So Over 2009...

So--2009 wasn't my favorite year in the history of my life. Maybe someday it will be.

One thing is for sure--it was a learning year.

Reflecting on 2009 has been a challenge to me. There has been so much that has happened. Positive and negative.

I completed my boards in 2009. Yay--but I failed them and I will be redoing them through out 2010. I hope I pass this time.

I made many new friends. I also lost some good friends. It's crazy to me how people come and go so quickly in life. To friends I've lost, I miss you. And to those I've made--I'm glad I have you.

Moving to Herriman was another 2009 decision. Big one--5 minutes from school. Crazy. Somehow though I don't think I'm saving gas because I am on the East side a lot still.

This year my sister got married! I have a brother now! It is fun to have Lyle in our family. I am grateful for my sister and her example. She is great.

2009 is going out with a bang as well. The robbery thing was ridiculous. Still dealing with issues with the bank because of the thief who stole my things. Very sad about losing my external hard drive in my bag of stolen goods. ALL of my pictures from the past few years of life had been moved onto that. Robbery is horrible--I hope the person who stole my bag someday develops a conscious and realizes how bad it is to steal. Hopefully they figure out how to redeem themselves. As for me now though, I've learned to keep record of all the stuff that has happened. And I have also learned, it could have been a lot worse.

And how can I forget the 3 months of crutches? Having a broken bone was a pain! But--also very humbling. To those who helped me during that time of life--thank you. What a trying time for me.

In all--I have learned a lot this year. Mostly about how I am and what is important to me. I know nothing in this life will ever be more important to me than my family and my testimony of the gospel. I am grateful for both in my life and what they have been turning me into. Hopefully, I can continue to grow more this next year and become more of what my Heavenly Father wants me to be. And that's all I have to say about that.

Stay tuned later for more on resolutions and goals...

My Part Time Job

December 31, 2009

So, during the Christmas Break I've taken on a part time job at St. Regis in Deer Valley in Park City. For those of you who don't know about St. Regis, check out this site: St. Regis Deer Valley

To stay in this 5 star resort for one night in the cheapest room, it would cost you at least $500 per night. The most expensive rooms cost about $2,000 per night.

To get to this spectacular hotel, you can't even drive to the desk. You drive to a drop your car off station, and you ride the Funicular up the mountain. The Funicular is like a ride at Disneyland. You ride up the mountain to the resort, then you get to go and check in and everything at the hotel. The only other access is to ski up to the resort.

This is a view of the whole thing. The top is the resort. The bottom is the parking area where you drop off your car. The tracks in between are the tracks for the Funicular.

This is a closer up of the Funicular

So what have I been doing here?

During the Christmas Break, I took on a job working in the Kids Room at St. Regis. This means that I am here working with kids each day and getting paid a little extra. Last week, I was working the morning shift. During that shift--no one came. St. Regis charges $50 a kid in the morning session, and I think the rich people are smart enough to realize they can just put their kids in ski lessons instead. Since no one came in the morning, my co worker and I watched movies in the morning while we napped on the bean bag chairs. We also ate the snacks and we played with the toys. One morning, we decided to build the Lincoln Log cabin that they have.





The afternoon session is free. This week I have been working that and staying busy. I also have stayed a couple hours some extra nights to watch the Wii room.

Money to do this? Not bad. Time to drive there--ridiculous. Overall experience...it's been fun. I think working in a place like this can be entertaining. I think I'm glad I took this on during the break. Ask me again though after my shift New Year's Day....

Trains and Tubes

December 19, 2009

It has been a while since I have blogged. A long while. I will have to catch up someday. But, today I went on a fun adventure. Last school year for teacher appreciation, I won two tickets to ride the Heber Valley Railroad. Linda laughed and said she would not ride the train with me. So, my friend Jason said he would.

After trying all year to go, we finally made it today. Jason was so nice. Since my birthday was last weekend, he upgraded my free tickets so we could ride the train to Soldier Hollow and go tubing.

It was a blast! I'm so lucky for a friend like Jason!

Here's some pics from today's activities:

The train station

Waiting in line.

On the train.

