I have always loved the month of May. Maybe it has to do with the fact that my birthday is in May... but there is so much more!
May is just a beautiful sounding word/name.
May flowers are beautiful.
The weather is finally getting so nice!
School is over/soon over.
You get to wear flip-flops and shorts again!
Yellow and pink are big spring colors.
Mother's Day is in May, and everyone loves Mothers!
Summer is right around the corner with all the exciting plans for vacations.
I could go on and on.
Moral of the story: May rocks.
I have always thought these things, but now May is even more exciting for me. May is the last month that stands between me and Scott. He comes home on June 1st! That is less than 3 weeks from now!! Elder Whitclock reported to the MTC on May 27, 2009 and he is finally coming home June 1, 2011.
The best month of the year is the last month before we are back together - I can take that :) It just makes May that much more happy and exciting for me!
Friday, May 13, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
21 years old
Yesterday I turned 21 years old. Wow. I was talking to my brother and I told him that it doesn't seem right that I, the baby, am now 21. Babies are not 21 years old. Its just weird. But very exciting at the same time. I predict that this will be the most exciting and adventurous year of my life :)
So this morning I woke up and I was a teeny bit miserable. I ended up sitting on the bathroom floor. I was very tired and my body hurt. Does this sound like a typical experience the morning after a person turns 21? Well let me tell you how it came to be:
I woke up around 6 am on my birthday (Cinco de Mayo) and I hiked up to the Y here in Provo with my best friend Karina. We wore sombreros for the occasion and got many stares and laughs, we loved it! We got to the top a little before 7:30 and we were able to see the sun spread across Utah Valley; it was gorgeous. For both of us, this was our 5th time hiking the Y, appropriate for 5.5.2011 no? :)
We took many pictures and laughed and loved it all! We got a few songs stuck in our heads along the way, so at the top we listened to them on my new iPhone. One of those songs was the little music video after the game Plants vs. Zombies that my sister showed me, so we looked it up and watched it. At the end of the video it said that the game was created on 5.5.2009 - so we celebrated the birthday of PvZ too! haha
Then we went home, got ready for the day and had a fun picnic at the park! HACKM [Holly, Ashley, Clarissa, Karina, Mark] enjoyed the sun and the glorious weather and took lots of super fun pictures. Then I had work, then class, an hour break, and another class til 9:30 pm. But my roommates informed me that they were going to pick me up during my break, so at home I was greeted by the delicious smell of burritos. And a gorgeous bouquet of daisies from Scott!! And I got a letter with the memory card in it too! I screamed and jumped and smiled so big. It was PERFECT.
We enjoyed our food and my roommates gave me my presents, including a package from my my mama! I then had a slice of cake and had to rush off for my next class. But it was a birthday miracle because we got out at 8:45! :D That NEVER happens! I got to talk to my brother on the phone as I walked home and then relaxed with my roommates and a few friends that happened to be over. Mark then gave me his present - Tangled on DVD! That is my favorite movie! But the friends had to go and Karina and I played some card games as Ashley and Clarissa did laundry and whatnot. But then out of nowhere I had a blindfold on and I was being directed out to the car! My roommates played really loud music and spun me around and wouldn't tell me where we were going.
I was blind, but singing and laughing and then I was guided through a strange area outside before my blindfold was removed and there was a small group of friends around a fire pit with the fixings for s'mores! It was the best! We laughed and danced and ate delicious roasted marshmallows, I loved it! Then we even got to watch Tangled, a perfect ending to the perfect day. :)
So waking up with a stuffed, and then bloody, nose isn't the worst thing to happen. And being tired and sore from so many adventures and clean fun times is NOT the worst way to spend the day after my 21st birthday. :) I definitely started off this year of my life with a bang and I am so ready for everything else that is coming! :D
So this morning I woke up and I was a teeny bit miserable. I ended up sitting on the bathroom floor. I was very tired and my body hurt. Does this sound like a typical experience the morning after a person turns 21? Well let me tell you how it came to be:
I woke up around 6 am on my birthday (Cinco de Mayo) and I hiked up to the Y here in Provo with my best friend Karina. We wore sombreros for the occasion and got many stares and laughs, we loved it! We got to the top a little before 7:30 and we were able to see the sun spread across Utah Valley; it was gorgeous. For both of us, this was our 5th time hiking the Y, appropriate for 5.5.2011 no? :)
We took many pictures and laughed and loved it all! We got a few songs stuck in our heads along the way, so at the top we listened to them on my new iPhone. One of those songs was the little music video after the game Plants vs. Zombies that my sister showed me, so we looked it up and watched it. At the end of the video it said that the game was created on 5.5.2009 - so we celebrated the birthday of PvZ too! haha
Then we went home, got ready for the day and had a fun picnic at the park! HACKM [Holly, Ashley, Clarissa, Karina, Mark] enjoyed the sun and the glorious weather and took lots of super fun pictures. Then I had work, then class, an hour break, and another class til 9:30 pm. But my roommates informed me that they were going to pick me up during my break, so at home I was greeted by the delicious smell of burritos. And a gorgeous bouquet of daisies from Scott!! And I got a letter with the memory card in it too! I screamed and jumped and smiled so big. It was PERFECT.
