9.29.2010

The End of September... Top 10

Well the month of September is basically over. I have 1 more day to finish my reimbursements for the month and then I'll be more happy (because then I'll have more money) and I get paid at midnight tonight, WAHOO! There's been a TON of things that have happened in the month of September. Because I love lists so much, here's the TOP 10 things about the end of September (*note, these are not in PARTICULAR order as I wrote them as I thought of them*):

10. NBC Studios - This was the sign at Rockefeller Center. It was so cool to see these things when I went to New York (even though I was only there for like 40 hours). I got to see Radio City across from NBC studios and where they film a lot of stuff. I wish I could have spent more time there, but it was great to see even if only for a short time.
9. Today's All Staff Retreat - we got to learn more about the Achievement Gap in Arizona, which was quite interesting. We got to hear both the people running for State Superintendent of Public Instruction tell us why they should be elected, what role they see TFA playing and basically waht they plan on doing when office. While seeing this was pretty cool, it also made me SUPER worried about the state of our "higher-ups" in Arizona. We also got to hear from some major players in education about why Arizona is truly 50th in the nation and what we need to do to chance this. Interesting, but seemingly a high order.

8. Our Hotel while staying in New York. Quite an incredible site from the Hotel. I am truly amazing when I get to these hotels that Teach for America puts us up in. They are truly the best of the best. We had a view of the entire Big Apple and everything important to see.
7. The Seahawks - Well Basically Football in general. How amazing is it to wake up on Saturdays, turn on the TV and watch College Football. How about waking up on Sundays and watching NFL Football. And, how about coming home from work on Monday and watching football... AMAZING! I Do wish that the Cardinals were on a little less and the Seahawks were on down here, but I'll just have to venture out to bars for the games. And, the Seahawks aren't sucking so far... SO GREAT! (knock on wood) - I don't want to jinx them.

6. My New Favorite Television Shows - Glee and Modern Family. I watched a bit of Modern Family in the first season, but I LOVE the show. It is hilarious, real life, and just entertaining all around. Now, Glee, I didn't want to jump on the bandwagon (just like I resisted Harry Potter for a while - thanks for finally convincing me Lauren) but I happened to watch the season opener last week randomly and I loved it so much I watched all the online episodes that same night. Also, since I missed the show last night, after this blog, I'm going to watch last night's episode.

5. The Excitement of Mom and Dad's Visit - Mi Madre and Padre are coming to Phoenix... wahoo. Not only are they coming to Phoenix, but I'm going to be taking time off when they come. I am so psyched that when they come stay at an amazing hotel, I'm taking time off and vacationing with them. TIME OFF... whaaaaaaat? I am missing Fall Break at this point (it would normally have been next week), but I'm excited to take two days off!

4. Hearing about Lauren's teaching/placement- I'm so excited that she is doing what she is doing and really seems to be enjoying it. It sounds like she got placed at an awesome school and is super lucky for that and I'm so happy for her. It's great to hear that there are good schools like that out there when there are so many horrible ones out there.

3. My Friend Angie's wedding - She is obviously in the middle behind the man in the tux (the groom naturally). The rest of the girls in the picture are either girls I play soccer with or against on either Sundays or Thursdays.

2. Time's Square - I saw everything!!! This picture is where the ball is dropped on New Year's Eve - so cool. All along the sides were shops and near we found where they film the Early show, Jay Leno, Rockefeller Center, everything was truly amazing.
1. THE Amazing Empire State Building - absolutely Phenomenal.
GREAT view from the TOP! The Crazy light from the middle was Times Square, it was like a HUGE and crazy and just-as-bright Vegas - without all the people trying too hand out all those adds for strippers or "late night parties" while hitting the post card stripper on their hand to make a clicking sound and attract your attention. If you don't know what I'm talking about, it's been way too long since you've been to Vegas and I suggest going immediately.
Alright, time to go watch GLEE! YES! Have a great almost last day of September. Wow, October already huh... nutso.

9.16.2010

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No big deal just on the top of the empire state building!


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9.15.2010

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9.09.2010

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Ah Golf!
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9.08.2010

Good Stuff Occurs on Wednesdays:

1) Today's Groupon for Phoenix was Tequilla Tasting... WHOOOOOO HOOOOO. Yes, that's right, only $12 for 4 hours of tequilla tasting (9 different tequillas) = 4 hours of amazing-ness

2) I registered for the PF Chang's Rock 'n' Roll half marathon over Martin Luther King Day in AZ. Everyone should come/participate. Click here for the link: BOO-YAH

3) I just found the coolest website called Golf Now which basically you can search for an area and a set time and it gives you CHEAP tee times for that area. For instance, I searched Central Phoenix and tomorrow's date and it gave me tee times ranging from 5:45 am (yah right) to late and really nice golf courses to the not so nice ones for CHEAP. In case you're wondering, I took this information and signed up for a tee time for tomorrow at 9:05 at Encanto Golf Course for $8 for the whole round. Awesome. This realization brings me to #4:

4) I'm going golfing tomorrow at 9:05 am at Encanto Golf Course!

5) I'm driving to Coolidge, Arizona tomorrow to meet with an observe 3 of my teachers. Hopefully it'll be a nice drive!

9.06.2010

ESPY Went Camping

Well a wonderful weekend of relaxation, sun, exploring Arizona, and did I say sun! I may or may not be a little burned.

Friday: Left work a little early and decided to head up to Flagstaff for a nice camping experience. Espy even decided to come on this camping excursion! We went to Ashurst Lake about 15 minutes from Flagstaff!
We didn't arrive at the campsite until about 7:30, but we still got the tent up and I got STEAK for dinner... yummm. And then, to top it off, S'mores (and a Sol beer too!).
Saturday: Woke up nice and early, let ESPY play around in the lake for a bit, went walking around the campsite and then packed it up to head to the Grand Canyon!

Here's ESPY at the Grand Canyon:

And then here is ESPY and I at the Grand Canyon.


What a fun weekend :-) Then, the next day I went and celebrated Sunday at my friend Laura's house to swim, eat and drink, and sit in the sun! I got a little burned but not too badly. Then today, Labor Day, I slept in a bit - took ESPY roller blading - came back read Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang (Chelsea Handler's most recent book) which is AMAZING. SO SO SO SO funny, if you're looking for a quick funny read, I would suggest it! Now, ESPY is asleep on his new bed that I just bought for him!

A Wonderful Long Weekend. I'm getting prepared for a busy 4 day week ahead, it's full of teacher observations, principal meetings and ensuring that teachers are doing a good job! Wish me luck!

Also, congrats Lauren and Sarah for finishing another half, I'm so proud of you guys and am signing up for the Arizona Rock and Roll Soon!!!

xox-K