The train drop off for Soldier Hollow

Did you know tubing was so dangerous?

The laziest tubing ever--all we had to do was hook our tube onto the pull...no hill climbing involved.

We were stuck a lot on this pull. I decided to get comfortable.

Coming down the slow hill

Jason and I when we were finished. We made it in one piece!

Through The Mouth Of Babes...

November 18, 2009
So, over the weekend last week, I had the chance with my singles ward to fill humanitarian packs to send to Africa. Because I share with my students what I do over the weekend, I decided to talk about service and how good it is for us to do perform acts of kindness when I modeled my weekend news.

I wrote about it for them and shared details. After I was done, I told them that sometimes our weekends don't have to have crazy fun things to write about, but that sometimes it is okay for us just to have some time to do things for others. I told them that when we do service we feel happy inside because we helped someone else. I told them I was happy for helping those people in Africa.

A little girl at that point raised her hand. She always raises her hand--so I called on her. She said, "Miss Merritt, that was the Holy Ghost making you feel happy and warm inside because you did good."

At least there are some parents out there that have taught their children to know that feeling. Thank goodness for the Holy Ghost.

The Pilgrims Must Be Young...

November 12, 2009

Today at school, I had a little girl tell me a hilarious story.

We have been writing about the pilgrims at school, and yesterday we were writing about how there were 102 pilgrims that came across on the Mayflower.

So--we wrote a note home in our planners as a class asking our parents "How many pilgrims came on the Mayflower?"

Today, a little girl raised her hand and said, "Miss Merritt? My dad said there were only 10 pilgrims because he was one of them. He came across with them. He said so. And he's older than you so he really did Miss Merritt."

I told her her dad must be really old. I fought her a little on it--but she was convinced.

Fathers--careful what you say--your children might truly believe you...

I'll Stand By You...

So--I've been pondering a lot lately--and have come to realize--I appreciate all those who have stood by me the past couple of months. It has been some of the most trying months of my life with all that I've been through--and who knows--things can get better or worse--but--I have learned this: I will be okay.

I just want to thank those who have been there for me and helped me in my time of need. Hopefully I can return the favor as those of you who need it hit those crossroads and need that extra support.

I'll stand by you, too!

My first time...

Miniature Golfing!

October 21, 2009

Yes--in all 27 years of my life I have never been miniature golfing...believe it or not. I've been real golfing...but no mini golfing.

My good friend Jeff decided to take me to dinner tonight so we could catch up. We haven't really talked since Christmas. It was fun to see him again and hear how his life is going with school and his goals.

Anyway--after dinner we decided to walk a little around SouthTowne Mall. As we were walking, we discovered a CosmicGolf area. I laughed and told Jeff I had never been. So, he said let's go!

Fortunately, we didn't keep score--I would had some bad holes. I did get holes in ones 3 times though--and I made it through the orange hole at the end--so I won a schnazy blue light up bracelet and a free game of mini golf...


So--overall--Mini Golf is all right--not what I would probably wake up one day and decide I want to do for the day--but I had a good time!

So--another check off for something new!

A little StReSs...

So--some may say I'm not happy--rediculous phone call I got from a guy tonight. I had rejected him a while back--and he wanted to know why. Then he told me I wasn't happy like the time I went out with him--he wanted to know why? Bah!

So not true! But I do have just a little stress is all...

I just realized today--I have a lot to do and it is time to be the "responsible" Amy again...

Gotta love tracking back on...

Some things on my plate--and if any of you out there in blogging land know how to make it better--please send suggestions!

*My leg--gotta get it strong again! Exercise!
*Report Cards--have to learn the new system! And need to figure grades!
*Parent Teacher Conference--how do you tell some parents their child may benefit from resource...
*First Grade Program--need to get pictures taken and a power point made!
*Halloween Costume--somehow I'm supposed to have one...
*Halloween Party--my room mom is in charge of that one--but I have this little doubt in me because I have heard nothing!
*My Religion Paper--it is long overdue...
*Dating--if the opportunity comes--ha!
*Saving money for a few wants...

Anyway--that's just some of it...no worries though--I do best when I am a little stressed!

I'm Healed! Sorta...

