Life: By Liz Case

Curiosity killed the Cat?

2011-10-30T20:01:00.001-07:00

I have had some time to reflect lately. Usually when I do this I come up with some pretty irrelevant stories that I like to apply to life. :) So be patient while I write a few. If you can relate great. If not, that's ok too.

I was recently thinking of a time (a long time ago) when I went with some friends to float a river. When we got in I was told to stay to the left, to avoid rapids and so that we could exit the river when needed. I was having a great time with my friends. Some where along the way I had let myself drift ahead of the group just a bit. I soon found myself on the right side of the river. After realizing this I thought I should make my way back to the left side of the river. Looking up ahead I saw a small little rapid that I thought looked fun. So I decided to stay where I was. As I got closer I realized it was bigger than I had originally thought. I had brief panic and exhilaration as I went over what I originally thought was a small rapid and proceeded to be flipped out of my inner tube. I was laughing when I came up. I was o.k. As I came up I realized I could not stand up because the current was too strong. The current swept me past where I was suppose to get out. All I could do was grab onto a branch and wait. I heard the group getting out and my friends in panic calling out my name, because I wasn't where I was suppose to be. I called back to them. One of them came and gave me his hand to help me across the strong current. I made it back to where I needed to be.

This is where I apply it to my life, your life etc. :) I feel like many times in life we are told to 'stay to the left'. When we let ourselves 'drift' by not doing the small and simple things, reading scriptures, praying, etc. Then we find ourselves in positions where we can miscalculate the magnitude of situations we may be in. This in turn can leave us in a place we didn't intend to be. This is the great thing about life. We have that ability to CHOOSE and make mistakes and CHOOSE to get back to where we want to be. Here is the kicker, just like myself in the current holding onto the tree, I couldn't get out alone. My friend had to come and give me a helping hand.(Alma 5:33 Behold he sendeth an invitation unto all men for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent and I will receive you.) We all need to help people along the way. More importantly we need to allow the Savior to help us get back to where we need to be.

Just this last week I had the opportunity to hike the grand canyon! I love that place it is one of my favorite hikes. As I was hiking I was focused on the trail in front of me making sure not to trip and fall over a rock. I had to remind myself many times to look up and take in the beauty that surrounded me. Every time I looked up I was amazed at the creations that were surrounding me.
Sometimes in life I think we get focused in on what is right in front of us. Jobs, neighbors, who said what, why people are doing this or that, the usual everyday things. We forget to look up and see the big picture. To see what really matters. Sometimes I don't know exactly what the big picture has in store, but I know it is a lot bigger than I can comprehend sometimes. I also know that there is always beauty that surrounds me. Sometimes I need to take the time to remind myself to 'Look Up' and find it. This also reminds me of a conference talk from this last October. A man was in the elevator stressed about his job in the church office buildings looking at the ground. The elevator opened, but he still didn't look up. Someone entered and said, "it is better to look up." He recognized the voice as President Thomas S. Monson. It truly is better to look up.
Another quick experience of the grand canyon hike. We were ascending the hardest part of the hike at night with only our headlamps to show us the way. In a sense it was nice because you couldn't look up and see that you had so many more switch backs to go. So you just kept walking and hoping you were getting close to the top. Then at some point your mind set switches. It gets to the point where you start to loose hope. It feels like you can't go any longer. All you want to do is sit and cry. When in actuality you really are close. You aren't to far away. Sometimes in life we lose our perspective and can't see that we are close to where we are going. My motto is, slow and steady. I don't like to stop. It makes finishing the race, hike, life, a little bit harder to get going again.
To sum it all up: Heavenly Father knows the big picture. Where he wants you and I to be and do so that we can reach our full potential. I don't have all the answers but He does.

My funny job!

2011-05-08T20:04:00.000-07:00

Recently my students have been making comments that are so random, but make me smile and or laugh:

Student: Case, what razor do you use to shave your legs?
Me: Why?
Student: Well when ever I shave my legs they don't look like yours. Do you use a two or three blade razor?
Me: I don't know
Student: You really should do a youtube video on how to shave your legs.
Me: That would be weird.
Student: No It wouldn't I want to learn to shave my legs like you.

Another day:

Student: Hey Case
Me: Yes?
Student: You know if I was older, I would totally want to be your friend.
Me: Oh really? Why?
Student: You always do really fun stuff.
Me: I do like to have fun.

Another Day:
Student: So I drank this stuff that was suppose to be a cleansing. It really works.
Me: Really?
Student: Yes. It is like i am peeing out the wrong hole.
Me: I didn't need to know that.
Student: Can I stay close to the bathroom, in case I need to go?

Another Day:

Student: What do you do now that you don't coach soccer.
Me: Just exercise and walk the dog. Sarcastically I also said. My life is so boring.
Student: Hey you should bring your dog to school and keep her under your desk.
Me: O.k. that is a great idea(also sarcastic)

Other Stories, I wont go into detail here...Sucker on the ground, Soccer players and the health office. I feel like there are so much more, but I can't remember now. I am glad I still have a job even with all the budget cuts. I will be coaching Tennis next year as well as soccer. Should be fun! I am looking forward for summer! Can't wait!

My New Dog: Mia Hamm

2011-02-26T13:37:00.000-08:00

This Is Mia, my new dog. She is so much fun! Super cute too. This is me after a long day at work and soccer. :)

Mia's New toy. She loves to play with this stuffed puppy. They almost look alike.

This is a classic Mia look. She is adorable.

This is me teaching Mia how to longboard. She also is pretty good with a soccer ball and Bball. :)

One last picture....

This was the first day that I brought Mia Home. She is a lot of fun. Just wanted to show everyone the new dog.

Making a house a home?

2010-11-22T20:34:00.000-08:00

This is the house I am close to buying and moving into. A request was sent to blog some of the pictures of the house. So here it is. Just a little glimpse of what it looks like. It definately has potential. I am looking forward to the day when all the paperwork is finally over. :) It was built in 1993. It is in pretty good condition. A few things here and there that need to be patched up. There are 4 bedrooms 3 baths. It is a split level. The upstairs has 3 bedrooms. 2.5 car garage. You can't see it very well but in the corner of the backyard there is a little water feature. I don't know if it works though. Crazy huh? So many different emotions of going through this process. It has been good and very informative!

Look! I changed it.

2010-11-10T17:05:00.001-08:00

So I was about ten days late, but It kind of worked. I changed my background from halloween to thanksgiving. And I am writing a quick post. November, the month of thanks. I am thankful for many things:
1. Family
*Mom and Dad
*Esther and family
*Janine and family
*Becky and family
*Gaylene and family
*Junior and family
*Annette and family
*Thomas and family
*Tami and family
* James and family :)
2. Friends, there are so many of you I could take up a lot of space. Know that I am thankful for your friendships.
3.Gospel
4. Home
5.Bed
6. Clothing
7. Car
8. Job
9.Health
10. Food.
I am just doing ten since it's November 10th. I could go on and on, but I just wanted to write a quick somethin somethin. Life is good!

Ragnar

2010-10-24T19:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I finished my first ever Ragnar. For those of you who don't know what this is, let me explain. There are 12 people on a team, two vehicles, and 200 miles that are split up between all of you. So we each had three different distance to run at three different times. The team consisted of (Myself, James, Brian Sessions, Steven Sessions, Ronnie McDonald, Nancy Ball, Kati Bainbridge, Carlos Burgarin, Erica Marti, Juan Chavez, Karen Cromar, Andrea Neagle, and Reid Gardner.) We all did a great job! Perfect weather, and good times. I think I did a total of 16ish miles. It was not as bad as I thought it might be. I am a little sore today, but not bad. I am ready to do another one if anyone is interested in doing it let me know.
I thought this was a great picture, because we are literally out in the middle of nowhere running. That is me in the far distance. The coolest thing I saw while I was running was a lovely view of the Las Vegas Valley at about 9:00pm. Earlier in the day as I was passing someone I saw a Tarantula. It was the weirdest thing, but I am glad it was that instead of a snake. I am now ready for Halloween. :) eww imagine if I didn't see it and had stepped on it. YUCK! Some fun memories also include James eating a whole slice of pizza two minutes before it was his time to run and bolting from the outhouse to go to the exchange and start running. Ronnie, Brian and Kati calling each other the wrong names. Sleeping for two hours then leaving to go run again! Stopping and helping a guy that was having a hard time running and taping his knee for him. Someone playing the Rocky 'eye of the tiger' song as I was just coming over a huge hill. Cheering each other on and reading all of the creative van team names and motto's.

So that was this weekend. Last weekend we went to a ghost town that was pretty cool as well. Lots of cool stuff out there. I put pictures on facebook. There was one room where apparently they put all the injured miners in to wait for the doctor to come. But they usually died before he got there so it usually had piles of dead people in the room. Kind of creepy.

I am looking at possibly purchasing a house here in Vegas and that is a big decision, so we will see what happens with that.

My masters classes are going o.k. I think that I am passing. :)

The last couple of months have flown by. I am keeping busy. I am Happy. I am working hard. I am really enjoying life. Girls Soccer starts in a few weeks. Hopefully I will still be able to maintain my sanity. :) It should be a good season and I am looking forward to it. The best news is that I have this FRIDAY off! No school! It's Halloween this week! I changed my background in hopes that I will update my blog a little bit more frequently. I guess I'll see if that actually helps. So... to wrap it all up. Life is good. Run Ragnar with me next time.

From Coast to Coast in one summer!

2010-08-29T17:40:00.001-07:00

I am in love with summers! I am saying goodbye officially tomorrow with the start of the new school year. I just started my masters classes this week as well. This summer has been fun filled! Started it off with my first half marathon. Started Training and running more than I ever have. Highlighted the summer with a GREAT FAMILY reunion. I have to brag and say I have the best family ever. It was the first time in years and years and years that all of us kids have been together and it was a treat. I have to say that being around my family gives me a boost in life. I have so much to learn from all of them. Those of you who read these crazy posts. I just want to tell you thank you for being an example to your little sister. I will always look up to you all. Then I had the opportunity to go to Oregon and be with Tami's family. We moved to a new house and went to the Oregon Coast. So gorgeous! Green woods, then beach and the ocean! All in one spot. How cool is that? I saw star fish, sea lions, and lots of cool sea urchin stuff. Then a few weeks later I was able to go to Orlando, Florida. Go on a cruise then to New Symrna Beach for a week. While there we saw lots of fish, dolphins, shells, crabs, sea turtles, jelly fish and I am pretty sure I was pinched by a crab on my toe! We kind of got stuck in a rip tide for a minute but that was fun! Ultimate Frisbee, Tennis, Orlando Temple, watching wipeout w 2 seconds of me in it, and eating lots of good food. I will have great memories of this summer. Enough to hopefully get me through this next year. :)

Things that have made me smile, lately!

2010-07-14T14:49:00.000-07:00

SMILE

We are having a family reunion, and in preparation I have been able to go through some old family photos. These photo's have definitely made me smile. There are some good ones in there. I love that Thomas is peeking over the counter in this one. I found one where It looks like I am throwing a temper tantrum on the floor, (which they must have took a picture of because it rarely happened.) :) I am just going to start from today and go backwards.

I ran through the sprinklers with my nephews. I loved that Paul could not stop laughing because he was having so much fun.

Today while I was running some attractive young guy stopped me and asked directions.

Yesterday, Dutch oven deliciousness

Creating my own family flag

Family soccer game

Blacksmith fork BBQ

Nephew peeing in the stream

Listening to Amy sing songs

Ice cream cones for 59 cents! (after shopping)

Playing on the trampoline

Playing with my sister's puppy

Karson stealing my camera and taking pictures

James kicking my quilt and my dad's reaction of 'why would you do that, what devil possessed you?'

Playing wipeout with the family

Brother's concert in Sandy

Hearing about my friend's Kati and Katie's Prank

Chicken poppy seed meal. mmmm

Going to the temple, then Zepe's Italian ice with the family

Almost getting ran over by horses while running

4th of July/Fireworks

Parade

Watching Paul when he has lots and lots of energy and runs around laughing.

Swinging Paul, James, Jordan, etc in the blanket

Missing hitting a skunk by seconds with Nancy, and Jasmine

Going to porcupine reservoir to swim/ cliff jump

Running w/ family in the blacksmith fork 15k

Watching soccer game and fireworks
Reading scriptures with Karson, learning about the Holy Ghost
Popsicles on a hot day

So many many more things, but I just wanted to write a quick post. There is more family reunion madness to come. Which can only mean more smiles to come.

