Twenty thirteen

  2013 has treated us well so far. All 35 days of it. Although it started a little rocky with a pretty large pile of  senior papers and a cold that had its way with me and the fact that Brandon spent the first 9 days (although it felt more like 99 days) in Montana working, we’ve been mighty blessed. 

 

My paper grading station.

First off, I got a long-term subbing job. That deserves a high five folks! And although I am working with quite a bit younger kiddos than planned, it’s great. As a matter of fact, I think they are some of the most intuitive and tactless ones I met. Let me give you an example. Last week a first grader told me that my scarf just did not go with my shirt. She said that although my scarf did look cozy the look just wasn’t working for her. What she didn’t know is that I was having the same exact thoughts that morning. Then a fourth grader asked me if I had woken up late one day. Now, I knew were this was going, and thought I would just roll with it. After saying no and asking why she would think such a thing, she sheepishly explained that my hair looked a little messy. Well, gee thanks. This coming from the girl that asked if I could adopt her; she needs a different angle.

 I do have some pretty great stories, most of them revolving recess. Seriously, it's better than prime time television, maybe even the bachelor, maybe ;)

Speaking of the bachelor, I am just tossed. None of the girls seem lilke real winners and I am getting real sick of these monologues of Sean working out. Are you with me? Oh, and Tierra is pretty much crazy.

 

We’ve also spent some time in the lovely Island Park. Our home away from home, and as Brandon calls it, Zion. I got to watch Brandon be an impressive snow-machiner and take some award winning photographs (at least in my professional opinion). We truly love our Island Park. 

See, impressive.

See, cutie pie :)

See, award winning photography.

On kinda a different note Brandon and I have dabbled in snowshoeing. We are about sick of being stuck inside and this seems like a good fit. We went to the local ski resort paid our five dollar entrance fee and hit the hills. And oh my goodness was it fun! Taking big leaps down snowy hills with real fresh air and sun and trees is just wonderful. But then, the realization hit that soon that thirty minutes of downhill glory must eventually turn into an hour of strenuous straight up the hill pure torture. But we made it, and I think we might even go back.

A snow show adventure.

Plowing through.

Heck yes.

Look, the sun made an appearance.

 And now, looking back through these 35 days, I am thinking that we’ve had a good start, and 2013 is going to be one of those really great years (besides the fact that it is an odd numbered year-they just rub me wrong for some reason).  Let’s kick this winter in the bum and show it how it should really be, yes? I think so :)