Monday, October 19, 2009

The doctor gave me the verdict last week that I can "wean" away from the crutches. He said I am mostly healed, and that I should take it easy for a month. Meaning no running or anything crazy...

He told me that I should start out slow--like walking at home. I looked at him and laughed--and said, "I've already been walking at home." So, my version of weaning was to just walk out of the clinic! Ha!

I took the crutches back today! And what a happy day! I'm still waiting for the feeling to come back into my pinkies from having used crutches...but hopefully in time it will...

So here's for recovery! Yay!


To celebrate my recovery--I went to the gym tonight and biked because I'm allowed to do that. I biked 4 miles in 30 minutes. Sad day--I dropped a lot of distance in my time--but I figure for being a gimp--that is good!

Hopefully I can continue to improve it! If you know any strengthening exercises for my leg, please let me know!

General Conference Pondering

Monday, October 5, 2009

I came out of General Conference with a realization--I am ready to be better!

One of my favorite general conference moments was Elder Christofferson's talk. I loved hearing about honesty and how important it is for us to teach our children about it. I am grateful his mother kept him from a life of crime at a young age. How important it is for parents to teach their children these things. That is one lesson my students this year have taught me.

I also really loved President Monson's talk and I also loved Elder Eyring's talk, and of course, Elder Bednar's talk. Heck--I stayed awake all 4 sessions--I enjoyed all of it!

I did come out if wanting to make changes in my life though and being willing to listen to God as he directs me down whichever road comes into my life.

I learned that faith is important to have and that we need it. I also learned that Heavenly Father loves all of his children--every single one of them regardless of what they have done.

I just finished reading Mitch Albom's new book, Have a Little Faith. I loved it. It helped me to realize that when you believe in something--you do it to it's full potential. That is true faith.

I think one part that touched me the most was his recollection of studying Moses and the children of Israel crossing the Red Sea. He talks about how the angels started to rejoice as the enemy were drowned, but God became angry and told them, "They were His children too."

We are all God's children--every single one of us on this earth. We all deserve to be treated with love. That is my new goal after conference. To love everyone...even if they are 22 and awkward :)

You might slip in your own mess...

September 2009

I have been working with a student intensely this year on honesty and following the directions. We'll call this student A. A has a lot of medical issues and problems and won't really tell the truth and I don't trust a thing he says.

Last week another student--let's call him B--came up to me and said, "Miss Merritt! I have to go to the bathroom! The poo is coming out my bum!" I told B to go quickly and not to even worry about the pass if things were coming out--I wanted him to make it. So, B went to the restroom. At the same time, A decided he needed to go. So--I sent him--not realizing I had sent B just a few minutes before. Usually my protocol is not to send more than one of a gender to the restroom at a time so they don't get talking.

Anyway--B comes back in (he's very descriptive and gives too much TMI) and he says, "Miss Merritt, I was sitting on the toilet and the poo was coming out and A peeked at me." I told him I would talk to A.

When A returned--I got after him for taking too long in the restroom and for peeking at the other kids going to the restroom.

Fast forward to lunch. I always let the students chose if they want to use the bathroom at lunch or if they want to use the hand sanitizer in the classroom. Well, several of the boys chose to use the bathroom. When they came back in, they were complaining that someone had urinated on the floor. It was wet and slippery in the boys bathroom. Then, B said, "Miss Merritt, A peed on the drain on the floor--I saw him from the bathroom when I had to poo." I told him thanks for letting me know. As A was walking back into the classroom, he was crying. I asked him what was the matter. A said, "I slipped and fell on the floor in the bathroom because it was wet!" I told him I had heard he had made the floor wet by going to the bathroom on it and that I didn't feel sorry for him that he fell in it.

Sometimes we have to learn--if we make a mess--sometimes we fall in it...

Poor A. I hope he learns...my guess is not just yet....

My Sis is Gettin' Hitched!

My sister Melissa is getting hitched on the 26th! Yay for her and Lyle~they are good together and I hope that they enjoy their new life together!

Daddy's Birthday!