We enjoyed our food and my roommates gave me my presents, including a package from my my mama! I then had a slice of cake and had to rush off for my next class. But it was a birthday miracle because we got out at 8:45! :D That NEVER happens! I got to talk to my brother on the phone as I walked home and then relaxed with my roommates and a few friends that happened to be over. Mark then gave me his present - Tangled on DVD! That is my favorite movie! But the friends had to go and Karina and I played some card games as Ashley and Clarissa did laundry and whatnot. But then out of nowhere I had a blindfold on and I was being directed out to the car! My roommates played really loud music and spun me around and wouldn't tell me where we were going.
I was blind, but singing and laughing and then I was guided through a strange area outside before my blindfold was removed and there was a small group of friends around a fire pit with the fixings for s'mores! It was the best! We laughed and danced and ate delicious roasted marshmallows, I loved it! Then we even got to watch Tangled, a perfect ending to the perfect day. :)
So waking up with a stuffed, and then bloody, nose isn't the worst thing to happen. And being tired and sore from so many adventures and clean fun times is NOT the worst way to spend the day after my 21st birthday. :) I definitely started off this year of my life with a bang and I am so ready for everything else that is coming! :D
Monday, April 18, 2011
Over a month later...
I fully survived Practicum [with only a head cold]!
I am done with all classes for my Junior year of college!
I have 3 more finals to take before I am officially a Senior!
I was notified today that I received a scholarship from the David O. McKay School of Education!!!
I get to visit home in 4 days!
Scott comes home in less than 7 weeks!!!
Life is very exciting right now. And busy. I promise I will update fully on everything soon. But as for right now I am trying to keep up with all the things that need to be done ASAP as possible ;) And as I was just told over the phone "We love you Holly, but we know you are a procrastinator..." bahaha. Oh how my family knows me :) I'll get to work to fight the procrastination in me.
Here I go....!
I am done with all classes for my Junior year of college!
I have 3 more finals to take before I am officially a Senior!
I was notified today that I received a scholarship from the David O. McKay School of Education!!!
I get to visit home in 4 days!
Scott comes home in less than 7 weeks!!!
Life is very exciting right now. And busy. I promise I will update fully on everything soon. But as for right now I am trying to keep up with all the things that need to be done ASAP as possible ;) And as I was just told over the phone "We love you Holly, but we know you are a procrastinator..." bahaha. Oh how my family knows me :) I'll get to work to fight the procrastination in me.
Here I go....!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Week 1 - CHECK!
I can hardly believe that I have already been in the schools for a whole week already. I SURVIVED! :)
I love working in an actual classroom with second graders. I don't always love those second graders... but I love the experience I am getting and how much I am learning as I get to actually put my knowledge into practice. Practicum = Practice. And I am starting to really understand that.
I observed a lot for the first few days, taking notes of how my mentor teacher runs the class and the routine for the students each day. Then on Tuesday I had my first formal observation. I taught a little Guided Reading group about Expression as they read "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" and it went really well. I got a bit nervous right beforehand because its intimidating to have 2 amazing and experienced women watching my every move and listening to my every word. They were so sweet and supportive though as we discussed the lesson afterward and they gave me some awesome compliments and suggestions.
The end of the week was a bit adventurous as my teacher was out of town at a conference and I was left in the class with a substitute. I felt confident being able to take up a bit more responsibility and helping the sub understand how certain things go in the class. But then on Friday the substitute had to leave at 1:45 and I was left with the class all by myself until the end of the day at 3:15. That was insane. The class is normally very talkative and there are a few problem students who require more patience and supervision, so I was VERY grateful when the bell finally rang and the weekend arrived!!
