people's company.
1 week ago I ate a crawdad. It was caught by Harley's friends in a trap. It was delicious and tasted like lobster. Mmmm...
I planted a tree. Go Green!
I went Elk bugeling (sp?) and found out there is a spray people put on themselves that actually smells like elk. I never knew. The stars in Wyoming are incredible.
2 weeks ago I almost ran out of gas.
I went to a college football game. OH so fun!
I took a 3 year old to the bathroom and never knew going to the bathroom could be such a joy. (Does that sound weird?!)
I saw snow on Sept. 21.
Welcome to the new, the exotic, Wyoming.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
La Cucaracha
Today I sang "La Cucaracha" and "La Bamba" over and over and over again. I may die before the performance at Halloween.
The truth is I enjoy it. Ok? That's the truth. I love using the microphone in front of the kids. I love hearing them sing in Spanish. I love singing.
However, what I wanted to write concerns one of my students. She totally flipped out today. A couple of her classmates got in trouble and I chatted with them about it. There was some negative energy in the room for sure. She suddenly burst in with a dramatic, "It's all my fault." I wasn't even talking to or about her. I certainly didn't understand the outburst. She said things like it was all her fault and that she was going to punish herself and bash her head onto the cement.
I was very confused. Still am really.
After getting the other kids working on a project in the computer room, I talked with Cheryl (name changed) for a while and she cried and flailed a bit. It was strange. The counselor was called and she came down and was able to get Cheryl to calm down a bit.
I am simply baffled. Did I cause or promote that outburst? How do I know what to do in that situation?
Why are teachers still human? I want to inspire and lift and love, but I get cranky sometimes. NO natural man, I am a teacher. I must be more than human!
Ta ta for now.
The truth is I enjoy it. Ok? That's the truth. I love using the microphone in front of the kids. I love hearing them sing in Spanish. I love singing.
However, what I wanted to write concerns one of my students. She totally flipped out today. A couple of her classmates got in trouble and I chatted with them about it. There was some negative energy in the room for sure. She suddenly burst in with a dramatic, "It's all my fault." I wasn't even talking to or about her. I certainly didn't understand the outburst. She said things like it was all her fault and that she was going to punish herself and bash her head onto the cement.
I was very confused. Still am really.
After getting the other kids working on a project in the computer room, I talked with Cheryl (name changed) for a while and she cried and flailed a bit. It was strange. The counselor was called and she came down and was able to get Cheryl to calm down a bit.
I am simply baffled. Did I cause or promote that outburst? How do I know what to do in that situation?
Why are teachers still human? I want to inspire and lift and love, but I get cranky sometimes. NO natural man, I am a teacher. I must be more than human!
Ta ta for now.
Posts from my other blog that I didn't know I was still blogging in
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Heroes in Shining Gym Clothes
Today I felt like a hero. It was a good feeling after a day of not feeling like one.
I was at cross country practice and I noticed the brand new girl from Tennessee had a few spots of blood on her pants. I took her into the hall and told her about it. She had started her period. I got her some tampons and some different pants and we were set.
Funny how such a small thing can make someone feel so good. Now that I think of it, that would've been a big deal to me, had I been in high school.
That was a tender mercy for me.
Thanks.
I was at cross country practice and I noticed the brand new girl from Tennessee had a few spots of blood on her pants. I took her into the hall and told her about it. She had started her period. I got her some tampons and some different pants and we were set.
Funny how such a small thing can make someone feel so good. Now that I think of it, that would've been a big deal to me, had I been in high school.
That was a tender mercy for me.
Thanks.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Shining Moments of Brilliance
Teaching is wonderful. I get to be with kids all day. I get to see them do awesome things everyday. I am blessed.
Last week, I had the chance to see one of my kids do something great. Around my classroom I have various computer chairs at the tables. I rotate the kids seats as much as I can so that kids can have equal opportunity to sit in the "comfy chairs." One of the groups had a boy named Trever in it. He talked to another girl in his group before class began. He asked her if another girl had had the comfy chair yet. He decided to give it to her without her even knowing it. Awesome! It warmed my heart for the rest of the day.