Let Summer Begin!

2010-06-01T16:28:00.000-07:00

This was me Wake boarding. I had the BEST Memorial Day weekend. Me and the Kati-e's went to Lake Powell. None of us had ever really wake boarded before. So we rented a boat, wake board, and tube, and off we went to experiment. All of us successfully got up! Katie Woods was the only one who had driven a boat before and the rest of us were novice boat drivers. None of us knew what we were doing wake boarding. The best part was we had all day to figure it out. I feel like we all did really well, considering all the circumstances. It was so much fun!

Oh the fun I have!

2010-05-26T16:23:00.000-07:00

I often wonder if I have ever really grown up. I don't think I have. I like it that way though. The simple things entertain me so much! Last week I participated in the teacher dance in the school assembly and the powder puff game that evening as well. I Love that day, and look forward to it every year. (even though I get stressed about it). This year we danced to Thriller, and Beat it, (classic Michael Jackson songs), and then incorporated the mashed potato, twist, pony, hammer, white girl, cupid shuffle, and the everybody clap your hands...( i can't think of the song now). We had a record number of 12 teachers this year, usually it is just a few of us. Enough with school stuff though on to better things... I am breaking up with my boyfriend CLARK. You might think this is sad, but it is not. He has taken up way too much of my time. I have a few last little things to wrap up with him and then I'll be FREE! Looks like June 3rd will be my last day with him. Onto more fun random things that have and will happen/ed: I drove all the way to Utah to play at Lagoon with my family over the weekend. I am super excited that WIPE OUT is starting next week. Not even for my episode to air, just to watch it.(Don't get me wrong I am excited for that as well. August 17th on ABC 8/7 c.) I went swimming the other night until mid night, because I can. Met some crazy people at the pool. I fixed my jammed printer yesterday and was very proud of myself. Today I bought ice from sonic...It is the small cubed ice, so it is easy to chomp :). I know I shouldn't eat ice, but it is SO good. Especially when it is hot. It could also be that I am not stressed now, and am finding much more pleasure in the simple things of life. Oh it feels good! I am going to enjoy it as much as I can! I also found a fun blog, called outofseasonblog.blogspot.com, everyone should check it out. Did I mention I LOVE having some extra time. Hopefully there will be some more consistent and exciting posts about all of my adventures. Upcoming Events: Mid night 5k, Half Marathon, Classes, Getting my moped fixed, vacations, family reunions, beach, swimming, bbq's. I LOVE SUMMER

Everyday...

2010-03-07T19:54:00.000-08:00

The Start

The Middle

The End

So this is the basic everyday of doing my hair. :) This is how exciting my life is right now. No not really. I've been snowboarding almost every weekend, and I went on a blind date(that was suprisingly fun.) But I don't think I am the type of girl he would date. One of the first things he said to me was, "I am really young." I replied, "Thank you, Young, I am Very Old." Then we eventually got each other's real names. :) Fun none the less. I didn't really say that, but I wanted to.

Soccer is officially over, the Banquet was this week. Which means I don't have to think about coaching soccer till the fall! Cheers all around! However I somehow was nice enough to volunteer or should I say sucked into coaching Track. The bright side, track practice gets done early in comparison w/ soccer, and since I know nothing about track I'm more of a supervisor. I can handle that. Now I am counting down the days till spring break. Any body have any good ideas for a good spring break?

Jamez Swimming...

2010-02-15T14:49:00.000-08:00

The Cruise Experience!

2010-02-15T13:28:00.000-08:00

The Cruise

I left Saturday Morning, Flew to L.A. then finally made it to Miami and met up with the family. We stayed the night in Miami, then loaded the ship on Sunday Morning. We checked out the ship, It was great...Sports Court, ping pong tables, bball, tennis, golf, life size checkers, and chess, Hot tubs, swimming pools, that were salty like the ocean, water slide, fitness center, theatre, Kids zone, lots of places to eat, Library, and so much more.

Our first stop was Rotan, Hondurus... We Took a tour bus to a private beach where we were able to hang out there for a while, swim, eat, and sit out. I believe we had red snapper fish? It was pretty good. Then Jamez and I walked the streets of Rotan before we returned to the boat.

Second stop was Costa Maya Mexico. We rented a golf cart and went along the side of the beach for a while. Saw some iguanas, found a beach to relax at, but dad said they were going to charge us to park there. So we were there less than 10 minutes. Come to find out he just wanted to leave no one told him that. :) Was a nice day to see the sights, Mom got a pretty bad sunburn on her legs that day. We took them back. Then Jamez and I walked the streets a little bit, more. Went to the opening of Hard Rock Cafe, got free drinks :) and Did a little shopping.

Golf Cart

View of the Ocean

Third Stop was Belize. The group of us all signed up to do the zip lines here. We took a hour and a half bus trip to zip line with the last half hour a free massage, (because the road was bumpy.) We ate lunch. Jamez tasted a termite, that apparently has a mint taste to it. Then we zip lined! It was so much fun, but I think the funniest part was watching and doing the rappeling part. Then we took the long bus trip back. Walked around a few shops then headed back to the boat.

On The Bus

Getting ready to zip line.

Last stop, Nassau. It was a beautiful beach. The water was so clear and the sand was perfect. It was the perfect place to relax at the beach and enjoy everything.

In the Ocean!

Overall it was a great Vacation! We came back to Miami on Sunday I flew back to vegas and got home around 11:00 pm then was jolted back into reality the next morning at 5:30 am. It took me a little while to adjust back to work. And it wasn't until the next weekend I had time to do laundry and get things back in order.

Boardin

2010-01-21T18:11:00.000-08:00

We went to Brian Head this last weekend to go snowboarding. I experimented w/ my new camera. I haven't figured out how to edit it yet. If you turn upside down it looks pretty. :) I tried to add a fun video, but I don't know how to compress the size yet so that it will fit. I will figure it out soon and put it on here. It is raining and raining here in Vegas, so that means SNOW in the mountains! Can't wait, but I will be patient, because I am getting ready to leave on a cruise on SATURDAY!

It is a HAPPY New Year!

2010-01-14T17:34:00.000-08:00

It is a new Year! I am sure it will be filled w/ many new and exciting adventures as always. I've started out w/ some motivation to do better, w/ visiting teaching, my callings, and many many more things that I'll spare everyone. Hopefully the motivation lasts. :) I am currently pretty excited, that I get to go snowboarding this weekend, w/ a new camera...I'll have to get some good pictures and put them on here. Also one more week and I am off for my very first cruise! Flying into Miami on Saturday and I'll be gone for the week! I can't wait. Let the adventures begin in 2010!

Holiday GREETINGS and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2009-12-13T18:01:00.000-08:00

With the close of the year it causes one to reflect. The Year of 2009 has been a great one! We ushered in the new year in Sun Valley w/ my brothers group eclipse and snowboarded. We also got a new bishopric for the Red Rock singles ward. We had a fabulous Ward Ski trip, along with a lot of other ski trips there after. :) In February My brother's group auditioned for America's got talent and while there we did an open casting call for Wipe out. :) We thought we did well, but didn't hear anything back for a while... The year had many adventures as well. A weekend Grand Canyon down and up adventure w/ Kati B. Rim To Rim to Rim adventure w/ Nancy and Jamez. A half Marathon run (15 miles)Red Rock Loop. The Freedom Run in Blacksmith Fork Canyon (15K). Safe 4Th of July w/ no police action. :) The Rage Triathlon in Las Vegas. Boating, where I hurt my back. :)

Lake Powell kayaking, and Jet skiing, Cliff Jumping at Porcupine Reservoir. Floated a river in Grace, Idaho. Holly's Wedding in Boise, Quick Trip to Rexburg, Florida BEACH vacation! Disney World, gator hunting :) etc. San Diego Beach Vacation. Poor Brakes in Erika's car we found ourselves exploring Norco, CA. :) Calls from wipeout! Lots and Lots of laughs w/ Family and Friends. Driving to California w/ Jamez and Mom coming up w/ ideas for Six Flags the days before wipeout recording. Watching National Finals Rodeo.(Picture w/ big daddy, he was cute!) Scooter Rides, BBQ's, Hot tubs, Pools, Movies, Rock Band, Faculty Basketball, and Powder puff, Dancing in Assemblies, Winning the Slurpee challenge, mini golf, Hiking the opening weekend of hunting season( yikes that was funny). Lagoon, it's what fun is. Super Mario, Stop that Villain, Uswirl, Yougartland, Watching my brother's new show in Vegas, (VIVA ELVIS) being with family and friends, and who can leave out soccer...I LOVE MY LIFE! I am so VERY BLESSED to have opportunities to do the things I do. It is because of the gospel of Jesus Christ that I am able to make decisions in my life that make me truly happy. It's not about how much I've done, but all the great people I've met along the way and all of the things that I have learned from being in these situations. So to all of you, THANK YOU.

Ideas and Thoughts.

2009-10-22T19:46:00.000-07:00

First of all, I just wanted to thank everyone for all the well wishes and excitement about wipeout. It was so much fun! I promise that I will let everyone know somehow when the exact day is that it will air. All I know so far is that it should be this summer! :) Should be fun. I've been talking, and thinking it would be fun to have a party with family(family reunion) and friends and all watch it.

Here's a new idea I had the other day. Which will eventually explain the picture of the red wagon. I was in Logan this past weekend just to get away from vegas for a while. As I was driving, I was thinking about the pioneers and guestimating how many miles they went everyday and how it took them a while to get to Utah. And I was thinking, I drove to utah and it took about 7 hours. I've ran for 2 and a half hours before. Then I started playing with numbers in my head. I bet if the pioneers ran a bunch and walked some, it wouldn't have taken them as long. Obviously I realize that they had covered wagons with all of their possesions and that was not an option for them. But then that's when the idea came! I want to try and run/walk to Utah from vegas. At the time I thought of how unrealistic it was. When would I find time to do that, what and how to store food for energy, what would I do at night, sleeping. I thought, "Is it really a plausable idea?" Then I realized I had Solutions to the concerns. I am a teacher, I have the summers off! It is a wonderful thing. All the time in the world right there. My roommate has a cool ap on her phone that show's you different routes to get places so I could find a route on not busy roads. :) I figured we could map out gas stations to get more water and food as we go. My only concern was the sleep issue, but I figured it out. I am going to tie or somehow attach a red wagon to me, where I will keep a sleeping bag, pillow, blanket, food, etc. I will of course have it all secure so nothing will fall out. :) Then I figure if people want to do it with me they can do the same thing. Then maybe one of my roommates could ride my moped along side of us to make sure everything is going o.k. with it's max speed of 45 I think we would be in good shape. :) I laughed the idea away, but secretly I really want to do it! Anyone want to do it with me? Support or sponser me? What do you guys think? I could call it the pioneer wagon run/adventure, or just wagon run, Liz's trek to utah, radio flyer run, Pioneer Remebrance run, Escape from sin (city) run, possibilities are endless, let me know if you think of other ideas. The original idea is to go from Vegas, to Logan...That's a long way, but I think it is very possible. So who's in?

SO MUCH FUN!

2009-10-07T16:18:00.000-07:00

I am a little sore. Feel like i've been hit by a truck or something. Such a fun experience! I know I am sarcastic, but it is all true. I am so sore, but would do it again in a heartbeat! Next step is to get everyone to make comments on their website to bring back the LIZANATOR! Who is in? Lets try to get as many people as possible to make comments and see what we can do. Jamez we need to come up w/ matching nick names, so we can be a team...Then go try again. Honestly nothing can get you ready for something like that. It is so crazy! I will try to give more details later. We will all have to wait patiently till the summer to watch it...

:)

2009-10-04T15:44:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! and I just can't hide it! (a little nervous too.)

Training...

2009-09-20T22:53:00.000-07:00

Time flies!

