happy pi day

So as you may know, I am a math nerd... and today is a mathematicians favorite holiday: pi day.  So in case you need a little help to appreciate this strange number, here's a little video I found that made me giggle.

a late resolution

Since Matt and I are both extremely busy this semester, the apartment has been a little neglected.  So I've decided to write myself a weekly chart with one chore on it each day.  This way, apart form making my bed and doing dishes, I won't have to do ALL the cleaning on Saturday. I found this cute chart from theprojectgirl.com and have decided to share it (mostly for Dani).

On another note.. today I was told by my university professor today who came to watch me student teach, that I taught a "model" lesson.  Made my month! Student teaching had been a little rocky for me so far, but it's amazing how much this week has been better.  I'm pretty sure that I chose the right major because even with all the stresses of student teaching, I still LOVE teaching.

worst teacher ever award

For my Math Ed practicum class, we go to high schools and observe math teachers.  I had sad experience this week which made me really want to be a good teacher...

So the teacher were supposed to observe was testing and so we decided to try to observe another.  Turns out the teacher a few doors down was absent and had a sub (that was not a math teacher, just a nice guy). We went into that classroom to help the students because they were struggling. NO WONDER!! Their teacher is apparently suffering with some depression issues or something and the students said they have a sub more that they have a their regular teacher.  They have to teach themselves from the book every day and work on the 8392690385793485 homework problems their teacher leaves them to do. Soooo.. we taught them a lesson.  All of them did everything we said and even suggested doing more problems together and it was so apparent that they just wanted to learn something (which is not how our lessons usually go).  When they asked if we were going to be coming back to help the subs, I almost cried. Another kid said that when we graduate we should apply for their teacher's job so that the future students will actually learn something. 


Moral of the story... Despite my annoyance with the Math Ed classes lately, I have been reminded of why I want to be a teacher and I am determined to have my students LEARN and to like learning.

Hope you enjoyed my venting,
Mrs. Abel

freshman

Take yourself back to the day you were a freshman living in the dorms.. the tiny little closets, the meal plans, the pranks, but more importantly, the quote wall.  Don't lie to me, I know your apartment had one!  I bring this up because on my way to school everyday I walk through good old Heritage Halls.  And everyday there is a dry erase board in one of the boys apartments that has a quote of the day.  These always make me smile, but today's quote made be laugh out loud...

"Pandas are the least racist because they are black, white AND Asian."

This was definately the highlight of my walk home, especially since it's freeeeezing today.  Hello, winter.. I didn't miss you one bit.

a last first

Today was my very last first day of school (well as a student).  Classes were great, the Talmage building missed me, and was able to lose and snag another job!  Thinking about it being my last semester I got a little reminiscent. Here is a short journey through my BYU years...

Freshman year:  Fox Hall.  Made the greatest friends ever and had the time of my life!

Best freshman memories:  Getting trapped for hours a Wal-Mart with Matt because we didn't have a car.  
Annoying the couple that would make-out EVERY night in our lobby.
Winning the ward Catch Phrase competition!

Sophomore year:  Regency. Started focusing more on school ;)

Best sophomore memories:  Roadtrips galore! To Idaho for Kristin's wedding and to St. Geroge and many a trip to SLC. 
The fire alarm going off in our apartment every time we cooked anything!
Decided and started my Math education major!

                            

Junior year:  Condo Row.  Hard classes and meeting LOTS of new people.

Best junior memories: Working at Seven Peaks with a bunch of crazy 15-year olds. 
Co-creating the Math Ed Association at BYU.
Photo shoots with TyRee and Dani.
MC HAMMER, need I say more?

Senior year:  Single Tree (my own room!). Matt comes home!!!

Best senior memories:  National Math Conference in San Diego!
Winning softball intramurals.
Getting ENGAGED!

Well now I'm a SUPERsenior and I'm pretty proud of the memories and friendships I've made at college. Real world: Bring it on.

the apartment

I know lots of people (well at least 3) wanted to see pictures of our new apartment so I finally took some! Let me take you on a tour of 258 Wymount Terrace....


The first stop is the living room.. We had to put the couch in front of the closet because of the cable jack and everything, but it works!




Next is the kitchen. We have lots of cupboard space and a nice pantry!



Then the bathroom.. pretty boring.



And last but not least.. the bedroom! We have a good closet and a really big walk-in storage closet! My only complaint is that Matt likes to keep his bike in our room. <3




Oh! and I almost forgot.. the wonderful view from out balcony!



Well that's about it. We love it and hope to stay here a while! Also, Matt's old roommate and adorable fiance are about to move in next to us so that will make it even more fun! The only downside is no air conditioning, but it's been so nice lately that I haven't even noticed! Much better than the gloomy basement we started out in!

i am a cake boss

Matt's birthday was a few days ago, and I decided to surprise him with a cake. It seemed that a guitar cake would be the perfect choice so I found this template on bettycrocker.com. I had lots of problems.. like the cake braking in half and then the frosting melting because our apartment is so hot, but after all that I think it turned out pretty good!




He loved it and that's all that matters...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATT!