Marguerite’s Mystifying Memoirs

New Job

2011-09-24T14:21:00.000-07:00

So just to let everyone know I have taken a new job. Let me preface this by saying that the job is not a permanent job, and I may find myself back at the Reagan Library in a few months. So anyway about the job, it is a long-term sub job at Apollo High School, the continuation school here in Simi. I teach 3 classes of US History and 3 classes of Government. I started there on Wednesday, I was only able to give the Reagan Library one day of notice, as I only knew about it on Monday. I am not yet sure how I feel about the job, the students, or the school, thus far it has been a little challenging, but not impossible. Change is Always Scary! I guess I am one of those people that is always going to have unusual jobs. The nice thing about the job is that it will allow me to keep teaching Seminary, as school does not start until 8:45. Thus far, Seminary has been nice, the students do talk a bit, but nothing unusual. For those still wondering I was in the audience for the Debate but did not stay for the whole thing (I had to be at an assigned location to help move people to the reception). I heard some people say they saw me on Hardball as we were setting up both the day of the Debate and the day before. I guess I should have recorded it so I could have seen myself. But, maybe it is a good thing, I might only have been disappointed in how I looked. More maybe I would have decided I needed to go into TV after that. :-)

Keeping Up is Hard to Do

2011-07-31T09:44:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a while, okay, over a year since my last post. But keep in mind I have had a very busy year. First, I just finished teaching my second year of seminary, this time Doctrine and Covenants and Church History. This topic was really hard for me because I have never really studied them much and I did not really attend that year of seminary myself (I graduated from seminary by doing make-up work). I also had a few students that I struggled with; they were only there because their parents made them.

In October Mom, Sarah, and I travelled to Poland to visit Jon, Liz, and Ania. During our trip we had a few interesting adventures. First, we had decided to travel from Warsaw to Prague to Vienna to Krakow and then back to Warsaw, so basically a huge circle. Well, we decided the best way for us to travel would be by car, so we rented a "mini van" first of all the minivan did hold officially 7 people, but it was basically a hatchback car with two seats in the trunk. So we all managed to squeeze in and we all travelled with the smallest amount of luggage we could manage, but most of the luggage area we had was taken up with the stroller. But the best part was that the car was a manual transmission, now don't get me wrong we knew that was what it was going to be and Dana Hammon, and Emilie were both nice enough to give me lessons several times, however, I still did not know much about it, and we stalled countless times! Our drive to Prague was long (we knew it would be) and since the car rental place had run out of GPS units we were traveling with maps. When we finally found our hotel, Jon insisted I run my car up onto the curb and park, and I am like this curb is to high for that, but I did it and what do you know, we got a flat tire. One of the hotel staff people was nice enough to help us, after we were unable to locate any tire changing equipment, but the car got to the parking lot and the next day he helped us get a new tire while we toured Prague, I do not know about the rest of the group but I loved that city. It was so beautiful and had such a nice time.

So then we went on to Vienna, as we were driving we got pulled over by the police, he told us we did not have our headlights on, which are required at all times there, and that was a fine. Then he told us we did not have our sticker necessary to drive on that toll road. Thankfully, Liz and Jon's Polish enabled us to talk a little to them in Czech. We said we were waiting for the toll gates so we could pay, but he said no you go to a gas station and pay the fine and they give you a sticker to display granting you access to the road, and of course since we did not have one that would be an even bigger fine. So Liz and I start to pull money out of our wallets, Liz has Polish money, which they do not want, and I have like 20 American dollars, at this point the cops were just laughing at the stupid Americans with no cash (we had been using credit cards for most of everything thus far). They let us go and told us to stop at the next station and get a sticker and I turned our headlights on, the headlights never came off again. So needless to say when we crossed the border into Austria we stopped at the first gas station and bought all the stickers we would need. We had a great time in Austria.

Then, on to Krakow, Jon needed to get back for work, so he took the train home and Liz, Sarah, Ania, Mom, and I spent a few days there. It is also a beautiful town, and we enjoyed the atmosphere. When we got back to Warsaw, I was thrilled to no longer have to drive and I think by the last day, I finally was able to drive the whole way without stalling once. But, if I ever do that again, I do not care about the costs I will rent a car with an automatic transmission!

