Next year..

I'll still be at Snow Springs teaching 5th grade. But, I just found out today that I get a Smart Board, Elmo, and Digital Projector in my room next year. I can use them everyday! The projector should get installed sometime in the next week. I can't wait.

Why I nearly crashed my car...

I was running errands on Saturday and felt totally annoyed with the rain because it was ruining all of my plans and my hair. But, then I saw this...



This picture doesn't even do it justice. It is the most beautiful rainbow I have ever seen. Every color was completely vivid and it was HUGE. Because it was so low to the ground, it looked like a brilliant sunrise. The fact that all of the trees are in bloom and very green right now created a perfect backdrop. I drove for about 5 minutes but wasn't being very safe because I kept staring at the rainbow. I finally stopped for a few minutes to get a picture.

Sumana's Shower

Sumana was one of my companions in Pakkret. She is getting married in August and her bridal shower was Saturday. It was fun to reunite with some old mission friends. It's weird to think I've been back nearly 2.5 years. Time flies.

Rugby

This was my first game. The scrums and picking up guys by their shorts was a little awkward but it was really fun to watch. The best part was when Tom scored all 10 of the points for BSU. Tom pretty much got all of the athletic talent in my family. It was fun to spend the afternoon with Mom, Mike, and Tom. That doesn't happen very often these days.

Fajitas

These turned out to be really delicious. I will definitely make them again.

Nam Tok Non-success

Nick said I should take pictures of what I cook. In my entire life, I've probably cooked a total of 20 meals. 20 is probably too generous. But, my new goal is to cook at least twice each week.

I went to China Super Market to get supplies for Pad Krapow Gai, but they disappointed me. They had no basil, no shallots, nothing I actually needed. So, I got Nam Tok seasoning and mint instead.

I met several disasters. First, someone melted the rim of my rice cooker so it doesn't fit in the cooker anymore. I still tried to do it but it short circuited and now doesn't work at all. So, I am out one rice cooker. My sticky rice got about 60% cooked. I had to put it into a pot on the stove but in order for it to not burn, I had to add more water which just made the rice disgusting. Then, I poured in the entire Nam Tok seasoning. Big mistake. It was too much. Also, I cooked the meat too hot and some of it burned. I am determined to overcome my cooking challenges though. Expect me on Iron Chef.



The mango was heavenly and cheap (only 60 cents). The strawberries were pretty but I wouldn't recommend eating them with sweetened sticky rice. They were too sweet. The sticky rice wasn't great.

The Layovers were worth it

When I bought my ticket in the fall, I imagined that spring break in the twin cities would be freezing and I'd have to bring my warmest coat. But, I left behind the snow in Utah and went to 70 degree weather in the twin cities. Nick and Lachelle were good hosts and it was fun to meet Lola. I'm sure I have an inaccurate view of what it is really like there since I've been both times in the spring, but they are pretty great cities.

I used to take more pictures. I don't know what my problem is. Hopefully these will give you a little flavor of my vacation.

I'm not sure what is happening this picture with my face, but the sculpture garden in Minneapolis was interesting. Unfortunately, the cherry on the spoon was being cleaned or restored or something but I still managed to entertain myself with some of the other artwork. The worst: a rectangular area surrounded by granite benches with absurd quotes. I'm not sure how that is art.



St. Paul's cathedral is huge and gorgeous. Keyton and I look with mealworms compared to it.



Nick: Hey, Keyton. What sound does a turtle make?
Keyton: Turtle, turtle


Keyton designated himself as Queen Ant and we crawled through tiny tunnels not made for adults. It was fun until some snotty nosed kid at the museum wanted me to play with him in the tunnels. After that, I got out fast. I only play with kids I like in tunnels.


Last photo opportunity with Lola, Keyton, and Nick.