What Teachers Make

As I am going through all the final projects, papers, and tests I am beginning to wonder "WHY?" Why am I killing myself over these classes? Why am I going to class when I could be dancing? Why am I procrastinating doing the project that is due in 3 days?

Well this is the best mode of procrastination that I have ever done.

WHAT TEACHERS MAKE
- Taylor Mali

Count Your Blessings

Thanksgiving is an interesting day. The United States of America was the first country to dedicate a day to give thanks. Think about it. We all get a day off a school and work to focus on those wonderful things we have in our lives. We spend the day with family! No one is alone on Thanksgiving. Those without somewhere to go automatically are instantly invited to friend's table for a feast of gratitude.

In honor of the beautiful Thanksgiving Day in 2011, I give thanks for all the blessings I have in my life.

• My mom. She is not my best friend, she is my mom. A mother with a listening ear who is never judgmental. She taught me to love everyone, even if I don't love what they do. She taught me to give everyone a second chance... and a third... and a fourth... you get the idea. I love her more than she knows and it's my life's ambition to be just like her. Thanks Mom!!!

• My dad. A man who as always pushed me to be my very, very best. The man who can fix anything, whether a bike, a weird-smelling furnace, or a china set. A man who's greatest pride is the accomplishments of his children. Thank you Dad.

• Cameron, my big brother. He always watched over me from a distance in school. Tried to help me avoid doing embarrassing things... sometimes to no avail. :) Our friendship has grown stronger since he returned from serving a two-year mission in Bangkok, Thailand. I will always look up to him. Thanks for always being there Cam.

• Helene, my little sister. No one can bug me as much as she does, but no one can love her as I do. She is possibly my favorite person to fight with, however, since she's been in Savannah, Georgia for an internship with Del Sol, I miss her more than words can describe! She is always my go-to for fashion advice, she tells me what was going on bluntly, and she is a master manipulator... good thing I've been trained how to spot it. I love you and miss you Helene!

• Brandon, my baby brother. Oh my goodness! He is hilarious! You know those social filters that we all pick up along the way? Well he doesn't really have one... and he doesn't care! I love his unconditional love and how he isn't embarrassed to give his biggest sister a hug and a kiss on the cheek. I'm so grateful for my little Buddy!

• Allie, my best friend. She is such an inspiration to me! She recognizes the good in EVERYONE and loves them just the same! Thanks for listening and advice--ing Al!

• Sarah, my best friend. A friend to everyone. A girl who as seen me through it all! Thanks for loving me still!

• Elisa, my best friend. She can tell me straight. No beating around the bush, but she sure knows how to pamper a girl when she's had a hard week. Thanks for putting up with my ditzyness!

• Tyler, my best guy friend. He helped me through a hard time in my life and set my college life out on the right foot! Thanks Ty!

• Josh, my best guy friend. Wow, he sure can see me like no one else and read me like a book too! He's hilarious and crazy and that's why I love him! Thanks for the long talks Josh!

• Grif, my best guy friend, my dance partner, my entertainment. From our deep talks to busting out songs at the top of our lungs, he is my favorite person to hang out with no matter my mood. He has also introduced me to so many awesome people who have impacted my life for the good. Love that guy! Thanks Grif!

• Russel, my best guy friend. The guy who comes off as a total goof ball, but is a total sweet heart once you get to know him. Thank you for listening and offering advice, or even simply giving me a hidden hug when you recognize those moments where one is desperately needed.

• Ephraim, my best guy friend. A guy who knows everything about me and loves me anyway. A guy who will not let me think back of myself and has every right to think bad of me. He forgave me even when it would've been completely understandable if he didn't. Thanks for the awesome movie nights and late night waffles! Thank you for listening.

• Bryant, my boyfriend. Oh my, he's hilarious! I always seem to be laughing when I'm with him. I know I can depend on him for anything! Thanks for the memories Bry! I look forward to tons more!

• My awesome house. It's adorable and it's affordable. I'm learning so much on my own!

• The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know it is true.

• God, my Heavenly Father. He loves me and I love him.

• Jesus Christ, my savior and friend. I couldn't make it without him. 

• My Totally Awesome, simply fabulous, hilarious, forever caring friends. I will never forget you!

• Polly, my 03 Mazda Protege. I couldn't survive my life without her! Keep going baby!

