I Want My Own Little Piece of Heaven

Ryanne: I have finally seen Sleepless in Seattle... you would be so proud of me because I didn't just like it - I LOVED it. Suddenly I don't feel so guilty anymore about lots of things, but then again I might be justifying what's perceived about real life in the movie. Nevertheless, I will need to get myself a copy. It's like my little piece of heaven in many ways...

On top of that I visited Mt.Vernon for the first time and I came out with this in mind: I want my little piece of heaven. In a sense, I was thinking about it physically - you know, the big house, the beautiful gardens, pier, land, animals, and so much more. I want it, just like GW (George Washington). There's something that really draws my attention and it's not the physical aspect of it but rather the psychological/whateveryoucallitcantthinkofthename. The thought of owning a private place/space, surrounded with the people you love and care for the most, where you are free from outside influences. A place where you can do whatever you want until your imagination is exhausted (because I do not believe you can run out of imagination). Maybe someday I'll have my little piece of heaven and will call it my little piece of cielito. Yep, one day. 

If you are not Ryanne that is completely OK, this post was for your enjoyment too. 

Now, the pics of this so-called-beautiful-place...

Who does not want this as their backyard on a beautiful Autumn Saturday... seriously

The group

The Mansion

The Piece of Heaven form the front...

There's always the jump picture, it's not a complete trip w/out it

"Washy" and I see eye to eye...

umm....si

*sigh - acres on end

Gardens and vines...

A garden to read a book perhaps

The Tomb

Had to add :)

much love

I'm Alive!!... or at least I think

Yes, to those who check/read/worry/etc. I am very well alive if I say so myself.

In a kinda-quick summary, it has been an extremely busy 2 months packed with emotional, academic, and physical heat. I must say that I am continually learning how to rely on my Savior, on others and myself. I LOVE my students/kids/children/"dudes"/friends/amigos/etc. I continuously pray for them so that I am guided to meet their needs. For those of you who may or may not know, I am in a classroom with a handful of students ranging with all types of challenges - medical, family, etc. It has been trying me, spiritually and emotionally, to a point of almost breaking. I have learned a great deal from my extremely smart and dedicated teacher - I told her she doesn't only have 20 students, but 21 (the one being me). She is exceptionally patient, correcting and helping me be a better prepared teacher. I just want to say and kind of boast (which does not happen often for a person) that by the end of this experience I am going to be a SUPER AWESOME teacher - there's nothing like/can compare to inner-city teaching - nothing. I don't care what anyone says, if you can survive this, you can survive basically and practically anything/any classroom. Of course there will be the challenges but you will be able to address/fix them in a snap, literally.

Other than that ... It has also been an experimental month for Joyce. Why? Well, let's start with my "first's."
- I rode the bus by myself for the first time in October
- I carved (or attempted) to carve my first pumpkin
- I made an extremely sassy text to a boy ... that is a whole 'nother story (I'm so done with men ... yeah right)
- It was my BIRTHDAY! haha ok, not a first
- I went to the Museum of Natural History, soooo amazing
- I took my first picture in the rain with an umbrella (I don't know why this is relevant and here but whatev)
- I'll think of some other ones
- OH!! and I also saw a MOUSE for the first time EVER at my school (almost screamed) - yes, I'm totally serious - and it went under the preschool class door ... eww
- And a kind of sad one: I had to make my first ever parent calls home.
- Yep, the list is endless.

So now, I get to tell you of the question you are probably thinking (and it seems like the rest of the world too): "What are you going to do after you are done?" I'd love to say to find a really hot and attractive (and nice and mormon) man and marry him BUT that seems to be lacking in my life so we'll go with the next best answer. You want honest? I DON'T KNOW. Let's face it, it's hard enough to be a teacher, get certified in a million states and find a job that starts in the middle of the school year - that pays well. I don't know what I'm doing yet but what I DO know is that I've applied for about 12 jobs - so please PRAY that I get at least one. I have been thinking about moving to Cambridge/Boston to be closer to my sister. Like, I really am hoping/crossing-my-fingers/etc. Let's see where life takes me - or my impulses, whichever one comes first. I'm 23 now so I can do that, right?

