Catch Up

Oh geez. This is what happens when life gets busy. I get so far behind on blogging then get too overwhelmed to catch up. I know that you've been checking daily hoping that there is a new, exciting, and brilliant post waiting for you and I'm trying not to let you down.

I made a bargain with myself that if I finished all my grading I would get to post. If my camera cord hadn't decided to stay longer in Virginia (not that I blame it one bit) I would show you a picture of the pile. Let's just say it was about 2 dm, which equals 20 cm, which equals 200 mm (we've been doing metrics) thick. But, I finally made it through, and you are getting the post you've been craving.

Virginia greeted me with the most beautiful Spring Flowers and the most Wonderful People in the world. I played multiple games of tee-ball with Ty and Luna (our choc. lab who won MVP for being the best outfielder.) I applauded Bethany's grace and beauty at her Dance Recital. I watched approximately 8 hours of Gilmore Girls with Leslie. I had my teeth cleaned by the fabulous and talented Dr. Anderson. And, my greatest achievement of the trip, wonderful Mom and I made a quilt! It is very small, and probably not something worth passing along to the great-grandkids, but it's a start, and we had so much fun working on it.

I came home just in time to welcome Bryan's parents. It was a week full of big and wonderful events- taking Chad through the temple for the first time, watching Bryan strut across the stage to receive his diploma (yes, he strutted,) eating as much as we possibly could at Tucanos, shopping for mission materials, and playing an intense round of miniature golf (Bry and I tied in 1st place, and Michael and Sherrie tied in 2nd place.) It was sad to see them go, especially because they took away our favorite neighbor Chad. But we're excited for another Martinez reunion in June.

Now it's back to real life. Summer is calling my name- five weeks and counting! Until then, I'll enjoy every minute I get with my cute and funny kids. For example, they just took a test on Probability, and the last question asked the students to give an example of something that is likely to happen tomorrow. Kollin wrote on his test, "me looking hansum." Yes, they'll keep my life exciting and fresh until May 30 when I am once again free.

Peace

I'm sitting here on the couch, where I've been stationed for the past 20 hours coughing up a chest full of phlegm (sounds delightful, doesn't it?) So, I've had plenty of time to think about the crazy whirlwind that my life has been the past few weeks.

On the Monday after General Conference I heard on the news how successful Fast & Furious had been that weekend. The person being interviewed said that movies are really popular right now because people are trying to escape the troubles of the world. They're looking for a couple hours of peace. I thought how ironic that was. I had just spent two days escaping the world and feeling a peace that was real and would stick with me for a while. I'm grateful that I have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life to give me real peace and comfort in these crazy times.

Find some of my favorite conference messages here and here.

Around Conference Time I was somewhat of a stressed-out disaster. I would pretty much whine, cry, and complain to anyone who would listen to me. Because of budget cuts I wasn't going to be able to stay at my school to teach next year. I was devastated, to say the least. Not only was I sad to leave my adorable students and the faculty that I love so much, I did not want to have to stress about applications, my resume, cover letters, and (gulp) interviews. I was so unhappy about all of this, I moped around and stressed about everything I had to do. Basically, I'm surprised I still have any friends!

But, through some divinely inspired friends and wonderful talks and articles, I finally found the peace I was looking for. I realized that I can be happy even when life is hard. I finally got out of my funk and realized what a grouch I've been. The funny thing is, as soon as I started feeling more positive about life, even the icky parts, my job situation took a turn for the better. It's not completely positive, but it looks like I'm going to get to stay at Canyon Crest next year. So, I think wise Heavenly Father was just working on me and teaching me an important lesson. I'll probably need the lesson again someday, but I hope this will keep me going for a little while.

And, speaking of happiness, I am heading to my happy place (Virginia) in approximately 13 hours. YEA!!!