Who am I?

I am tall like a giraffe.
I am as cute as a button.
I am as quiet as a mouse.
I am an honest person.
I am as sweet as a strawberry.
I am a teacher.
I am a loyal friend.
I am a teacher.

My Bucket List

1. Get married.
2. Have children.
3. Travel to India, Mexico, Greece, Turkey, Israel, Egypt, and Africa.
4. Become fluent in French.
5. Live in France for at least one year.
6. Paraglide off of the Swiss Alps.
7. Skydive.
8. Surf in Hawaii.
9. Own a house with a wrap-around porch.
10. Retire by the time I am 55 years old.
11. Own a Winnebago and drive across the United States.
12. Finish a New York Times Crossword Puzzle.
13. Score below a 72 on a round of golf.
14. Volunteer a year to humanitarian aide service.
15. Grow my hair long enough to donate to Locks-of-Love.
16. Run a half-marathon.
17. Never regret my life.

Part Grinch, Part Scrooge

I have often said the last few years that I am the Grinch. I thought I would explain this for all my readers.

You see, I worked retail for a few years. I missed on Thanksgiving and barely made it home for on Christmas (I had to work until 8 pm Christmas Eve because people wouldn't leave the store.) For those years I saw an entirely different side to the Christmas Season. I saw that dollar signs were more important than mangers. I was forced to listen to non-religious Christmas music for hours and hours where presents and myths we tell children are glorified and worshipped. And, I had to listen to people yell at me over sweaters and t-shirts.

So, no, I don't look forward to "The Christmas Season." However, like the Grinch and Scrooge I have a change of heart on Christmas day.


I am part Grinch because I see the "toys, toys, toys" and hear the "noise, noise, noise." But my heart grows three times that day and I think, "Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"


I am part Scrooge because all through December I almost dread Christmas Day. But on Christmas morning I wake up and remember Christmas Past as a small child, making sugar cookies with Mom, and listening to Frosty the Snowman on my old record player while decorating the Christmas Tree. I feel the joy of Christmas Present where my mother becomes a little girl again and sheds her light and joy on our entire family. And then I think about Christmas Future where my children circle around me and I teach them the real reason for the season - the birth of the Savior of all mankind.

So, I may be part Grinch and part Scrooge, but on Christmas Day they are two characters who truly exemplify what Christmas is about. And that ain't bad.

What I'm Thankful for this Thanksgiving

For a writing assignment, I had my students write what they were thankful for. Here is my list (it isn't completely serious).

1. Big Gulps and Jalapeño and Cream Cheese Tornado's from 7-Eleven.
2. Polygamist Doctors - he is really nice.
3. Tylenol PM.
4. Excedrin - the only headache medicine. Thank you, Mandy, for introducing me to this wonder drug.
5. Not having to work on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
6. Having long enough hair to fit in a ponytail.
7. Saturday mornings.
8. My So Called Life on DVD. (Best TV show - ever)
   
9. Irene's Cranberry Cookies.
10. Being able to watch episodes of my favorite TV on the Internet.
11. Having a laptop to watch those shows in my bed.
12. And, Internet in the house. Definitely a blessing to help me against my boredom this holiday.
13. Oil painting - even if I haven't gone to class in 3 weeks.
14. Good books.
15. Hamburgers - mmmmmm.

What I'm really thankful for this Thanksgiving is having a place to go for Thanksgiving that feels like home, when I can't actually go home and spend the holiday with my parents. Thank you to the George family for adopting me into your family.

My Rules

1. If you drive in the fast lane - it should be at least 10 mph the speed limit.
2. When you have kids, give them a pet.
3. Always have a cute jacket in you closet.
4. Forgive freely.
5. Get to know your Grandparents.
6. Don't go out at night alone.
7. Work hard, play harder.
8. Laugh often.
9. Remember the past, cherish the present, and live for the future.
10. Be honest - always!

Lesli

The Boy I Like

My students chose my writing topic today. They wanted me to write about the boy I like. So, here it is.

He is an avid sports fan. He has season tickets to just about everything, it seems. Usually this would bother me, but it doesn't. I don't know why, but it just doesn't bother me. He is a great cook - especially when it comes to grilling food. He is funny and has the same sense of humor that I do. He is honest and trustworthy. I can't help but smile whenever I am around him.

I have known this guy for about 9 months and he has become a regular in the group of friends I do things with. I also love his family. His mom and dad are so nice to me whenever I come over and have made me feel welcome, no matter how loud we watch movies (and I'm sure we have kept them awake at one time or another).

He is one the the best people I have ever known in my life. He is kind and caring towards everyone - even people he doesn't like. This is amazing to me because I can't hide how I feel sometimes. However, this ability to hide his feelings is also really irritating at times. I wish I could hear what he is really thinking.

If I was in high school again . . .

If I was in high school again . . .

• I would go to every activity the school offered.
• I would not worry so much about my grades.
• I would take more art and music classes.
• I would not have worked so much.
• I would have been more outgoing and done more fun stuff with my friends.
• I would have tried to do a sport.
• I would have started my own club.
• I would have dated everyone!
• I would have laughed more and cried less.
• I would have had 5 best friends, instead of 1.
• I would have spent more time with my family.
• I would have applied for more scholarships for college.
• I would have gone to bed later.

Lesli

All About Lesli

I grew up in West Valley City, but my parents now live in Washington State. My favorite movie (for right now) is The Goonies because I just watched it Friday night. I have one brother and no pets, even though I would really like a dog. When I was sixteen I dyed my hair blond and no, blonds do not have more fun, they just get more attention.

Welcome to our Class Blog

Welcome, welcome class. This year we will be writing every week on this blog. You may be writing essays, poems, descriptive pieces, short stories, or whatever your heart desires. Other teachers and parents will be looking at this blog and we want to show your best work. I am excited to see what great things you will write this year and what you will share with the world.