Pics now since you're probably tired of reading my stories :)

Smithsonian Castle - in the Rain and with umbrella ... *sigh

I love them so much @ b-day dinner Cheesecake Fcatory 

First carving EVER

Just paying a nice visit to my mammal friends, no big

the BIG dino

I dropped the cookie mix I was so excited about  and sliced my finger :(

Eastern Market breakfast - yum

Because I love them this much :)

Washington DC!!

I'm finally here! Well, I have been here since Saturday morning but nonetheless here. I will have to condense everything I have done and learned in a list. At the end I will attach part of a letter I sent to my family about the schools. Here we we!!

1. I survived the "hurricane" 

2. Laura is such an amazing friend. Thank you!

3. My apartment is pretty legit. We called it a "hotel" by mistake

4. I have the master bedroom, my own walk-in closet AND a view of the Pentagon. 

5. I have great peers and roommates.

6. The grocery store is so far away. We got lost getting there, bought too much, and had to carry it in the metro. Pain in the REAR. We have proof. 

7. Found the fastest and easiest route to get to the grocery store the day after.

8. Almost killed the metro machine where you get in. I guess you're not supposed to put the card through . . . the guy was like "You want to break this or what?!?" Funny but embarrassing. Not a good sign of blending. 

9. Never, EVER stand on the left side of the escalator - there will be a stampede of people running behind you.

10. Witnessed a robbery when waiting for the metro to arrive. With police chasing and everything. Wow. 

11. I love riding the metro!

12. I need to buy lots of hand sanitizer.

13. Visited National Mall, Union Station, National Gallery of Art, Library of Congress (my fave), and the Capitol. 

14. It hasn't been as humid as some people say it has been. 

15. Very attractive singles in my ward. Like very attractive. 

16. I will be in 1st grade!!

17. Have walked about 4 miles daily. Easily. 

18. I'm very happy and excited to be living here.

19. Hope I get a job here after I'm done!

20. I'm doing a pretty good job of blending - until I pull my camera out. Hah. 

Here is the excerpt of the letter: 

Today, I was able to go into the two elementary schools we will be closely working with - Miner Elementary and Maury Elementary. I will be in a 1st grade class in Maury Elementary. I think it was a definite culture shock when I got to these places. The streets seemed to come from movies and the schools themselves were renovated but still had a lot of parts of the old building. We were greeted at Miner Elementary by security, which every schools has, and a wonderful principal. You have to remember that these schools are 97% black - teacher andstudents. So you could see how that could be a bit intimidating. Just imagine 8 white people coming into a predominately black school - looked kinda funny. The principal, accompanied by her staff (or as she called them her "golden girls) told us the history of education weaved with information on education during the Civil Rights Movement, the history of Miner Elementary and made every educator in the room introduced themselves. This school has some of the greatest resources and programs (like Reggio Emilia preschool programs, government, etc)  I have heard of and some I have never even thought to have! This principal has a partnership with just about every important organization, university, and museum in the city. I can tell that she allocates her resources very, very efficiently and I saw this as I toured the school. They have art and music rooms, and science all around the school (including animals, a pond and a vegetable garden). Now, I feel this is a great place to have these resources bcause about 80 families in this school are homeless. This means that about 2-4 kids in each family are homeless and come to this school. You're talking approximately 160 to 320 students.These kids come to school seeing things they've never seen or heard of, and are welcomed into an environment that is welcoming, loving and uplifting. Now, Maury Elementery is where I will be teaching. The school was recently renovated (they moved in 2 days before school started) and we arrived at the same time the architects did. Apparently, some of the flooring glue stuff wasn't dried yet when the earthquake happened so they are going to have to do some fixing; therefore, we could not meet with the principal since she was busy. But, we were able to tour the school and I am extremely excited to be in this school. It's new, they have great resources, have great technology, and works closely with the programs at Miner Elementary. I can't wait to start on Friday! I will be taking the metro and them walking about 20 minutes to get to school - that means I will have to leave home at around 7:15 to make it in time for 8, yikes! I'm so happy to be in such a wonderful place with great schools and support. 

