I'm going to be sitting in IEP meetings all day long today. I actually enjoy these meetings. It's really fun to talk with parents about how much progress their child has made throughout the school year.
As much as I enjoy these meetings, I know I'll still be thinking, "one more month till the cruise."
It's only natural.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
The Few, The Proud, The Marines
I met this guy, Dan, who has served 2 tours in Iraq. He showed me some of his guns. They are massive (and heavy.) Just wanted to say thanks to our troops for their time and sacrifice as they serve our country.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Spring Break in Florida
Ward Temple Night in Orlando
Universal Studios-Orlando!
My future husband (Scary Egyptian man from The Mummy, but hey, he's tall...I think he's trying to kill me in the picture)
A Day in Daytona Beach. 
I forgot how relaxing it is to lay out at the beach. I also forgot how painful it is to have a sunburn.
No matter how old I get, I never get tired of TPing!Floridian vs. Utahan Men
After spending a wonderful week in Florida, I couldn't help but notice there are some stark contrasts between the guys in Florida and Utah...
1. Floridians know how to hit on a girl. Utahan's....ummm...don't. (It was refreshing to meet guys who know what they want and go after it.)
2. There are a lot of gay Floridians. Utahan's just like to act gay.
3. Lots of Latinos in Florida. Lots of people who speak the the latino language in Utah
4. Definitely more facial hair in Florida.
I guess there are pros and cons to both places. One things for sure, I'm happy in Utah, and that's what's important. (I know, crazy that I'd like living in UT, huh!)
1. Floridians know how to hit on a girl. Utahan's....ummm...don't. (It was refreshing to meet guys who know what they want and go after it.)
2. There are a lot of gay Floridians. Utahan's just like to act gay.
3. Lots of Latinos in Florida. Lots of people who speak the the latino language in Utah
4. Definitely more facial hair in Florida.
I guess there are pros and cons to both places. One things for sure, I'm happy in Utah, and that's what's important. (I know, crazy that I'd like living in UT, huh!)
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Tu Tu's was too too much!
Last night, Bethany and I went to dinner with a couple of her friend to a restaurant called Cafe Tu Tu Tango. This restaurant is very bohemian. Lots of art work everywhere. They ONLY serve appetizers. yep, that's right...appetizers. The idea is, each person orders a couple appetizers each and then you all share your food with your friends. Interesting concept.
So we get the menu, and the food sounds divine. Yet, as I look around at other tables, I notice how ridiculously small the portion sizes are. Then I look at the menu and notice how ridiculously over priced it seemed ($8-9 a plate). Not wanting to spend a lot, I ordered the cheapest thing on the menu ($7). The food comes at random, and we all start to eat. I take a bite of everyone's appetizer (that is, after all, the idea). Then my plate comes. 4 tiny triangles of a quesadilla, which of course I shared with everyone. I really didn't eat much...I didn't want to hog and eat everyone's else's food, and with every small bite, I would think "Well, that just cost $1.25"
THEN the bill comes. The guy we were with just divided it evenly four ways. In retrospect, it makes sense, b/c we all ate each other's food, but I was a little surprised at the time, b/c I really only sampled the other food. I definitely didn't eat a 1/4 of the food. To add to the fun of it all, my stomach was a little queasy afterwards from not having a balanced meal (a bit of Italian, chinese, mexican, and other spices apparently don't mix well with me.)
I left $20 poorer and starving. Some restaurant. I went home and ate a bowl of cereal. I could have had the same experience for free....at Costco trying all the random samplers. Maybe I'll recommend that next time.
*Beth loved this place and laughed hysterically at my reaction. To each, his own, I guess.
*Beth just read this post and said I sound really bitter...I'm not really. It was pretty funny at the time.