Sunday, September 13, 2009

My dad turned 56 today! My dad is such a great man. I am so thankful that he is my father and that I was sent to be his daughter. I am grateful for all he does for me and being my priesthood support in my life!

Thanks Dad for all you do! I love you--and thanks for all your patience with me as I accomplish all I do!

What I Have Learned About Crutches

September 2, 2009

I know--I should have a more exciting post! Especially because I'm so behind on a lot of things on here! But--right now these crutches are my world...

SO--what I have learned about crutches:

1. Make sure the height is right--too short they slide and too tall they jam!
2. When going down things, crutches should go first, not the body...
3. When going up things, crutches go first, then the body...
4. They get attention--I have repeated my story probably a hundred times...I hate the attention
5. They are cheap if you rent them at Smith's--I rented mine for $30--when I'm done, I just take them back the receipt and the crutches and they give me $30 :)
6. They work my obliques and my core. My core has not been in such pain for a while
7. They just are not much fun, but they are getting the job done...

My orthopedic surgeon said my options were this: 1) put a screw in my knee to hold it (yikes!) or 2) use the crutches for six more weeks. We went with the six more weeks option...

I'm getting used to them...but 5 and a half more weeks to go :)

The countdown is on!

I've also had some pretty lucky things I've learned from this experience...
1. God is aware of me.
2. People are here to do things for me--even far away from home--they have been so helpful!
3. Crutches make me appreciate being able to run even though I hate it ...

Be grateful for your legs!

Pablo the Turtle

August 31, 2009

Linda and I got a pet turtle. We got him for free from our friends Sam and Jake who got him as a wedding present. They say he stinks--that is why they don't want him. I believe them--but we think it might be fun to have him as a pet.

Here's a pic of Pablo (they used to call him Tuck--but I decided to call him Pablo)...



Here's a video of Pablo biting my shirt--he has a tight grip with that mouth!

I broke a bone!

I have never broken a bone until now! 27 years to break one! And it was a rediculous story...

I was playing ultimate frisbee last Wednesday and it was only about 10 minutes that I had been there. I was standing by this guy that I don't know and he went to throw the frisbee. He did this funny graceful jump with it--it just looked like something dorky I would do. So--me being the nice girl I am, mimicked it...

As I landed...I hit a hole. My feet had a rough landing and I heard a loud pop from my right knee (keep in mind, this is the same knee I hurt 4 years ago horse back riding...). I fell back and just laid there for about a minute. I tried moving it and it moved--but it hurt worse than anything I have ever done to it before. I was able to stand up after laying there for a little while. I hobbled across the field and went home to treat it with RICE...

The next day, I went to the doc. We tested it and moved it--decided it might not hurt to have an MRI done on it. He had treated me for the horse injury previously. I ended up going Friday to the hospital (my first visit for myself in years...) and getting an MRI done.

In the meantime--I still played and did things on it all weekend. I kept thinking it was feeling better.

Monday my doctor called with the results. I have not torn anything like we thought I had. I have broken my tibia right up by the knee joint. Just a slight fracture is what he called it. So--now I will get to meet the orthopedic surgeon and continue figuring out how to heal it.

In the meantime--I'm on crutches! I hate crutches!

What a fun adventure...

I am Done!!!!

I am official! Mostly! My master's is done!!! Yay!!

More blogs to follow!

Conquering Fears

This week I feel like I have conquered a few too many fears--is it possible to be overwhelmed by facing your fears?

It started out with me overcoming the shy factor--some of you wouldn't believe there is a shy bone in this body of mine--there is. Teaching has helped overcome it immensely. But--I went to ward activities this week and tried to make new friends.

I also went hiking to Doughnut Falls again. This time--the guys in my new ward that I made friends with made me be brave and climb up the rocky side (that people have died on mind you...) and we got up to the top. One of the guys told me I was pretty nervous and must be afraid of heights. (I love that guys analyze me...). But--it's not the heights that scare me--but falling and landing on those sharp rocks below...

Then, I also had the chance to go boating on Saturday with my friend Laren and her ward. I have been boating a few times--and I tried the water skiing thing again today. I almost made it up the whole way--which was big! I think maybe next time I might make it...