• My laptop. 
• My scholarship.
• My teaching job. I sure do love those kids!
• My waitressing job. SO much fun to work there.
• Pie
• My cell phone.
• My bed.
• Movies
• My movie collection.
• Netflix
• Utah
• Snow
• Music
• Brownies
• Cookies
• Ice Cream
• Hot Chocolate
• Lactaid
• Food
• Teachers
• Aunts and Uncles
• All the little moments that make the best memories.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,

And you will keep singing as the days go by.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,

Do not be discouraged, God is over all;

Count your many blessings, angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

- Count Your Blessings by Johnson Oatman, Jr.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Poems From the Past

I'm a poet and you didn't even know it! I used to write poetry all the time in a darker portion of my life. The frequency of my writing has decreased the light was brought back into my life, however, I often write when I have no one to talk to, or no one seems to understand, or when I have bored the ears off all of my friends. These poems were written a while ago during the aftermath of a difficult break-up. I had been doing homework at the Marriot Library and I couldn't seem to focus on my homework anymore. Seeing as I had no one around that I could talk to, I opened up a word doc. and started writing. The following have been revised, but the integrity stayed in tact.

Please keep in mind that much of it was written as though no one, but me, would read it. 

Enjoy the window into my soul!

A Smile Unreturned

A smile unreturned

Lost in eyes that suddenly drop

An awkward word

Just spit it out

String of compliments

He looks for my eyes

Tears fall down

Force a smile

It's okay I understand

Time passes

Don't understand

Don't know why

Want it all to be gone

Don't want to cry anymore!

Don't want to feel numb anymore

Want to feel the butterflies

Want to feel the excitement of life

Want to feel

Not have an absence of feeling

HEALING

Still don't understand

Still don't know why

It will never completely leave

Love still remains

Tears stopped

Numbness departed

Still miss and wish

I feel the butterflies

I feel the excitement

I feel 

I fell

The Talk

Smile

             Unreturned

Lost in eyes

             Suddenly drop

"So what's up?"

             Stumbling over words

*Spit it out*

             String of compliments

*Here it comes*

             "Didn't feel what I expected"

Air gone

             "It's nothing you did"

"I understand"

             Eye contact

Struggle to keep

              "Still want you in my life"

Doubt

             "I'm Sorry"

"It's okay"

             "Goodbye"

"Bye..."

             Leaves

Run

Conversations with Myself

Why the hell did he do this? I don't understand!!!!!!!

I'm me! I date everyone. I date around. I never gave up guys to date -him- and he screwed it up.

I'm a dating machine and I actually get asked out on dates when other girls just "hang out."

Ridiculous. Who prays about forever after two weeks? TWO WEEKS! Bleh. Idiot.

There's a hole in my chest. All of my feelings are just skin deep, except sadness. I'm sad to the core.

I'm lonely and I cant's seem to shake this feeling.

I "cuddled" with -another- last night and I barely felt anything!

A little flame popped up when he put his head on mine, but I'm not all here.

My heart is missing. -He- has it and I'm not sure if I want it back.

The Beginning of the End

Finals are coming up.

dun - dun - duuunnn!

This is when I start hyperventilating and making LOTS of lists! Very intricate lists of what I need to do in the next 4 weeks. I know that finals is in 4 1/2 to 5 weeks, but projects are not due that week... they are due the week before. These lists are color coordinated, pretty looking - it calms me - and then slowly turn MESSY! But they do get me through the finals month. I have so much to do! Math: practicum, dictionary, portfolio, notebook, and workbook. Reading Methods: practicum, tutoring observation, emergent literacy group project, and the rest of the reading summaries. Linguistics: group project, quiz, and take home final.

I've done this before right? WELL... I didn't used to work two jobs and go to school full time. A lot of my days are full and the only way to get it all done is to go MIA for a while... Don't worry, I'll surface on Sundays.

Melting

Okay, so I hate... wait that's a strong word... am not fond of The Wizard of Oz. I'm not sure why, but I still don't like it. Anyhow, I thought the picture was funny and appropriate. I almost posted a picture of a melting ice cube, but decided this would be more fun. I was right. :)

I'm melting!!! 

I suppose I owe more of an explanation. Back in 9th grade, sooo long ago, I was an awkward child. A targeted awkward child. I was consistently teased and bullied. I received quite a number of notes in my locker that said horrible things, even things were written on the white board INSIDE my locker. Needless to say, I cried almost everyday after school. Word of this reached my older brother's ears and he told me that I needed to stop crying, that everyone was getting tired of it. So I did. I didn't cry in public unless it was something really big! I would get upset, but I rarely cried.... even in private. That's right. I couldn't cry on my own. I could only trigger it if I was talking about it. Thus, less private than I'd prefer.