So during this trip I was also writing a paper, in fact while in Prague, I sent my chapter 2 in. So the next thing keeping me busy this year was I completed my Masters in Education, so this past year I wrote my thesis, technically an action research project. So I was really busy with that as well. I would go home from work, work on my seminary lesson, and then attempt to write my paper. But it finally all got done and I graduated. I was not really sure about going to my actual graduation ceremony, but I did, and Mom, Dad, and Sarah came along. The graduation could have been better, as they had us all sit willy-nilly (no alphabetical or even in our own departments); nobody actually knew when their child’s name was going to be called. And the "diploma" they gave us was a rolled up piece of paper (I am serious) with a bow on it. Really you could not spring for the fake leather holders, how cheap can you get, considering we all paid $25,000 to complete our degrees.

At Christmas time the family had a reunion in St. George, UT, yes I finally went back, it was actually the first time I had been back to UT since 2003. I was really hoping to make it an even 10 years, but no such luck. It was of course great to see all the family. And also an adventure to have everyone piled up into one house, but the kids loved the house as it had a movie room.

But I will say the worst thing you can do when you are trying to finish a 130 page paper on a deadline is to do what I did. That is . . . . . . . . . ADOPT A DOG!!! Yes, you heard right I am the proud or insane or nervous wreck owner of a (as my dad would day) mangy mutt. Fly, is a small guy, he is mix of either an Australian Shepherd (that is what the shelter said), a Border Collie, or a Sheltie, and yes all three of these breeds are herding dogs. My vet said these types of dogs are breed to run 100 miles a day. So needless to say, we walk twice a day and try to get at least 5 miles a day in. The shelter also said he is probably between 11/2 and 2 years old (I was looking for a dog that at the youngest was 2) so he sounded good. He was also not barking or whining at the shelter like the other 200 dogs there where, so all seemed fine. UNTIL, my vet tells me Fly is maybe 1 year old, and my dog trainer thought when he first saw him a few months ago he looked 9 months old. UGH! I so did not want a puppy. And he was quiet because he had just been neutered and was either in shock or still drugged.

But will I ever give him up, NOPE, he has suckered me in, his big baleful eyes, it is pathetic. The little guy is actually very fun, he dances when you get home, runs on the treadmill, and when I hide treats on the playground at the park, he will go down the slide to get them. Denny, Heather, Sam and Kevin, just came for a visit, during their trip Kevin asks me why did I get an eating dog, and I said all dogs eat, and he said, why did I get a dog that eats humans, since Fly likes to nibble on hands (yes, he is still a puppy.)

In just the last few weeks, I enjoyed a weekend at the Huntington Beach Mid-Singles Conf. with Cherish, we started at an Angels game. UGH! Then a few weeks ago, I went with a friend to Disneyland, the reason we sent was to go to Club 3 there, I guess it is some exclusive place, I was nice, but since I really did not know anything about it before I went I really did not know what all the fuss was about.
Enjoy the pics.

Fly at the park on the 4th of July

Fly on the furniture again

You can barley see him but this is what I come home to everyday, him sticking his nose out of the fence

The "famous" old fashion elevator at Club 33

The balcony of Club 33

Another angle of the balcony

The new Little Mermaid Ride

Mom and I at graduation

Cherish and I at the Angels game

On my visit to DC, last summer

More DC, this is the Newseum

Liz and I with our famous maps in our minivan.

Prague

Vienna

On our horse carriage ride in Vienna

Trying to fit into our minivan

Krakow

Auschwitz

Warsaw

Seminary Video

2010-03-21T18:13:00.000-07:00

To help my seminary students try to memorize 2 Nephi 28: 7-9 we made a video. It took us a few days, but I sure do have a few jokers in the group. Enjoy.

Silky and Seminary

2010-02-24T07:43:00.001-08:00

So thus far seminary has been going fine. I guess the best person to ask is actually my students, but at least they seem to be awake through most of it. They are a funny group and lets face facts I enjoy students that can joke around a bit. Some of you maybe aware that Meri has adopted a new dog "Silky" he is a small little thing. He is still a puppy, but over the last few weeks has gotten much bigger, he weighs like 5 lbs now, he might just get up to 8 lbs when he is fully grown, what a heffer, Here are some fun pics.

Life Was a Little to Cushy!

