Who Says?

Who says Portsmouth doesn’t have character? Just today I saw my neighbor get his newspaper in just a shorty robe, and a man at the grocery store smoking a pipe. Now THAT’S character.

Have any of you walked outside today? It’s beautiful! (well, warm). As soon as my laundery is done I’ll have to show you what I got at the antique store yesterday. I’m excited about it.

Saturdays are the best.

And now it's time for:

Fun memories of being hugged by a spicy Hispanic on your Birthday

May will be the best month of my life this year. I can feel it!

In Public

Funny story. The girl on the computer next to me is talking on her cell phone and said “It’s over?! So, you’re leaving?!…I mean you’re leaving your class?”…I thought I was going to get to witness one of those awkward public cell phone breakups. Guess it’s just not my lucky day…Oh wait! Her lover just showed up! I’ve been next to this couple in the library before! Time for some aggressive PDA. Maybe today is my lucky day!




Realize my discomfort.

Just Another Day

What a day. After student teaching, I headed over to the art museum for their Memory Project display opening. High school students drew portraits of orphan children for them to have. It is really a wonderful thing. I told my students I would be by the snacks. They assumed it was because I like food. Little did they know I was in charge of protecting the cookie and punch table. It was really nice to see people in the community I haven’t seen in a while, and students I had previously.

I get to wear jeans tomorrow! Every payday. It’s pretty sweet. Only, it makes it harder for my co-op teacher and me to find each other in the classroom, because we both look like one of the students. I’m loving my field placement. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to be. I’ve started something I want to keep doing for the rest of my teaching days. It’s a notebook of all the funny things students say or do. It’s a small list right now, but it will grow. A couple of my favorites are:

Teacher: “It’s in the kiln room.”
Student to friend: “Did she just say kill room?”

Student: “Can we watch the inauguration? I heard there’s supposed to be like 800 snipers”

My New Office

This is a picture of my computer...on the fridge. The only place I get internet. I just stand on a chair and get on everyone's nerves who tries to get food. You know, I'm not really sure how I found out I could get interent up there...I just had a feeling, and I was right.

99 TO GO

I can't believe it's already 8:00pm. I've had a full week of snow days, and have gotten a lot of work done. My goal is to be so caught up that every afternoon I'll only go to the library to work on stuff for an hour, and then have entire evenings free. (The thought of this makes my heart happy)

Today is a very special day to me. Today is the '99 days until graduation' mark. 13 more weeks of student teaching to go. I feel like after I graduate I can finally stop thinking about graduation! It will be great!

So, something kind of exciting happened today. Don't know if I should share yet...Well, a lady from a museum I've wanted to work for got back with me today. She said they have part-time positions open for the fall...doing what I really want to do! (teach art in an after school program) and she said to send in my resume. I really think I want to do this. I have a lot of reasons to leave the area, but oddly I just don't want to. I'm going to follow my heart, and my heart says "Umm, slightly undecided, but a plan is starting to form" and "I wish sugar was good for me".

HAPPY 3rd and 4th SNOW DAY!

This is the best snow day ever! The flakes are HUGE! I love it! Yesterday was pretty amazing too. After everyone got back from sledding we were planning on going over to a friend’s house for dinner. Well, the roads were so bad and half the people were already at our house that the guys who were throwing the dinner agreed to make it here! It was great! The house was packed, and to show our appreciation we made it “Happy Eddie Day!” (Eddie was whose house we were supposed to go to).

GREAT NEWS!!! I just got another phone call! NO SCHOOL TOMORROW! I can’t stop dancing! Apparently power is out around P-town too, so come on over! Plenty of power here. Happy Snow Days everyone!

Exsnows Me?

Too AWESOME!!! I got ANOTHER snow day today! And get this!!! I’ve got ANOTHER ONE TOMORROW!!! When I got in my car I felt like I was in a cave with all the snow on it. I only went to my car to get sleds for my roommates (which I forgot I took out of my trunk, and put them behind my dresser this summer). I’m lame, and don’t feel like getting out of my p.j.s today. Maybe tomorrow I’ll go sledding, on my OTHER snow day. I’ve been up since 4:30am, because I wanted to get some things done before school started, and I’ve been working on them here and there throughout the day. But my routine usually consists of:

1^st making a plan of what needs to get done.

2^nd realizing that I’m hungry.

3^rd making something so I’m not hungry anymore.

4^th eating until I’m sick, because I don’t want to get hungry again while I’m working.

5^th getting tired from eating so much.

6^th napping.

7^th waking up.

8^th realizing I have things to do.

9^th realizing that I’m hungry again.

10^th repeat steps 1-10.