Another day and another situation. A boy in class was being incredibly obnoxious. I asked him to go to the hall so I could chat with him. I asked him what was going on. He told me that all the kids make fun of him because he is fat. Suddenly, I realized that I was in the junior high. I think I forget that occasionally. I told him that I didn't ask him to come have a chat with me because he was fat.
Fast forward. Later in the class period, I had the chance to ask two of the more confident students if they could do me a favor. I explained that Josh was having a tough time and I especially asked them if they would be really nice to Josh for me. They agreed. They are doing it! The next time I had the class, I noticed a huge difference in Josh, and it was all thanks to their attention and kindness. It was awesome.
Yep. Rewarding teaching is. (That's a quote from Yoda.)
Today, Jocelyn jumped right in to help me do the dishes.
Great kids come from Rawlins, Wyoming and hopefully great teachers too.
Last week, I had the chance to see one of my kids do something great. Around my classroom I have various computer chairs at the tables. I rotate the kids seats as much as I can so that kids can have equal opportunity to sit in the "comfy chairs." One of the groups had a boy named Trever in it. He talked to another girl in his group before class began. He asked her if another girl had had the comfy chair yet. He decided to give it to her without her even knowing it. Awesome! It warmed my heart for the rest of the day.
Another day and another situation. A boy in class was being incredibly obnoxious. I asked him to go to the hall so I could chat with him. I asked him what was going on. He told me that all the kids make fun of him because he is fat. Suddenly, I realized that I was in the junior high. I think I forget that occasionally. I told him that I didn't ask him to come have a chat with me because he was fat.
Fast forward. Later in the class period, I had the chance to ask two of the more confident students if they could do me a favor. I explained that Josh was having a tough time and I especially asked them if they would be really nice to Josh for me. They agreed. They are doing it! The next time I had the class, I noticed a huge difference in Josh, and it was all thanks to their attention and kindness. It was awesome.
Yep. Rewarding teaching is. (That's a quote from Yoda.)
Today, Jocelyn jumped right in to help me do the dishes.
Great kids come from Rawlins, Wyoming and hopefully great teachers too.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Lack of gas in Wyoming
Have you ever run out of gas? I haven't.
I wasn't the one driving. I fell asleep in the back seat of the car and when I woke up we were at what looked like a gas station, but was apparently closed and had not gas. The gas gauge was already on empty and we had a decision. We could head toward our final destination of Laramie 45 miles away, or we could go the other direction to a town 35 miles away. We headed toward Laramie.
The driver's philosophy was get lots of momentum so we could coast forever on the downhill parts. Needless to say, we passed someone going uphill on a double yellow line. We passed two people in a construction zone with the flagger really flaging at us vigorously. We deserved to be pulled over, but we weren't.
We got to the last hill before Laramie and finally the gas was gone. We putted and struggled to get to the top, but, the momentum carried us through! We had made it into Laramie and were coasting down the last hill toward a promising street full of gas stations.
As we slow, we come up to a light. It's green. Then yellow. Then red. If we stop, we lose all momentum and the chosen gas station is on the other side of the light. Going 5 miles an hour, we go right on through the red light. The two boys get out to push and I reach up from the back seat to steer us into the gas station.
I've never broken so many traffic laws in one day before. It was hilarious.
I wasn't the one driving. I fell asleep in the back seat of the car and when I woke up we were at what looked like a gas station, but was apparently closed and had not gas. The gas gauge was already on empty and we had a decision. We could head toward our final destination of Laramie 45 miles away, or we could go the other direction to a town 35 miles away. We headed toward Laramie.
The driver's philosophy was get lots of momentum so we could coast forever on the downhill parts. Needless to say, we passed someone going uphill on a double yellow line. We passed two people in a construction zone with the flagger really flaging at us vigorously. We deserved to be pulled over, but we weren't.
We got to the last hill before Laramie and finally the gas was gone. We putted and struggled to get to the top, but, the momentum carried us through! We had made it into Laramie and were coasting down the last hill toward a promising street full of gas stations.
As we slow, we come up to a light. It's green. Then yellow. Then red. If we stop, we lose all momentum and the chosen gas station is on the other side of the light. Going 5 miles an hour, we go right on through the red light. The two boys get out to push and I reach up from the back seat to steer us into the gas station.