I have been struggling with this problem ever since. It's been really hard because I would go home from something upsetting, or just had a bad day, and I couldn't even cry it out. Crying has and always be part of my healing process. I don't feel better until I let out all that built up emotion. However, that relief came rarely and I would become frozen in my zone of unhappiness. Many could recognize me in this stage and made me talk about it, helping me immensely! I've tried so hard to break myself out of this frozen state, but nothing worked.
...
But then!
...
Something happened. It was a shock to my system. A rejection of common sense. I heard myself say that everything was fine, but my soul, not my heart, was HURTING. It cut deep and dirty and I was alone to face it. I drove home and the flood gates opened. "I'm melting." Another shock to my system, but a good one this time. I was upset and wanted to cry so I did!

This happened awhile ago and I admit that there are parts of me that haven't completely melted yet. I'm still working on that and I'm making progress. I can still cry though and It's felt wonderful!

Funny how dancing in the rain can require creating some of your own.

The Golden Rule

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Seriously people, do it.

It's not so fun to be on the other side. 

Fears

I'm a little bit of a daredevil. :) I'll do the highest, flippiest, and most dangerous lifts when dancing like a Candle Stick, Around the World, Falling Angel, The Chair, and my favorite: Texas Star. I'll go off any number of jumps at the sand dunes, including those built off of a slip-in-slide with a "trench" of water at the bottom (without an ATV) multiple times giggling the whole time. EVEN if I fall, I'll get up and do it again.

However, I have discovered something that scares the living daylights out of me!

Trampolines.

Irrational? I don't know, I just don't like them! I suppose the reason is that they tend to be small and the ground tends to be hard around them. If I miss, it hurts! There's also the chance I'll land on my head on the hard ground. This fear can possible be traced back to the large number of times I'll fallen when jumping on trampolines. Ohs well. :) Needless to say, I really don't like the game "Rocket."

I discovered this fear at a gymnastics gym last night. Well it was just a trick gym actually. There were no balance beams (I was kinda sad cuz I like spinning off them into the foam pits). I could jump on the super bouncy tramps and do all sorts of kicks where I stayed upright, but I couldn't bring myself to do a flip, which I KNOW I can do! Well I did one once, just once. It was lame. :S

I'd much rather:

• Climb the rock wall and jump off into the foam pit
• Get charged at with a pad and fly into the foam pit behind me
• Charge into a mountain man and just end up on the ground
• Try it again and bounce back 3 feet
• Swing off the trapease.. I think that's how you spell it.. and do flips off it.
• Cartwheels
• Run into a wall... multiple times.
• Or anything where I'm just in the air and not jumping into it!

I'm not kidding that I'm really afraid of it! My heart was pounding just at the thought of them. Don't downplay my fear. Pretty sure it's a result of me not trusting myself, but I'm more than willing to trust other people.

Especially when doing the Texas Star. :)

Teaching

"Teacher's hefty salaries are driving up taxes and they only work 9 or 10 months a year! It's time we put things in perspective and pay them for what they do - babysit! We can get that for minimum wage. That's right. Let's give them $3.00 an hour and only the hours they works, not any of that silly planning time, or any time they spend before or after school. That would be $19.50 a day (7:45 am to 3:00 pm with 45 minutes off for lunch and plan -- that equals 6.5 hours). Each parent should pay $19.50 a day for these teachers to baby-sit their children. Now how many students do they teach a day... maybe 30? So that's $19.50 x 30 = $585.00 a day. However, remember they only work 180 days a year!!! I am not going to pay them for any vacations. LET'S SEE... That's $585 x 180 = 105,300 per year (Hold on! My calculator needs new batteries).
"What about those special education teacher and the ones with Master's degree? Well, we could pay them minimum wage ($7.25), and just to be fair, round it off to $8.00 an hour. That would be $8 x 6.5 hours x 30 children x 180 days = $280,800 per year. Wait a minute -- there's something wrong here!
"There sure is! The average teacher's salary (nationwide) is $50,000. $50,000/180 days = $277.77 per day/30 students = $9.25/6.5 hours = $1.42 per hour per student -- a very inexpensive baby-sitter and they even EDUCATE your kids! WHAT A DEAL!!! Heaven forbid we take into account highly qualified  teachers or NCLB!"

- Stolen from my Aunt Kim who stole it from a friend. :)

If you're anything like me, you got really frustrated while reading the beginning of this quote.However, it couldn't have ended better! So why have I chosen this career that pays so very little? Because it truly makes me happy! There is nothing like a child's hug or smile to improve your day!

I work as a teacher's assistant at Upland Terrace Elementary in a developmental kindergarten classroom. I really really love it! Everyday is different. My students are in different moods and dispositions. However, they are still adorable!!! Sometimes they say "I hate you Miss Aubrey" when I won't allow them to do something. Then two minutes later I feel little arms around my waist and see two big eyes looking lovingly up at me! Even today I was helping a student put on their hat and coat and he all of the sudden gave me a hug. Not common for that one. My whole day is full of laughter and funny comments! Then there are moments... emphasis on the word "moments"... when their worlds seem to be falling apart and I get to comfort them and coach them through these new feelings their still learning to cope with.