I honestly have gotten some work done today though, so don’t worry mom (I know you called Miranda this morning to check and see if I was being productive or not).

And when I asked if anyone had anything they thought “wow! Mallory would be perfect for this!”, I was referring to careers, or something long term. Sorry Bek. I’ve kind of got a surplus of summer job opportunities. Another one just came up this morning matter of fact. I wish the right decision was just so blatant that it smacked me in the face. Well, maybe I’d prefer a more “Hello Mallory. Nice to see you. Why, yes. This is your perfect destiny. Right this way.”

5 8s

Here is what I'm sure you've all be waiting for! 5 sets of 8 things...Well, as many as I could think of...

8 Favorite TV Shows:
1.The Office!
2. I don’t really watch enough to care about much else…

8 Things I Did Yesterday:
1. Slept
2. Church
3. Ate
4. Talked to friends and family
5. Read
6. Napped
7. Ate
8. Slept (Sundays are the best)

8 Things I Look Forward To:
1. GRADUATION (surprising, I know)
2. Thursdays to watch The Office
3. 2:30pm (When school lets out)
4. Saturdays
5. Dinner
6. Long weekends
7. Feb. 14th (Covers most of the top: it’s a Saturday, long weekend, and I’m sure I’m going to eat dinner. And who knows. Some episodes of the Office might be watched.)
8. The next crazy adventure that comes my way

8 Favorite Restaurants
1. I don’t eat out much. (I like to cook)

8 Things on My Wish List
1. A stinking diploma
2. A great job, or some awesome opportunity
3. More snow days
4. Unlimited free time
5. A house out in the country
6. Hmm, I’m out of things to wish for.

I have an extreme case of senioritis, if you haven’t been about to tell. I think I’m going to have a party in a few days to celebrate the 100 days until graduation mark. Man! I really have a problem. Homework time!

Flakes; Keep-o-Fallin'

I woke up this morning to my call ringtone at 5:30am. I was like “hmm, I didn’t mean to set my alarm to that”. I looked at my phone in confusion, and pressed the End button. Then I later heard my voicemail tone. It was my co-op teacher saying “happy first snow day!” I was thinking that "hey! Now I’ve got a full day to do more homework" and I rolled over to think about everything I would get done…and then I fell asleep until 8am. Miranda woke me up to tell me something (she confuses me a lot most mornings), and then asked if I wanted to go workout. I said YES. She went out to the car to clean it off, and then I went outside to say NO. I decided to go straight to the library, and start on school assignments. Obviously it’s been 4 hours, and I’m still not getting anything done.

One of my friends I worked with a couple summers ago emailed me yesterday to see if I wanted to be their Handiland Director (arts and crafts) at a camp in CA. I kind of just emailed him to say I would. So, I guess now I have plans for the summer. This is an exciting thought. PS- If anyone, ANYONE knows of anywhere, ANYWHERE that might need an art teacher let me know! (Or if there is some other opportunity you think “wow, Mallory would be perfect for this!” I’m really game for anything.)

Did I mention it’s a snow day? :)

My Own Kind of Beautiful

There was a Chinese New Year Celebration at the university yesterday. Dr. V asked those who went on the China trip to go. There was no question in my mind on if I was going or not. There was a free dinner after. Well, while there they had presentations and Dr. V comes up out of nowhere and asks us to speak on our experiences. I love those spontaneous moments when you’re asked to speak in public. It wasn’t too bad, and I ate a lot of food. It was great.

I just got an email from my mom with Mormonad videos. I have the “Be Your Own Kind of BEAUTIFUL” in my room. You got to love The New Era.

For one of the presentations they wanted pictures for a slideshow. While looking through some I found one I forgot all about. We were meeting with some important people at the sister school, and they were very generous. But this picture reminds me a little of that Mormonad.

If you can’t tell, the glasses are filled with beer, and my lonely glass of orange juice. It doesn’t get any different when you get older. There will always be times when you have to be different. It could even be when having dinner with élite Chinese men and having to use gestures and try to sign “No beer. Anything else?”. I went home last night to an empty house after turning down an invite to a typical college party, and it made me think. So many people do the same things. The same self destructive things. I love my friends and family. Although I don’t get the see them very often, I know they are doing things to make them different. Things that make them beautiful.

I Think of Nothing Else...

Can I Breathe Yet?

For some reason I thought things would be smoother not having to go to work every day. NOPE. Not this semester. It’s only been 3 days, and I’m already worn out. And there are only signs of things getting much busier. Maybe I will take this summer off to recuperate. One thing I can’t wait to do is go see Chirstyn in DC! Christyn, you have no idea how much I want to see you! We will talk about this moving to DC biz when I get there. Hmmm…Adventure Ideas are starting to come….