I've never broken so many traffic laws in one day before. It was hilarious.
I'm from Wyoming?
A week and a half ago, I went to Logan, Utah for church. It was fast and testimony meeting, so I got the chance to go up and talk about what I love the most.After sharing my testimony, I added my name and where I was from. I said, "My name is Melody Anderson and I'm from Wyoming." The second it slipped from my lips I questioned if I had actually said it. I couldn't have, could I? I did. And I'm happy I did. There's no shame in being from Wyoming. In fact, it is quite the comical place.
Let me illustrate. I don't want to sound like I'm making fun, but practically everything is funny to me. Ask my brother. Once, our car broke down and I thought it was hysterical. I couldn't stop laughing. I couldn't understand why he didn't think it was funny.
Back to the Wyoming story. I was in church yesterday, and a guy was giving a talk. I love this man. He was talking about "holding to the rod-" a very common Book of Mormon idea. In the Book of Mormon, however, the rod is more like a hand rail leading us through rough times in life. It represents the word of God. In this wonderful man's story, he referred to the rod as his fishing rod! I can't help but smile about it now! I've never heard so many hunting/fishing stories from the pulpit in my life! I love it. If Jesus used parables his people could understand- so should Wyoming-ians. Wyomingites. Wyomianians. I don't know.
So why not be from Wyoming. I've moved in. I'm happy to be here.
Hi. Good to meet you. My name is Melody Anderson, and I'm from Wyoming. :)
Monday, September 14, 2009
I'm from Wyoming?
A week and a half ago, I went to Logan, Utah for church. It was fast and testimony meeting, so I got the chance to go up and talk about what I love the most.After sharing my testimony, I added my name and where I was from. I said, "My name is Melody Anderson and I'm from Wyoming." The second it slipped from my lips I questioned if I had actually said it. I couldn't have, could I? I did. And I'm happy I did. There's no shame in being from Wyoming. In fact, it is quite the comical place.
Let me illustrate. I don't want to sound like I'm making fun, but practically everything is funny to me. Ask my brother. Once, our car broke down and I thought it was hysterical. I couldn't stop laughing. I couldn't understand why he didn't think it was funny.
Back to the Wyoming story. I was in church yesterday, and a guy was giving a talk. I love this man. He was talking about "holding to the rod-" a very common Book of Mormon idea. In the Book of Mormon, however, the rod is more like a hand rail leading us through rough times in life. It represents the word of God. In this wonderful man's story, he referred to the rod as his fishing rod! I can't help but smile about it now! I've never heard so many hunting/fishing stories from the pulpit in my life! I love it. If Jesus used parables his people could understand- so should Wyoming-ians. Wyomingites. Wyomianians. I don't know.
So why not be from Wyoming. I've moved in. I'm happy to be here.
Hi. Good to meet you. My name is Melody Anderson, and I'm from Wyoming. :)
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Heroes in Shining Gym Clothes
Today I felt like a hero. It was a good feeling after a day of not feeling like one.
I was at cross country practice and I noticed the brand new girl from Tennessee had a few spots of blood on her pants. I took her into the hall and told her about it. She had started her period. I got her some tampons and some different pants and we were set.
Funny how such a small thing can make someone feel so good. Now that I think of it, that would've been a big deal to me, had I been in high school.
That was a tender mercy for me.
Thanks.
I was at cross country practice and I noticed the brand new girl from Tennessee had a few spots of blood on her pants. I took her into the hall and told her about it. She had started her period. I got her some tampons and some different pants and we were set.
Funny how such a small thing can make someone feel so good. Now that I think of it, that would've been a big deal to me, had I been in high school.
That was a tender mercy for me.
Thanks.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Shining Moments of Brilliance
Teaching is wonderful. I get to be with kids all day. I get to see them do awesome things everyday. I am blessed.
Last week, I had the chance to see one of my kids do something great. Around my classroom I have various computer chairs at the tables. I rotate the kids seats as much as I can so that kids can have equal opportunity to sit in the "comfy chairs." One of the groups had a boy named Trever in it. He talked to another girl in his group before class began. He asked her if another girl had had the comfy chair yet. He decided to give it to her without her even knowing it. Awesome! It warmed my heart for the rest of the day.
