Christmas Eve

I was just kidding about the form letter :). On Christmas Eve, Edie, Naui, Addy, Ollie, Elena, Paolo, Ken, Cynthia and I ate dinner with my mom and dad at their house. Ollie said during dinner, "I would just like to announce that this is the best food ever!" I spent the night here at my mom and dad's, then on Christmas I gave my mom and dad each a bar of soap and they gave me the most beautiful Turkish Evil Eye bracelet. (My mom had already shown it to me because she was so excited about it.) Here's more information about the Nazar. http://www.nazarboncugu.com/default.htm. My mom and I went to the movie theaters and saw Doubt and Valkyrie, then my dad joined us for Yes Man. I met up with my friend Tina and her mom at JC Penney this morning and bought a sweater to wear to the party I'm going to tonight. I'm exchanging gifts with my "friend" tonight. I got him a lift ticket to Sundance, a book, and a $10 i-tunes card. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!! To my loyal readership, THANK YOU!!!

Christmas Letter

Stay tuned for my online Christmas form letter.

Yoga Baby

Christmas Tree Skirt and Farmer's Markets

On two totally unrelated notes, I found the Turkish swag I usually use for a Christmas tree skirt. It was in my office this whole time. Also, shame on me--I bought myself something at the Provo Farmer's Market today. If you don't get a present, you'll know why.

Invincible

Kelly, You might appreciate this. After we went to the Christmas Chorus concert my 5 year old nephew said he really liked it and that the choir was invincible. We were all impressed by his word. We asked him where he had learned it, and he said he made it up.

Do I have a lookalike?

I've been told I look like Tammy: http://breedermdphd.blogspot.com/. What do you think?

Confusion

I got so confused today. There are two slacker boys in my listening/speaking class. Neither of them was there on gift-exchange day (secret Santa). They both showed up today and in class I made arrangements for one of them to come get his gift (from another student) which I had taken to my office. We planned to do this after graduation. The other one told me he needed to take the final early because he was leaving for his country on Monday.

Sooo, after ESL graduation, the gift one came up to me and asked if he could come to my office. I thought he wanted to take the test (which I hadn't even prepared yet!). I said now was not a good time and to come to my office at 3:00 (when another young woman was taking the final early). He said 3:00 was not a good time for him and that 4:00 was better. I said okay.

So at 3:00, the other guy and the girl came to take the test. I was a bit confused. I asked out loud, "Are three people taking the test?" I gave them the test, ornery the whole time because I thought I'd have to do it all over again in an hour (play cds for the listening test). They left, then the other guy came. I was still thinking I was giving him the test!! He told me he was just there for his present.

I went to the gym later that day and started laughing really hard when I remembered how mean I had been to him at graduation--telling him he had to come at 3:00. Poor guy. All he wanted was his gift.

And why am I so confused? Fatigue is my only excuse.

New Neighborhood

Here is Mario checking out his new Provo neighborhood. Yes, I moved to Happy Valley. I never thought this day would come! I should have my internet set up at home again tomorrow so I can update my blog a little more often. Really it should wait until I finish this semester. Anyone want to help me grade papers :)?

The Contortionist

Obama Baby!

All I can say right now is that I am SO happy right now. Yeah Barack Obama!!!!

It's Just the Hair

Addy dresses like this everyday. The only difference is the hair.

Names

I always learn my students' names. That is not to say that I remember all of them when a semester ends--but at least I know who my students are when they are in my class. This semester has been particularly hard. I have a Myung Hee, Myung Ho, Kyung Hee and Kyung Min. I have a Hye Yun and a Yun Mee. In one class I have a Maria, Mariana and Marianella. Try getting all of that straight :).

Salad

Patricia told me about this salad:
spinach,arugula, sweet peppers (in season), dried blueberries, chopped almonds or walnuts, grated carrots, finely chopped cauliflower, feta. Dressing: olive oil, balsamic vinegar or lime, honey, dijon mustard, salt and pepper.

Pix, Finally. More Later.

13.1

I walked my 13.1 miles (and more) today. I feel pretty good right now! That's why I love half marathons :). We walked from Union Square, down by Fisherman's Wharf, through the Presidio and up near the Golden Gate Bridge, then down through the Golden Gate Park to the finish. One memorable moment was walking by a lovely young survivor doing the walk herself. I spoke to her and she spoke to me so naturally, kind of like we had known each other forever. I also saw the cutest curly haired little girl who was also a survivor. I took a picture, so eventually hopefully you can see!

I walked along with Tonya, Kate, Gayl and Diane.

At the finish line, a fireman in a tux handed me my Tiffanys sterling silver finisher's necklace. I love it. Just a short update. I'm going to pack up now so tomorrow I can focus on some grading!!

18 Million!

We went to the Pasta Party last night. We raised $18 Million collectively!! Wow! I'll write more later....

San Francisco Day 1

I'm so confused. My pictures aren't uploading. I can't figure out why?! Help!

It's been a fun day! I went to sleep last night (this morning!) at 3:15 and woke up at 4:15, so who knows what has been powering me today. My dad took me to the airport bright and early. The team flew into Oakland then took a Team in Training bus to our hotel in San Fran. I had finally met my two mentees, Coleen and Amy, and they are two of the lovliest women you have ever seen. I'll take their pictures tomorrow so you can see them too. I happened to arrive at the airport around the same time as them. Poor Amy's sister slept in so Amy had to drive herself to the airport and park there.