2010-01-12T22:45:00.000-08:00

So as you may imagine now that school has ended and as I am only working part-time I planned to have fairly relaxed and peaceful time for the next few months. BUT ALAS (a little foreshadowing)! So for the past year I have had one of the cushiest callings in the church, Relief Society Teacher, as the ward has four of us it means that I teach about once every 5 to 8 weeks dependent on the circumstances (I have not taught since November). But I still aspire to the best calling in the ward which is of course assistant librarian, I mean come on you leave class early and arrive late (have to unlock and lock the door), everybody comes through so you can talk to everyone, and no work the rest of the week. As the assistant it also means no real responsibility. I figure this will not come to me until I am elderly, but remain ever hopeful. So I guess the Lord decided my life was a little too comfortable and decided to force me to work. As of next week I will be the new SEMINARY teacher for the 11th graders!!!!!!!! OH DEAR. Well, at least I know that as long as I prepare to the best of my ability for every lesson He will ensure it turns out okay. So as I am already a slacker when it comes to my posts don’t be to surprised when they are as sporadic as last year.

2010

2010-01-07T21:23:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!!! So yes, it has been a while, but let’s face a few facts here, how regularly do I do this even when I'm not busy? So . . . hopefully as you as you hear about my last several months you will excuse my absences. In the middle of December I finished my final semester of student teaching - yes this means I am done and after all the paperwork is done I will have my credential. FINALLY!! I did my student teaching at Simi High School, which was a little strange for me as I graduated from there about 15 years ago (and yes a few of my old teachers are still there). But after a while I was so grateful for being there because 1 - I knew the campus and could get around and 2 - I was so close my commute was about 3.5 minutes and at 7 a.m. that is a huge bonus. I taught 4 - 10th grade classes and 2 - 11th grade classes (modern world and US history). I really had a good time and am finding that I miss my students. During the student teaching we had a few fun (yes about 30-40 pages typed, and one included a 20 min video of me teaching my class) tests to do for the state, they were way fun and I think at one point I was hallucinating and made brownies and then forgot to eat them until a few days later. But, halleluiah I passed them all and finished all my classes with a 4.0 (yes this is me bragging a little [ok a lot, it has taken a year and a half after all]). After the semester ended Christmas started and I got to spend two weeks lying around and if you ask mom and dad that is exactly what I did. But I did have some fun times with Jeff's boys as they came down for the holidays; and yes if you have heard the rumors I did take the Dan, Will, and Sarah to see the Princess and the Frog and as we sat down at the start of the movie I dumped a whole tub of popcorn on the poor girl seated in front of me. So now my klutziness and ability to spill food on myself on a daily basis has reach proportions where I am also spilling on innocent bystanders. Now that the Christmas break has ended I have started to work again over at the Reagan Library, only this time I working exclusively as an Educator in the AFO Discovery Center with field trip groups. I work part-time and spend the rest of the time trying to find places to send my resume that is constantly needing more work to be presentable. Well, hope all is well for you and that you are able to find joy this year and hopefully I will be more on the ball this year and get more posts on a regular basis.

Jerry Seinfeld Teaches History! Yes! We all do this!

2009-11-26T07:42:00.001-08:00

The Office Photo Gallery

2009-10-08T22:57:00.001-07:00

Nadia Comăneci

2009-09-24T18:58:00.000-07:00

It is amazing what you can find on youtube. As one of the girls that used to watch the TV made movie about Nadia it made me want to view the real thing. Enjoy.

Little Ania & My Last Day at Work

2009-09-07T07:24:00.000-07:00

Little Ania was born last month, she is so cute and has Liz's lips. Jon and Liz are very funny about her, if she makes a noise while she sleeps they jump up to see what is up. My first visit with Ania, Liz explained how fun it was to clean her dirty diaper. I'm just glad they are enjoying it so they don't try to pass it off to me. We will miss them when they go to Poland. For more pics of her go to Jon and Liz's blog. The next pictures in the slide are from my last day at work, Jen put pictures of Harry Potter, The Office and since she knows how much I love Twilight, (see Twilight UGH post below) many pics of that as well. She put my face inside some of the pics as well, so I'm dancing with Harry, with Viktor Krum, and Cedric Diggory. Then my work made a card goodbye with my face in replace of Hermione Granger (I like this one the best) in place of Bella for Twilight, for one of the models of American Next Top Model and for the Bachelorette (they know we talk about them all the time). It was very funny. They gave me gifts representing some of the jokes we had running, such as sponges because Linda started one on fire in the microwave once. Jen also put a computer mouse in Jell-o, it was funny, the last pics are ones from a while ago when Brianna left I put a calculator in Jell-o.

