Home Stretch!

So this week has been great on the school front! Tomorrow are my last classes at BYU...ever!! So exciting to have my classes done! I just have a few finals to get through next week and I'm done on campus! Which brings me to my next portion of excellent news...student teaching!! I got my assignment last Friday (finally). I'll be teaching at Spanish Fork Junior High School! At first I was a little disappointed that I didn't get high school, but I'm excited for the experience at this level, and who knows, maybe I'll be converted! I've heard nothing but good things about my cooperating teacher so I'm super excited to meet her and start working with her in January! Also, I got my Praxis (the licensing test teachers have to take on content knowledge) scores back today! I did really well so that was exciting. (I passed in case you were wondering.)

So in a nutshell I'm 3 finals, 3 1/2 months of student teaching, and 1 graduation away from being a teacher!! I have never been sooo excited about the career that I've chosen. I can't wait to teach!!


"Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas." -Albert Einstein

Update.

So I have mixed feelings about blogging. I am thoroughly convinced that nobody reads this except for me. However, just when I think I should quit, something inside of me still has the desire to type out various events of my life for an unknown audience in cyberspace. So here I am, providing an update of my life over the past month or so.

1. Another Glenn wedding is in the works! My older sister Natalie is engaged! I've never met the guy, so I can't exactly say I'm excited for a new brother-in-law, but I'm sure he's a good guy. As she has been calling me asking about various wedding plans it really makes me NOT miss planning a wedding ha. There were some parts that were fun, but overall actual marriage is way better than the wedding day.

2. Pictures have made it to the walls of the Coffey home! After almost 10 months of marriage, I finally printed pictures, framed them, and got some decorations on our barren walls! I have one "family" wall that has various pictures of our wedding, Brock and me, and the beach to remind us of where we're from. Also the Proclamation is on this wall too. Then above our entertainment center I put a picture of Christ, a copy of the Living Christ, and a picture of the San Diego Temple. Growing up there was always church related art and decorations on our walls. I wanted to be sure to put some of these up in my home as a constant remember to strive to be better people!

3. Fall is here! I took this picture out of my living room window today of the pretty changing leaves. You can't really tell in the picture, but today is a wet, cold, gloomy day. I was ready for the change in weather. My first Utah summer was painful, so cooler temperatures are fine by me. This storm we're having right now is definitely a cold one! We turned our heater on for the first time today! Even though I hate the messes that come with rain and snow, I love the snuggling, the hot chocolate, and the cute clothes!

4. School is going really well! This is my last semester of classes so it's nice to go out with a bang. My first round of midterms just got done and I did really well on them! It's crazy to believe this semester is already more than half over. It feels like we just started! But I feel very fortunate to be in the classes that I am in. I have great teachers (which in a college math department is difficult to come by) and I like the material of my classes. Check out this picture of one of my professors. Yes, that's an elderly math professor sitting Indian style on top of a table.

5. This Friday is mine and Brock's 10 month mark! Before you know it, it will be a whole year! Time flies! I love married life and love living with my best friend! I love that he consistently brings home flowers, he is always willing to make dinner because I get off work later than him, he rubs my back even though he knows I won't to it back in return, and he always tells me he loves me!

Well there you have it, the past month of my life in a nutshell.

When it Rains it Pours...

No, literally...I got soaking wet walking to my car today.

So the past three days have been pretty gosh darn awful. It just seemed like one thing after another, after another. It all started when I remembered at 10pm on Sunday night that I had a paper due the next morning at 8am. This is where the snowball begins. I stayed up late writing my paper, I couldn't fall asleep because my mind was churning from writing my paper, I was exhausted the next morning because I couldn't fall asleep, I was late to class because I was moving slowly since I was so tired, I realized it was the day that I was supposed to be there 10 minutes early because I had a role in the lesson that day, after class I couldn't think straight in my meeting with my professor because I was tired (so I looked like an idiot), because I had my meeting with my professor (which went long because I was "unprepared") I didn't have a chance to finish my math homework which was also due that day, I had a sore throat that was progressively getting worse as the day went on. That was just Monday people. Tuesday consisted of waking up at 5:30 am with a horrible cold, having another meeting with my professor (since my first one was a disaster), spilling an entire soda (which was meant for my husband as a surprise) on my foot and car floor, and then staying up late to finish a lesson plan. Today I had to teach my lesson with my lovely cold-voice, I skipped my basketball class (which is my release in life) because I was feeling so awful, and then walked for ten minutes in uninterrupted, pouring rain, topped off by a possessed car ride in which my car seat electronically moved on its own smashing me between it and the steering wheel.