I had a hard childhood. I was bullied, friendless, and struggling to keep up with the curriculum. My teachers kept me going. They loved me even when no one else did. So THAT is why I want to be a teacher, to help children find hope in a seemingly hopeless world.

So,

from one teacher to another,

or more importantly,

from a student to my teacher.

Thank you.

My Best Friend

This past Wednesday I found out my best friend was coming home from her mission early due to illness. I will not be going into detail about what she has because I believe that is personal. However, I will talk about her and what a strength she has been to me throughout my life.

Allie and I originally met in 7th grade... I don't remember how or exactly when, but I remember her being a part of my life throughout Jr. High. Apparently she had a bit of an attitude and liked to tease people. I say "apparently" because she was always super kind to me even though I was the one person EVERYONE seemed to enjoy teasing. I was an odd ball and I had a pretty big crush on a certain boy and I didn't know how to go about liking him... he was the wrong person to like because he enjoyed teasing me behind my back as well. Anyway, said boy was friends with Allie and he and all his friends joined in teasing me... however! Allie always stood up for me. I once asked her why and she told me it was because I was always so kind to everyone and many of the people who teased me didn't even know me. Allie even tried to deter me from liking the one stupid guy, I sadly ignored her and things got worse in 9th grade until I stopped liking him - a story for another time.

Allie and I lived in the same LDS Stake and our Young Women's groups would play each other in basketball tournaments. I loved playing her team because we both would get super aggressive and would occasionally hurt each other because we knew the other could take it (we once gave each other bloody lips). I believe that this is where our friendship first began to blossom and laid the groundwork for later conversations and support.

Allie and I continued our light friendship until the second semester of our senior year when we had British Literature together and also sat next to each other. I loved that class, but especially so since I had it with her. We began talking a whole lot and she would give me some of her snacks... our class was right before lunch and I was always starving. We began planning for our first year of college at Salt Lake Community College, where we were both planning on attending, and carpooling arrangements and other fun college stuff. All around this time period, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and I was super weak and tired. Allie was always there for me and helped me through that very difficult time.

Then came Summer!!! Allie and I continued to spend a lot of time together especially since our wards were combining for girls camp and we were both the eldest girls so we got to do devotionals and stuff. Needless to say, we spent a lot of time together. THEN our stake organized a singles ward and we were forced to attend since we were bother 18.. I had been 18 for 5 days at the time. We were wing women and went to everything together! Our ward even thought we were sisters.

When college began we carpooled, attended institute together, joined an LDS sorority together (ZETA), went to church together, and hung out every moment possible. My family practically adopted her and her's adopted me. The stories get really long winded now, so I will summarize! We served on South City Institute's Institute Council, ZETA officers, ward committees, etc. You couldn't separate us! Where ever I was, she wasn't far behind, and vice versa.

In my Sophomore year of school I began to attend the Redwood Campus instead of South City and Allie and I started spending less time at school together. We still spent the time on the weekend together along with sorority stuff. She was there for me when I had family troubles, she kept me on track with the boys I dated, she was chief interviewer for my prospects. She read me like a book. She knew when I was upset, mad, frustrated, or down on myself.

Allie started prepping for her mission during the beginning of my Junior year of school and I was attending the University of Utah so we saw less and less of each other. I know God had a hand in our slow separation from each other so when she left for Nashville Tennessee, it wasn't as hard. I admit, I wasn't super excited about her leaving me, but I also knew that it was the right thing for her to do. I love her and wanted what's best for her. Thus, I wrote her. I updated her on all my boys and she was absolutely full of good advice. Then... she started getting sick, but was pulling through like a trooper. I didn't expect anything less since she ran a marathon with mono... yep, MONO!

Allie's dad died a couple of years ago and NO ONE COULD TELL unless I told them (she wasn't about to). She is like Giselle from "Enchanted." If you don't love her, then you're weird. Just sayin'. She has been huge support to me! I love her so much!

Well I got to see her for the first time on Saturday and she was visibly skinnier... she didn't have room to lose weight! She was slow moving... she was always a runner and often would run into my arms. She spoke with a level tone... unlike her usual excited cartoonish voice. She was sick, and I recognized that my role has changed, I'm now here for her. I probably know more about what she's going through over any of her of other friends.

Allie is the most magnificent woman I have ever met and she will be my best friend forever. She will always be there for me and I for her.

Get well soon Allie,

I love you!

Just Decide

I was in a weird mood last night.

I was giddy.

I was silly.

I was confidant.

I was outgoing.

