Sweet As

the paper grading lesson

2012-01-30T19:05:00.002-07:00

Grading papers is often no more than assessing whether learning objectives were met or not for each and every student. It can be long, tiring, and boring at times.

I ventured to grade 150 personal narratives that were all 3 pages in length. Do the math. That is a lot of behind the scenes time for one assignment. By the time I got through 1st period I realized that this grading venture would be different.

The assignment was to write a personal narrative explaining a lesson learned or a way you changed through an event in your life.

This week I was the student and not the teacher.

The hours I have spent grading these papers have left me with admiration, respect, and questions for my students.

From this assignment I have learned the following:

Navajo families roll their newborn babies in snow during the first winter storm. The act will devleop bravery and courage in the young baby that will last a lifetime.
The death of a young baseball player in Winslow has affected all of his classmates. They have matured greatly and have not forgotten him one bit. The accident happened almost a year ago, and his close friends in my classes still write about how it affects them.
Divorce has to be one of the most ugly things a child can go through. Hearing the point of view from a child has been tear jerking and downright difficult.
Sheep herding in the Navajo tradition is a meaningful way to learn respect for elders and experience the true meaning of hard work.
Sports are a sure-fire way for young people to find themselves.
The birth of a sibling has surely affected my students. Some said it was positive and others have admitted to having a hard time adjusting.
Adoption has saved the life of one of my students. I literally cried when I read this paper.
Foster care has rescued several of my student swho went through physical abuse from parents, death of parents, and abadonment.
Jail time has taught several of my students a permanent lesson about breaking rules. I admit it caught me off guard to read about drug, robbery, and alcohol abuse coming from the mouths of a few 14-year olds.

I mention all of this only because it reminded me that I am in a unique position to mentor, support, teach, and lead these students. Many students opened up in a way that I wasn't expecting. I feel that it is as much my job to mentor and lift up as it is to teach writing, grammar, and vocabulary. I am also reminded that the sometimes gloomy job of grading papers needs to be carried out with the utmost care. After all, I may play some small part to help them. I can only hope.

the daily dose 2

2012-01-25T12:35:00.000-07:00

because dirt and sky are equally impressive though vastly different

the daily dose

2012-01-24T15:40:00.001-07:00

because this never ever fails to amaze

the carlsbad marathon synopsis

2012-01-23T21:48:00.001-07:00

Where do I even start?

It all began last summer when I was reunited with my sister. You see, I was fresh off of an amazing 2nd marathon. We settled on Carlsbad with really no contest. From the get go we knew it would be good. a) ocean views on the course b) perfect "winter" race c) far enough to be away but close enough to only take up a weekend

After we organized the Winslow 10K race we immediately began the 16 week training plan for our marathon. Most weeks were great. My past posts on the matter can confirm this. But--some weeks were hard. Sometimes I was sick. Sometimes Kimmy's IT band gave out way too early. Other days we went out to run in ridiculously low temperatures and poor running conditions. All in all, it made us stronger. We were ready. We never skimped out on a workout.

Now fast forward to the events of yesterday and the day before.

pre race feelings

I was so confident about my performance that I was hardly nervous. My only thoughts were of just how fast I would be. Everything was going in my favor. Mentally and physically I felt like I was absolutely ready. I realize that I did make a rookie mistake though. I kept lowering my goal time. At first I just wanted to beat my previous race time. Then it was beat it by 5 minutes. About 2 weeks before the race I started realizing that I was not too far off from a Boston time. I had 11 minutes to shave from my time. In running---that is alot of time. Nevertheless, I wanted to see if I could do it.

night sleep

I slept like a precious little baby. We defintely rested well the day and night before. I can give myself props for pre race rest.

start line

start line

The start line was well organized but not scenic. A mall parking lot actually.

The sun hadn't yet come up. I found it a bit comical to see a bunch of Type-A runners standing around in daisy dukes at 5 am in 40 degree weather. The things we do to run a race.

sunset along coast

May I describe the most pleasant, inspiring, motivational, and exciting part of the race? Miles 2-7 featured the absolutely stunning coastal route along the historic 101 in Carlsbad. Picture the sunset slowly stretching its rays above the blue-gray horizon that is the Pacific Ocean. At this point I confirmed that our race choice was excellent. At this point I also pushed pause on the tunes and took in the crashing waves while soaking up the feeling of still feeling fresh in the first half.

hilly section

Miles 6-8 were detailed as hilly. I must say I would have to disagree. They were nothing more than city streets with an abrupt incline. After mile 8 I started realizing that I was seriously cruising. Somewhere around this time I thought I should check my pace but I was too scared because I knew it was faster than it should be. I didn't check. First mistake of the day.