The thing that struck out to me today was one question made by the principal and staff of one school: Why would I, being a white student teacher, want to teach or be in an all black school? They didn't phrase it exactly this way but the meaning was the same. I thought long and hard about the answer since I was completely taken aback. What I answered them and myself I said because I care to educate, support and love children, no matter where they come from or what their situation may be. I want to be an instrument in God's hand to care for his little ones, to love them, teach them, and essentially do everything in my power to enhance all aspect of learning for my students and as a teacher. I hear many great things happen, as some here call them "miracles," in these schools, to the students being taught and the teachers. I can't wait to meet the little ones, get to know them, earn their trust, teach and grow as a teacher. I will be sure to think about this question throughout the semester and I'm curious as to what the response will be at the end of the semester. 

-pardon the spelling

Now what you've been waiting for - PICTURES!

This important street has my name!! 

Metro!!

Metro station

Archives Gallery - Where the Constitution is . . .

National Gallery of Art - I saw a the only Leonardo DaVinci painting in the US. 

I think where the Supreme Court meets . . .

Library of Congress!

Library of Congress

Capitol Building

Beautiful, huh?

much love!! :)

um

Sorry! This is just so I can copy picture below for something :)

The search has ended and we have a winner! (and update)

Yes. I have searched high and low, day and night. And I have found it, just perfect. If you are wondering if I have found my eternal mate you are way far from what I'm talking about (he'll come eventually I guess). It's actually so ridiculous you might stop reading this after you find out what it is. So, I keep you in suspense . . . Have you ever looked for something that was not significant but so important to you? Well, this is what I was searching for and I will explain why . . . a boot. That's right, and boot has kept me up later at night than school has.

Here's the thing: I have giant calves . . . well not that big but a size that boots are next to impossible for me. They take me years to find them and are usually either very expensive or cheap. I've liked my boots in the past and believe me when I say I have tried just about any boot style/fit out there. I wanted to get some nice looking boots for DC, ones with a mid-heel to wear at work and on the weekends. The ridiculous search began about two weeks ago when I started to look them up online. I first looked for the same brand as my old ones and found a site that had them, but I wasn't convinced. My calve measure 16" and most boots' circumference come in 15" - impossible for me to get through my calves. I found some that were cute and ok priced but I wasn't sold on them. Like when you know you have found something good but it doesn't feel right. So, the searched continued up to shoes.com, a great site btw. They has the boot I was looking for and had it in my cart for about 6 days while my mind decided to make itself up. I discussed it with Blanca and she said to go on and buy them since it would be hard to find other ones on sale, with free shipping and that fit me - but I waited. I felt so depressed at times that I even looked at plus size women's boots - sad story of my life! But, they were expensive and not my style. I came by these Madden Girl boots and thought they were cute and would fit on the calves, but they were last year's model and impossible to find. I looked at another pair of Madden Girl boots and read the reviews; it sounded pretty well except the info on the boot said that it was 15" circumference. That night, after staying up late and looking at virtually every shoes site there is (if you need a site for shoes just ask me and I will direct you), had a dream/nightmare about boots - pathetic, I thought, just plain pathetic. Just yesterday I decided to look them up and found that DSW had them so I went to try them on at the store and ALAS they fit like a glove!! I thought I would start dancing of how happy I was. I knew that the wait was necessary to make such an important purchase (hahah, I'm crazy).

My "I'm searching for the perfect boot" face

So if you are still reading the ridiculous boot story of my life, you really know how much this has meant for me and my self-esteem. I mean, just posting the size of my calve is like revealing my weight or something. Thank you for reading - I appreciate you!!