2009-09-20T18:40:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is almost October all ready! I've been super excited for this opportunity that I may have to be on 'Wipeout' So I thought I would share a little bit of my training program that I have created myself so that I can win it all! It all starts at 5:25 every morning. My alarm goes off and I turn it off and wish I didn't ever have to exercise. Then I trick myself, by saying if you are going to win Wipeout you better get up. So I roll out of bed, put on the running gear and go running. I jog over to our work out room and run on the treadmill. While on there I do varying things. I work on my speed and do some sprints here and there always returning to a nice jog. Do some quick feet drills, high knees, then to get ready for the sweeper I jump then try to continue to run all while on the treadmill. So far there have been no mishaps. But I am sure if you were to look at the security tapes, it would be entertaining to watch me. Then every other day I do crunches, and push ups. On my jog back there is one little curb that a car parks super close to, but everyday I try to keep my balance and run straight across it with out falling into the rocks on the one side or the car. I am pretty good at it. I get back and get ready for work. Just my luck this last week one of the doors that we use often; got jammed/broken. Luckily it is a half door. Where the top and bottom opens separately. The bottom would not open no matter what we tried. So I was the lucky one every class period to climb over the door to sell p.e. uniforms. I feel like this is really going to help me in the obstacle course. I am planning some fun physical activity obstacle courses for my p.e. classes for the next couple weeks. :) Then after school, I get to go to boys soccer. Depending on the day, I then go to play in my own soccer league. So needless to say by the end of the day I am tired. Just this last weekend I was able to go to sky mania. It is a huge trampoline place with trampolines on the walls too. Jr. and I tried to strategize ideas for the big red balls. I feel a bit more ready for the balls. I think I definitely have an advantage now. Funny story I went to chilli's last night for dinner and a co-worker was there and introduced me to his family as 'this is Case she is going to be on Wipeout'...Where I proceeded to have a good conversation all about Wipeout. This is not the first time this has happened either. I have loads of co-workers, students, and friends, that are excited as well. Time is running out...It only is a matter of time before I am put to the test to see if all the training works for the 'LIZANATOR' Jr. and I were talking of making 'LIZANATOR' shirts, bracelets, diapers, etc. So If your interested let me know. :) HA HA

Let the FUN Continue...

2009-08-04T15:26:00.000-07:00

I am loving my summer! This weekend I was able to go to Zion, Ut. We went and hiked the Narrows. One of my favorite hikes. So much fun. We also went and looked at Weeping Rock. They are celebrating their century mark for being a national park. Mom always reminds me that Grandpa helped in Zions. I think her dad helped make the tunnel, and maybe her Grandpa helped suggest that it become a national park. I will have to double check and get that straight. Let me not forget I was able to go to Phantom of the Opera performed here in Vegas on friday night. I must say that Vegas goes over the top w/ effects and such. It was very good w/ fireworks and people hanging from chandeleirs. Good stuff and pretty entertaining. Then to top it off James and Mom came down on Sunday to get ready to audition for wipeout on Monday. Sunday night we played around w/ ideas and Erika's dress up box. We found some fun stuff. Then Monday rolled around and we headed of to Burbank, CA. On the drive down we continued to brain storm and had some good laughs along the way. We showed up changed. James was wearing his wet suit, swim cap, goggles, and black socks. I was wearing wet suit, indoor soccer shoes, shorts, and a diaper. :) Then we waited till it was our turn. We were told that they probably get 30,000 people who do this. Then it gets weeded down from there to only 24 contestants for each show. I went first...I felt like it went well. The people were laughing and having a good time as was I. He said..."that was the energy we've been looking for the last 3 interviews have been dull. Then he went back and got a packet and, said we are going to need you to fill this out. He also asked at the beggining if I would be willing to compete w/ and or against my brother and I said absolutely I would. As he walked me to the room to fill out the background info he said, if your brother is anything like you he'll be in here too. Sure enough as I was filling out the paper work. I could hear James and his announcer voice over and over again. One guy said...That's your brother? I responded with, "Sure is, and I am proud of him!" Then a little while later James came into the room to fill out the background information as well. While we were there, Taz(producer/interviewer) Asked us if we would be willing to travel to California some more. It would be like three or four times. We of course both said YES! So when we did the open casting call last time we made it to this point as well. We thought we did really well they gave us the packet of papers to fill out. Then we waited and thought for sure they would call us. So we are in the same boat this time...Just waiting, hoping, and waiting for that call, e-mail, or someone to ask us to come back. So keep your fingers crossed. There are so many more details to the whole story, but I tried to limit myself. If you have questions or want to know more. Just ask Jamez or I. The fun is still coming. Lagoon Tomorrow, and Florida the following week. Then sch...I can't say it. I'm just going to continue enjoying the summer fun!

UPDATE!

2009-07-29T14:11:00.000-07:00

Hey EVERYONE! I was so excited today. I was having a nice lovely lazy morning. Decided I needed to register and sign up to take a test, so that I can continue teaching. As I was getting ready to go work out, my phone rang. A number I didn't recognize which I have been ignoring lately. Every insurance person has somehow got my number now. I decided I would actually answer it this time and tell them I had all ready got new insurance and that they can take me off of their list of people to call. I answered it and to my surprise it was WIPE OUT more or less asking me to fill out another application and to come to California and audition again! I was so excited I was jumping around after I got off the phone. I went and filled out the application again, sent it. Called her back and set up an audition time. She asked me a few questions: Three adjective about yourself...Be original what would be your nickname? and Why do you want to be on wipe out. Yikes I wasn't ready for those questions, but It will still be fun! When she first called I had mentioned that James and I had all ready filled out papers, and she said. Oh well your brother should come too then, but we need new paperwork for a new season. A.k.a we threw out the other stuff. Try again. :) So here we go! Round 2 of trying to get on the show. Our audition is on 2:00 on Monday. Wish us Luck! Any ideas for nicknames for the two of us?

Holly's Wedding!

2009-07-22T15:45:00.000-07:00

Holly got Married on Friday! It was exciting, Holly and Don are so happy and Cute! Oops I didn't get a picture of them together. But I did get one of the three of us. (Thanks Mike) The inseparable three, the 3 musketeers, Bff's. I was told that the 3 musketeers were no more. But I feel that we will always be. Sorry Don you've just got to get used to it. :) I love that I have such great friends! From helping me to stop crying and actually going to school, to playing ball, Rigby lake excursions, R skating, Night games, dissecting pigs, School, laughing uncontrollably at church, Church activities, YW leaders, Girls Camp, Church ball, soccer, The list could go on and on.

Me and Emily. I had a great time spending time with everyone before Holly got married. It has been a while. Last time was Vegas. Then before that it was a trip down the Logan Canal. Next up: Hmm I'm thinking Hawaii?

Me pretending that I had caught the flowers? I didn't. Sorry folks...They didn't throw it.

Following YOUR footsteps!

2009-07-22T14:47:00.001-07:00

I have had some fun moments recently. I was at Gaylene's in Boise and my niece asked me if I wanted to go in the back yard and play. Still in my P.J.'s I went outside and watched her play on the swing set, and asked her about the garden they had growing. The grass was wet, and as I walked onto the cement it left a really good mark of my foot and right in back of mine were Sarah's. I laughed inside as I said, to myself, "hey, she's following my footsteps"
Then the other day, I was in Rexburg with Tami. I was downstairs looking at books and as I looked over at Karson, (my nephew) he was standing and imitating my exact pose while I was looking at the books. It was pretty funny.
Both Sarah and Karson are starting kindergarten this year and they are so cute! Thanks for reminding me in simple ways that someone is always watching and following your example. Just like I am still Following other's examples as well.
(This picture doesn't do it justice, but by the time I thought of taking a picture it wasn't there anymore so it was our second attempt.)

Tribute to Great Guys!

2009-06-22T11:31:00.000-07:00

I have been blessed to have Great friends! People who I love, respect, look up to, and try to learn from their example. (specifically guys because it was fathers day on sunday. )

Qualities that I think Great Guys have:
1. Passion for the Gospel
2. Testimony of the Gospel
3. Honors and uses the Priesthood to help others(listens to the spirit.)
4. Worthy of Responsibilities of the Priesthood
5. Attends the Temple frequently
6. Willing to Serve
7. Reads, understands and enjoys the scriptures
8. Motivated and passionate about life
9. Overall positive out look on life
10. Thinks of others
11. Kind and Considerate
12. Humble
13. Good listener
14. Complimentary
15. Caring
16. Thoughtfull
17. Funny
18. Responsible
19. Mature
20. Obedient

The Qualities are many, but those are the ones that came to mind when I was thinking of the one that's got it all..My DAD! But also my brothers and brother in laws, cousins, nephews, home teachers, religious leaders, and my great great friends...While I am not going to go through and name you specifically I hope you all know what a great example you are to me. Thank You.

Powderpuff '09

2009-05-30T09:16:00.000-07:00

SUMMER FUN!

2009-05-29T18:39:00.001-07:00

I love the summer. We went to Lake Powell over Memorial Day weekend and it was loads of fun! Here are a few pictures to show everyone how cool that place is:

Entrance of Antelope Slot Canyons…This is a pretty cool place to visit. Lots of cool Pics.

More cool ones. This one is hard to see, but I am throwing sand on a rock

This is the End of the Slot canyons, funny that they are called slot canyons…They do make loads of money taking people on tours. This last one on the right is the lake the last day we were there.

Kayaking!

Swimming (Kati)

Liz and Kati

Question of the day?!

2009-05-01T17:48:00.000-07:00

So today I was teaching my health class. We were having some good discussions on what the benefits of having mandatory drug testing for all at school and some concerns that the students had with that. Pros and Cons etc. So the question comes up like it always does. Have you ever done drugs Case? I gave my regular answer of drugs are a broad term, but the drugs you are talking about, No. Then I continued to explain, why and how etc. Then some girl raises her hand and asks. I don't get it. Why aren't you married? My thoughts: 1. Where did that come from? 2. Why is she concerned with that 3. What? She did have a good question and one that I am sure many single people ask themselves. It threw me for a loop, but I told her it had nothing to do with anything we were talking about and moved on. I will say that it was flattering that she kept listing reason after reason for why I should logically be married. But in the end my conclusion is that logic plays no rhyme or reason in that situation. Apparently it just happens.

Fire

2009-04-26T21:14:00.001-07:00

We went on a little excursion this weekend. We went out to red rock this weekend with the ward. We had a campfire and the such. Some camped, but I had to leave so I could take the GRE the next morning. One of life's simple pleasures for me is to stare at a campfire. What is it that makes it so mesmerizing? Could it be that amongst all the dark from a simple thing as wood, light appears? (The flames dance across the wood entertaining Kati.) :) That's life. Amongst the darkness there is always light! Most of the time it comes from simple things in life! It also could be that I have a deep urge to play with the fire knowing full well it will burn me. This reminds me of a song my mom once sang to us when we were little. "Little Tom tinker got burned by a clinker and he began to cry, MOM! MOM! poor little innocent boy!" So remember to not play with the fire, or you will get burned!

Rage in the Sage!

2009-04-19T09:43:00.000-07:00

So, I did another Triathlon! First one of this year. It was here in Las Vegas out at Lake mead. We woke up way to early to do something like this. 4:30 am we woke up then drove down there and got ready to go. This race was a different, because I actually new several people who were competing. (Co-workers and members of the church) At the start of each race I always question why I sign up to do these things, but then the race begins. There is that one person up ahead of you that you see, who then becomes that person you are going to pass. Or a friend who before the race is teasing you about being the enemy now that we are racing; and you look up and you are neck and neck with them, running into the transition from the swim. So the Swim, has always been my weak point, which I hate, because I feel like I am a decent swimmer, but my time isn't where it could or should be. I finished that and ran out with Kelsey into the transition area, where we both ended up leaving the transition area at the same time, but I was able to pass her on the bike. The bike portion of this course was a killer! It felt like we were going up hill most of the way. Then there is this tricky turn around point that you get to and think oh good this hasn't been too bad, but then have to go back the way you came and past it up the hill of death. ( I call it this because you keep thinking you are close to being done then all of a sudden there is a massive hill where everyone looks like they are crawling up it on their bikes) To top it all off there was a photographer taking pictures, just at the point where you where ready to yell and scream because the hill was so torturous. Once you hit that turn around point it wasn't so bad, except that their were pot holes in the road that you had to keep avoiding. I saw Kati heading up in the direction of the hill of death and I wanted to warn her, but didn't have enough time. She later told me my face all ready said enough and she knew something big or hard was coming up. Next up was the run. In my head I am thinking this part isn't bad, but as I started running up the side of the beach with the sand and up more hills. My Mental toughness started getting worn down. Seriously MORE HILLS! Are you kidding me. Running in the sand, not fun, but thinking eventually it will turn into some type of paved running path. Wrong Again! We ran on a dirt sand rock path the Whole way! I rolled my ankle a couple times on the rocks and saw many people around me do the same thing. (in fact after the race I saw several people with scraps on their backs and knees I am assuming from the running course.) I found someone with a good pace and stayed with them then decided a couple different times that I was going to pass them, and every time I went to pass her, she sped up and kept up with me, so we ended up running together the whole way. Talking the whole time. Normally I am not o.k. with doing that in a race, but for some reason I was content doing it. We would come up to other people and we would tell each other. 'Hey lets pass this person.' Then we would run past them. But then came the last stretch and In my mind this is where I was going to turn the heat on. We Sprinted to the finish line and I beat her by a stride. They greeted each of us with a medal and took our timing chips off of our ankles. We both turned to each other and said what a great race it was, and that we were glad we were able to run with each other. What a great feeling to finish the race! That's why I do these races, it's for the finish line moments knowing you did it! That you pushed yourself even on the hard parts and you finished! Then Cheering your friends and the rest of the people in as they come in is also fun to see their faces as they finish and know that they did it.
*Crazy little side note...After the race and as we were going home. We forgot to double check one of the bikes and make sure it was fastened...You guessed it. It almost flew off my car when we were driving. Luckily there was no damage. We just pulled off the side of the road and strapped it in better and we were good to go.