Needless to say, I've been complaining lately...a lot. And while it's easy to feel sorry for myself and complain about the thousand things that have gone wrong, I know that for every bad thing that has happened, I have at least 10 good things in my life to be grateful for. And so, to make up for my sorry attitude, I am going to list the top ten things that I am grateful for at this very minute:

1. My Husband- he works so hard, takes such good care of me, and is always there to listen. He's my best friend and I love him so much!
2. My Dad- I call him every single day. It started out for him, but now it's just as much for me. He's one of my best friends and I love talking with him.
3. Calista- I love that I have my older sister here in Provo. I love how close we are and I love how much she gets along with Brock. I look up to her a lot and I'm lucky to have a sister like her.
4. Basketball- I love that I've found something in life that I'm good at, I enjoy, and serves as a release from my busy life.
5. Education- I love attending school. I love math. I love helping people learn. I can't wait to be a teacher!
6. The Temple- I was up at 5:30 on Tuesday to go to the temple. How lucky am I that I live 5 minutes away from the Provo Temple? It feels awesome knowing I'm living worthily to go whenever I need to.
7. Prayer- I love that I can pray when I'm feeling so crummy. I love that it is often my husband's first suggestion when I complain to him. I love that I get answers!
8. My Home- The more time we spend here, the more it's becoming a home. Slowly, more pictures are making it up on the walls, more messes are being made, and more projects are being completed. I love that the spirit can dwell here.
9. My Job- I know I am so blessed to work where I do. My job is wonderful. I have an awesome boss and awesome co-workers. Heck, even the students are awesome! I couldn't have found anything that suited me better.
10. My Couch- It's such an inviting place to avoid homework, cuddle with my husband, watch sports, or just relax. It's the first "big" purchase that Brock and I made as a couple and one of the few things we bought brand new. It's like a symbol of our new lives together...and it's pretty dang comfy too :)

I have a wonderful life. Even on the bad days, I know that I am blessed.

Home Improvement (minus Tim Allen)

So Brock and I rent a small duplex here in Provo, Utah. We have no plans to stay in Utah long term and thus renting here is perfect for us. We love our little house and even though it isn't actually ours, we've definitely made the most of it. Being renters, home improvement is an interesting thing. There are a million projects I could list that I would LOVE to do around here, however I never want to invest any money here since I know it's not ours. However, this weekend Brock and I completed our first home improvement project!

Ok, so the purpose of this picture is not my adorable husband (he was ready to shovel snow for the first time at our house ha), instead turn your attention to the door at his left. It is the door to our furnace and water heater. It's the first thing I see when I walk in the house, it's visible from the living room, and of course I always have to look at it while I'm cooking or eating. The tenants before us must have glued a white board or bulletin board of some sort to the door. When they left, they just ripped it off and lovingly left the next tenants with their glue remnants. I have complained about this door for the past 8 months, but this weekend we finally did it! Ok so I know this isn't exactly extreme home makeover or anything, but I just don't think anyone can quite understand how much I hated this door. When my dad visited last, he brought up a sander for us. The plan was to sand the door down and then repaint it, and so that is exactly what we did!

We went to Lowe's for the sandpaper and paint and then embarked on our little project. Brock did most of the sanding work. I wanted to be a part of it so he humored me and let me try. I'm not the strongest person ever and my arm got tired fast haha. After he finished sanding I swept it and began the painting process. We were originally going to paint it brown again, but then we decided on white. Since it's not a door we use often we wanted it to blend in with the walls a littler more, so white it was. I did a lot of the painting. In high school, I repainted my whole bedroom so I guess you could say I'm a painting pro. While I painted, Brock worked on some odds and ends with the cars and our bikes. As it dried, I helped Brock with his other projects (I'm lying, I sat in a chair and watched him work...don't judge me.) It was really nice to work outside with Brock. When I was growing up some of my favorite memories were weekend yardwork under the instruction of my dad. I really love being outside and I know this weather won't last long so it was fun to be out there while we can. So back to the door...it dried, we hung it, and it looks fabulous! I'm so incredibly excited about it. Even though it's something so small, you would not believe the difference it makes in our house! The first like 5 times I came through the front door I went on and on about how much I loved it and how much better it looked! In fact, Brock got so annoyed with how many times I said it that he threatened to put it back the way it was. So now I just silently admire it :)

Even though it wasn't some huge thing, it definitely got me excited to own a house someday. I can't wait for the freedom to change things however I want whenever I want. But for the time being, our little duplex-complete with a nice new door- is just fine.

Back to School...

Classes started this week. That is the last time I will say (or type) that in my undergraduate college career. Can I get a WOOHOO?!!! I started to prepare for the semester last weekend. I had to get my ID badge that I'll wear in the public schools (it just identifies me and certifies that I've been fingerprinted and had a background check). I also began my student teaching application that's due on the 12th. Not going to lie, as I bought my books, got my ID badge, and filled out my application I got extremely excited about my career choice. There were many days early on that I doubted my program. I thought Theory of Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Differential Equations, Fundamentals of Mathematics, and of course Linear Algebra would never end. I had a mid-college-life crisis one semester and thought about changing to a major that will not be named (maybe I'm ashamed). But man am I glad that I stuck it out. And now, here I am at the end.