So we get the menu, and the food sounds divine. Yet, as I look around at other tables, I notice how ridiculously small the portion sizes are. Then I look at the menu and notice how ridiculously over priced it seemed ($8-9 a plate). Not wanting to spend a lot, I ordered the cheapest thing on the menu ($7). The food comes at random, and we all start to eat. I take a bite of everyone's appetizer (that is, after all, the idea). Then my plate comes. 4 tiny triangles of a quesadilla, which of course I shared with everyone. I really didn't eat much...I didn't want to hog and eat everyone's else's food, and with every small bite, I would think "Well, that just cost $1.25"
THEN the bill comes. The guy we were with just divided it evenly four ways. In retrospect, it makes sense, b/c we all ate each other's food, but I was a little surprised at the time, b/c I really only sampled the other food. I definitely didn't eat a 1/4 of the food. To add to the fun of it all, my stomach was a little queasy afterwards from not having a balanced meal (a bit of Italian, chinese, mexican, and other spices apparently don't mix well with me.)
I left $20 poorer and starving. Some restaurant. I went home and ate a bowl of cereal. I could have had the same experience for free....at Costco trying all the random samplers. Maybe I'll recommend that next time.
*Beth loved this place and laughed hysterically at my reaction. To each, his own, I guess.
*Beth just read this post and said I sound really bitter...I'm not really. It was pretty funny at the time.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Airport Thoughts
I'm sitting in the Phoenix airport right now. I have a 2 hour layover to Florida. I find that my mind is flooded with really random thoughts...
"I must look really obsessive wearing a t-shirt that says, 'I love my students with autism' and reading 'Chicken Soup for the Soul: Children with Special Needs.' "
"I wonder if any of my student are freaking out right now that it's Monday and the bus didn't come..."
"I bet I could make a ton of money by building a gym in airports. What better way to spend a two hour layover?"
"Ok, obviously there isn't a gym here. How can I still get a decent workout in?" (Enter image in my mind of me running up an escalator that is meant for people riding down...now that would cause a scene)
"I wonder how many females there are in this airport that are actually taller than me..." (I haven't seen one yet.)
"In a day and age when EVERYONE travels with electronics, why is it next to impossible to find an electrical outlet?"
"Heaven bless the soul that made wireless free in this airport. "
"I must look really obsessive wearing a t-shirt that says, 'I love my students with autism' and reading 'Chicken Soup for the Soul: Children with Special Needs.' "
"I wonder if any of my student are freaking out right now that it's Monday and the bus didn't come..."
"I bet I could make a ton of money by building a gym in airports. What better way to spend a two hour layover?"
"Ok, obviously there isn't a gym here. How can I still get a decent workout in?" (Enter image in my mind of me running up an escalator that is meant for people riding down...now that would cause a scene)
"I wonder how many females there are in this airport that are actually taller than me..." (I haven't seen one yet.)
"In a day and age when EVERYONE travels with electronics, why is it next to impossible to find an electrical outlet?"
"Heaven bless the soul that made wireless free in this airport. "
in the mean time...
I received this quote from LDS Gems today:
"The most important single thing that any Latter-day Saint ever does in this world is to marry the right person, in the right place, by the right authority." - Bruce R. McConkie
While I do believe this is true, and I try to take my dad's advice of putting myself in places to meet people so I can accomplish this, I've come up with my own quote.
"The most important single thing that any Single Latter-day Saint ever does in this world is to live life to the fullest and not sit around and wait for the right person to come along." Bre Bell
Hence the reason I'm sitting in an airport traveling to Florida right now, and I'm going on a cruise in 6 weeks. Who knows, maybe I'll meet my prince charming there. It's all about putting myself out there, right dad? :)
"The most important single thing that any Latter-day Saint ever does in this world is to marry the right person, in the right place, by the right authority." - Bruce R. McConkie
While I do believe this is true, and I try to take my dad's advice of putting myself in places to meet people so I can accomplish this, I've come up with my own quote.
"The most important single thing that any Single Latter-day Saint ever does in this world is to live life to the fullest and not sit around and wait for the right person to come along." Bre Bell
Hence the reason I'm sitting in an airport traveling to Florida right now, and I'm going on a cruise in 6 weeks. Who knows, maybe I'll meet my prince charming there. It's all about putting myself out there, right dad? :)
Saturday, April 12, 2008
how...creative...