I was positive.

I was pretty.

I was happy.

It made me think. Why was it weird to be in that mood? Everyone around me seemed to enjoy my presence and my positive attitude. Am I just not happy all the time?

NO

Was it the effect of a perfect day? It wasn't. It was actually quite stressful and rushed.

What was it? -------------- Well! I'll tell you with a quote.

"Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." 

                                                                                  - Abraham Lincoln

I had decided to be happy. I chose to focus on the positive moments of my day. I counted my blessings.

Just decide to dance in the rain. 

Therapy

First off:

          No, I did not go to a shrink.

Why pay for what your friends can give you for free?! :)

I have an assortment of fantastic friends! I've been able to see many of them this week... and then again, not a lot of them (Does that make sense?). Don't worry, I will not begin to draw out what I did each and every moment of everyday this week... I think I'd fall asleep from boredom by simply writing it!

However, this was an interesting week because it was, in fact, fall break for the University of Utah (A wonderful thing. Whomever came up with that one gets a gold star on their forehead.). I worked, I played, but that's just the half of it. I got to go Nightmare on 13th on Tuesday with my wonderful friend Elisa. It was and 11/2 hour wait in the line (Bounce-back night. Avoid whenever possible) thus Elisa and I got to talk. A Lot. Elisa is the type of person who tells it like it is. One of my few truly blunt friends and I love her for it! So that was therapy session numero uno.

Numero dose occurred throughout the day on Wednesday when my friends Taylor and Sam drove with me to Cedar City to see Noises Off at the Shakespearean Festival. This was not a get-everything-off-your-chest therapy session... I'd have to say it was a leave-your-troubles-behind-in-Salt-Lake-and-just-enjoy-a-day-away type of therapy session! Sam and Taylor were just a JOY to drive with and I loved meeting up with my old favorite roommate - Annie! Just a good day that ended with a soccer game... nothing like getting out the wiggles from a 3 hour car drive like a good game of soccer. Well, Taylor thought so anyway. ;)

I worked all day on Thursday so when I got off around 9, I was very excited to hang out with a bunch of my dear friends! Before plans were made, however, I got an emergency text from a dear friend (who will remain nameless) who really needed a hug. Well I really could use a hug too so I headed out her way. I ended up being thoroughly entertained by scolding someone whom could not hear me because they were on the other end of a phone line. :) My friend sure seemed to enjoy my acting and commentary! I lease I hope she did. I ended up sleeping over and we had a grand time. I got therapy by NOT thinking about myself for once, try it -you'll like it!

"Friday, friday, friday is my favorite day"... I will continue singing that song in my head while I write the next paragraph. I got a break in between jobs and I got to get a dose of nature's therapy! Disc golf with Taylor! I'm really not that good at it, but it was a beautiful day and I could actually see some improvements in my throwing! LOVE IT!

Saturday. I needed A LOT of therapy. Well I began with momma-daughter time. Always a joy. However, work that morning was a little sour and I just didn't do as well as a should have. LUCKILY, Ephraim came to visit me and have some lunch and he was available to talk after I got off work. Well, we went shopping (Because that is what I do when I'm upset, I shop... or actually try on cloths. I buy the cloths because I love them and that usually doesn't happen because I'm picky.) in different places. Him, online for Halloween costume stuff. Me, at Down East for some new wardrobe items. Well, I ended up buying stuff, but not after slicing my finger on a metal plate in the dressing room. Don't worry though, the staff took care of me and I hopefully won't need stitches (Truth be told, I'm afraid to look and see just how deep this cut is... it might start bleeding again... and I'd rather not faint.) Once I felt well enough to pay and then drive I got to go home and get all prettied up for Olympus High's production of Annie Jr. It was fantastic and I was blessed to go with my dear high school friends and catch up with them afterward at Ice Burg.

I finished up fall break with family dinner where I made my routine comment on how old my baby brother is looking these days, a movie with my amazing momma (August Rush - T.V. edit, don't watch it. They butcher it.) and the weekly game night at Russel's home! It was a blast and I got to play my second favorite game, Make it Awkward. I got to see some more of my wonderful friends, some of which I have not seen in a very long time, and then go home and watch more episodes of Psych on Netflix (Sooo glad I signed up for that!).

Thank you my dear friends for a wonderful week of various therapies! It was just what the doctor ordered and now I'm ready for school to start up again... well sorta.

Being Written

I'm really starting to get into this blogging thing! I'm actually enjoying it profusely! I think the main reason is because I now realize that IT'S OKAY if every post isn't a production. Just some random thoughts and little moments where I keep learning to dance in the rain is enough for me.

"People's Punisher isn't about being read... it's about being written."