The ONE

Update on life: Nothing is really happening other than work and being home. Oh, and the super hot summer -  if you would believe that I love this 100+ weather.  I went to Sea World yesterday and redid my tan/burn. Now tomorrow is off to Six Flags for more tanning!! and burning?? I gotta grab some color while I can . . .

Here's what's been going on in picture - who needs words?

After a day of sun and water @ Sea World with Hailey

Omar planking . .  . we're working on it :) 

Hailey's soccer game -  she scored 1!

My favorite picture! They are so cute for church, smiling and standing beside each other for more than 5 seconds!  This never happens. 

Summer days and silly faces 

What more can I ask for my summer evening to be complete than having Austin running outside on his superhero undies?? priceless . . .   

Yep, he's here and ready to save you from . . . iguanas?? LOVE this child :)

Much love!!

*sorry for typos! I'm by no means a writer

For Laura:

Jason Nau is now . . . married!!! (??)

Who knew this day would come? I was completely shocked when I found that he had been recently married . . . wow. Good for him, haha. 

Also, I'm extremely excited to go to DC!!! I feel like just leaving now. I love to read your blog and hear how much fun you're having up there. Two words: can't wait. 

I hope you're doing well and that you are enjoying life in DC. Wishing you only the very best!

much love :)

INSANITY Workout

Is pretty INSANE . . . just saying. 

If you don't mind being drenched in sweat with muscles that feel you're on fire and about to pass out - you should try it then. There's something addicting about it too. Like hurting the next few days wasn't enough to keep you away. 

BUT, let's not forget "ma' man" - Shawn T. He's about the only motivation I have and need to do this workout. He is just one sweet-talking kind of person . . . I kinda have a crush on him, hehe. *sigh* And if your first reaction to his name is Hip Hop Abs erase it and repent. No, but seriously, he's a total different person from that cheesy video and he has some pretty great lines. My fave: "Ok, (super tired) no we're going to do the next move . . this move, ok . . . (halfway through move) Scissor hands!! Oh my gosh! I can't even remember the name of my own move!" 

Among his greatness - his eyes are my fave!! haha

Well, with that said - try it if you dare and I guarantee you will be hurting and feeling the pain for the next few week . . . but it's all work it. Or at least I hope :) 

Con mucho amor!

Update on Summer!

So far, summer has been great! It has also been the busiest weeks I've had in the summer. This summer was very much anticipated and has been, thus far, greatly appreciated. So, without further due, I will share lots of stories, pictures, and more about the past few weeks. Picture overload ahead. (The events will be in sequential order of what happened first, second, etc.)

1. Dentist Nightmares

Two days after being back form Provo, my dad took me to Monterrey, Mexico where I went to visit my dear friend Marcela - my dentist. When I got to her office I wasn't expecting anything more than cavities. Turns out   I needed to get 2 root canals, one molar extraction and a big cavity. All these things in the span of 2 days. Where did all this come from?!? Crazy? I think so. One side of my face was numb for a day and vice versa (Including part of eye, nose and ear - seems extreme, no?). Pain was everywhere. I was petrified and terrified. No joke, I thought I would never leave her chair. I feel that Marcela and I have definitely bonded. To be continued.

2. Annie Graduated from High School and Hailey from Pre-K!

When I came home, I was able to see Annie walk across the stage and receive her diploma! She graduated Suma Cum Laude and her scholarship was mentioned as she walked across. She forgot to mention the tiny detail that she had received an MIT scholarship of $22,000 a year. Sometimes I wished I had her brain, determination and humor (but that's beside the point). I'm so pround of her and her acomplishments. I know she will achieve great things in life and have no doubt she will have great success wherever she is. So as we speak or read, my parents are dropping her off at Cambridge/Boston right now for the MIT Interphase program she got into. I kindly asked my dad to scout the ward out for me and check the Harvard boys out since she will have Harvard, BU and MIT in her ward - no biggie. He excitedly agreed to announce my availability to the men congregation at the Singles Ward. I MISS and LOVE  Annie very, very much. 