Family Outings this Year

2009-09-05T11:01:00.000-07:00

So, I am finally adding some family activities over the past year. It starts with Emilie, Sarah, Mom, and my trip to Sea World it was during Christmas time of '08. Boy was it crowded. Next are pictures of Sarah's prom, they all looks so beautiful. Jon sure is a great sport. She loves to get all dressed up. Then, are a few pictures from Meri's art show at her school. She took us around to see all her pieces on display. She is so talented. Next, are pics of Sarah and I going to see the Disney Christmas Carol train. The line was forever long, but it was really interesting. Sarah's favorite part was the bagel pizza after. :-). The last ones are of Mom, Sarah, Meri, Kerri, Kathryn, Jessica, Stephanie, Rebecca, Emilie, and my trip to Disneyland. It was way fun and if you want to see more pics go to Kerri's blog.

Finally Posting Me and Cherish's Vegas Trip

2009-09-05T10:18:00.000-07:00

We went over Spring Break. We had a lot of fun from going to the Excalibur's show "The Tournament of Kings" to driving to Hoover Dam (where we kept asking where is Megatron and the All Spark). We had fun playing in the pool with the waterfall on a beautiful sunny day to the next when we swam in the freezing wind. Can't wait for our next adventure.

Finally Found this Commercial

2009-02-23T20:57:00.000-08:00

Oh, I love this commercial and I finally found it, hurray! This actually made me get an account with Washington Mutual, little did I know then!

Wow! It has been a LONG Time

2009-02-20T13:10:00.001-08:00

Can you believe it has been a few months since I have been back! Christmas was nice as Teresa, Eric, and Rachel where able to be with us. But much of the rest of the family was gone so that was a bummer, oh well, maybe next time. Living with the folks has been interesting, I have been able to avoid a lot of work thus far but I have a feeling Dad is about to break with my messy room. Things at work are going well, we just had Bill O'Reilly here we sold out in a few days so on Sunday we had almost 1,000 people here trying to get the best seats. But as usual during this time of year I am working on Easter. We have received some great eggs back from such people as Michael Jordan, Peyton Manning, Carrie Underwood, and the Jonas Brothers. The rest of the time I am busy doing rather random and boring stuff. I haven't even been to the movies since Christmastime (I saw Marley & Me, it was really fun and really close to the book). Hope all is well with you!

Twilight! UGH!

2008-11-23T17:01:00.000-08:00

So I was in HELL on Friday, in other words I sat through Twilight. What a load of drivel!! It was during this movie that I released how much of a creepy old man Edward is. I mean he is 100 and a stalker, but he acts like he is twelve. Then this very uninteresting and immature 17 year old girl decides after she has talked to him like three times that she is totally in love with him, and of course does not care that he is a murdering vampire. I don't think the people making the movie intended some scenes to be hilarious (as they were "dramatic" moments) but those were the best parts because they were so bad they were funny.

One of My Favorite Commercials

2008-11-09T07:43:00.000-08:00

While living in the U.K. I used to see this commercial all the time. While randomly going through YouTube I found it. Enjoy!

Proposition 8 Passes

2008-11-05T15:28:00.000-08:00

For those few people who actually read my blog, exciting news!!! Proposition 8 passed by 52%. It is wonderful to know that even in this very liberal and many times biased state we can unite under one moral issue. I know that lawsuits have already began and that the fight is in no way over, but what a relief to have won thus far.

I read an article about all the obstacles those supporting Proposition 8 had to overcome to reach this point. The first, that courts refused to wait in allowing same-sex marriages until after the election (18,000 marriages since June). The second, when Jerry Brown reworded the ballot so it read "eliminates the right of same-sex couples to marry" a much more harsh wording than the original. And finally, the influx of money given to the opposition by Hollywood stars, and even a million dollars from the California Teachers Union. They raised almost twice as much as we did, I think for the first time the team with the most money did not win.