Oh the words of Gurkin give me comfort. Who is Gurkin you ask? I am appalled at the even idea that someone who reads my blog doesn't know this movie reference. (I may have just contradicted myself just then...) I suppose I can tell... if you really cannot recall. Gurkin is the 'Grumpy' character from 'Sydney White!' Only one of the best revamped Disney movies... okay, Cinderella Story is pretty awesome! However, I shall always like Amanda Bynes more than Hilary Buff, just sayin'. 

This is Gurkin

ANYWAY! (Notice how I did not put an 's' on the end of the word 'anyway,' that is because it does not belong there! It is singular, so please be so kind to stop saying 'anyways.' It would make for a much happier Aubrey ;) ) I was thinking earlier how much I want to update my blog! It's almost like a journal... but then again, I really don't want my journal open to anyone to read on the internet! Then this wonderful quote came to mind. I can honestly say that most of my motivation stems from simply openly writing my thoughts and adding fun pictures if I would like. I really don't like my handwriting and typing is so much faster... plus you can change the font! I get tired of writing in my journal much faster than I get tired of writing on my blog. No worries though, I will not use this blog to air my dirty laundry. I have even deleted/modified posts when certain aspects no longer represented truth. I did not divulge the reasons for these edits because they were PERSONAL. As in, NOT for the public of the world wide web.

I won't go as far to say that I don't enjoy when I find out that people are actually following my blog. I actually love it! I especially love it when people comment *hint hint*. Even Gurkin is overjoyed when he finds out a student group on campus gets together once a week and reads his blog.

Let me reiterate... I will not use this blog as my journal, but as my creative writing outlet! (There aren't many sources for me to do that anymore... too many essays for school about boring subjects.) I almost feel like I'm saying that as a way to convince myself that I will be vague about my personal life in most of my posts. If I step over a line, please tell me, okay? Okay. 

Back to 'Sydney White,' it's awesome. Watch it.

I'm Aubrey Nance and I love dancing in the rain!

I'm a dork!

Things I've Learned @ the Grub

I've worked at the Cowboy Grub for about three months now... I know not that long... and I've learned quite a few things.

• People have different managing styles and people like different managing styles.
• I really don't like people who beat around the bush.
• Visitors are the BEST!
• Old people don't tip well.
• Latinos are huge flirts!
• If you're going to tell me to do something better, just tell me bluntly. Don't waste my time on a lecture that is keeping me away from my tables.
• I'll just tune out and spend the time you take thinking how much you're bugging me. I won't remember what you wanted me to do.
• Assume everyone is stupid (I knew this before, but it never ceases to amaze me how true it is.)
• Some people and just downright determined to have a bad day and leave a bad tip. There is nothing you can do about it but be kind and put most of your attention that will tip you really well!
• Some people will tip you well no matter what you do!
• Some people can be persuaded to leave a really good tip.
• I'm no good with old people, however, I shine when I serve people with kids!
• When telling stories, be sure to preface it correctly, have a climax, and bring it home! (The preface is most important though.)
• I LOVE being sassy!
• Boys like to "gossip" too.
• People are pigs!
• Be uber thorough!
• ALWAYS (or as often as possible) tell your table that you're going to school to be a teacher... especially if they have kids!
• Pero is SO GOOD in hot chocolate!
• Dancing when entering the server/kitchen area improves morale for yourself and coworkers. 
• Don't do a booty shake in front of the cooks.
• Avoid smashing your hand against the corner of a metal table. 
• Khaki pants do not look good on ANYONE!
• Spare pens is always a must!
• Smile at EVERYONE!
• Eat desert first.
• Hot chocolate is my guilty pleasure.
• Fresh peach pie is heaven on earth!
• You make BANK when serving banquets and other parties!
• It is possible to be too thorough.
• Always enjoy your job, it makes it much easier to go to work!
• If a table doesn't like you, don't stress out! You'll just get worse... besides, they'll be gone in a half hour anyway and you can try again with the table that replaces them!
• Sometimes people just want to be left alone.
• Don't stand in people's way!
• Always put a positive spin on things!
• Working weekend nights is no fun.
• Carrying trays is HARD. I had no idea they were that heavy WITHOUT anything on them!
• Avoid corners, barriers, walls, doors, and people as injury tends to occur when you run into them.
• People are generally good.
• Don't work with friends, become friends with people you work with.
• Always look busy!

Ta Da! Feel free to comment and ask questions! Maybe I'll write about working as an assistant teacher next... hmmm. Intriguing! 

Late Night Thoughts

Yes, I'm up at 4:20 am and I have to get up at 7:30 am for my math class. Truth be told, I put a hold on doing my math homework to go to a movie with a very dear friend of mine, Ephraim. Awesome guy. We saw "Moneyball" with Brad Pitt. It was actually really good. ANYWAY! I don't regret making myself stay up extra late to finish the homework that is due tomorrow morning.
Why? I'll tell you.