Rim To Rim and Back Again!

2009-04-10T16:14:00.000-07:00

We Did It! So it all started long ago. Jamez and I participated in Expedition through the college and that was the first time I had hiked the Grand Canyon and when my love for the Grand Canyon started. (Ironically the first time hiking it wasn't a pleasant experience...I will fill you in sometime if you ask about it)Since then we have toyed with the idea of going from Rim to Rim. Well We both had some time this year and we looked into it a little bit more and decided we could do it. This is my 7th time hiking in the Grand Canyon. I've made it a yearly excursion with James and Nancy to hike the Grand Canyon. This is my fourth time with Nancy and fourth time with Jamez, but at different times.(2nd time with all three of us). The Great or not so great thing about me is that I don't plan way way in advance. So on Monday morning we headed to the grand canyon with an idea of what we wanted to do, but not sure how it was all going to work out. We would find Mom and Dad a place to stay on the rim. (Side note, I learned that Mom had worked at the South Rim in between High School and College for a few summers, and that she had hiked the Bright Angel Trail as well!) Then figure out the exact details, based on the permits we could get.

So we got the permits to camp at CottonWood Campground and the Bright Angel Campground at the bottom. After we got the permits we headed off. Mom and dad rode the shuttle with us to the South Kiabab Trail Head and waved us off at the top. Since it was spring break there were quite a few people there. We hiked down that trail to the bottom where we stopped at phantom ranch, got some nice ice cold water, relaxed, tried to play a board game that had no beginning or end?, looked at maps, and sent post cards by mules.

We had another seven or so miles to go to get to our campground that had no drinking water so we filled up everything there at phantom ranch. Met a couple people that were going to the same campground as well. Then took off. Ran into a couple guys that asked us for water, but we were worried we wouldn't have enough. So we didn't give them any, but they were really close to phantom ranch. Then crossed multiple bridges and finally found a creek where we were able to cool off since we were hiking in the heat of the day. It felt SO nice. We kept going and finally made it. Since hardly anyone was at this camp spot we had a nice campsite. 14 miles down. We put our feet in the creek, that was FREEZING cold. Set up camp and had dinner. As we were using our water to cook we realized we were going to need a lot more water. So we decided to use the Creek water and boil it. We were nervous that we could get sick from it, but we decided it was worth it. As we were getting ready to go to bed and putting things away we had another couple of guys stumble into our camp site and ask for water. I still was not going to give them any since we had over 21 miles to hike the following day. Nancy being the true saint in the group gave them some water.

The following day we left around 8:00 just with our water and snacks to make it up to the North Rim then back. Not to far from where our campground maybe a mile or so was a private house with drinking water! It was a great discovery and relief. This place had a basketball hoop, a place to play horseshoes, swing set, and helicopter pad. A little bit farther we saw roaring springs. Beautiful waterfall. We kept going and going up the switch backs and finally came to the tunnel/Restrooms! Two more miles to go from there. More switch backs, snow was still on the trail, but not bad. Then we made it to the top of the North rim! It was Majestic, and peaceful. We did not pass one person on this trail. To look out over where we had come from and to see the stark contrast of all the different colors was breathtaking. We were over a thousand feet higher on the north rim then we were on the south. So we were also able to see the 'San Fransisco Mts'? We had gone from the south Rim to the North. Now all we had to do was make it back! Every thing was closed on the North Rim. So we didn't stay too long. took some pictures took a quick break then headed back down. We ran down parts that didn't look like we could accidentally fall off the side and kill ourselves and cut our time in half.(from what it took us to get up). Filled up at the water spot again. Then headed back to camp. Packed everything up and put on our heavy packs(compared to our camel back and snacks that we had been hiking with). and headed to Bright Angel campground.

The way that looks easy doesn't always pay, or is worth it. That's what I learned on our way to Bright Angel campground. On our way to cottonwood campground we noticed that it looked like there was a nice short cut that went to ribbon falls, and cut out a nice big hill that we had just gone over to get to cottonwood campground. So on our way to Bright Angel we decided we would try this short cut, since we had all ready hiked at least 14 miles any short cut was well worth it. Or so we thought. So we crossed over and hiked around for almost an hour before we realized that we couldn't get back to our original trail! What seemed so enticing, just wasted our time and energy. We ended up having to go back and up the big hill we thought we were avoiding.

Well We did make it to Bright Angel Campground, set up camp, ate, and pretty much went to sleep. It was a LONG Day! I woke up in the middle of the night..(2:00am) so hot, and thirsty. So I got out and saw what a beautiful night it was. Perfect weather and the moon was so bright I didn't even need my flash light. We woke up to people from other campsites talking. It was the last leg of the journey...A few blisters, a camel back dilemma, short on water scare, but overall successful. We still had over nine miles to go.

We took off just around 8:30 and made great time to Indian Gardens. Took a quick break and filled up water and was on our way again. Everyone was doing well and had a decent pace, passing people left and right. :) I eventually started slowing down the last couple of miles to go. I think my batteries just started to lose their momentum...But I kept going after a quick break and everyone finished around the same time. We were sweaty, soar, and tired, but glad to be done. We snapped a few pictures for proof of our experience. Overall we had hiked over 21 hours and 50 miles! We jumped on the shuttle and met mom and Dad at the lodge where we changed and had lupper? is that what you call lunch/supper? It felt so good to be done and to eat real food!

It is the day after now, and I am worried I may have giardia. :) Not really. but I have enjoyed not doing anything and just relaxing and letting my body get back to normal.

Let the Adventures Begin!

2009-04-06T05:57:00.000-07:00

So Here is an old School picture of some of us in our Special Case Sweaters! There has been a request to do an updated version of this picture. So We are going to need to recreate these sweaters some how.
This morning we (Mom, Dad, James, Nancy, and I) Are heading out on our Grand Canyon Adventure! Our scheduled departure was for 7:00.. It is 7:02 it is close, but I don't think we are ready to walk out the door yet. We will keep you posted on how it all goes.

Best April Fools Day!

2009-04-01T17:04:00.000-07:00

This morning started off like a normal day, but It was APRIL FOOLS DAY! Yesterday, my co workers and I plotted and schemed thinking of pranks we could pull on our co-workers. I was going to the temple that evening so I was unable to stay, but supplied them with some tiny tiny little beads. So this morning...My Roommate Erika was in her full body cloud PJ's that we got for Christmas, which made my morning! Then she kept asking where her keys were. Secretly I was hoping she thought I hide them, but I really didn't. She never found them and headed off to school. So I arrived at school and heard the results of some of the things that they had done to the co-workers... Switched Monitor cords on their computers. Then Filled a cup full of the tiny beads and put it upside down on their desks(2 co-workers) Then to top off the evening, they took post it notes and covered one of the A.P.'s office. :) This morning the plotting continued as we thought of more to do. We blew up zip lock bags then covered them with tape the sticky side out so it stuck to everything and covered our Principals office with them. Then lined another A.P.'s office with upside down cups. We Couldn't let the last A.P. get away with nothing so we took the Volleyball standards(all SIX of them) that she told us we needed to move. And moved them all into her office along with tons of paper that had the Activity Excuse lists that she puts out daily. :) The day would not be complete without getting our co workers in the Department. The Boys P.E. office..Well we did get them a little yesterday but we wanted to do a little more. We froze Gel shaving cream and then cut it in hopes it would explode in their office...Then took our free sample tampons and tied them together. So we put the gel under their desks. Then put the tampon strings in their bathroom. :) Let us not forget our Football coach whose office is in the weight room. We bought, 40+ of those tree car fresheners and hid them under his desk and all over the place. It stunk so wonderfully in there. By the end of the day we were all tired from pranking so many people. Let the prank wars begin. That is if they have the guts to do anything back! I do have pictures that I will be adding soon! This has been one of the silliest days ever at work and I loved it! Oh and the day isn't even over yet! :)

New layout...

2009-03-27T16:00:00.000-07:00

So how do you like the new layout? It's pink! I don't know if it is completely me, but I like it for now. (It is almost Easter) So this also brings about my fun recent obsession with pink. I was recently told that everyone knows me as 'sporty Liz' Which I like. But for some reason since then I have had a strange obsession of buying and wearing pink. A little strange, I know. I guess it is some unconscious way of letting people know that there is so much more to me than just sports. Surprise I know. So enjoy the pink while it lasts!

Grand Canyon Footage!

2009-03-25T19:07:00.000-07:00

ENJOY!

One More...

Scary...

Wow!

2009-03-25T18:10:00.000-07:00

It has been so long since I have posted anything! Well Soccer is over so I have a somewhat normal life now. Since then I've been catching up on Laundry that I never did. I think I am almost done. :) I have also had some crazy random fun. Kati and I hiked the GRAND CANYON! We woke up on Saturday. Drove there. Got me some new tires in AZ. Then Started hiking Saturday night. Went all the way down and back up by Sunday morning! I love that place. It is my favorite place. I also went to Cali with James when his Capella group auditioned for America's got Talent. It was fun to see all the crazies that were trying out for that show. Then Wipe out was having open casting calls as well. So we went over there and tried that. James, Andrea and I all made it past the initial audition then had our camera interview and got the secret next package full of more paperwork that had all of the background info. So we think for sure we are going to be on the show. Still Just waiting for that call or e-mail though. I can't wait! Also I got a text from Nancy saying they were doing open casting calls for Amazing Race here in Las Vegas. So I of course called up James and you guessed it we auditioned for that as well. We came up with a nice little Dance Demonstrating our different abilities. Don't forget the secret handshake either! It was pretty intense. I am expecting a call anytime from them as well. Seriously Just put us on a show! I know we are going to get our big break Soon! I also have a Triathlon coming up in April, My first attempt at hiking from Rim to Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon is coming up as well. Just a week and a half! Yosemite National Park, Swimming, Hiking, Hawaii and endless possibilities. I love this time of the year. So much to do and I have time to do it all now!