Spring:
Washington D.C.
New York City
Summer:
Utah
Catalina Island
Ecuador
Tennessee
Pennsylvania
Fall:
Wherever the wind sends me….

If any of these places appear to be your residents or place of previous occupancies, most likely they are. Expect me to crash/travel with you during the designated time. Thank you.

A Time to Move

For crying out loud! It's cold! It's been raining so much, that it's hard to get out of bed. Finally some flurries are flying sideways here.

I don't know how many I told I was going to make up my mind Dec. 22nd on what on what I was going to do with myself after graduation, but that really didn't happen. I'm more undecided than I was before. I have what I want to happen, but that just isn't feeling right. And we all know how things really end up. Last time I made plans for my future they disappeared from under me, and something much better unfolded. I'm hoping something similar happens (without the heartbreak), and I'll figure something out soon. I've been really thinking about going back to this this summer: That was the good life. As for right now I'm just down here at freezing school, getting ready for hopefully my last semester. New goal for 2009: Not blog about what I should do with life, and live. I've done a pretty good job with just living, but lately I've been doing more thinking. Just thinking doesn't get me anywhere. Time to move (maybe figuratively, maybe literally).

Let the New Year Begin!

Is it just me, or does this guy look like he's smiling?

It was promised, and it has been delivered. Jen and I have started posting on our new blog,

Life Less Ordinary.

It needs some sprucing, but it’s getting there. We decided everyday to write about something we found new, and loved. It’s kind of neat to think that everyday we are going to take a couple minutes to acknowledge something new in our lives. If anyone is interested in joining, let me know. It’s fun to appreciate the small things.

The first day of 2009 turned out to be a good one, indeed. My friends Cody and Jen went with me to the Newport Aquarium, which was fun. When we got there some of my friends from SSU happened to be there, too. That was neat to see them. After an edifying time at the aquarium, we went to the Omnimax! That is one of my favorite things on earth to do. Only now I want to go rafting down a river...again...real bad.

Yes, it would be the New Year…

Happy New Year Everyone!

Hope it was a good one for you all. I hung out at home with family and friends. It is only fitting to do a quick recap of 2008, and go over what I hope to accomplish in 2009.

2008
-2 new nephews came into the family
-London trip
-ROAD TRIP with Whitney (Kirtland, Penn State, Scranton!, Hershey, Amish Country, Giant Basket…)
-White Water Rafting
-China
-Passed the PraxisII
-I’m sure tons of other things I can’t think of right now

2009
-Learn portion control
-Cute down on sweets
-Exercise at least 3x a wk
-Go on at least one great adventure
-Not skip a day of reading the Book of Mormon (including while on vacation)
-GRADUATE (129 days)
-Transition into a new life

It's going to be a great year...

Filling Time

I’ve decided on doing a huge art project…only haven’t decided what kind. I’ll figure it out tomorrow, and get started. I’ve got some ideas, but they need refined.

Jen and I are starting a blog. More details to come.

New Years is the debut.

Vacation What?

Welp, two more weeks and I have no idea what to do with myself. Plans keep falling through, and I’m not used to being in one spot for so long without doing something. I’ve had a great time with family, and getting to see my bro’s family in PA. Hanging out with my sister’s kids is always an adventure as well. I surprise myself how immature I can be at will. I’ve gotten to see lots of old Ohio friends I haven’t seen in a very long time, and that’s been exciting. Now what? The only thing I have on the agenda is to revise my resume and start applying for jobs (none really in Ohio yet).

I tried to take up crocheting, but that got a wee bit boring for me. I’ve been trying to finish up a book I’ve been reading, but that can only occupy a few hours of the day. I’ve watched a couple of movies. Now that I think about it, I don’t know what to do with free time. I haven’t had it in so long, that I’ve lost the ability to do nothing. At this point of my vacation time I’m usually on the first flight to anywhere I can go, but with the weather and airport travel problems right now there’s no way. You know what? I’m going to do something great in the next couple weeks. I’ll decide what that great thing will be tomorrow, but it will be worth while. No more of this boredom junk. Mind you me, by this time week after next I will have done, produced, managed, and/or created something of value…I better get to bed, and stop rambling.

New Years is soon…Resolution time.

The Night Before Christmas

Here's Nick again! He was so funny that night, and would say anything I asked him to.