• Nothing is better than talking to a friend who listens, understands, knows when to give advice and when to sit back.
• Sleep is overrated, memories are not.
• I really needed a break from homework.
• It's always wonderful to be with someone you can be 100% your self with. No walls necessary.
• Less time = More productive.

There is probably more, but my mind is shutting down. Go figure. 

"Don't be afraid of being who you are in front of certain people, they'll find it out eventually anyway! Love yourself and others will love you." - Me :)

I get to dance in the rain tomorrow! Yay rainstorms!

Goodnight!

Busy and Loving it!

It's a couple of weeks into the semester and I have finally settled into my new busy schedule. The funny thing is,

I still have a social life!

Pretty crazy if you ask me! I'm really liking working 2 jobs.. yes my weekends are kinda spoiled sometimes because I get to work instead of go on trips. On the up side though, I'm able to get a lot of work off during the weekends if I have enough notice. Another thing about working two jobs is that I'm less stressed about money! My teaching job is kinda difficult because I only get paid once a month, however, at my waitress-ing job I get paid every night and every two weeks for my salary and stuff. My free time is valuable now. I don't usually waste it... too much :D. 

So... dating life. I have been dating one particularly awesome young man... whose identity will remain nameless for now. It's just simpler this way. A little bit of insurance. About 2 1/2 weeks ago, he... um, we'll call him... Zack... ANYWAY! Zack came over and helped me with my math homework and he brought me some snacks, a sobe, and ... drum roll please... a ROSE!!! It was absolutely gorgeous! The following Friday, I got off work (waitress) and went to my car... there was the movie Hitch (my favorite movie!) and another rose! Seriously made my life. On another occasion, he brought me chocolate almond milk (he brought himself a chocolate shake and didn't want me to feel left out). Honestly, Zack is just absolutely awesome and I'm super excited to get to know him better! We'll see where this goes, for only time will tell!!!

Well, I'd best be off. I've got a class in the morning! Hopefully my roommate will be out of the bathroom soon so I can finish getting ready for bed.... goodnight world! Aubrey out!

Here We Go Again!

Another year has begun!!! I'm starting my second year at the University of Utah and I love it!!!! :D

(I know I didn't write all summer... I was busy having

too much fun and I didn't have internet at 

my 'plex so I couldn't update when I wanted to.)

Another busy semester is facing me! I really am working full time this semester. I have two jobs to do it! I am a Para Educator (AKA Assistant Teacher) in a Special Ed Kindergarten Class at Upland Terrace Elementary. I am also a waitress at The Cowboy Grub. I love both of my jobs, but they sure do keep me busy. Next on my plate is the full time school schedule I'm holding. I'm taking Math, Linguistics, a Reading Methods class (which also requires me to be a reading tutor on Tuesday and Thursday mornings), and a Zumba class (I needed one more credit hour for my scholarship to be valid). 

In the mean time, I'm also enjoying the new friends I made this Summer! My best friend, Grif Mansell, introduced me to a bunch of his high school friends whom I love to death!!! We play games like Wasser-Krieg (V-ah-s-er - Kreeg) which means "water war" in German. It's like water polo and rugby combined... with LESS rules. I got elbowed in the eye and woke up the next day with a slight black eye. It was awesome! We also play Frisbee golf... I'm really bad at it, but I still think it's so much fun! Then every Sunday night we have fantastic game nights! Oh my goodness, these people are so much fun!!! 

• Russell is a huge goof who likes to push people's buttons... and them into pools. He seems to especially like pushing my buttons. He's going to get hurt one of these days...
• Sam is the sweetest guy you could meet. He always greets me SO warmly! I look forward to hanging out with Sam, he's just a pleasure to be around all the time.
• Ashley. Oh this girl is beautiful inside and out! I love joking around with her. Also she makes me look good at Scum... the worst game ever. 
• Taylor is hilarious!!! He does it all! Music, dance, act, play sports, and looks cute while doing it. haha. Taylor is the type of person who is up for anything, anytime. 
• There are definitely more people whom I love but it would take way too long to write about them! 

On Another Note

Sometimes I find myself asking "why." Why did he break up with me? Why am I killing myself off for college? Why didn't he like me? Why am I working two jobs? Why am I not getting answers to my questions? 