I heart snowboarding

2009-01-19T16:04:00.000-08:00

So over Christmas Break I was able to go play in Sun Valley Ski Resort. Thanks to Jamez and his famousness! (Thanks again) I was able to go snowboarding and play every day! It was loads of fun. I am going Snowboarding this weekend and I can't wait. Speaking of snowbaording...
So I am on the new member commitee and last night we had a new member dinner and as I am getting to know some of the new members. I found myself talking to someone I didn't know that was funny and entertaining. Some how I managed to have too long of a conversation about snowboarding...If I like it steep and deep, cat tracks, If I race, getting air over small rolling hills, when you go fast and it kept going on and on and on. In my head, I kept thinking are we really still talking about this, I was done a few minutes ago...But it keeps going. Luckily a friend came and saved the day and started a new conversation about other things.
So today is MLK DAY! I had a nice little hike today as well. Went to Mary Jane Falls...Ended up going off the trail a ways and got to the point where I was getting stuck in snow up to my waist. I got sick of that pretty quick and decided to get back to the trail. I ran as fast as I could to get back to the trail. It lasted for the first four steps before I started sinking in again, then ended up rolling back to the trail. I wish I could have seen myslef do this I am sure it would have been funny to watch. So I finally made it back to the right trail and finished my little hike up to the falls. It was beautiful up there. Not really a real falls per say, but still so peaceful. I climbed up underneath it and saw all the Icecles(?) under the rocks and watched the water falling off of the rocks. With no one around. I love being out in nature, it is the best place and feeling in the world to be out there. See how that works...I started talking about snowboarding, then ended up talking about hiking. Switching conversation topics, is o.k.
HAPPY MLK DAY!_

Let me Explain

2009-01-19T15:10:00.000-08:00

So At the begining of the school year when all the students were getting their school pictures, we were told that the faculty should get their picture taken as well. I am o.k. with the one they have, but I had a random thought. Silver has random things all over our office. Some of which include these really old soft football helmets. So I dared her to wear one for the school picture and she said she would do it if I did it.
So we both took the helmets and went and took our school pictures. We recieved the pictures and both got a good laugh from them...So Silver took one of mine and I was going to take one of hers, but never did. Then a few weeks later, I decided that was dangerous. She is known for her pranks and things so I found the picture she had, and took it back so she couldn't do anything with it. Then I had a brilliant Idea... Most of my siblings send cute family pictures home to my parents for Christmas. So I thought I would send my very own. :) I was planning on making this picture a little bigger and framing it, wrapping it and then giving it to my parents for christmas.
But It never happened. I did take the picture home and it got left there. In fact my roomate was home over the christmas break and was in the room where the picture was on the dresser. My Nephew Karson walked in and asked if the picture was her.
She replied, "nope that is your Aunt Liz"
He responded, "no it's not"
Yep, it is that good of a picture! So I left and came home and forgot about the picture...Until my friend sent me a text and said to send the fourth picture in my phone and it just happened to be this very special picture...So I of course sent it and they Loved it!
Once again forgot about it...Until last night as I am talking to my mom and checking my e-mail. I realize that my brother has posted a picture of me. Trying to figure out which picture it is I check my facebook account and see that he has posted this very special picture of me. For all to see. Thanks again!
I find it ironic that what all started as a joke and entertainment at work (and all the work making sure a co-worker didn't do anything silly with the picture) back fired on me any ways. :) (Good one)That is right, I've said it before somewhere on this blog and will continue to say it in the future. I am a SPECIAL CASE. And have my proud moments of being one. It Runs in the family. Being the youngest...I LEARN from the BEST! Thanks for your great examples!

Run...Like the wind?

2008-11-28T18:57:00.000-08:00

Every time I come home I have this favorite place that I love to run! I run down around the block past a church all the way down to the Hyrum Dam Park. Onto a trail that goes along side of the lake, that ends with a massive hill. After the hill you work your way back on side roads, to get back home. Great Run! I have taken many people on this run. Friends, Brothers, Sisters, Nephews, Nieces, etc. It is such a rush to go on this run. Today, I was running it with family and friends...To be continued I have to run an errand:

I am Back!

So I was running it, and now I don't remember the details...oh man. Something along the lines of I am pretty sure I beat everyone :) and what a great feeling it was to know that I beat everyone. It is now the end of December and snow all over the ground and in my head I am contemplating if it is sane to go and do the run in the snow. I just might. :)

Soccer Mania!

2008-10-02T23:15:00.000-07:00

I love Soccer! All Day I dream about Soccer (adidas) Not really...but close. This is what my life consists of. I go to school, I teach soccer, answer questions about soccer, make announcements about soccer, Go coach Soccer Practice or Games, now for the Boy's JV team in a month or so it will be for the Girls Varsity Soccer team. On Monday nights, I leave practice and run to an indoor women's league that I play on then either on Tuesday or Wednesday I play on a co-ed outdoor team. Thursday is a Co-ed indoor league. This last week I was asked to play on a Saturday outdoor league. I considered it, but I just don't know if I will have time. :) Then after that I come home eat and sleep and do it all over again. I love it and wouldn't change it for anything. Someone recently told me if I want to take this marriage thing seriously I need to give up some soccer. I beg to differ...When opportunities arise I have and will continue to plan accordingly around soccer. I refuse to chose the alternative and sit at home and watch T.V. and feel sorry for myself. I will continue to live my life to the fullest doing things that I love...The bumps, bruises, heated games, and random drinks(sonic) after games are things I look forward to everyday.

Things that make you go Hmm.

2008-10-02T22:59:00.000-07:00

I often wonder about things: Why people do the things they do, What is going on in their heads, Why certain things happen. But I always come to the conclusion that in the grand scheme of things it really is for the best. Whatever doesn't kill us makes us stronger. I hope people take time to reflect on decisions in their life and ponder on why things are the way they are. Sometimes we can't answer that question, but It is always good to do some self reflection. I truely belive we choose to be happy. It's not up to others to make us happy...If you are looking for answers, they will come probably not when we want them. Don't harbor bad feelings, "Get over it" Life is too short. Love all and love often even when it doesn't make sense.

Cliff Jumping!

2008-08-17T09:11:00.000-07:00

So another favorite activity I love to do is go cliff jumping. It is Exhilarating! Standing on the edge of a rock and jumping knowing and hoping that the water is there and that it will be deep enough. So I had one last request before my summer fun started to come to a close. Which was to go cliff jumping at porcupine reservoir. Yesterday we decided to go. We drove through Paradise and finally got there. As we drove up we realized that the water looked like it was a lot lower than it was the previous year. So we jumped in with our inner tubes and goggles and started to swim across where we usually jump off. We got there and realized it was a lot lower and we were not going to be able to jump there. We found a little rock to climb up on and jump of, but it wasn't the same. We started to swim over by where we saw some other people jumping. This place was pretty good because there were three different heights that you could choose from. We watched these guys jump from all of the different spaces and drink beer after beer. Smart combination right?! (Idiots) So not only were they just jumping off of these different places, but the one was doing flips and craziness off of them. So our group took turns going off the two lower places to jump, and tried to be daring and dive off. (Which I did once!):) It started to get colder and the challenge was given for James to go off the highest one. So James climbed up took a minute to check it out and I watched from the one just below it as he jumped off and made it safely. As he came back up he said it was better than the other one. So I decided that it should be o.k. to go off. So I climbed up there and realized that there wasn't a lot of places to put your feet. It was scary to just try standing up. I did once and looked over the edge. As you look over the edge you can see the water, but you can also see a jagged rock jetting out a little next to the water. I sat back down to find a better place to put my feet. I finally stood again. I jumped and as I did It seemed as if time had slowed down. I heard screams from people watching, And as I looked down I saw the jagged rock that was jetting out and thought, I think I am too close, oh no! Arms and legs flailing in the air, I was hopping somehow that I would be able to fly as far away from the rocks as possible. Once I realized I had cleared the rocks I tried to straighten out and hit the water. I came up out of the water and let out a little yelp of success. 'That was crazy, I thought I was going to die' I asked the ones that were in the water if it looked like I was going to hit the rocks and they said, 'we couldn't really tell' But as I looked back at my nephew who was standing on the second highest one, I realized I might have been pretty close. He was shaking his head, looking at me as if that was the stupidest thing he has seen me do. He very wisely decided to jump off the second highest one. He later said, 'It just looked like you didn't go out far enough that you had just stepped off instead of jumped out as far as you could.' In the end we all walked away with not even a scratch, and that is the most important thing. So I am sure many of you may be thinking well maybe she will learn her lesson. I certainly did. "Jump out as far as you can!" I don't know if I will go off of that specific one again, at least not this year, but I will continue to go cliff jumping. It is too much fun, and I LOVE it. Don't worry I'll be safe...I probably over exaggerated it all, but it did scare me a little so I thought I would write about it so I wouldn't forget it.

Six Months in Jail or a $1000 fine per illegal firework

2008-07-12T16:17:00.000-07:00

I love the fourth of July! This fourth of July was an eventful one to say the least. It was in the middle of our "Snow family Reunion" But with the reunion so close to home. We were still able to have a nice little show. It all started a few weeks before when i had received a text from a family member saying they had just got some 'great fireworks' This reminded me that I needed and wanted to get some fireworks of my own as well. I wasn't sure where exactly I could get them, so I just put it off. On my way home to Logan, I found a place where I was able to buy some pretty cool fireworks myself. So the day of the fourth started with a historical remembrance of our country's Independence a good breakfast, the "snow Olympics", Lunch, rockets, Family pictures, Dinner, and a brief history of Erastus Snow my great great grandpa and Leo Alva Snow, my Great grandpa. With the sun setting, a few of us ventured off to our parents home to light off our fireworks. We started with a bunch of rockets, then worked our way up to the Roman Candles and then started on the artillery shells, We had six tubes to light them off so we had a pretty good show going. Then we got to the double shots which shoot off two at a time and the triple shots which are self explanatory. So if you think six tubes with three shots going off That is a pretty good little show. We had just finished the triple shots when a police officer's car came up. I ran away like a little pansy, thinking irrationally, 'how can they catch us? No one has ever been caught that I know' (I don't know maybe it was the 18 artillery shells going off at once!) I finally work my way back over there after feeling guilty and realized it was too late all ready. I started picking up the rest of their fireworks since mine were gone and put them in the back of someone's car. As I was doing this I was flashed with a bright light coming from the car of the police officer. They asked to see where the rest of the fireworks were and we walked to the trunk where they saw the HUGE stash of fireworks and said,"Wow the bomb squad is going to have fun with these." They proceeded to confiscate the fireworks. And give us all a huge guilt trip, and telling us the severity and consequences of our actions. Needless to say we ended our firework fun rather quickly, cleaned things up chatted about it for a while, then ended up going to bed. The consequences are still up in the air. We haven't heard back what exactly is going to happen. But Every time on the news I hear about the fines or jail time I cringe a little. Several people have asked me what I have learned from this and I think my brother put it best when he said. "Only light off one artillery shell at a time so it isn't so easy for them to find us." :)

I love the fourth of July!

My Love!

2008-07-01T11:16:00.000-07:00

This summer I decided I would train for a half marathon and then go from there and maybe attempt training for a full marathon. So with my packed summer schedule I roll into our work out room whenever i feel like it. Last week I rolled in and began my 4.5 mile run. When in walked this guy, who looks very similar to this picture of Ethan Zhon from Survivor. I don't know what it is, but this guy was good looking. I was slightly distracted but continued on my run. While there this great looking guy proceeded to try and chat with me and I was completely o.k. with that (except that it was hard to carry on conversation while I was trying to hide my heavy breathing.) I finished up and was on my way out, and thought I hope I run into him again. And sure enough a couple days later I saw him in the work out room again! We talked again and I found out he was only visiting some friends and would be leaving the following weekend. Disappointed slightly I wished him a good visit and went on my way. Saturday I made my way out to the pool and was reading a book when I realized. Hey he is in the Pool. I saw him and we talked about how much I had run that day. The whole time irrational thoughts of, how nice it would be to just kiss him were racing through my head. Knowing full well nothing could or would happen as he chatted with his friend and continued to drink beer after beer. It was time to go and as we were leaving we talked again and I found out this hottie's name was jason and that he was going back to Iowa Tuesday(today) Secretly I thought this is great i have more chances to run into him. He proceeded to ask what we were doing that evening. We told him our tenative plans, and all of a sudden I realized that right then there was an opportunity. If I wanted to do something with him now was my chance. I froze and didn't feel great about it...So I wished him well and went on my way. I still think...That could have been fun, but it probably wouldn't have been a great situation. I know, hardly anything, about jason, but I love him. So until we met again in the work out room...Good luck with life in Iowa.

GREAT QUOTES

2008-07-01T10:19:00.000-07:00

"We only Fail when we Fail to try"
"The Faults we find with others are our own faults that we need to work on"
"We have influence with others to the degree they feel they have influence with us"
"We best encourage obedience to the laws of life when we live the laws of LOVE"
"To NOT say the unkind or critical thing, particularly when provoked and/or
fatigued, is a supreme kind of self-mastery"
"Through Disobedience, man becomes insecure and alienated from himself, his creator, and his fellowmen...Obedience helps men become secure and unified within himself, his creator and his fellowmen."
"The real nature of our problems are spiritual"
"The greatest battles of life are fought out daily in the silent chambers of the soul"
"Patience is the practical expression of faith, hope, wisdom, and LOVE. It is not a passive virtue as some think. It is extremely active emotionally."
"Faith embodies patience. It is a contradiction for someone to think or feel he has faith, but lacks patience...It is Faith in Action"

"What kind of father would slap or criticize or otherwise punish his infant son when he totters and falls while learning to walk? Why is the extreme foolishness so self-evident to us? Because we all know that falling is part of learning to walk. We know if we punish falling, the boy will stop trying. Unless he tries he'll never learn to walk. He'll just crawl. This analogy can be extended to include all learning and development. Patience accepts the reality of life that in all things there is a process, a step one, step two, that cannot be ignored or bypassed."