This morning, as I was going upstairs to talk to my roommate, I heard someone using the blow dryer. Naturally, I assumed that someone was drying their hair. it's amazing how dead wrong I can be sometimes (surprising, I know...it doesn't happen very often...)
No, Ruth, my sweet roommate was not drying her hair. She was using the blowdryer to dry her FEET! I gave her a questioning look and proceeded to have this unusual, and yet serious, conversation...
Bre: "So, uh, Ruth, watcha doin'? "
Ruth (replying casually): "I'm drying my feet."
Bre: "Um, why are you using a blow dryer for that?"
Ruth: "Because when you put your feet in socks while their wet, it feels weird." (WHAT!?!?!?!)
Bre: "So, um, do you not like drying your feet with the towel?"
Ruth: "It's just not as effective as a blowdryer."
I was then rendered speechless.
So then it made me think....who else has used a blowdryer in an unusual way? I'd love to hear your stories. (I've used it to defrost my freezer before...my mother was sure I'd electrocute myself)
No, Ruth, my sweet roommate was not drying her hair. She was using the blowdryer to dry her FEET! I gave her a questioning look and proceeded to have this unusual, and yet serious, conversation...
Bre: "So, uh, Ruth, watcha doin'? "
Ruth (replying casually): "I'm drying my feet."
Bre: "Um, why are you using a blow dryer for that?"
Ruth: "Because when you put your feet in socks while their wet, it feels weird." (WHAT!?!?!?!)
Bre: "So, um, do you not like drying your feet with the towel?"
Ruth: "It's just not as effective as a blowdryer."
I was then rendered speechless.
So then it made me think....who else has used a blowdryer in an unusual way? I'd love to hear your stories. (I've used it to defrost my freezer before...my mother was sure I'd electrocute myself)
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Tagged...again
What time did you wake up this morning? I actually slept in this morning until 6:45am! It's an extra 1.5 hours than normal. I hate being sick.
What do you usually have for breakfast? a banana
What is your favorite CD at the moment? it would have to be one of my random mixes of the popular songs I download from Itunes.
What kind of car do you drive? 2008 Toyota Highlander. Her name is Scarlet.
Favorite item of clothing? Pretty much anything green...it's my signature color. If I have to choose one, I guess it'd be my green shirt that's long enough to be a dress on an average height girl, but it's just a shirt on me. :)
If you could go anywhere on vacation where would you go? Africa!
What color is your bathroom? It's painted white decorated, of course, with green!
Where would you retire? Where ever my family is...or somewhere warm where my family could come visit me.
Most memorable birthday? My 16th. I got in a fight with my parents and ended up not getting any presents. typical temperamental teenager.
Favorite sport to watch? BYU FOOTBALL!
Are you a morning person or a night person? Morning! I wake up around 5 am every weekday to workout. Call me crazy, but I love it.
Shoe size? 10 (which is pretty small considering how tall i am)
Pets? heck no! But if I had to choose one, i'd get a great dane. I need an animal that is proportional to my size.
What did you want to be when you were little? A model/secretary/mom (what random selection, huh!)
What is your favorite candy? Peanut Butter M&Ms/Reeces (anything peanut butter and chocolate really!)
What is your favorite flower? depends on my mood...but I always love gerbera daisies or roses.
What is a day on the calendar that you are looking forward to? April 14...flying to Florida! and then May 31st...Cruising through the Caribbean!
What are you listening to right now? Random TV Commercials
What is the last thing you ate? Pete's yummy pasta!
What faith are you? LDS
Who was the last person you spoke to on the phone? The Haitain
Celeb hair you covet? Well, they aren't celebs yet (although the way their clothing company is going, they will be soon. check out layersclothing.com) but I'd pick my cousins...their hair is always perfect.
Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate!
When was the last time you cried? Tuesday. I don't want to talk about it.
What did you do last night? Slept...it's been a long week.
Favorite smell? Daisy by Marc Jacobs (I'll forever be indebted to Jerry for recommending it.)