Along with Annie graduating, I missed Hailey's graduation that took place a few weeks before I came home, but here is my beautiful girl ready to take on Kindergarten! I LOVE my Tita! 

3. Went to visit my Mom in Austin!

I really enjoyed spending time with both, my mom and Annie. I was able to visit my mom in amazingly and stylish new apartment. Mom, I wish I had your interior design talent. We did many fun things, relaxed, ate and enjoyed each other's companies. It was nice to be back in Austin besides from being beautiful, it's a place with great atmosphere. Mom, thank you for a great weekend! :)

 *(In the meantime, I have greatly enjoyed the company of this little guy - my bro) 

Proudly announce we had our first Bother-Sister date: so much fun!

*Notice the hair. We ditched his chili-bowl haircut for something a bit more sophisticated and new. Finally. 

Yep, he's only a handsome, charismatic, and rockin'  2 year old. LOVE this kid. 

4. RIVIERA MAYA, ISLA MUJERES, and CANCUN!


For our family vacation this year we decided to go to the Riviera Maya, the place where we usually stay when we're in Cancun. We stayed at the Grand Mayan Palace where we've been before. This trip had a very different feel to it, which I really liked. We had nothing really planned and we usually do. We wanted to relax and see if we were up to doing things which seems very out of the ordinary for my family but I loved it. We ended up in a super nice suite with two rooms, living room, hot tub, pool in the balcony, etc. We went to Isla Mujeres, Xcaret, Tulum, and Playa Paraiso. We also ate A LOT of yummy treats. Overall, a great family trip where we enjoyed each other's company. Oh, and I even got to swim with dolphins!! :) Here is a picture preview with more pictures to come :)

In Tulum with the Fam

Iguana Time  (something Baby Austin loved throughout the trip)

The Fam in Tulum overlooking beach. 

Isla Mujeres

Yep, that's a shark. 

Snorkeling in the ocean in Isla Mujeres.

Xcaret - beautiful place. Loved it. 

Dolphin kiss!

Trio

Clear water spring we like to swim in. It goes above and below ground (like caverns, etc). It was freezing. 

 

We have to take a pic with the usual, colorful Mexican hats only tourist dare to wear. 

In Grand Mayan. 

Playa Paraiso. One of the most beautiful beach in the region. 

 "Say iguana!" 

Beautiful.

5. Dentist continued . . .


I'm starting to think that this will never end. Yep, dentist again to get the posts on and impressions for the crowns. I thought it would be painless . . . wrong. But at least I get to go next week to finish this thing up! I haven't been able to chew well in about a month :( I'm so done with teeth . . . sometimes I wish I didn't have any.


6. Annie, Dad and Blankis go to Cambridge and I stay home


Annie has officially left the nest as of 3 days ago. I miss her very, very, very much. My dad and mom went to drop her off and her her settled for Interphase. My parents absolutely loved it up there and were thrilled to tour Boston and Cambridge. I wish my Anitas the very best this summer (you can do it chachitas!). If you want to read more about her story and see some pics you can go to her blog.

Meanwhile, I got to stay home with the kids which has very very fun. I love spending time with them, which seems to be about every minute of day and night these past few days. They are super smart and hilarious. I also attended a YSA activity with my friend Megan in Travis Lake which was quite interesting but what did I expect. At least I spent some time boating, tubing, etc.


7. What's next?


My mom has invited me to go to Culiacan and Mazatlan, Mexico (on the Pacific side) to visit family which I'm hoping I can go. I'm also looking forward to spending time with my friend Megan since we want to do so much this summer. Most of all, I'm hoping to enjoy every moment of being at home with the family - I love them very much.



Well, that about wraps things up for now. Talk about a long post.

Much love! :)