It’s Christmas Eve. If anyone is interested the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is performing on PBS right now. I have to say there isn’t too much Christmas cheer in the Goldie house tonight. It’s just like any other night back home, really. I’m sure by mid-morning, and some of the kids get here there will be plenty of entertainment and excitement. As of right now I’m just wandering around the house while mom is in the living room watching T.V. (at an unbearable volume), Miranda is playing computer games for teenyboppers (kinda kidding), and Dad is at work.

If anyone else is in lack of Christmas excitement, here is a video to bring in the right kind of spirit. What a wonderful and amazing gift we all have received. It brings joy, humility, and gratitude to my heart when I think about it…Hey! There’s that Christmas joy. :)

Merry Christmas Everyone

Just Got Back

We had fun in PA with my brother's family. This is Nick. He is very clever! I miss those kids so much already...

BREAK

This is my favorite thing when Andrea comes home...

I hope everyone has an amazing Christmas! Finals are OVER, and I'm FREE!...kinda. Hope my roommates have a great Christmas, too! I am so grateful they live with us. Kristin has been a great roommate, and I can't wait to see what we end up doing next semester to make life more entertaining...2009...

Spread the Word!

This is for you, Jen! I stole this from your profile picture...obviously.

Freedom is so close! One more day!!!

Great News!

Oh what a relief! I just found out I passed my PraxisII exam! What a huge blessing. I was so worried. I had met my co-op teacher for student teaching. She is GREAT! I am extremely excited for next semester. If I wouldn't have passed I would have had to wait until the fall, and couldn't graduate in May. MAY! I graduate in MAY!

Days until commencement: 144!

Finals are just about over with, and I can't wait for a break! Mom, Dad, Miranda and I are heading to PA to see the Pennsylvanian Goldie's in a couple days! I'm hoping to make a trip out to UT, but that depends on if I can catch a flight (and they aren't looking too hot).

I had my music on shuffle a couple days ago, and a song came on I haven't listened to in quite a while. Yellowcard: Miles Apart. That was my song for the island. I can be such a dork, but it took me back so much. After I graduate I want to find that spot the island gave me. It feels like home, and gives a purpose to work hard. I have too many options for after graduation. I can't wait to figure out which one to choose...

Proof

Proof that the Lord is continually helping me along the way:

Remember how I had that big ol' portfolio due today? Well, you can figure that I didn't get it done, but you can figure even more that about an hour ago an ice storm hit! Class is canceled, and my folder is due MONDAY!

He is too good to me...And makes me want to try harder, because of His graciousness.

Uncanny

Ok, Referring back to the picture of my dad on a previous post (one before last), does this sweet little boy not look exactly like my dad?! This is one of my awesome little nephews, Brennen. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't crazy...
It's like Jeffero Jr.

Some Things Never Fail...

And one of those things would be me out of school. So far I've managed not to flunk out of school despite my radical zest for life. It's a bit of a problem how I can't sit still for too long, nor can I focus on schoolwork for a sufficient amount of time. Take right now for example. I have a huge portfolio due in 18 hours. Do I fret? No. I blog. Or Facebook. Or search for jobs for 3hrs. But I have no fear in it not getting done after 4 years of this life style.

This is the first time in my college career where I have accepted the fact that I walk on the edge. Really, if you think about it my parents should be proud that of all things this is what I do. I could be into drugs, grunge bands, alcohol, beanie babies, or even NASCAR memorabilia. But no. I am a last minute fighter. And I'll be honest. It's a good thing I'm just now figuring this out. The fear of not getting things done in time has had me crank out some pretty spectacular work in impressive time. Will I by tomorrow? Most likely. That's just how I roll...I guess I should be getting to work now.

But before I do, MERRY CHRISTMAS! This was Saturday, when I decided to devote an entire day to getting schoolwork done. What really ended up happening is what I'm sure you're all wondering.

I didn't roll out of bed until 9ish. My roomie offered to hang out with me in ceramics lab, but before then we headed over to see our favorite jolly guy. Then we walked over to the lab, where after about an hr I was ready to do something else. I had a goal that I would finish a certain number of pieces in a certain amount of time (5 in 1hr). After that I looked at Andrea and said..."I feel like Christmas shopping". Off we went with my new friend Blake along side. We hit Goodwill, the Dollar Tree, and Pet Land (Those puppies are just too cute not to stop by and see), and stopped at Bob's for some dinner. After that I knew I needed to get at least my Sunday school lesson prepared. So, we dropped Blake off and headed to the house. On the way we passed by where one of Andrea's friends were, so we stopped in to rap presents...which evolved into long conversations. So, pretty much I didn't get home until after 10 or so.

End result: I had one of the best Sunday school classes I've taught, and everything due for Monday some how was enough. I am so grateful for how much I get looked after from up above. There's no way I'd make it through life w/o.