What are you afraid of? My husband dying and leaving me a young widow...pretty morbid, especially since I'm not married!
How many cities have you lived in? 4; Sacramento, Camarillo, Provo, Iasi
How many kids do you want? 4
3 bad habits? Biting fingernails, not cleaning my bedroom, speeding
If I were a billionaire I would? TRAVEL! I'd go to underdeveloped countries and work in orphanages. I'd also donate a huge chunk to Autism Speaks, oh, and of course, take my whole family on a cruise.
One life goal? Volunteer in an Orphanage in Africa
A few things your friends might not know about you? I'm an open book. I think most of my friends know all...feel free to ask me anything you want to know!
I tag? Beth (b/c she needs something else to write about besides her catalysts :) ) Laura Smith (if she happens to read this), and Liz (b/c she's hilarious...i'm sure she'd have a lot to say.)
Monday, April 7, 2008
sick
So I went to bed last night feeling a cold coming on and sure enough, when I woke up this morning, it was hitting me full on. It's always difficult to decipher between a cold and allergies this time of year, so I hadn't been taking my zicam as religiously as I should. All I've been thinking all day is the quote from "You've got mail" when Meg Ryan says, "My head is all fuzzy." That's exactly how i feel. guess I should go to the store and pick up some Tylonel P.M.
Does any one have any good cold medicine recommendations? (besides zicam, airborne, emergen-C)
Does any one have any good cold medicine recommendations? (besides zicam, airborne, emergen-C)
Friday, April 4, 2008
questions
My buddy Pete and I are planning a cruise to the caribbean with a bunch of our friends. Needless to say, we are all VERY excited about this trip. As I am the experienced "cruiser" on this trip, Pete has been questioning me on pretty much everything...
Pete: "What kind of food is on the cruise?"
Me: "The real questions should be what kind of food is NOT on the cruise! They have everything!"
Pete: "Where do all the staff sleep?"
Me: "In a smaller boat that is being pulled behind the cruise ship. really, in a cabin...just like everyone else..."
Pete: "What do we carry all our stuff in when we port? A fanny pack?"
Me: "Yes, a fanny pack. Please wear a fanny pack! ....ok, really, just a back pack..."
Pete: "How many swim suits do I need?"
Me: "Seriously, am I my brother's keeper? How ever many you want!"
Pete: "I think I'm going to buy some snorkel gear."
Me: "You can just rent it on the ship if you don't want to have to worry traveling with it."
Pete: "Yeah, but will they let me take it off the ship?"
Me: "Why don't you think about that for a minute..."
Pete: "....I'm an idiot."
He's really not as dumb as he sounds. Just excited....very excited....
*Thanks for planning this trip, pete! I love you!
Pete: "What kind of food is on the cruise?"
Me: "The real questions should be what kind of food is NOT on the cruise! They have everything!"
Pete: "Where do all the staff sleep?"
Me: "In a smaller boat that is being pulled behind the cruise ship. really, in a cabin...just like everyone else..."
Pete: "What do we carry all our stuff in when we port? A fanny pack?"
Me: "Yes, a fanny pack. Please wear a fanny pack! ....ok, really, just a back pack..."
Pete: "How many swim suits do I need?"
Me: "Seriously, am I my brother's keeper? How ever many you want!"
Pete: "I think I'm going to buy some snorkel gear."
Me: "You can just rent it on the ship if you don't want to have to worry traveling with it."
Pete: "Yeah, but will they let me take it off the ship?"
Me: "Why don't you think about that for a minute..."
Pete: "....I'm an idiot."
He's really not as dumb as he sounds. Just excited....very excited....
*Thanks for planning this trip, pete! I love you!
The Grass isn's Always Greener...
Today a 3rd grade teacher at my school wasn't feeling well. Unable to find a sub, I volunteered to sub in her class after lunch so she could go to the doctor. (Thank goodness I'm co-teaching this year. Rachel can handle my class with no problems.)
Although this 3rd grade class as a whole was really good, it made me SO GRATEFUL for my students for multiple reasons.