At 10:00 we went to the race expo in Union Square. We got our race numbers and heard about the wall and poster where it shows the names of the 20,000 participants in this year's race. I have forgotten how much money we have raised collectively, but you can be sure I'll include that in tomorrow's blog. It's millions!! I sat at the oxygen bar and got a manicure at the expo--very relaxing.

I was hanging out with Sue, my roommate, and I'm getting to know her a little more. Her brother-in-law runs a cable car, so after eating some pho at the food emporium below Bloomingdales, we rode the cable car up and back down towards Fisherman's Wharf. We didn't have a lot of time to look around there but I'll go back. I'm on a quest for some knee-buckling champagne truffles and seashells :).

I did do a bit of shopping today. I got cute socks and tights at Nordstrom and a race shirt, bag and socks at Nike Town.

It's weird, a lot of the people here (especially the women participating in the race) look familiar to me. I don't know if it's because I see the faces of the incredible women in my life in the faces of the women here--but I am just in awe of the hard work and dedication that is represented in all these fabulous women! I wish I could learn all their stories and reasons for being here. It's pretty amazing.

I do this all in memory and honor of Anthony. Love you Anth.

The Lazy Blogger

I think I'm going to do it. I think I'm going to move to Utah County. I'm not sure if I'm going to rent or buy yet, but I think I'll head down soon--like by the end of the month. The commute is wearing on me finally!

Elena's birthday was the day before yesterday and Paolo got blessed. He fell asleep during the blessing. It was so cute seeing Naui hold up a groggy almost one-year-old baby after the blessing. Edie and I had been wondering what he was doing because he was so quiet!

The day before, we went to Gardner Village to celebrate Nena's birthday. We took the hay ride with the witch and ate Edie's homemade Chili. It was quite fun but oh so cold.

The picture of my new Ann Taylor LOFT find is for Kelly, and anyone else who likes fashion :). For some reason, I just love this little jacket.

I leave for San Francisco on Friday morning! I will be walking a half marathon in honor and memory of Anthony. Thanks to everyone who donated and supported me in this effort!!!

Weddings and Crazy Cat Ladies

Before I left for Peter's wedding this morning I spread out all my new fundraising bears. When I came home, Mario was in the midst of all of them. So cute. Pete and Kendra's wedding was beautiful--outside near Log Haven, then with a luncheon buffet in Log Haven. Their friend Ethan wrote an amazing poem that he sang. The vows they wrote to each other were precious, especially Kendra's. Marcie looked radiant (so did Jill), Ted looked great and Bonnie and Tom were the happiest parents around. I'm so thankful for the blessing in this family's life following Marcie and Chris's great sadness. I love the Hansens!! P.S. The pictures are in nowhere near the order I wanted them in. Oh well!

Henna

The other fun thing I did yesterday was get a henna tattoo. I think it turned out pretty well. And speaking of Henna, I am going to have my fundraising spa night September 26. Features: henna tattoos, temporary tattoos, pedicures, massages a la Caroline, yoga, aromatherapy, food, raffle items including new men's clothing from JC Penney and Chipotle burrito vouchers... Please put this on your calendars.

I Can't Freaking Wait

I bought Elena the cutest outfit at the Peach Days Festival in Brigham City today. I cannot wait to give it to her!!

Kids and kitty

Here's the promised first day of kindergarten photo of Ollie. Last night I babysat Paolo and Elena at my house. On the same day I took Ollie's picture, I was squeezing Lolo's cheeks to try to get a good shot of his one tooth, but last night he smiled the most natural smile to show off his tooth in all its glory. Elena was a doll last night. And of course, Mario cannot be left out.

I sold John Stockton

I sold John Stockton to a guy at the Farmer's Market. We haven't closed the transaction yet but I promised to save it for him. We'll finish the deal on Wednesday. Thanks to Heidi for helping me with bear sales! And thanks to Travis Tanner of Tanner Frames for framing John Stockton. And thanks to Trent Nelson, the photographer.

John Stockton Poster

I posted an ad on Craig's List about an email auction of the John Stockton Poster, and I'll be updating current bids here. There are no bids as of yet. All proceeds go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!

Silver Lake

I went up to Silver Lake with my Turkish friends and others for a nice walk and late lunch. I brought raspberries--they were a big hit! I was so excited when I saw that Hulya had made my favorite Turkish dessert, sekerpare. Actually there are 3 Hulyas. Imagine that! The one walking with her husband is Ayse, and the other women are Handan (sp) and Alexandra (from Russia). I haven't learned all their husbands' names yet. I hope to get to know them all a little more because they are so fun and delightful! They are havinga baby shower for Hulya 2 Thursday night so I'll have to see about that (it's Anthony's birthday and I would love to go to the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival to honor him.)
My dreams of having a Turkish life were re-ignited yesterday when I got an email from Erkan...

Random Photos From the Week

I visited Edie's family on Monday because they were leaving for Denver that day. Ollie turned 5 this week. Elena laughed so hard at the picture of herself with the sticky face. The other cute little girl is one of my student's daughters. Not hard to tell which student because they resemble each other so much. The same silly putty I fashioned the rose from also got caught in Mario's fur. He had to have a little haircut. My students put on a performance of Sherlock Holmes. Some of them also graduated from the ESL program. Those students applauded me in class today and one of them said that I would forever live in his mind. Things are good. Goodnight!