"The whole system of relationships-human and divine- is based on a step by step victory over self.

Three huge mistakes: "We try to tell or advise others before we have established any understanding relationship...2nd We try to build or rebuild a relationship with out making any fundamental change in our conduct or attitude...3rd We assume that a good example and a good relationship are sufficient, that we don't need to explicitly teach the 'should s' of life."

"What you are shouts So LOUDLY in my ears I can't hear what you say."

"Assume the best of others to assume that they want to do well, that they mean to do well."

"Treat a man as he is and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he can and should be and he will become as he can and should be."

"Practice empathy when listening to another...Practice refraining from advising, judging, sympathizing, or interpreting; practice reflecting or mirroring back the content and particularly the feeling of the others expression...It will fail if you're just trying to manipulate or figure out or psychoanalyze another."

"The power to let arguments fly out open windows flows out of an inward peace and unity that is freed of the compulsive need to answer and justify...And the source of this peace is living responsibly, in control, and obedient to conscience."

"First THINK before you react...2nd try to understand that people tend to act in terms of how they feel instead of what they know."

"There is a redeeming power that can make up for deficiencies in our upbringing and that can enable us to overcome our most deeply ingrained habits and tendencies...Don't make excuses."

Sharpening the saw includes: Physical exercise, Planning, Meditation, (scripture study and Prayer)

Three things to conquer daily: 1st, getting up in the morning when we know we should, 2nd, making reconciliation to the lord's will, and 3rd, Control our tounge."

"Good skills are developed only in practice"

I've recently noticed that several people I know, friends, family, acquaintances, and even myself have had some unpleasant experiences, and this has caused me to contemplate a lot about a bunch of different things. These are quotes that people have shared with me, or ones that I have read in books, etc. I feel like they are very beneficial, and have some great points. Enjoy!

Year in Review w/ Pictures

2008-06-24T11:30:00.001-07:00

Picture Slide show

2008-06-24T11:27:00.000-07:00

I just figured out how to do this slide show thing on here. I know I'm a little slow, but I finally figured it out. So I am going to have a couple of slide show's on here. I think I'm going to add one big slide show and get it out of my system for a while. So here it goes.

Havasu Falls slide show

2008-06-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

Don't Justify!

2008-06-23T00:17:00.000-07:00

I hate hate hate gossip! I will be the first to admit that I have done it. But I Try EXTRA Hard not to. If you want to know about something...JUST ASK! My Sister had a quote on her fridge that said, "your name is safe with me" I often wonder if I do justice to that quote. There are always great qualities about people and obviously we are not going to get along with everyone, but the key is to find good qualities about them. It does Not mean that we are going to be buddy friends with people, and that's fine. Sometimes people just rub you the wrong way and you don't have good feelings about them. I believe that feeling is there to protect us and help us. But for crying out loud treat people with respect. And as the famous phrase goes, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say ANYTHING AT ALL." Which I am continuously working on again and again.

Havasu Falls Adventures

2008-06-22T20:02:00.000-07:00

Havasu falls...Nancy, Me, and April

James, Nancy, and me...on our way back from beaver falls

Havasu falls

April, James, me and Nancy...Done hiking

This is our feet after we were all done.

Me swinging from a rope swing at Monney Falls

Coming down to mooney falls.

Mooney falls

On our trek to Beaver falls...Amazing

James on a rope swing on our way back from beaver falls

Navajo falls

Nancy and I at Mooney falls

April, James, and I at Havasu falls

James and I at mooney falls

James, Me, and April checkin in at the village

Day 1: We arrived at the parking place around 2 am on monday morning tried sleeping in the car, and ended up waking up at four when a tourist bus came through. We decided to go ahead and get going on the hike. By the time we got going it was maybe 5:30 or 6:00. We tried getting past the high school group, and were pretty successful. Made it to the village and checked in. Continued on to the campground. Randomly ran into a co-worker. How weird is that? Got to set up...Went to Havasu falls...Went to the jump behind the falls. (I'll admit I was scared to jump off. I could barely catch my breath because water from the falls kept splashing in my face.) The water was a little chilly. Then we ventured down to mooney falls...The first time down the side of the "cliff" to get to mooney falls was a little scary, but not bad. We jumped off a little rope swing...This one is the tallest falls. I took my 72 hour kit for food and it worked pretty good, Just in case anyone was wondering. We went to sleep pretty early since we had an early morning.

Day 2: Today was our trek to Beaver falls. It was a pretty good little hike to get to those falls. My feet were a little sore. We climbed up this rope next to a Palm tree. That was fun. Shortly there after I brushed up against a cactus! Yikes. I didn't really realize it right away, but I noticed I had thirty little pricklies in my thigh...I just took a second and took most of them out. Luckily I didn't notice it at all the rest of the time, so I must have gotten them out. We eventually got there and played in a little falls, then climbed back to beaver falls. We jumped off a couple of the falls, then found a little cavern under one of the falls there. It was SO much fun! You just swim under this one part of the falls for a second and then come up slowly and there is this little cavern that opens up! Way cool! We headed back and James and I decided to go the water way, while april and nancy took the trail. The water way proved to be an adventure. I decided to test my luck out and see how strong I was against the current. To make it short I lost and had a nice little encounter with a rock, and well you should have seen the rock. :) James luckily came and helped me to safety though. On our way back we ended up in back of some people with little kids, that were not able to go back down the rope we came up so they had to jump off the cliff into the water. I was pretty impressed with their bravery. I went down the rope, and it was far from gracefull, but I made it down. Then played at another rope swing that was bigger and better than the one at mooney falls. Then we played( well James and I) at Havasu falls later that evening as well. It was a long fun filled day.

Day 3: Played at Navajo falls, this is the scary one where you climb up the side of the waterfall and hold on a rope to work your way down to the edge of the waterfall to jump off. We all managed to get enough courage to go ahead and do it. It was worth it. Later on in the day I went back to havasu falls and finally jumped off the jump under the falls that I was so scared of the first day. It was a rush. The water was still splashing in my face and I felt like I couldn't breathe at times, but I finally jumped out into the water fall. It was a great rush! I loved it. Then we hiked to the village had Indian tacos and started on our trek home. It was a nice hike out it was in the evening and not too hot. Just perfect weather. As we approached the switch backs I was starting to get tired, but We made it. And I may add that these switch back were not bad at all in comparison with the ones in the grand canyon. I've made a tradition to hike down south kibab trail, and up bright angel trail in a day. That is a little bit more intense then these switch backs so if you've done that you can do this hike for sure!

This adventure was amazing and I strongly reccomend everyone at least trying it! So much fun. I loved it! I think James even described it as Hawaii in Alaska just because the water was a little cool that first day. I think I will agree with a friend of mine that described it as a tropical oasis. You are in the middle of no where. Where there are crystal blue green water, and waterfalls that are breathtaking. Litterally. :) I loved it and can't wait to go back again.

Helpful....

2008-06-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

This post is Dedicated to Katie B. This picture is not the Katie B I was looking for, but it is a Katie B.

I've decided that people can be pretty helpful in life. This is a new discovery for me, for the simple fact that I am very stuborn and like to do things on my own. So when I am placed in situations where I feel helpless and can't do anything. It is really hard for me. Here are a few quick examples:
1. My moped: I was so excited to get my moped...I got it and Myra and I put it together best we could and still didn't get it to work. It sat there for a week as I would randomly go out and try something different to get it to start to work. Katie and Joe came over and I was showing it to them and Katie suggested putting the kick stand up and then starting it. . . . It Worked. So simple, but I just didn't get it.

2. Keys: So I go to my soccer game this last thursday and as we are leaving I can not find my keys! I looked everywhere behind bags under benches and could not find it. I come to the conclusion that I must have left them in the trunk when I was getting my soccer stuff, but I was pretty sure that I had locked the car. Sure enough I did. So we are all out there trying to figure out what to do. KATIE B comes over and stick's Joe's house key in my trunk key and it OPENS! what?! So the keys were not in the trunk or in the car anywhere. Mean while my car alarm is going off.( That's good to know that it works, but scary that my car was so easily broken into) Believe it or not guess who finds my keys?! KATIE B!

3. Phone: So last night we go to the Drive in and as I am getting in the back of the truck I decide I should take out my phone from my pocket. After parking and watching one movie for 15 minutes then going to another one for 15 minutes and then coming back to the same screen I realized I didn't know where my phone was anymore. Great! So the search begins. People are calling it and we can't here anything so the search party begins we walk up and down looking for it and then come back to the truck and check under the matteress and guess who found it? KATIE B!

So what did I learn from all of this? Well I am glad that KATIE B, is my friend...And that she has amazing abilities to find things. Also maybe that I should get a purse or something to put my stuff in...Uhh well, not really....I just can't do it. And thanks for the suggestion, but I don't think I can do a fanny pack either. I'll figure something out soon. I am getting sick of mis placing my phone, keys, and other important documents.

This post also goes out to all of you who have helped me in different ways...There are too many to list. It could have been a simple e-mail that made my day, a phone call, a compliment, a hug, a look, taking care of my blistered feet, being encouraging, believing in me when I didn't, a massage, a talk, lunch, dinners, shows, fixing things for me, killing bugs, trusting me, LIStENING, understanding me, valuing my opinions and ideas, Laughing with me(Not at me) hiking with me, and just playing with me....And so many more. THANK YOU all.

It's done!

2008-06-05T22:53:00.000-07:00

School is out, done, gone for the summer...I can not express how excited I am about this! With the end of the year it causes me to reflect on what has taken place this year. My wopping 2nd year of teaching was much smoother than my first year.
Reflections:
Class of 72! yikes
Emotionally disturbed students reasons for not running(kind of entertaining)
Faculty vs. Students B-ball game( faculty won... 40points for me:)
Faculty vs. Student powder puff game(faculty won again... 2interceptions:)
Running a couple of Dodgeball tournaments
Taking Co-worker to the hospital while she was having a possible stroke(still don't know what is wrong exactly)
Working with my roommates Elementary school doing soccer with their students twice a week
Wake up call about Life(Losing friends)
Hikes crazy hikes...Indians, Hot springs, snow shoeing,
Snowboarding :)
Boy jumping off of the football stadium stands and breaking both feet.
Too many Pregnant students.
Fights and more fights...Chunks of hair, missing glasses, gang initiation, "crews" everything getting tagged.
Long boarding
Grand Canyon #3 trip
Car Accident
Moped purchase
SOCCER NEED I SAY MORE
Student vs. teacher Races
Wii competitions in class
TRiathalons
5k races(nike)
Moving to summerlin
Crazy co-workers
Dogs in leather jackets
Fake lady bug scare
Fires
Believe it or not I had a great year. A student asked me the other day if I would miss her and I responded with, "mmm Yeah I will( i meant it) " Then proceeded to joke around and said, Look I don't even have to ask if you are going to miss me I just know that you will miss me. Honestly I had a great year this year. I learned SO much again. Mostly with my soccer program...That was kind of new to be over all of it. (everything). We had a good season...Won Academic state champs and were runner up for our division. (Not bad for a first year coach). Next year is going to be a building year, but hopefully it is a success as well. I look forward to the up coming year and all of it's adventures that are in them. But I will soak up this summer vacation before I spend any more time thinking about the future. I LOVE the summer so much. It is here! It is FINALLY HERE. Family Reunions, Boston, Maine, Jet skiing, Hiking, Swimming, 1/2 Marathons, Triathlons, Tennis, Soccer, Camping, Havasupai falls. Life is GREAT! Can't ask for anything better...

2008-05-24T12:50:00.000-07:00

Fun!

Erika and I re-creating our elemenary pictures!

Let us not forget the '80's

This is the classic school picture...

Feet to one side and turn you head...I forgot to turn my head to the other side.