1. Some of my students can't talk, and even the ones that can don't really understand how to be sarcastic or mouth off.
2. My students are so literal, they understand that school is for learning. My students say "Miss Bell, can I do my reading now?" and "It's time for math! yay!" 3rd graders groan (and then cheat) when you give them a test.
3. My students, having special needs, are (for the most part) all on individual levels. I teach them according to their level...meaning, I don't have to grade the same 30 math tests.
yep. I've decided I would much rather be bit, peed on, hit, kicked, misunderstand, and potty train than teach the 3rd grade. Am I a freak or what?
Although this 3rd grade class as a whole was really good, it made me SO GRATEFUL for my students for multiple reasons.
1. Some of my students can't talk, and even the ones that can don't really understand how to be sarcastic or mouth off.
2. My students are so literal, they understand that school is for learning. My students say "Miss Bell, can I do my reading now?" and "It's time for math! yay!" 3rd graders groan (and then cheat) when you give them a test.
3. My students, having special needs, are (for the most part) all on individual levels. I teach them according to their level...meaning, I don't have to grade the same 30 math tests.
yep. I've decided I would much rather be bit, peed on, hit, kicked, misunderstand, and potty train than teach the 3rd grade. Am I a freak or what?
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
April Fool's Day!
Happy April Fool's Day! In observance of this holiday, i thought I would share with you the stupidest joke I've ever played.
Let me take you back, way back. Back to the days when I was a 19 year old sophomore living with the most amazing gals; Bethany, Jenna, and Christina, in the The Great 28 at BDA Condos.
One semester I was taking a sign language class. For an assignment, we had to spend an entire day pretending to be deaf. I figured that a Sunday would be the easiest day to complete this assignment. However, the Sunday that I was "deaf" turned out to be the same Sunday that Jenna's Uncle invited us all to have dinner with his family.
Knowing how much of a jokster her Uncle was, Jenna thought it would be funny to play a joke on him. We decided that we wouldn't tell him that I was deaf for an assignment, rather we would just have him and his family believe that I was really deaf. (I really don't know why we thought this would be funny, but we did).
We arrive to the house and Jenna told her Uncle I was deaf. I started signing, and Christina was my "interpreter." For the next 3 hours, I continued the facade of being deaf. For those of you who know me, you can imagine how hard it was for me to keep my loud mouth shut. They full on believed it. We even watched Shrek in close captions. I tried so hard not to laugh when her uncle said, "It's so sad. This movie has such great music and she can't hear it!"
By the end of the night, I felt SO BAD that we had played this joke for so long, i didn't have the heart to tell them that I was actually pretending. To this day, that family probably still thinks I'm deaf.
Don't ever do that.
Let me take you back, way back. Back to the days when I was a 19 year old sophomore living with the most amazing gals; Bethany, Jenna, and Christina, in the The Great 28 at BDA Condos.
One semester I was taking a sign language class. For an assignment, we had to spend an entire day pretending to be deaf. I figured that a Sunday would be the easiest day to complete this assignment. However, the Sunday that I was "deaf" turned out to be the same Sunday that Jenna's Uncle invited us all to have dinner with his family.
Knowing how much of a jokster her Uncle was, Jenna thought it would be funny to play a joke on him. We decided that we wouldn't tell him that I was deaf for an assignment, rather we would just have him and his family believe that I was really deaf. (I really don't know why we thought this would be funny, but we did).
We arrive to the house and Jenna told her Uncle I was deaf. I started signing, and Christina was my "interpreter." For the next 3 hours, I continued the facade of being deaf. For those of you who know me, you can imagine how hard it was for me to keep my loud mouth shut. They full on believed it. We even watched Shrek in close captions. I tried so hard not to laugh when her uncle said, "It's so sad. This movie has such great music and she can't hear it!"
By the end of the night, I felt SO BAD that we had played this joke for so long, i didn't have the heart to tell them that I was actually pretending. To this day, that family probably still thinks I'm deaf.
Don't ever do that.
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