Next week--more things of fear and extreme to conquer--SKYDIVING.

Alanna--I am excited to go!

Then--it's the fear of 26 first graders! I'm going to overcome it!

Photo of the Week!

It's been a while and I'm outta whack. But--here's one from my weekend--I took a long drive up my favorite Idaho Canyon and got some pics! But--my favorite one is this one...


When I was young--I used to love going for drives with my parents and counting all the farm animals and watching the road. I don't think kids get this anymore. But I loved seeing the sprinkler systems! One of my favorite parts about them was when they were on and the sun would hit them just right...you'd get a continuous rainbow! Amazing!! And these things bring so much life!

Reflection on Freedom...

I had some time this weekend to reflect on the 4th of July and what it means to me (thank you national boards for making me so reflective...). The 4th of July has always been one of my favorite holidays--I have always loved it. I love the warmness, the barbecues, the ice cream, the fireworks, and the family togetherness that it has always included. Through the years, they have had some serious change and I have grown to understand that change is a part of life. I have also learned to love the moments we have when we have them!

But mostly--I have loved the freedom that we have because of this day. I am attending a masters class this week that is covering education philosophy. The first time I had this class in undergrad studies, I didn't understand it and was taught things to just make sure I learned them. But--today, we had a good discussion about different philosophers and their ideas. And--I understood them and can see how their ideas have influenced me and our country. I am grateful though that we live in a country where these beliefs can be shared and that I can teach and become what I have been becoming as a teacher. Other countries of the world don't have the same benefits we do (although teachers may be respected a little more in them...). But, because of our freedoms, we are able to become anything we want and accomplish anything. No one is set out to tell you that you are destined to be a lawyer, a dump truck driver, or a doctor. You have the freedom to choose. And you can become anything you want to be--but it's conditional--you have to put in the work for it.

That's the way it was in the Book of Mormon times. The Nephites received this land as a land of promise. But--it was conditional as well. This land was to be a land of promise as long as the people were righteous and kept the commandments. I worry as I watch our country today and through the past several years--we are not as righteous as we should be and I worry we will lose some of those blessings we are promised as we fall from righteousness. I just hope that as individuals, we are all able to do our part to be better--and in turn try to motivate those around us to be better.

Once again--I love the 4th of July. I know a lot of people who have sacrificed a lot to protect those freedoms. I just hope as citizens of this great country, we can continue to live this legacy--I have hope that through small actions--great things can come to pass!

A song for you all...

Friday, June 26, 2009

I went to a Sundance concert tonight and these guys were good. My favorite guy was the harmonica guy (his name is Jellyroll Johnson).

Here's a clip of one of their songs. It is hilarious!

Some me time...

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

So--I needed some me time today to relax and focus on things in my life that matter...so I decided to go to a place I haven't been for a while. I hit South Mountain and got up to the Flight Park. I have this obsession for watching things in the sky...I don't know where it came from. Maybe it's because I'm my grandpa's granddaughter...he used to build space shuttles and was involved with the air force.

I had to get away from things in my life yesterday though, so I went up there and ate some dinner from U Food Grill (yum!) and then just watched as people flew and took apart their kites.

One thing I came out of it thinking is we are truly blessed to have a God that loves us enough to let us go for our dreams and to make the most of ourselves. It made me ponder--am I going for mine?

Just something to think about...

Hiking with Amanda!

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

My cousin Amanda from New York has been in town! I was so excited when she and her husband Tyson invited me to go hiking with them. I love hiking!

We went up Millcreek Canyon and found a fun trail that went up--and up--and up. I probably complained a lot, but I really enjoyed the burning sensation in my thighs and calves! Seriously--it was great!

Yay for wildflowers! My favorite! I love them all!

And yay for my favorite tree! I love the quaking aspens!

It was so green here!

This tree was growing out of the rock--I'm sure there are some spiritual implications that can be made from this setting...like having your foundation on the rock...

Me

Owen, Amanda's son enjoying nature

Amanda's first hot dog she cooked over a fire! I had to take a picture so we can document it in history!

We had to take pictures with the sign--I think we just ended up looking silly, not super powered...but it was fun!