(I checked later....the pace was 7:45) That's way fast for a marathon. no joke.

animal shelter mile 10

I hated this part. It was obvious that the organizers were just trying to find an easy stretch to get us out to mile 10. ugly, boring, and hard to follow after the beautiful ocean sunset stretch in the beginning. The only good part about this section was that the u-turn allowed for you to see who was behind you and how far away they were from you. I was desperately looking for my sister. I knew she was behind but I wasn't sure where. My worst fear was that she had to drop out due to her injury. If I didn't see her at mile 10 I don't know if I would have kept running. --mini panic attack-- and all of sudden there she was. Happy as can be. We high-fived and I resumed my maniac pace with no pain of any kind.

still ahead of 330 pace group

At this point I am on fire. I am totally rocking my pace. Far ahead of the 3:30 pace group which was not what I had planned on doing. BUT it felt good and the pace didn't feel too fast for me. I did get some cramping which I accredit to the cold water and ultima intake along the way. I couldn't get my fluid intake right. I always wanted to drink more but got instant cramps when I even simped any fluid. It was a major frustration for pretty much the whole race.

back to the beach

By mile 12 we were finally back where we should have been the whole time. As in the beach route. I didn't fly to California to run next to animal shelters. By this mile it had warmed up and we enjoyed a perfect California sunny day.

mile 13

we took one last annoying u-turn on a street called Avenida Encinitas. This u-turn was tough for me. I experienced my first preview of fatigue. I was happy to hit the 1/2 way mark but I was not so peppy anymore. I was turning into a robot who just kept going. nothing to get too worried about, but definitely a sign to start monitoring my body.

headband

now for a slight interruption to comment on the best purchase of the race. the headband. I chose a patriotic rendition of flowers. Not only did it cover my ears but it protected my headphones and kept my hair out of my face. excellent.

I am afraid that this is where the race took a turn for the worst.

death miles of 13-21

From miles 13-21 I was out of my groove. Still running my strong sub-8 pace but doing it in not so good of a spirit. By mile 18 I was pretty much grouchy. I wanted to know when the heck we were going to turn around for good and head towards the finish line. The beach scenes were great but even those weren't helping me at this point. I started getting a headache. I actually had to turn down my tunes because they were making my headache worse. I know, I know this is a bad sign. I had another sister sighting at mile 19. She asked how I was doing and I said "great" which was a lie. I thought I could make myself believe that though. I should add that she looked like a kid in a candy store. I was impressed and mostly grateful that she was injury free.

the first taste of nauseous mixed with spinning ground and headache

at mile 20 I started seeing the ground spinning from side to side as if we were out on the ocean getting slopped around by the waves. it was almost entertaining in my fatigued and delirious state. I think I could have gotten through it but the spinning mixed with the headache and the most unusual feeling of nauseousness was getting to me big time. my body surprisingly felt great. no feet, ankle. or leg pain whatsoever.

the crazy thought

between mile 20 and 21 I started playing out a scenario. What if I just let my body drop to the ground? Would it roll? Would an ambulance come? How long would it take them to come pick me up? Would they let me cross the finish line on a stretcher? I am not kidding. I debated these ridiculous ideas through 20 and 21. There were moments when I almost let myself drop to the ground. I guess it is a red flag when you actually think dropping to the ground is a better idea than to keep running. So now I am dealing with the spinning, the headache, the fatigue, the thirst, the crazy thought, and every other part of my body that was screaming to stop right now.

mile 21

at mile 21 the gas tank ran out. I hate typing this. I hate thinking about it. I slowed the engine down to a jog and eventually to a walk. I hate that. I am shaking my head as I type this. It kills me more than you will ever understand. My eyes teared up and I felt like the biggest loser. I immediatley thought how I had just lost my dream time. It was hard to come to terms with that realization. I "walked" it out. Whatever that means. I said 997 prayers, relied on the cheering of those on the sideline, and the sheer will power of the thousands of runners on either side of me.

from a physiological perspective my body literally ran out of gas. as in glycogen index completely and utterly depleted. more on that later.

mile 22

at mile 22 I began to run again. much to my surprise it was easier to run than it was to walk. that was a precious little gem from heaven for me. I painfully ran. I say that because now it was painful. My legs ached, my arms were stiff-you know, the usual marathon symptoms. No surprise there. That stuff is easy to deal with though. I was now carrying a burden on my back. The burden of guilt. I felt so incredibly guilty for running out of gas at 21. How could I? I felt like I had deceived myself. The crowds were so incredibly helpful though. They cheered me by name. My bib stated my first name and they must have seen that I really needed some cheering. The bands were neat too.

mile 23

at mile 23 I realized that there was light at the end of the tunnel. it wasn't pretty but I kept going. I was thirsty and depleted in such a bad way. water wasn't helping, otter pops didn't help, I didn't even bother trying with the oranges or pretzels. struggle, struggle, struggle. and 2 more blows to my already wounded pride...the 3:30 and 3:45 pacers were now out of sight from me. that was really hard to accept.

mile 24

pretty much the same as mile 23. hard in the worst way but a little more light at the tunnel.

mile 25

at mile 25 I finally picked it up. I was sick of the middle-aged half-marathoners who were mostly blocking the course and not really doing much more. I started darting and dashing through them with the promise of a finish oh, so close. the thing that got me at a "sprint" or "dash" to the finish was a band that yelled out 2 more corners as they strummed their guitars. 2 more corners and I would see the finish. good enough for me. I took the bait and went for it. All out-well as much as I could give.