Also interesting to mention, the number of black voters is what made this proposition pass. The large number of black voters (men and women that rarely vote), wanted to vote for the first black president and while they were there voted for Prop 8, in California, 70 percent of African Americans voted for Prop 8.

How wonderful, we crossed party, religious, and race lines to preserve marriage. Congratulations to all those who worked tirelessly and deserve this victory.

Will rights be taken away from same sex couples?

2008-10-29T18:30:00.000-07:00

The Answer to: I don’t see how same sex marriage really hurts anyone else. Really, what’s the harm?

2008-10-17T16:27:00.000-07:00

Preserving the Divine Institution of Marriage

2008-10-09T13:09:00.000-07:00

Last night I attended the Proposition 8 broadcast, it was very informative and in many ways emotional. Although, I had heard a few facts about this subject I had no idea the whole ramifications. For myself I was mostly effected when they talked about how the Catholic Adoption Agency had to shutdown in Massachusetts because they would not include Gay couples in their adoption process. As many of you know I have a brother and sister-in-law going through LDS adoption with the hope of adding a new addition to their family. It scares me to think that should this Proposition not pass they might be in jeopardy of staying with this process that is affordable and available to all.

If you want more information concerning this important measure being passed please click on the title to this blog. Here is the information I have thus far.

Having tolerance without condoning.
We can love someone while still maintaining and advocating our standards and beliefs.
Unless Proposition 8 passes, California society will soon undergo a profound change in its basic understanding of marriage and family life.
That will affect everyone in numerous ways. Over time, greater acceptance of nontraditional marriage will be demanded of all people. This could impact the ability of any religion to teach and practice its beliefs.
Proposition 8 will not hurt gays.
In California, the law provides for marriage-related benefits to be given to civil unions and domestic partnerships. Proposition 8 does not diminish these benefits.
Failure to pass Proposition 8 will hurt children.
If gay marriage remains legal, public schools will put it on equal footing with traditional marriage. Children will likely receive “age appropriate” information about sexual relations within heterosexual and homosexual marriages.
Failure to pass Proposition 8 will hurt churches.
The court’s decision will inevitably lead to conflicts with religious liberty and free speech rights. Society will become more and more hostile to traditional beliefs about marriage and family.

http://www.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/media/mediaplayer.swf?media=http://broadcast.lds.org/newsroom/video/flv/bednar_edit02_150k.flv&type=FLV

Sarah Palin Rally

2008-10-04T20:18:00.000-07:00

I went the the Sarah Palin Rally today. It was really interesting! The line to get inside was really long, you had to go through a metal detector so it took a while. As we made our way in of course their were a lot of protesters. It was pretty funny. I mean really why protest to people who have obviously already made up their mind. They should be out protesting to the undecided. When we got there all the seats were gone and we stood in the back, as you can see I got a lot of great shots of her back! Jon Voight came out first and spoke and then a few other people until she came out. Enjoy the photos!

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

2008-10-02T20:11:00.000-07:00

I had a really nice birthday, on Monday Liz came to my work and surprised me with a bunch of very beautiful flowers, that have been opening all week! Then we had lunch together. On Tuesday I got to work early and there on my computer screen are cutout pictures of people from The Office. I opened a few drawers and there are more of them. Just yesterday I went into a folder and out popped Creed. Then one of my co works came in and told me she brought me a gift, she had put my stapler in Jell-O! She also gave me a Birthday card from The Office characters with things like Meredith wishing me a Happy Birthday and inviting me to go out with her to get some drinks. Then mom and I went to lunch on Wednesday. So over all a fun and nice day.

A Great Weekend

2008-09-02T19:34:00.000-07:00

So I had a very full weekend, starting with a trip to the Getty with Mom. She had never gone before and I think she enjoyed it. The first garden we saw was a wonderful desert landscape that someone here in SoCal would never see. Mom was not to thrilled with that one. Then she was happy to the better gardens.
That night Sarah came and spent the night at my house and the next day we went to breakfast and then Jon and Liz came over and we had a BBQ and went swimming. Then I took her home and then took her to do karaoke. She sang "I feel Pretty," "I dreamed a dream," and "Popular." She really had a good time as you can see.

Then I was able to spend Sunday at home after church, which as loads of fun since it was the week to combine RS & PH we did not stay in primary and instead I got to hear a lesson on strengthening Marriage Relationships. UGH!!!! Then on Monday, Mom, Day, Denny, Jimmy, Sarah and myself all went out to Emilie's house to visit. Her house looks so great, and she is doing great at school, I am so proud of her. It was just depressing to have to return to work today, but oh well.