Now this week I will be teaching more whole-class lessons and then I will have my second formal observation on Wednesday teaching a Whole-Class Direct Instruction Lesson. I am nervous to see how the students will be, but I'm excited to see how I do.
But my mentor teacher is going to be gone again Tuesday-Thursday for knee surgery... I would appreciate any prayers on my behalf that the students will cooperate and my lesson will go smoothly!
Here we go....!
I love working in an actual classroom with second graders. I don't always love those second graders... but I love the experience I am getting and how much I am learning as I get to actually put my knowledge into practice. Practicum = Practice. And I am starting to really understand that.
I observed a lot for the first few days, taking notes of how my mentor teacher runs the class and the routine for the students each day. Then on Tuesday I had my first formal observation. I taught a little Guided Reading group about Expression as they read "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" and it went really well. I got a bit nervous right beforehand because its intimidating to have 2 amazing and experienced women watching my every move and listening to my every word. They were so sweet and supportive though as we discussed the lesson afterward and they gave me some awesome compliments and suggestions.
The end of the week was a bit adventurous as my teacher was out of town at a conference and I was left in the class with a substitute. I felt confident being able to take up a bit more responsibility and helping the sub understand how certain things go in the class. But then on Friday the substitute had to leave at 1:45 and I was left with the class all by myself until the end of the day at 3:15. That was insane. The class is normally very talkative and there are a few problem students who require more patience and supervision, so I was VERY grateful when the bell finally rang and the weekend arrived!!
Now this week I will be teaching more whole-class lessons and then I will have my second formal observation on Wednesday teaching a Whole-Class Direct Instruction Lesson. I am nervous to see how the students will be, but I'm excited to see how I do.
But my mentor teacher is going to be gone again Tuesday-Thursday for knee surgery... I would appreciate any prayers on my behalf that the students will cooperate and my lesson will go smoothly!
Here we go....!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Tomorrow is March
Currently, I am terrified of March. March is the month I will be working in an elementary school with a mentor teacher.
I will meet my mentor teacher on Thursday. Then in the afternoon I will substitute a first, second, or third grade class all by myself. ALL. BY. MYSELF.
Then Friday will be my first day in the 2nd grade classroom where I will eventually work up to teaching a lesson a day. I will have certain observations I need to make, assessments I need to administer, types of lessons I need to give, be observed and even recorded.
I have been so excited for this for so long. But right now all I feel is terror.
what if...
what if...
but...
what if...
what do i do...
but...
how...
what if...
This is going to be a bigger adventure than I bargained for.
I will meet my mentor teacher on Thursday. Then in the afternoon I will substitute a first, second, or third grade class all by myself. ALL. BY. MYSELF.
Then Friday will be my first day in the 2nd grade classroom where I will eventually work up to teaching a lesson a day. I will have certain observations I need to make, assessments I need to administer, types of lessons I need to give, be observed and even recorded.
I have been so excited for this for so long. But right now all I feel is terror.
what if...
what if...
but...
what if...
what do i do...
but...
how...
what if...
This is going to be a bigger adventure than I bargained for.
Monday, February 21, 2011
3-Day-Weekend!
This is the last holiday until the end of the semester. Kind of sad that it only happens halfway through the entire semester, but hey- I'm grateful for it!
Friday I ended up working a double shift and covering for a sick friend, so when I got home I rested my legs and enjoyed an episode of Chuck. Such a great show! :D
Saturday I felt sick when I woke up and I was pretty much a bum for a long time, but I started feeling better and was able to drive up to Salt Lake with Karina to hang out with our friend Trent! We hadn't seen him in such a long time, but his birthday was recent so we went up to have a late celebration. We laughed and caught up and enjoyed some goood food at The Pie in SLC. The food was greasy and delicious. The atmosphere was fun and relaxed. The company was hilarious. A great combination!
Then we got some super delicious cheese cake from the Cheesecake Factory and shared those before watching a few episodes of Chuck. Karina doesn't watch the show, unlike Trent and I who are HUGE fans, so we caught her up on the first 2 episodes of the series. True friends share what they love, right? :)
It ended up snowing for about a little bit while we were there and I was able to enjoy the huge flakes in my new coat for the first time! So much fun.