The answer seems to keep coming back, "BE PATIENT." Not an easy thing for me to do ;)  However, I think I'm finally seeing the fruits of my labors! God really does answer prayers and sometimes you don't get the answer you were expecting.. you get something so much better! I know that's cliche, but it's SO true! About 3 weeks ago I got the rude realization that I wasn't going to get what I wanted. I was super sad for about 2 days. It was really hard and I didn't know what to do with myself! I just kept my chin up and pretended like nothing was wrong. Well after those two days something even better came my way! I feel like I'm living in a dream.

"If you want your life to be a fairytale, you have to be your own fairy godmother."

 Sometimes the "why" questions don't need to be answered. I think little clues for the reasons can be seen and those tend to give me hope, but I also know that those aren't always the real reason things happen. Sometimes you date people and it doesn't work out. Maybe it was because something was going to happen that wasn't supposed to, maybe you already learned the lesson in the short period of time, or maybe it was really that you were supposed to introduce your two friends. I used to want to play match maker, but now I realize that it doesn't work like that. I've introduced a ton my friends to people and nothing comes from it and then sometimes it does. I think I'd much rather be a tool in the Lord's hand and be pleasantly surprised with the results then give Him all the glory.

"'Why' questions are such a waste of time. Ask 'How can I turn this around?' and 'What can I learn from this?' Life is too short to be living in the past."

Haven't Had Enough

I work [practically] full time, go to school full time, am in a LDS sorority, have homework, and still find time to be social... Have I had enough?

Nope.

I am on the University of Utah Ballroom Dance Team. Yes, we have one. Is it recognized by the school? Not yet, but we're working on that. Thus I pay to be on it and it isn't cheap... but it's worth it! :) I am making scarves and headbands to make up the difference in income and expenses.

The ballroom dance team consists of three teams, the Black Team, the Red Team, and the White Team. (Yes, they are the school's colors, original eh? ;) haha) I am on the White Team and I absolutely love it. People have come and gone from it and we have done a lot of switching around with partners and such, but I think it has made us an even stronger team. We've hung out after practices, played practical jokes on each other, arranged socials, and I even miss them if I have to go more than a week without seeing them. We have way to much fun together!!!

We've performed twice now. Once at Rock the U and another at a LDS Stake's annual formal dance. It was a blast and a huge learning experience. We perform again on Monday, April 18. I'm so excited! The White Team did a Rumba routine and now we are learning a Waltz routine! The Waltz is my very, very favorite style of dance! I do love Country/Freestyle Swing a ton, but the Waltz is just so elegant and beautiful. Freestyle Swing takes the best of all the dances and puts them together, thus throwing footwork out the window. It must do this because there is no way of combining all the dances and keep the footwork! It's just fun to let go sometimes! hehe.

There are so many wonderful people on this team, including some people whom I've known before. I went to high school with two girls, Audrey and Kirsten. Kirsten and I actually grew up in the same stake as well! Two guys I met through the IOTA frat, Griffin and Thom. Grif joined with my referral... well he actually could've done it himself, he's that good, but he found out about it through me. I'm so glad I decided to take the Ballroom Dance class for my extra two credit hours, it changed my life. I've made a ton of new friends as well, Paul-who almost dropped me, Dianna-lovingly nicknamed Dance Nazi, Brown-headed Marc, Red-headed Marc, Elizabeth-my official eyelash-putter-oner, Jen-whom I've almost collided with multiple times, Molly-our mother hen, Aaron-who likes to switch between teams, Greg-we are awesome at the Titanic, and other wonderful friends whom I will write about later. There will be more adventures to come, trust me.

I'm following my dream. I've always wanted to be on a ballroom dance team and I'm doing it. It's the first time that I've actually done something that doesn't sound completely respectable and safe. Not that being a teacher is lame or anything. I really want to be a teacher, that is one dream I have always had, but it's not far fetched like being a pop star. haha One thing I've learned, when there's a will there's a way, and sometimes we've got to get out of our own way and simply take a leap of faith. Don't be afraid, you can do hard things. ;)

New Adventures

Once again, it has been awhile since I posted on my blog. Life's been hectic with work and school starting again, but I think I've got it together again. I'm taking 12 credit hours again - Math for Elementary Teachers (don't be fooled by its name, it's horrid), Home-School-and Community Relations, Assessment and Data-Based Decision Making, and Elementary Ballroom Dance. It'll be a fun semester! I work during the day and go to school at night, however, I always make time for fun... sometimes too much time.

Oh, but I've had the best weekend ever! First off I got to go to a bonfire with my friends. So much fun! That included an hour and a half drive, off-roading on sand dunes, and singing/dancing to blasting music. I slept on the way home. I also found out that Ugg boots are not good for icy terrain... as Sarah, Collin, and Amy found out at Solider Hollow last week. I had to crawl up the hill. It's super cool just so you know.

Never be afraid of a new adventure.
You never know where it may lead!