Four DAY Weekend

2008-08-26T16:22:00.000-07:00

I am feeling like I am going through Olympic with drawls now that it is over. No more staying up till 1 p.m. to watch gymnastics and swimming or waking up at 5 a.m. to catch the end of the games. And yes I actually watched the Marathons and table tennis. What will I do with myself. Since T.V. is crap right now it leaves me wandering channels and forced to watch the Democratic National Convention. UGH! But at lease we get Friday off so we will be having a four day weekend. I hopefully will at least go somewhere interesting rather than just staying home and watching old 90's shows on TNT or Saved by the Bell on TBS. Also excited for the 25th of September because The OFFICE is back on, HUURRAAAHH! Then finally good T.V. will be back.

Ginger Clinton Fund

2008-08-01T14:39:00.001-07:00

I just read a quick article in the Acorn regarding Ginger (click on the title Ginger Clinton Fund above and get directed to the article) in the article it says people can donate to the Clinton Family through the Moorpark Rotary Club I have attached their address if you are interested.
Rotary Club of Moorpark
P.O. Box 172, Moorpark, CA 93020-0172
Phone: (805) 279-5253
E-mail: MoorparkRotary@yahoo.com

A New Poll

2008-07-30T11:28:00.000-07:00

Have fun with this poll, but keep in mind this is my blog and I can get rid of anybody who has a higher vote than me. AUHHHAAAHAAAHAAA (Evil Laugh) Also keep in mind that Sarah can't be every bodies favorite. You can vote for as many people as you want at one time.

Teresa, Eric and Rachel's Visit

2008-07-26T19:54:00.000-07:00

Teresa, Eric, and Rachel have been visiting SoCal and they just came to my house and went swimming after we went to Golden Spoon, here are the pictures of them there. As Rachel didn't win the poll this time I'm not sure if I should be showing these photos since for now Kerri's kids are my favorite.

Ginger Clinton's Funeral

2008-07-25T09:06:00.001-07:00

As many of you are aware Ginger Clinton's funeral was yesterday and I went with Mom and Dad. It was a really nice service. Her brother talked about her life and her sister told some really funny memories of her. One of the stories was about how she and Ginger had planned a "camping" trip in their parents backyard for Thanksgiving. But a few weeks ago when the whole family was in town for a wedding Ginger changed the day to that night. So Ginger and her two oldest girls and Ginger's mom and sister all spent the night together and one of her daughters said it was the best night of her life. Hopefully they will remember that night their whole life. Then her brother-in-law talked about the plan of salvation and how Ginger will be with them forever. He did a terrific job of explaining it, he used an allegory about a trip he and his wife took with Jason and Ginger and travelling down an river on an inner tube and going into rock tunnels. It made me wonder if the talk was for non-members or to remind all the members of the blessing we have everyday.

Cruise Ended and Slide Show

2008-07-13T15:37:00.001-07:00

So after we cleaned up from Cabo we had our last gala dinner, a little caviar and baked Alaska goes a long way. But we were so exhausted we went back to our room and crashed till our wake up call at 11:15 p.m. so we could go see the gala midnight buffet and take pictures. The buffet was such fun they created these amazing creations out of food, vegetables, and fruit. But we were to exhausted to stay and eat instead we went back to bed only to wake up in the morning with aching muscles, but a quick dip in the pool quickly took care of that. Our last day was a simple day of relaxing and reading, what a break. Last night we got a call from Sarah asking us when mom was coming home because she was very nervous. Mom calmed her down by promising her a present. This morning we said or goodbye to our beautiful balcony our final meal and waited to be called to debark. We quickly got to our car and the first thing Sarah said to me when she saw me was where is my present. We have trained her well.

Our Vacation Cont.