Another day and another situation. A boy in class was being incredibly obnoxious. I asked him to go to the hall so I could chat with him. I asked him what was going on. He told me that all the kids make fun of him because he is fat. Suddenly, I realized that I was in the junior high. I think I forget that occasionally. I told him that I didn't ask him to come have a chat with me because he was fat.
Fast forward. Later in the class period, I had the chance to ask two of the more confident students if they could do me a favor. I explained that Josh was having a tough time and I especially asked them if they would be really nice to Josh for me. They agreed. They are doing it! The next time I had the class, I noticed a huge difference in Josh, and it was all thanks to their attention and kindness. It was awesome.
Yep. Rewarding teaching is. (That's a quote from Yoda.)
Today, Jocelyn jumped right in to help me do the dishes.
Great kids come from Rawlins, Wyoming and hopefully great teachers too.
Last week, I had the chance to see one of my kids do something great. Around my classroom I have various computer chairs at the tables. I rotate the kids seats as much as I can so that kids can have equal opportunity to sit in the "comfy chairs." One of the groups had a boy named Trever in it. He talked to another girl in his group before class began. He asked her if another girl had had the comfy chair yet. He decided to give it to her without her even knowing it. Awesome! It warmed my heart for the rest of the day.
Another day and another situation. A boy in class was being incredibly obnoxious. I asked him to go to the hall so I could chat with him. I asked him what was going on. He told me that all the kids make fun of him because he is fat. Suddenly, I realized that I was in the junior high. I think I forget that occasionally. I told him that I didn't ask him to come have a chat with me because he was fat.
Fast forward. Later in the class period, I had the chance to ask two of the more confident students if they could do me a favor. I explained that Josh was having a tough time and I especially asked them if they would be really nice to Josh for me. They agreed. They are doing it! The next time I had the class, I noticed a huge difference in Josh, and it was all thanks to their attention and kindness. It was awesome.
Yep. Rewarding teaching is. (That's a quote from Yoda.)
Today, Jocelyn jumped right in to help me do the dishes.
Great kids come from Rawlins, Wyoming and hopefully great teachers too.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Lack of gas in Wyoming
Have you ever run out of gas? I haven't.
I wasn't the one driving. I fell asleep in the back seat of the car and when I woke up we were at what looked like a gas station, but was apparently closed and had not gas. The gas gauge was already on empty and we had a decision. We could head toward our final destination of Laramie 45 miles away, or we could go the other direction to a town 35 miles away. We headed toward Laramie.
The driver's philosophy was get lots of momentum so we could coast forever on the downhill parts. Needless to say, we passed someone going uphill on a double yellow line. We passed two people in a construction zone with the flagger really flaging at us vigorously. We deserved to be pulled over, but we weren't.
We got to the last hill before Laramie and finally the gas was gone. We putted and struggled to get to the top, but, the momentum carried us through! We had made it into Laramie and were coasting down the last hill toward a promising street full of gas stations.
As we slow, we come up to a light. It's green. Then yellow. Then red. If we stop, we lose all momentum and the chosen gas station is on the other side of the light. Going 5 miles an hour, we go right on through the red light. The two boys get out to push and I reach up from the back seat to steer us into the gas station.
I've never broken so many traffic laws in one day before. It was hilarious.
I wasn't the one driving. I fell asleep in the back seat of the car and when I woke up we were at what looked like a gas station, but was apparently closed and had not gas. The gas gauge was already on empty and we had a decision. We could head toward our final destination of Laramie 45 miles away, or we could go the other direction to a town 35 miles away. We headed toward Laramie.
The driver's philosophy was get lots of momentum so we could coast forever on the downhill parts. Needless to say, we passed someone going uphill on a double yellow line. We passed two people in a construction zone with the flagger really flaging at us vigorously. We deserved to be pulled over, but we weren't.
We got to the last hill before Laramie and finally the gas was gone. We putted and struggled to get to the top, but, the momentum carried us through! We had made it into Laramie and were coasting down the last hill toward a promising street full of gas stations.
As we slow, we come up to a light. It's green. Then yellow. Then red. If we stop, we lose all momentum and the chosen gas station is on the other side of the light. Going 5 miles an hour, we go right on through the red light. The two boys get out to push and I reach up from the back seat to steer us into the gas station.