This post inspired by soccer with the elemantary kids.

Watch out!

2008-05-09T00:23:00.000-07:00

O.k. So it is way past my bed time, but I have to write about my most recent adventure. So today in my health class I am telling about all these different First Aid stories and situations that I have been in. The class asked at the end of the hour, 'Case I don't think it is safe to do anything with you. You have too many friends who get hurt...' I didn't agree or even give it a second thought until tonight. So Amy and I ride to Thursday night soccer on my moped. We played. But I only played when the ball was kicked to me...(I became my students... how sad) But I did have a game at 10:45 I was trying to conserve my energy. So we played our game...Don't really want to talk about it...Late +angry old lady(not me) + no energy= 6-13 score...
FINALLY we get to the real story...

So I jump on my moped and get ready to go home. I am coming around the corner when I see a metro police man on his bike, and decided I would go all the way around the complex and back home on all the back streets. I'll admit it. I really just don't like police at all, and will avoid them at all costs. So I turn onto Hillpointe and am driving along and just get curious...Wondering what my moped looks like from behind and if the lights are working, how would I know if I had a flat tire...My mind just started racing with ideas...So being so curious and smart...I decided to keep looking back at the back of my moped...What I was exactly looking for I'm not sure. But the next thing I know I look up and am heading Straight for the curb. My instant response is, "oh shit" My right leg instantly goes out to embrace the impact and it actually hits the curb and rocks on the side. Some how miraculously I didn't hit the curb and ended up being just fine, but I really thought for a moment, 'I am going to crash and seriously injure myself.' Scary. So I continue on my way. I might add that the view was amazing. mid-night, no cars around...It's a perfect view of all the lights of Las Vegas. I am however paying much more attention to my driving and the road. So I am riding along, and I think oh there is a paper bag in the road, maybe I will try to run over it. So I speed up (as much as I can on my moped) Then get within a few feet of it and realize it is a Rabbit...in the road...that I am about to hit. It darted to the left and then to the right just seconds before it would have become smothered by my moped tire. All in all two lives were saved tonight. My own and the rabbit. And so "life goes on" na na na na na na na...

A day in the ER

2008-05-01T20:02:00.000-07:00

EMERGENCY ROOM

So my typical thought of an emergency room is you have a problem and if it is urgent they take care of it "stat" then and there no waiting right?

WRONG...Here is the lesson for the day. If it is serious you need to be on an ambulance. If you come into the emergency room with out an ambulance...You have to sign in and WAIT, and WAIT , and WAIT. Example #1:

My co-worker, had a mini stroke this last weekend, and was not at work this whole week. Today she decided to come back to work. Telling myself and another co-worker that if she can't move or speak, but her eyes are open call her husband, but if her eyes are closed get worried. We clarified and said, "worry as in hospital?" and she said Yes. So Around after our first class she goes down to the school nurse and the nurse tells her she needs to go to the hospital, but She refuses the Ambulance that has been called. So It ends up myself and another co-worker take her to the hospital. She is in and out sometimes she can talk, (but not coherently)...Sometimes she can move and sometimes she can't. So I sign her in and she stopped next to this place, and couldn't move or talk anymore. Immediately Workers start FREAKING out! Mam you need to go sit down till we call you. I explain I am pretty sure she is having a stroke, this happened this last weekend and she hasn't been out of the hospital long. This is serious and she needs help now! I was then rudely told that I needed to make her sit down. I tried talking with her to see what we could do, but nothing. This Jack ass of a man continued to be beligerant. "Mam we can not see anymore patients until she leaves and sits down! I thought in my head, well maybe you should see her. As I try to explain the situation further and tell them that she can't physically move and I can't move her myself he bellows, "Mam If you don't move I am going to call Security. Go ahead I think in my head. Where am I? Honestly? So the security guard comes and gets in my face acosting me saying, "Mam you need to have her sit dow. I start to explain myself again, when he interupts and says. You are in violation of Fedral Regulation blah blah blah. If you don't have her sit down I will fine you $1500. I continued to explain...I don't think YOU UNDERSTAND SHE CAN NOT MOVE OR TALK AND I CAN'T MOVE HER BY MYSELF! He continued to be an ASS and said, I am going to get more security. I thought go right ahead. I think that as he was walking away something clicked in his head and he brought back a wheel chair. She slumped over in it and my other co-worker came in from parking the car...as we were putting her in the wheel chair. He asked what was going on and I told him of the confrontations that had just taken place, he went back and talked to the guy again, and said, I don't think you understand how serious this is. He then arogantly said, we have to get to these other people and then we will get to her. As he was walking away, He said, if she dies it is in your hands. He proceeded to call a couple more people and finally got to us...What is wrong with this picture. I understand there are policies and procedures to keep things running smoothly, but honestly...No one deserves to be treated like that. When they are in such a serious condition...It was as if they could not take one minute of their time to listen to what was going on, just because I wasn't screaming and yelling or blood wasn't everywhere, they acted as if we were there with the flu. Something is morbidly wrong with this and I hope that no one else has to go through what we did. Good Glory!

It WORKS!

2008-05-01T19:52:00.000-07:00

So I asked Joe about the moped/scooter that I have been so bummed about. And he, Amy, Katie, and I were all out there looking at it and we were just talking about it and I'm not sure who it was, Joe or Katie, said have you tried it with the kick stand up? And I thought, yeah of course. But we did it and it WORKED. People are so smart. Who would have thought it could be that simple. So I just took it for a little ride around the block and I got it up to a whole 35 mph. YES! It is so FUN! Don't worry I wore my snowboard helmet, and I am sure I looked pretty hot. So much so that people kept driving past me...Or it could of been that the speed limit was 45. Yeah I think they may have been a little annoyed. Oh well. I am gettin around. And it is Great Fun!

Crazy, or Cell Mates? Hmm... I would say Friends and Roomates.

2008-04-30T22:00:00.000-07:00

Me and My Roomates

Six spectacular, splendid, savory, sassy, sweet, snappy, snowy, I can't think of any more "s" adjetives....to be continued.

This is Brooke. She is my roommate. She moved here to Las Vegas in January. I love Brooke...She is so funny. One of many moments I love is when they brought us the Eclair at Claim Jumpers, and when she saw it she said, "Oh my HELL" It was so great. She is patient, fun to do things with, and (movies, american idol, games etc) a great cheer leader. I love it when she comes to my soccer games.

This is Cassidy. She is in a waterslide in this picture. She loves waterslides and she is way Cute! Honestly. So she was in the Grease lightening ride at the fair. (Not a waterslide)I love playing Tennis with Cassidy, We are almost evenly matched except for when I win. Cassidy is great with people and I love her laugh, gag, and other noises that she makes...She also has mastered the perfect mormon dance that works for all songs!

This is Amy and Joe. I live with Amy. She is going to marry Joe. They are perfect for each other and SO much fun. Dance Parties need I say more?
I love when Amy is laughing so hard that she can't speak. I love it when she hears the wrong thing and gets confused, because it happens to me all the time. Boggie Boarding at the Beach, wooohooooo. I always consult Amy on the weather when she gets back from her run...So I can decide what to wear.

Erika and I live in the same room. Also known as a cell mate. :) It is her birthday tomorrow! She loves bubbles...I'll let you aks her about that. She is my sista from anoda motha. She is a superhero, loves lettuce, and when she works her hardest she'll be her smartest. My personal favorite is seeing a horse/donkey that didn't exist, and sleeping in her car. Miserable... maybe, but memorable for sure. I love the pranks, and I love Erika.

This is Myra...The size of the picture kind of represents a lot of things...Ha ha Not at all. It is just hard to find pictures of these guys without anyone in the picture with them. They are all just very popular. Myra did make the pedestal rank of top five, and was priviledge to have her own following called the "myrans" apparentally. Myra has a great way of listening and having great converstaions when people really need it. She is great at all sports, (she is kind of a hidden sports fanatic.) Just ask about our famous basketball game. She and I fight the most...With pumpkin inards, wrestling, how to cook bacon etc. Don't worry I still Love her and love everything (including fights and sometimes I encourage it.)! She is such a caring person and cares about everyones feelings.

End Note: I am not done. This is going to be a continual post...Where I keep adding stuff about these people. My roomates and I talked about doing something like this...I just think I am the first one to actually do it. Ha Ha beat ya!(yes everything is a competitition in case you forgot.)

Bummed!

2008-04-30T21:55:00.000-07:00

O.k. So the count down is OVER! It came YESTERDAY! I was so excited. Bad news though...I can't get it to start. Jeff sent a friend over to come help. Scott was very Knowledgable and did a great job checking everything out, but alas it still doesn't work. We think it is the Spark plug there is no spark, but everything else looks good. I am so bummed. All I want to do is ride my moped. It looks pretty cool, but it doesn't work. NOT COOL. So if you know how to fix it, will you PLEASE help fix it. Thanks

Move over cars, here I come!

2008-04-22T20:11:00.000-07:00

I Just can't WAIT! I am so Excited to have fun with my moped. So it maybe was not the best thought out decision to buy a moped, but I just wanted one. I mean really look at the picture. Boys + Girls + Mopeds= FUN. Don't worry I'll keep you posted on when I get it and all of the adventures that are ahead. I hope it comes tomorrow! I might go crazy if it doesn't. I also think that all of my room mates who read this...(who is pretty much the only people who read my blog(and a few others)should get one too! We could have races and go on rides...The possibilities are endless. If you need help finding one I will be more than willing to help you. Just let me know! Let the count down till it gets here BEGIN.

Are you tough?

2008-03-22T18:57:00.000-07:00

SNOW!

I read something the other day and it said,

"Tough times will pass, but tough people won't." (I am pretty sure I slaughtered whatever the real quote is. But it caught my attention enough to think and write about it...So..yeah.)

I like to think that I am tough. There are definately times when I am obviously not. But when I think about my tough times that I have had in comparison with other people...I am not as tough as I think. However I know my Tough times are specifically for me.

Let me give you a few examples: My first season as Head coach for H.S. Soccer, (Crazy is the best word to describe it) Late nights, Angry Parents, Administrators, Crying, Angry Girls, Injuries, sickness, X coach critique, Paper Work, etc. To put it simply I was a little overwhelmed and wasn't expecting all of this. So this was just soccer, then there is My own random sicknesses which usually doesn't happen often, but I guess living with six girls, and being a teacher, my immune system became over worked. 102.3 Fever as a result, Next day: Car Accident...My fault. The lady I hit acted like she was 16 and was a drama queen...To say it nicely. Flat tire from the accident. Came home and found out I had burnt a little hole in the carpet with a hair Straightner. Later that night. My phone's Operating System Crashed and I lost ALL of my phone numbers.

Let me make it clear I am not writing this to get sympathy so people think oh that sucks, I am just saying everyone has tough times, and I am sharing a few of mine.

So this last week I started out my spring break and went Snowboarding at Brian Head with my friend Nancy. Ran into a small tree as I was cutting through the trees and got a nice little bruise on the back of my leg. Afterwards We went to the Grand Canyon to hike down and up in a day. There we found a lot of snow at our campsite. Was not planning on SNOW at all for this hike. On the way there we got a flat tire. Luckily we had met up with my Brother and he had noticed it and was able to help me out. We went Down the South Kibab Trail and up the Bright Angel Trail...The tops of the trails were very snowy and icy. Guess what I didn't bring...Shoes. I just brought my sandals. (That is what I usually hike in) So I bought some shoes. Overall the hike was GREAT. It was just that last mile and a half back up that I really thought I was going to fall over at any second and die. None of us did though. We all made it and we have a picture to prove it. We Cancelled our Havasuapi Falls hike after realizing we would have hiked close to 40 miles in three days...No question we could have done it... :) We just decided we wanted to relax (and when I say we I mean me.)

So I am tough?

Don't answer that.

I am on the move frequently and rarely take time to just do nothing...So These are direct results of my actions, and decisions. I am o.k. with that. Really I am. I rather have adventure and crazy experiences than sit at home and do nothing. I even have several students who ask what I did over the weekend, merely to hear about some crazy story, or how I got that cool bruise or scrape...

(Side note it is offically bike season again. I pulled out my bike yesterday and got it all tuned up and took a nice little ride...I fixed up my rommates bike today and went on another little ride, but It is now offical today because I stopped to enter our gate code so the gate would open and clipped out of my clip in pedals on the wrong side and tipped over and had my first little crash of the season. Speaking of cool Crashes...Amy had the best tumble on her longboard ever!)

