A Big Spider

On Monday, Ben, one of our fourth grade teachers, thought it would be funny to bring a big nasty wolf spider around to visit some of the teachers. I was one of the lucky ones. Yes it freaked me out and yes he did film it. I screamed (shocking, I know) and was teased by my students for the rest of the day. On Tuesday Ben emailed the video to all of the teachers and I was teased by them for the rest of the day. Along with all of their students that they decided to show it to. It actually has a few of us on there and it IS pretty funny. If anyone would like a good 90 seconds of entertainment let me know and I'll email it to you (but remember that the video does not do the monster justice, it was HUGE with legs as big around as toothpicks; if you want a little taste of the horror google wolf spider pictures).

Oh What a Run

Almost a month ago I ran the longest run of my life - a gruelling 13 miles. Yes, I Lindsey Smith, ran a half marathon. I can't really believe it right now and let's be honest I couldn't believe it then, but it truly happened. Thank you so much to Mona who came all the way to run with me! Most of it was actually really good, though towards the end it got a little rough. For the last couple of miles my feet and ankles started really hurting; I ended up going to see a podiatrist a few days after. It turns out that the bones in my feet don't align properly with my leg and the stress of such a long distance exacerbated the problem, finally making it apparent to me. I took a couple weeks off after the half, though, and I am happy to report that I'm MUCH better now. And running again. :)

Craziness

Apparently there have been fires in Payson and Spring Lake (which is also a city, not just the name of my school) and they came right down the mountain behind my school. The firemen have actually set up a post in the school so now when I go in to work I see them lounging around. This picture was taken by a teacher that I work with, it looks like the school is on fire but thank goodness it's not!

Llama Fest '08

*Disclaimer - in reading this post you will be subjected to the word "llama" numerous times, be prepared. Also - in my past posts you may have noticed my great affinity for commas, this one does not disappoint.

I have been intrigued with llama fest since my sister Jana told me all about her adventures there a few years ago. I have secretly wanted to go but it had just never happened. Then when Matt invited all of us to go I was pretty excited. Granted, I wondered what all could happen at a llama fest, but my expectations were, dare I say, surpassed? We started out touring the temple, which was beautiful. Upstairs was a place to worship and downstairs was a restaurant and store. And The Emperor's New Groove.
We wandered for a little while until we made it to the tent and the llamas. Inside,the llamas were working their way through an obstacle course. What is involved in a llama obstacle course, you might ask. Each llama was led through a series of things including getting in and out of the back of a van, walking through arches with streamers, and stepping over a pond. We watched one llama make its way through and another ornery llama flat refuse to go through the arches.
After that we wandered a little more and found the best part of llama fest. There was a large pen filled with wandering llamas that people could walk through, as well as and pet and feed the llamas.
It was a fantastic afternoon. Unfortunately it was also blazing hot so the party had to end a little early, but I'm sure glad I went.

The Krishna temple in Spanish Fork

Matt, Jamy, me, Becky, and Anna

A llama going through the obstacle course

Me with a llama

A lot of llamas

10k

On the 4th of July I ran my very first (we'll see if there's a second) 10k. We started bright and early at Kiwanis park, ran all around Provo and came back to the park. It was a decent run, although a little tough, but then again I did only get three hours of sleep. Ah well. The best part came at the end when I crossed the finish line with four of my friends cheering for me. Thank you so much to Allison, Becky, Dave, and Sean, I so appreciated you coming!

Allison, me, and Becky - notice the beautiful posters

Dave, me, and Sean

Freedom

I probably should have written this about two weeks ago, and all I can say in my defense is that it has really only just begun to sink in...but I am DONE with my masters degree. It is such an immense relief and I kind of smile every time I think about it. Not quite two weeks ago on a Wednesday we had our last day of class. The Friday before the dean of the school of education came up from Cedar City to pass out certificates to us making it all semi-official. Sadly SUU (Southern Utah University) only does commencement (and prints diplomas!) once a year, so I will have to wait until next April for both. But really, is that so bad? The day after I finished my wonderful friend Dave threw a party for me and for Jill (who very sadly is moving back east for school, but way to go Jill!). All in all, life is good.

Sweet Home Alabama

This week I went to the great state of Alabama to visit my sister, Jana, her husband Ben, and their ridiculously adorable children Caitlyn and Jackson. It was so nice to get away and to see them all, especially since I hadn't seen them since Christmas. It was also nice to leave parched Utah for the humidity of the south.

My niece and nephew are amazing. Caitlyn is a brilliant, precocious, 2-year old who knows exactly what she wants, and Jackson is happy, laid-back 1-year old and I miss them already. They all live in Auburn, AL while Ben finishes his doctorate in Psychology.

While I was there we went swimming, took walks to see the ducks, went to the blueberry patch, and to the Columbus Catfish baseball game (which was unfortunately rained out).

Caitlyn playing outside.Jackson playing outside. Caitlyn and Cinnamon.Jackson loves playing ball.He's just cute.

At the blueberry patch:

Before the baseball game we went for a walk along the Chattahoochee River, I saw a turtle swimming in it but sadly I didn't get my camera out in time for a picture.Caitlyn was putting on make-up with me.I've never seen a sign like this one...they must get some pretty crazy storms in Alabama.