2008-07-11T16:05:00.000-07:00

As our ship starts to move away from its final port, it is time to catch you up on our adventure. We finished day three with reading, relaxing, and getting ready for our first day in Puerto Vallarta, we had to get up early to get to our activity. It was called the 4x4 Tropical Safari, we were in Mercedes Benz All-terrain vehicles. It was basically a large truck with seats that run parallel to the road. It had loops in front of you to hold onto when the car rocked back and forth over the very unstable ground. And believe me it rocked. At one point I leaned so far out that it cracked my back. Our first stop was at traditional Mexican square where our tour guide a very funny man named Manuel told us the history of the Spanish in Mexico. Then we stopped at “the ladies house” where they showed us how to grind corn, and made fresh tortillas for us and gave us tacos (mom liked this much more than I did) then mom decided to use the bathroom there, where she had to bring a bucket of water in with her to flush the toilet (this is of course after you have thrown out the paper in another bucket by the toilet) I decided I could hold it in. Our next stop was our “hike” which was really more of a walking tour of the flora and fauna through tons of mud (mostly I wondered where Merryweather was). Mom held a wooden stick to help her along, as Manuel demonstrated the various trees and growths and then ate a few termites. I again passed on this option. Our next stop brought us to a grocery stand where we used the sort of normal toilets. And once back on board Manuel passed out the beer, showing them how to drink while also rolling in the car. Our last stop was at a secluded beach that was obviously owned by the tour company because various groups doing the tour all came to this spot. They had a really great meal for us, with grilled meat and chicken and so forth. We put our feet into the water and boy was it warm. Then we got back into the truck and Manuel brought out the tequila and then proceeded to demonstrate how to drink it properly. Then we went back to the ship I jumped into the pool and cooled off a bit before showering for dinner.
Our next stop was Mazatlan, where we decided to go to the Hacienda and lay around the pool, it was about 40 minutes from downtown. It was very warm and the hacienda was very nice. It was interesting how just on the other side of the mountains we were in the tropics but here was mostly desert. It was fun and we just read by the pool and they served us a very traditional Mexican meal, which again mom enjoyed much more than I did. Caesar was our tour guide and he was funny, but not as crazy as Manuel. When we returned to Mazatlan, Caesar gave us a brief tour of the city and then back on the boat for dinner and another comedy act. Caesar’s favorite saying was Okay-Dokey and probably said it about 300 times in the 5 hours we were with him.
Our last stop today was Cabo San Lucas, we had to take the tender out to the land because the port is not deep enough for the ship, it was a perfect day and we went to shore and mom did a little shopping before our next adventure. It is called America’s Cup Sailing, where you get onto a real yacht that has competed in the America’s Cup. We had to help with the sailing. They had use grinding, tacking, and jibing, and hoisting the sails, so basically they have you turning very quickly this crank and then the boat would tip to one side and everybody would hold on for dear life. It was so much fun. After a while of sailing really fast as it was tipping they evened it out and they let people captain the boat, mom took a turn. Then they again tipped it to the side and hoisted three of the passengers up in a harness over the side and we would raise and lower them into the water and then swing them forward. This was all done by us turning the cranks. I would highly recommend this to anyone going to Cabo! Wait til you see the pictures. Until next time.

Our Vacation Begins

2008-07-08T11:44:00.000-07:00

Our adventure began with many lovely lines-the first of which was to check our luggage, of course unlike all the other smarter people we did not know the room we were assigned, thus our first line involved getting a room number attached to our luggage. If I had bothered to think clearly at that time I would have remembered the number we were assigned. But finally our luggage was loaded and we made our way to the next line in which we went through the metal detectors. Thinking we were moving right along they led us into a “secret room” where they had everybody lined up to slowly go to check-in. After about an hour we finally got to the check-in and they gave us our passkey. The next line was for our cruise photograph (which we are to cheap to buy) and then we walked along the gangplank and boarded our magnificent vessel. This of course reminded me of Love Boat when the special guests would board. Now because I did not bother to remember our room we had to go to the information counter/line. Luckily, our luggage was where it was supposed to be. Hurray. We then were blessed with the special project of the emergency exit method. The picture below is mom enjoying that adventure. Mostly the rest of the day was trying to find our way back to various locals. Following dinner we made our way the showroom and watched the comedian. He was pretty funny, but unfortunately his next show was the rated “R” version and mom was to much of a wimp to go. Our room is very pleasant (mom’s word as I am sure you are aware) with a lovely balcony. It is actually more spacious than I thought it would be. It has sleeping for five and yet I don’t know how they mange that, our luggage for just the two of us takes up the whole closet space.
Day two of the adventure brought us getting up to eat breakfast, then I went and showered, and then we went to a seminar on the various activities to do in port. Just wait till we talk about the adventures was have signed up for. Then we went to lunch, then mom showered and we read in our room till we were ready for our gala evening and meeting the Captain, he is Italian and mom loves the accent. Then we ate dinner. Mom had the lobster tail – two of them, and I had the prime rib. MUMUMUM. Dessert of course for all the meals is my favorite part, a chocolate cake with something that tasted like hot fudge in the middle so rich that you have to have a small bite of vanilla ice cream with it. Unfortunately, it was a cloudy day and we did not see the sun until about 6 p.m. (which of course was dinner time). So after we dinner we walked along the decks, and just relaxed.
Day three has started with beautiful weather, we got up and ate breakfast and then I went swimming in the pool we laid out on the deck for about 2 hours. We have come back from the pool and we have both showered and it is 12:30 and we are anxious to get to lunch. Also looking forward to dinner. I will have to come back to add some pictures it is not letting me at this time.