The Race for the Cure...because cancer never sleeps...

Friday, June 19, 2009

I went to Idaho and my family was participating in the race for the cure--an all night to next morning walk for cancer. My family has been hit with cancer at different points in different people. The biggest hit was about 4 years ago when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately it was a stage 0, but through this I've learned a lot about taking care of my body and checking myself for cancer.

Bags my mom decorated for people we knew who have had cancer or died from it.

My cute little mom (next year we decided not to put the bags next to the garbage can...)

My family--Dad, Kim, Mom, and me (Melissa was off with her fiance...)

FloRIDA!

June 12-June 18
As soon as the bell rang on June 12 for the end of the year--I was outta there and heading to the airport to catch my flight to Orlando! I stayed with some good friends of mine out there, the Toronto family! And they took such good care of me and let me get what I needed...relaxation...

Here's some pics from my trip!

Chase drug me out to Daytona Beach with the YSA in his area to a Regional activity. It was fun! It wasn't until after the beach that I learned about the shark issue at that beach...probably a good thing...I hate sharks!

Chase driving everyone in the mini van.

The storm that made us leave the beach...it was a monster front--
the temperatures dropped quickly!

New friends! Me with Emma and Marchello

Another new friend! Myriam and me!

And yet another new friend! Bryce! I was already friends with Chase...you can see how wet we got walking from the car into Chipotle. It was downpouring on us!

Suzy took me to the Orlando Temple! It is one of my favorite ones!
I love how beautiful it is on the inside!

Another new friend! I love Desy--she has spunk and is fun!

The best friend of all--Lucy! She went swimming with me every day!

The pool I swam in everyday! I love swimming--I could love living in Orlando if I had a pool (or I guess anywhere for that matter...wait...I do have a pool...)

All in all--it was just what the doctor ordered...a week of relaxation...and time to unwind from my stressful year. I was sad that NASA's shuttle launch got scrubbed both times...but I enjoyed my visit nonetheless! It was great! Thanks Suzy for letting me come! I hope I can come back someday!

I'm behind but need to vent!

Hey all in the world out there--so my blogging is behind...but I have something to get off my chest--and so here it goes on here....once again where a journal may be a good investment...

So--I have been pondering for the past week about my job. I don't like it. I will be honest--I am not excited about it at all. I love teaching--don't get me wrong and I think what I'm doing is worthwhile. I just feel like my job right now is tough. Granted--I'm grateful to have a job in this time of economic stress...but the way it is working right now literally scares me.

I am afraid I will lose my sanity this year. And that is all I have to say on that...

This school year, I have a pay freeze on my salary. That means all my hard work on a masters means nothing. My insurance benefits will likely go up as well. So--I'm in more debt than I realized because the thought originally was to pay off student loans as fast as I can with the extra money I should be making. So much for that idea. It doesn't pay in my Utah district to get a Masters. Good thing I didn't do it for the money.

Secondly--I will be starting off the year with 26 first grade students. I love first graders, don't get me wrong. But 26 is horrible. And after hearing about some of the health things involved with some of my students, I don't understand how the state of Utah thinks it is good for teachers to have 26 six- year-olds in a room and have one young woman supervise them and teach them. It is INSANE! I barely survived my class of 21 last year.

Thirdly--I am team leader--I don't know if I am cut out to be a leader...I'm a little worried about the added responsibility.

That is that. I got it out of me. And my goal is to not speak of this concern on here again...

I wish Utah took better care of their teachers. They are about to lose another great teacher I'm afraid...I am really ready to check my options...

REAL with David Archuleta!

June 6, 2009

We went to the REAL Soccer game tonight and watched everyone leave as a winner (or loser) because the game ended in a tie. But--lucky for us--we also got a concert with David Archuletta! It was fun!

The Air Force Parachuters--they all carried a special flag!

Henry and I

It was Jon's first game!

The teams! There were some hot guys out there...

Bryant, Courtney, and Me

Courtney and I were so excited to see David!

Believe it or not--that little spot is David!

Courtney was good at obeying David's words--"Reach out to you, touch my hand!"

Some live footage I think...we'll see which one loaded...