I've never broken so many traffic laws in one day before. It was hilarious.
I'm from Wyoming?
A week and a half ago, I went to Logan, Utah for church. It was fast and testimony meeting, so I got the chance to go up and talk about what I love the most.After sharing my testimony, I added my name and where I was from. I said, "My name is Melody Anderson and I'm from Wyoming." The second it slipped from my lips I questioned if I had actually said it. I couldn't have, could I? I did. And I'm happy I did. There's no shame in being from Wyoming. In fact, it is quite the comical place.
Let me illustrate. I don't want to sound like I'm making fun, but practically everything is funny to me. Ask my brother. Once, our car broke down and I thought it was hysterical. I couldn't stop laughing. I couldn't understand why he didn't think it was funny.
Back to the Wyoming story. I was in church yesterday, and a guy was giving a talk. I love this man. He was talking about "holding to the rod-" a very common Book of Mormon idea. In the Book of Mormon, however, the rod is more like a hand rail leading us through rough times in life. It represents the word of God. In this wonderful man's story, he referred to the rod as his fishing rod! I can't help but smile about it now! I've never heard so many hunting/fishing stories from the pulpit in my life! I love it. If Jesus used parables his people could understand- so should Wyoming-ians. Wyomingites. Wyomianians. I don't know.
So why not be from Wyoming. I've moved in. I'm happy to be here.
Hi. Good to meet you. My name is Melody Anderson, and I'm from Wyoming. :)
Monday, September 14, 2009
I'm from Wyoming?
A week and a half ago, I went to Logan, Utah for church. It was fast and testimony meeting, so I got the chance to go up and talk about what I love the most.
After sharing my testimony, I added my name and where I was from. I said, "My name is Melody Anderson and I'm from Wyoming." The second it slipped from my lips I questioned if I had actually said it. I couldn't have, could I? I did. And I'm happy I did. There's no shame in being from Wyoming. In fact, it is quite the comical place.
Let me illustrate. I don't want to sound like I'm making fun, but practically everything is funny to me. Ask my brother. Once, our car broke down and I thought it was hysterical. I couldn't stop laughing. I couldn't understand why he didn't think it was funny.
Back to the Wyoming story. I was in church yesterday, and a guy was giving a talk. I love this man. He was talking about "holding to the rod-" a very common Book of Mormon idea. In the Book of Mormon, however, the rod is more like a hand rail leading us through rough times in life. It represents the word of God. In this wonderful man's story, he referred to the rod as his fishing rod! I can't help but smile about it now! I've never heard so many hunting/fishing stories from the pulpit in my life! I love it. If Jesus used parables his people could understand- so should Wyoming-ians. Wyomingites. Wyomianians. I don't know.
So why not be from Wyoming. I've moved in. I'm happy to be here.
Hi. Good to meet you. My name is Melody Anderson, and I'm from Wyoming. :)
After sharing my testimony, I added my name and where I was from. I said, "My name is Melody Anderson and I'm from Wyoming." The second it slipped from my lips I questioned if I had actually said it. I couldn't have, could I? I did. And I'm happy I did. There's no shame in being from Wyoming. In fact, it is quite the comical place.
Let me illustrate. I don't want to sound like I'm making fun, but practically everything is funny to me. Ask my brother. Once, our car broke down and I thought it was hysterical. I couldn't stop laughing. I couldn't understand why he didn't think it was funny.
Back to the Wyoming story. I was in church yesterday, and a guy was giving a talk. I love this man. He was talking about "holding to the rod-" a very common Book of Mormon idea. In the Book of Mormon, however, the rod is more like a hand rail leading us through rough times in life. It represents the word of God. In this wonderful man's story, he referred to the rod as his fishing rod! I can't help but smile about it now! I've never heard so many hunting/fishing stories from the pulpit in my life! I love it. If Jesus used parables his people could understand- so should Wyoming-ians. Wyomingites. Wyomianians. I don't know.
So why not be from Wyoming. I've moved in. I'm happy to be here.
Hi. Good to meet you. My name is Melody Anderson, and I'm from Wyoming. :)
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