Let the Games Begin

2008-07-03T09:35:00.000-07:00
As you may have noticed I have inserted a new poll. We shall see which parents can vote for their kids the most! AHHHHAAHHHAA! (An evil laugh)! I have now extended the voting till July 25th at noon, you can vote for as many people as you want and if you want to re vote you need to clear your cookies. AHHHHAAHHHAAA! (Another evil laugh!)

VOTE FOR MARGUERITE

2008-06-25T15:38:00.000-07:00

My Vacation

2008-06-21T19:38:00.000-07:00

So my mom has decided to vacation with me, we will have a great time. Relaxing by the pool, eating at the sushi bar, and making sure we spend plenty of time at the various beaches and locations at the stops. Hurray, can't wait. So I will be leaving work on Thursday, July 3rd, and not coming back till the 14th. Mom said she was a little scared to go, but in truth so am I.
As a side note, just because I write something does not mean it is a for sure things. After all one day I think I want to be a teacher again, the next I think I should go back to school for museum studies, the next I think I should just finally get my PhD, and then the next I think since I am already in nonprofit I should just go further and be a nonprofit manager. I would not take anything I write in this blog to seriously.

Life Takes Funny Turns

2008-06-17T21:29:00.000-07:00
I have just completed filling out all the forms needed to apply for a Teacher Credentialing Program. I am not sure what craziness has lead me to decide that poverty is the best thing for me. But I love teaching and not working in that field for the last several years has really ate at me. Although I love the Reagan Library, I need to get in front of students to teach them about the history of the world. Additionally, I am working on trying to decided where to go for my vacation, we shall see what happens.

I'm Elizabeth Bennett

2008-06-04T13:47:00.000-07:00

Take the Quiz here!
You Are...Elizabeth Bennet!

You are Elizabeth Bennet of Pride & Prejudice! You are intelligent, witty, and tremendously attractive. You have a good head on your shoulders, and oftentimes find yourself the lone beacon of reason in a sea of ridiculousness. You take great pleasure in many things. You are proficient in nearly all of them, though you will never own it. Lest you seem too perfect, you have a tendency toward prejudgement that serves you very ill indeed.

Me, Joe and Dan's Trip to Sea World

2008-04-07T21:20:00.000-07:00

We traveled down to Sea World on Friday 4/4/2008 and spent the day there, and spent the night and came home on Saturday. We had a great time, got soaked by Shamu and the dolphins. We got to pet and feed the dolphins, go on fun rides and such.

"Hi, Shamu!"

Shark Attack!!!

Dolphin FUN!

A little hands on.

I am a Polar Bear, too!
Beluga Whales
Flying High.

Sarah's Prom

2008-03-22T09:39:00.000-07:00

Sarah, ready for her Prom on 3/21/08, she was very excited to get all dressed up and to have Mom and I getting her all ready and beautiful. The girls she went with were very excited to have her come and play with them. They are so good to her.

Introduction

2008-03-18T22:00:00.000-07:00

It is amazing how one feels that they have to catchup an invisible audience on their life story. As the only people interested enough in my life are people who know everything about me anyway and will be the only ones reading this anyway. So a short background relieves that I come from a large family will many brothers and sisters. I have lived in Southern California most of my life except for a year and a half in Colorado, Hawaii, and a year in England. I will come back to more of my life story later. Take care.