ONE LAST DISCLAIMER: This is not for Sympathy...I don't want it. I am just concluding that everyone is tough! There are different levels and aspects of the word tough. Your tough may not be my tough, and probably isn't. But YOU ARE TOUGH!

Can You throw?

2008-02-22T17:53:00.000-08:00

Today was a cold, rainy day for Las Vegas... A frigid 55 degrees. So not wanting to go outside myself I let some of my classes play DODGEBALL. I frequently like to play this game with my classes. One class hour I decided to just watch for a while since it was giving the team an unfair advantage. As I did I laughed at how my students throw. This one was the best though. One girl wound up to throw as if to throw it as far as she could and used all her strength to throw it and it went straight down in front of her only a couple feet from her and I'm not sure how this happened, but she ended up falling backward from the effort. Puzzling...and unfortuntately somewhat entertaining. Same class one skinny little girl stayed to help me take things in which is always appreciated as we approached the door into the main gym she pulled on it with all her might and it didn't budge, so she said very matter of factly...Uh Case this door is locked. As I approached the door and pulled on it and opend it all I could do was smile and say, "oh really?"

Timing is Everything...

2008-02-19T22:31:00.000-08:00

Tiredness, stress, and crazy days are never a good combination...Timing is everything? I think I'm sold on that idea...Erika and I told my sister and brother in law some stories about school and the craziness... While watching their reactions I realized maybe it isn't the best thing to tell people about. To them it is a little overwhelming and sad that these are daily occurances. To us, it is our life...Some days (more than I like to admit), I think we get beat up with the stresses of our students...Which I wish no one to go through. Life is rough sometimes, but it only makes us stronger...Or just makes us the person we become...A refiners fire, smoothing out rocks are some common phrases that I hear. The best things in life are sometimes the hardest to acheive, but worth it. ALWAYS worth it. These words fall through the cracks for most ...I just hope that somewhere in the crack someone gets it. Time for things to really sink in. Time to talk. Time to LISTEN...really LISTEN. Is there ever enough time? YES but sometimes we have to make it.

Red Rock Springs

2008-02-18T14:31:00.000-08:00

2/18
9:00 am
Left to hike the Red Rock Springs... Got there early, and there were not too many people...(I like hiking with not a lot of people around...More peaceful). Started on the trail and noticed the time at 9:23. An older couple merged onto the trail and I continued on my own way...I became startled for a brief second only to realize it was a rabbit. (I enjoy seeing wildlife as long as it keeps it's distance). Continued around this hill wondered if it was going to be a mere walking trail. I am tempted to go off the trail and boulder up the rocks that surround me.
I eventually noticed that the trail went straight up a ravine, that went to the top. I scrambled up small boulders and sandstone and took a brief moment to look down. I had come a long way and the older couple behind me, were now ant figures. I looked up and saw a rock that became my next goal. I scaled the side of the wall going over and under bigger boulders. I finally reach it and took a second to stand on top of this rock. To my left I could see more ant figures and to the right I saw another trail with more people. Is this just the middle passing point?
I looked around me and on both sides the walls jetted straight up. I contemplated which side was more realistic to go up. I decided to go to my right. This required some more technical climbing...Three points on the mountain, at all times was my key to keep my nerves calmed as I continued to go higher and higher. At one point I looked down to see how far I had come. I thought to myself, wow this could make me afraid of heights a little. My curiousity gets the best of me as I continued to go a little higher and higher and around one group of rocks and another.
I finally decide it would be smart to start heading back down. I heard some people talking and eventually saw a dad and a couple of kids running down the trail...
As I get to more open spaces I noticed that there are Rock climbing spots all over this area. I contemplated if I could ever really get into rock climbing, I've done it a few times with some friends, and enjoyed it. I think the thrill of just bouldering up rocks is much more exhilerating to me, no ropes, just pure guts... I love this... It is my out, my connection, my life. A sense of accomplishment...This is only the second hike I've done all by myself here in Las Vegas, and it is a...rush I guess to know that you can do things on your own and even push yourself beyond your own expectations.

Do You get it?

2008-02-14T16:37:00.000-08:00

Just some questions
What is most important to you?
What makes you happy?
Are you pushing yourself out of your comfort zone?
Do you know how to trust?
Can you do it on your own?
Patience?
Are you Awake?
Fire?
If you are not changing what are you doing?
What are you doing to help people?
Is it sincere?
What do I make time for?
What are my priorities?
How important is it to maintain friendships?
How do you maintain friendships?
Why is it not o.k. to just make out with people?
Is there really dating leagues?
Do I really understand completely what people are going through?
Does understanding make a difference?
Can you effectivelly communicate without words?
Am I on edge? why?

Pranks!

2008-01-22T19:30:00.000-08:00

This is recently inspired by a couple of funny pranks/jokes that I got a good laugh out of. First of all I just have to get this out there that I LOVE a good prank.

It all started yesterday morning when some friends and I went on a hike we got to a certain point and some of us continued to go up the mountain and others stayed. I happened to be one that continued to go up... On our way back down our fellow hikers were no longer where they had been. We all assumed they had headed back to the car. As I got closer to the end...I came to the conclusion that the others must be in the car. Then the light bulb went off and I turned to the rest of them that were with me and came up with a plan.

I am going to run the rest of the way to the car and pretend that I am worried...Then ask if they have anything to splint an ankle and tell them that "Nancy" Fell a good twenty feet and can not put any pressure on her foot...and that I had left "Lisa" there to keep her calm and I ran the rest of the way to get help. We concluded that this could work... They stopped for a longer than normal water break while I ran the rest of the way to the car. As I approached the jeep I replayed in my mind what I would say. I got to the jeep and saw the two of them looking at me. I motioned to them to roll down the window. They rolled the window down and i doubled over to catch my breath then asked, "do we have something we can use to splint Nancy's ankle? She Fell..."Both of their mouths dropped open in concern and I can no longer look at them and keep a straight face so I bend over to "catch my breath again."

"Oh no, wait are you serious?!"

They have now caught my snickering face and are second guessing what is taking place.

"You are Lying?! You little SHIT!

That brief moment that lasted no more than a minute, will provide hundreds of smiles everytime I think of it. Some may think I have a twisted sense of humor. You may be right. But it is my humor and it entertains me. Am I "Crying Wolf?" I say no. I would like to think that I wouldn't be laughing if something was a problem...O.k. who am I kidding I might. So where is the line? You tell me.

So here is just a random list of Pranks that I have done or that have happened recently:

Erika's First Kiss

Las Vegas Showgirlz Cards

Erika Shrine

Condoms

Drivers License Frozen in a cup

Tennis Poster

Everything turned upside down

Slow Air Mattress leak

Clothes in cupboard

George Suprises

Chocolate Shower

Noodles in the Toothpaste

Toilet suprise

Everything in the room wrapped

missing couches

Heat mystery

Garbage Doors

Pudding wars

Hot sauce in the eye

Shaving Cream

Tampons

Fish paste in a bag on fire

Water through the window

Newspapper in Cars

Cat in Apt

Alarm Clocks

Stove Timers

Food in the Bath Tub

Water cups in Cupboard

Window tapping

Grasshoppers

Phone

Kitchen sink problems

Empty Rotton Milk Jugs

Toothpaste/Honey on cars

Concussion

Oh so much more...So what are some pranks you have done? How far is to far? All I know is that everytime I think of these specific ones it brings a smile to my face and I Love it, even if some of them were done to me.

Failure is not an option

2007-12-17T22:10:00.000-08:00

He wants us to fail, but when we do we put ourselves in Jail.

It is our own personal Hell

Faliure is not an option...

Or so they say

Disappointment, discouragement, discontent

He has won.

Fail in Life, in love, in games, in family, friends etc.

Winning is a habit, but so too is Losing.

How do we break a habit?

Create New Habits

Hard work, Determination, Dedication, NEVER GIVING UP!

A wise person once said Sometimes you lose...get over it.

This is a true fact...Life lesson learned

You learn from those losses and become all the better for it.

Is it really just a game?

In the end can we all win?

Not by ourselves, Never By ourselves Only with the help of others.

If we never climb the mountain with all the struggles along the way...

We will never see the beauty that awaits us at the top.

It may take some of us longer than others to get there,

but the view is still the same.

We have no one or nothing to blame

Patience is the Key to this game.

Disclaimer: This is pretty lame...I know. attempt at a poem'ish writing, not really my thing, but I just wanted to try it. It was kind of fun.

Love

2007-12-16T09:38:00.000-08:00

"Love, Is just a game."
"I was made for lovin you baby, You were made for lovin me"
Love is such a broad term. I write this blog with it being the christmas season and this is the word that comes to mind. So I just wanted to make a list of things I LOVE.
I Love:
Christmas
Snow
Sun
Palm Trees
Sun Sets
Fireworks
Blankets
Sweaters
Mom
Dad
Esther
Janine
Becky
Gaylene
Jr.
Annette
Thomas
Tami
James
Nephews
Neices
Emily
Holly
Tyrie
Amy
Cassidy
Erika
Myra
Mindy
Phil
Nate
Jacob
Tyler
Steve
Zack
Jonathan
Bri
Marti
Joel
Andrea
Linda
Graham
Shabi
o.k. I am stopping with the specific names I am going to get more general
Indoor Soccer team
H.S. Soccer Team
Classes
Smell of Trees
Food
Snowboarding
Fresh snow
Rocks
Basketball
Beach
Water
Bed
Temples
Movies
Games
Mofia
Nertz
Rage
Grass
Falling Leaves
STARS
Chicago everything
Hot chocolate
Music
Mission People
Leaders/Teachers
Grand Canyon
Pickles
Trampolines
swimming
cliff jumping
Lake Powell
Christmas music
Truth
Job
Exercise
Scriptures
spending time with my family
Hugs
compliments
smiles
massages
sandwhiches
People
Triathalons
Jokes
Laughing
winning
Making silly movies
Summer Break
Any break from school
Reading
Shopping
Kelly Canyon
Sand dunes
Civil Defense Caves
Beaver Mountain
Red Rock
Mt. Charleston
Wind Caves
Pine Creek Dam
Hyrum Dam
Bear Lake
Rigby Lake
"R" Mountain
Marie Parkinson
Roomates
Lagoon
pranks
Ronnie McDonald
Jeremy
Kisses
Wrigley Field
Basketball
Tennis
flag football
Ultimate Frisbee
Nuts(pistachios)
my Cell phone
Text messages
Talking
Lotion
SOCKS
All right so I know there are so many more things that I love, but I am bored and hungry so I am done for now. There are so many levels of love. Around this time of year I am always reminded it is Not about us...It is about others. The ultimate love of Christ and how we should love all people as Christ did. We are so much happier when we do this. Sometimes we get hurt, but it doesn't matter. We Love and LEARN and keep Loving....
All my Love,
Liz

Special Case

2007-11-06T20:53:00.000-08:00

Yet again another classic example of how special I am! Red, Pink...It goes together I promise. It's coming back just you watch. Talking of coming back...The fannie pack, you can not go wrong with that. Small confession: (I'm pretty sure I didn't catch that fish. My brother James that is standing in the back ground by the door, he's probably the one that caught it.) I sure look proud of catching that fish though. That is where my love or Lack of love for fish truely started I believe. My older brother Junior...Cooked those fish up and couldn't get the fire started so he sprayed mosquito repellent to get the fire going...(So I am told) You gotta love Fish cooked in Mosquito repellent. For some odd reason I am reminded of the church movie "On our Way Home"when I look at this picture. Remember, it's the one where the little girl goes fishing with her family and her brother lets her catch a fish and she takes pictures with them. Ooohhh! Cute.
Disclaimer to all! I can not spell! :)

What is this blogging buisness?

2007-10-28T19:15:00.000-07:00

So, I am fairly new to this blogging world. I have four fabulous roomates, who all have blogs. I have read a few of them and I am very impressed with their clever posts. I feel somewhat inadequate to attemp the world of blogging. But I am willing to face my fears and give it a whirl. I'm not sure how I'll use this, but we'll just roll with what comes and see what happens. I'm not sure I want to post anything yet. I'll leave myself in suspense of whats to come...I say myself, because I'm not sure If I'll let anyone know that this exisits yet.