Seriously, the whole night was amazing!
Sunday was great with church and some friends over for dinner. Karina made delicious Best-Friend-Burritos and Ashley made home-made brownies. YUMM
Now its Monday and I finished my homework, did my laundry, and practiced curling my hair. For one of my classes I have to spend 10 hours learning something new, and I have never learned how to curl my hair, so that is what I chose. I have felt unlike a true girl for not having this skill, so my roommates are helping me :) It was a pretty frustrating process, but here is my first attempt. FYI- Karina helped me with a few critical pieces, but here is the finished product:
Now I'm going to enjoy the rest of this holiday with reading and then watching the Bachelor with my roommates [my guilty pleasure]. Have a great President's Day Everybody!
Friday I ended up working a double shift and covering for a sick friend, so when I got home I rested my legs and enjoyed an episode of Chuck. Such a great show! :D
Saturday I felt sick when I woke up and I was pretty much a bum for a long time, but I started feeling better and was able to drive up to Salt Lake with Karina to hang out with our friend Trent! We hadn't seen him in such a long time, but his birthday was recent so we went up to have a late celebration. We laughed and caught up and enjoyed some goood food at The Pie in SLC. The food was greasy and delicious. The atmosphere was fun and relaxed. The company was hilarious. A great combination!
Then we got some super delicious cheese cake from the Cheesecake Factory and shared those before watching a few episodes of Chuck. Karina doesn't watch the show, unlike Trent and I who are HUGE fans, so we caught her up on the first 2 episodes of the series. True friends share what they love, right? :)
It ended up snowing for about a little bit while we were there and I was able to enjoy the huge flakes in my new coat for the first time! So much fun.
Seriously, the whole night was amazing!
Sunday was great with church and some friends over for dinner. Karina made delicious Best-Friend-Burritos and Ashley made home-made brownies. YUMM
Now its Monday and I finished my homework, did my laundry, and practiced curling my hair. For one of my classes I have to spend 10 hours learning something new, and I have never learned how to curl my hair, so that is what I chose. I have felt unlike a true girl for not having this skill, so my roommates are helping me :) It was a pretty frustrating process, but here is my first attempt. FYI- Karina helped me with a few critical pieces, but here is the finished product:
Now I'm going to enjoy the rest of this holiday with reading and then watching the Bachelor with my roommates [my guilty pleasure]. Have a great President's Day Everybody!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Fantastic February
February is amazing, and this post is dedicated to the awesomeness of this month:
-Valentine's Day! My Math class usually gets out super early so we decided to throw ourselves a classic Elementary School Valentine's Party with candy and to pass out valentine cards to everyone. It was SO much fun! I love my major!
-The main reason I love Valentine's Day though is because its the day that Scott and I went on our first date :) I can hardly believe it was 2 whole years ago!
-Along with February marking the first date for me and Scott it marks a lot of other firsts and great memories together :)
-February is a short month and means its getting close to June- the EPIC exciting month of the summer, of the YEAR! [Scott comes home June 1st :)]
-Another 3-day weekend! I love getting an extra day to relax and have adventures with my friends. This 3-day weekend coming up will be the last holiday of the semester, so I plan on enjoying it!
-My classes are winding down and my Practicum will start in March! I'll meet my Mentor Teacher on March 3rd and then start working in the Second Grade classroom the next day!
Moral of this post: February is an exciting month! :D
-Valentine's Day! My Math class usually gets out super early so we decided to throw ourselves a classic Elementary School Valentine's Party with candy and to pass out valentine cards to everyone. It was SO much fun! I love my major!
-The main reason I love Valentine's Day though is because its the day that Scott and I went on our first date :) I can hardly believe it was 2 whole years ago!
-Along with February marking the first date for me and Scott it marks a lot of other firsts and great memories together :)
-February is a short month and means its getting close to June- the EPIC exciting month of the summer, of the YEAR! [Scott comes home June 1st :)]
-Another 3-day weekend! I love getting an extra day to relax and have adventures with my friends. This 3-day weekend coming up will be the last holiday of the semester, so I plan on enjoying it!
-My classes are winding down and my Practicum will start in March! I'll meet my Mentor Teacher on March 3rd and then start working in the Second Grade classroom the next day!
Moral of this post: February is an exciting month! :D
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
