Packing stinks. I have too much stuff. That's all.

You Know You're A First Year Teacher When...

In the last two nights, I've had two nightmares about the first day of school. They were funny when I woke up but not during.

Nightmare #1- I got a call from subfinder and agreed to sub for a Ms. Gilbert on the first day of school. She was really organized. An hour into the day I realized that I had my own class to teach. I got to my school late and my principal was totally unimpressed. I had no idea what I was doing because I hadn't prepared a thing.

Nightmare #2- I think I'm a student teacher but I get to the class on the first day and the teacher turns it all over to me. My 5th graders are sitting stadium style. They don't respect me. I have nothing prepared. Bad news.

I think these dreams are trying to tell me to get prepared. Or maybe they are telling me that I am spending way too much time thinking about the first day of school. (thanks to Ben Crowder for the pretty picture)

Cute Nephew, Not So Cute Zoo

Mom, Keyton, and I went to the Boise Zoo today. It was hot. The zoo was pretty pathetic but there were some interesting animals: komodo dragon, sloth bear, tigers, penguins, tamarin monkeys. Mostly Keyton was cute. These pictures are proof.

A Brief Look at My Classroom

Here are some shots of my classroom next year. It is big but I'm going to have 35+ students so I won't have a lot of extra room. I've got a lot of work to do.

Phuket Photos

Next time I go to Thailand, I will go to the beach again. But probably a different one. Phuket was so beautiful but so expensive. These pictures are from the day we went snorkeling on some surrounding islands. It rocked.

Islands near Phuket

Tom and I took this boat out to some surrounding islands near Phuket. It was gorgeous. Hopefully this video shows up.

Avery. Aidan, and Keyton are Adorable

Yea, they are pretty cute. They must get it from me.

Rasmussen Reunion 2008

Grandpa Rasmussen couldn't make it this year. Neither could Carma. But, of the 8 remaining Rasmussen children, 6 came. Crazy that my grandpa is second to oldest now. It was fun cramming 2 air mattresses, luggage, Dad, Mom, Keyton, Nick, Tom, and Me into a tent. My ear plugs worked well. Also pictured: Alex, Aidan, Avery, Sylvia, and Keyton.

Hulls Gulch Hike

I think it was Memorial Day that we went on this hike. Keyton did a great job. He hiked the whole way down. The foothills were really pretty in May. It was good walking prep for Thailand and Cambodia.

Middle Class White Trash

Come on in. The door's wide open.

Some More Thailand and Cambodia Pics

I Bought A Car...Tomorrow

I've been thinking about what sort of car I want for several months. I've gone back and forth between Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla. I wasn't really happy with either of those for various reasons. I finally decided that I was going to have to pay a little more to get the car I want. Mom and I went car shopping today and I found the car I want. It is a 2006 Nissan Sentra with 20,300 miles. Not tons of bells and whistles but it drives nicely and I think I'll like it. Fern is processing my loan right now and it should be ready for tomorrow. Then, I'll have my own car. I'm excited but not looking forward to a monthly car payment.

For Mike