Calypsonians/Words Cost Money

What are calypsonians? Where in the world is Trinidad?
The answers to both of these questions were answered in the short story I read with my senior english class this past week. Watch the video clip to see how awesome calypso is!

Also, my favorite quote from the short story....
Speak as if every word costs you money!
I'm pretty sure if I follow that rule, most of the mean things that come out of my mouth would never actually be said out loud. It's a great policy to live by.

God Bless America...in the first 100 days

We've just entered a new chapter in America's story of economic peril, triumph, and tradition. As I watched and studied the inauguration address I was filled with hope and promise for the next four years. Obama has been given a mantle with more strings attached than any previous president has ever had to experience. It's really, really tough right now and I was extremely happy to hear such promise and optimism from our blossoming commander in chief. The comparison between Abraham Lincoln entering office amongst turmoil and Obama entering in as difficult circumstances was memorable and meaningful. Lincoln, though a rough around the edges country boy, proved to be one of the most influential leaders in our country's history. It's my hope that Obama can prove himself in this perilous time. Here's the thing, can he, and America, do it? If you would've asked me several months ago if Obama could do it I would've said, absolutely not. My outlook has changed. I am all for lofty goals being fulfilled in the face of pessimisim. He's speaking as the Superman America needs right now. I'm hoping and praying he lives up to his lofty inauguration address and swift policy action. God Bless America, especially in the first 100 days!

Watch Obama's Inauguration Address

my niche

"I believe that every human soul is teaching something to someone nearly every minute here in mortality." - M. Russell Ballard
Have you ever felt like you are in the right place at the right time for the right reasons??? According to Websters, niche is described as a position particularly well suited to the person who occupies it. I'm well suited for this position. I thrive on the challenges and am driven to make sure I reach each student. When you leave at the end of the day with a smile on your face you know you're doing something right! What is your niche?

Our Top Three...

Kia Ora,
I'm home after the best Christmas holiday of my entire life. Jason went above and beyond to ensure that our holiday was all inclusive. We made tracks all around the north island. I went to the beach on a daily basis and have the tan lines to prove it.
My top three favorite adventures
1. Cape Reinga, the northern most piece of land in NZ. The pacific and tasman oceans meet here and the waves crash in the middle of the ocean to signify the meeting of the oceans. It's the most impressive thing I have ever seen. The picture above the smile box video shows the meeting of the two seas.


2. Waiheke Island
There are many small islands off the coast of Auckland. Waiheke is an island that serves as a weekend getaway for Aucklanders. We rode the ferry to Waiheke and enjoyed the Hottest New Zealand Sun I have ever felt and a classic beach day. I am struggling still with a sun burn from this special day.



3. New Year's Eve
Jason and I stayed in the Duxton, downtown Auckland to bring in the New Year's. We got dressed up and went out to to eat. I've never had a 4 course meal before so I very much enjoyed the water front table overlooking Mission Bay. It was fun to be in Auckland since it's the first city in the world to bring in the New Year's! New Zealand is the first country next to the international date line.

Can't Get Enough New Zealand

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