The best part about this all is that I really like my classes this semester. So I'm having my cake and eating it too! I'm taking MathEd 377/378 which is the practicuum in my program. We basically study how to be better math teachers. We watch clips of teachers and analyze the tasks that they give and the questions they ask. We also prepare several of our own lesson plans on various topics and teach them to each other. We'll also go out into the public schools to observe and on some occasions teach. I really like my teacher for this course and I'm excited to start teaching! I'm also taking Math 300- The History and Philosophy of Mathematics. This class is exactly what it sounds like...ha. We study this history of mathematics up until about the 1700s. My professor for this class is awesome and I'm really excited about it. Finally, I'm taking Math 355- Graph Theory. I was kind of nervous about this one, but it turns out I'm really enjoying it. My last class is of course...basketball haha. This is the fifth time I've taken it (by choice, not because of failure ha). I've found that it really helps me release a lot of stress from my crazy major.

So there it is, the last 10.5 credits before I student teach. Unfortunately, I don't get to choose where I will do my student teaching. I requested to be placed down in Nebo school district which is where I work. It would be close to work and I know a lot of the students at various schools from my job (I'm the head math tutor at Success Education Center in Spanish Fork). Anyways, here's hoping I'll get to teach down there. Then, it will all be official in April: graduation, complete with credentials and my license to teach! It's crazy to think that in less than a year I'll be in my own classroom, on salary (as minimal as it may be), and officially be starting my career! A lot of people question whether I'll find a teaching job (given the several budget cuts and unemployed teachers in the nation). Luckily, math is always in demand. Last year, in the heart of all this economic mess, every Math Ed graduate from BYU found a teaching a job! So that was definitely good news. So here's hoping.

It feels really good that I can type the remainder of my college career and the beginning of my life's career in just a few short paragraphs. Self, good day.

Home Sweet Home

The past few weeks have been crazy! I've been home to San Diego twice, I sent my little brother off on a mission, and we've had family in town. Home the first time was with my siblings to surprise my dad for a late Father's Day gift. It was the last time the four of us would be together for two years! The following weekend, Brock and I went down for all of Chase's farewell festivities. We had an open house, went mission shopping, and watched him pack up his room. It was definitely weird saying goodbye to him. Even though I've experienced saying goodbye to both of my sisters when they left on missions and even though I've been in Utah for awhile, it was really really hard for me to say bye. I have always had a sensitive spot for my baby brother. But, I know he'll do great, that he wants to be serving, and that he's doing what's right. I'm so proud of him! Brock's mom and sister have been up here this week too to help with the opening of the new Golden Spoon in Orem. It's been fun having them here and being able to spend time with family.
Being around family so much this month has really helped ease the sucky-ness of staying in Utah this summer ha. I was really feeling homesick for a while so I think it was definitely what I needed. We're hoping to get one last trip in down to San Diego before school starts at the end of August.
But for now, it's nice to have things back to normal. We cleaned all day yesterday and it's so nice relaxing in our quiet, clean, cool (thanks to our fixed swamp cooler!) home after a crazy month. I love that our little duplex feels like home. I love that I have my own place to decorate, clean, and return to after a long week. Even though it may be temporary, I think I have come to terms that this is my home currently and that when I go to California, I'm just visiting. As hard as it is to admit that, I love married life and being able to call a place my own home with my husband.

I know I'm back home in San Diego when...

1. The humidity almost knocks me over when I get off the plane

2. I get a warm greeting from 3 loudly barking dogs

3. I open the refrigerator and find loads of cut up watermelon

4. I find the mini-fridge completely stocked with water bottles and Dr. Pepper

5. I get to drive my dad's massive, diesel, F250 around town

6. The massage chair welcomes me with open arms

7. I spend 3 hours in a Submarina catching up with a friend

8. The beach, playing basketball, and eating are the only cares I have in the world

9. I stay up until 1am talking with my sisters

10. I miss my husband back in Provo :(

I caved.

I am the girl who made fun of blogging. I am the girl that thought some strange computer journal in cyberspace was stupid. Yet, I found myself reading blogs. Sometimes I read strangers' blogs, sometimes I read friends' blogs, sometimes I read family members' blogs. Occasionally I glance at someone's blog that I haven't talked to in forever, and suddenly I feel completely caught up on their life! It's amazing- a completely effortless recap of everything that is going on. While I don't think that I have a very exciting life that really requires updating people on, I do find the idea of typing my life out kind of amusing (mainly for myself). So if other people care to indulge themselves every once in a while with a little sarcasm, probably a little complaining, and occasionally something a little remotely interesting, I can surely provide it.