26.2 finish line

I finished with a smile. I did because it was hard. I finished something that actually seemed impossible just a few miles before. I was wounded but I still finished. If Kimmy wasn't still out there I probably would have found some private place to cry it out and figure what the heck went wrong. That's not what you do when you have a sister coming in. I crossed 3:57.

I heard her name over the loud speaker just 3 minutes after that. I immediatley got to my feet and forgot my drama. I thought her achievement was much more thought-worthy than my failure. I was very impressed with her finish. I can honestly say that my crappy race is acceptable only because she did so incredibly well. I mean that whole-heartedly.

What to do now?

3rd marathon...something to be proud of :)

Right now I am experiencing post-marathon blues. I feel like I need a purpose fast before I dwell on this unexpected marathon drama. I can tell you this much.....I am out for revenge. Watch me run my next race. I promise you I will get revenge. It is just the way it has to be.

The following things are in my back pocket

--organize another 10K for the spring

--start riding my bike to work/gym again when it warms up in a few weeks

--longer gym sessions (they are already ridiculous but now I can be as hard core as I want)

--Ragnar Del Sol 200 miles (March)

The diagnosis

I realize that I can't let my unexpected result overshadow the many positive things I experienced before, during, and after this race. I ran a ridiculously strong pace from mile 1-21 (7:47 per mile) and can applaud myself for that. However, I need to consider that my training was not at a 7:47 pace. Our long runs were close to 8:30 or 8:40. I know I was capable of that pace during training but I always held back slightly because I was training with my sister. I never felt comfortable running off at my own pace. It was her first marathon and I needed to do my part to support and practice with her. Plus, the pace was a good fast pace anyways. I tried the faster pace during the real thing. That was the problem. Next time I can start week 1 training with a 7:45 pace and be ready to run that sub 3:30. Shoot, a 3:40 would have me crying tears of joy.

I can say that I did run the race in the pace that I trained for. It probably wasn't the pace I would have chosen if I was solo, but I wasn't and that's not important.

I will end this whole thing on a good note. I am so grateful that I am blessed with a body that can run and run and run. I am grateful for a supportive husband who gives me the green light to race and run in an excessive way. I loved running with my sister. I always wondered what it would be like to have a running partner. It is excellent. I hope we do this for the rest of our lives. And last but no least, I loved the beach. How could I ever run a marathon without the beach right next to me???

3rd marathon in 3 years. Cheers

for my baby Talan. we owe you for this one. Jesserfon

the anticipation

2012-01-19T18:59:00.001-07:00

after 13 weeks and 300 miles

it is finally here.

Carlsbad, Ca Marathon

objective 3:30* on my 3rd marathon

as I reflect on the past marathon I am reminding myself of the following

do's

power bar right before

drink or splash water on myself at every water station (without stopping duh)

consume gel shot at mile 13 and every 3 miles following

eat a lighter breakfast than last year

go to the bathroom 88 times before the race

visualize the race over and over tonight and the next 2 nights

soak up the ocean views along the race route

*a Boston qualifying time

the sunset that made me remember

2012-01-18T14:55:00.000-07:00

Sometimes ordinary things remind you of just how extraordinary life is.

Sometimes I go to work as the sun rises and come home as the sun is setting. Most days I take a glance or observation of the sunset, but nothing more. For the past week my life has been filled with extraordinary sunsets. It has been the kind of sunsets where you have the sudden urge to pull over and document that you actually saw something so spectacular. On another occasion I drove off into the sunset after a perfectly boring Wal-Mart trip and suddenly felt overwhelmed with gratitude for living in place that produces such beauty on a boring, cold January day.

It gets better.

On a normal Monday at 3pm we decided to go to the Grand Canyon. As in the Grand Canyon. We're talking one of the natural wonders of the world, the place that people dream of seeing in person, the place that people instantly associate with the USA, the place that is on bucket lists around the world. That is where we casually decided to go on a Monday afternoon.

We were cutting it close to sunset but good road conditions were in our favor and we arrived just in time to see a world-class sunset over the ridges, ledges, rocks, rivers, colors, sand, and canyons that make the Grand Canyon. It was only a few precious minutes but it was enough for me to send up a little silent prayer in gratitude for seeing this wonder in person. It was also enough time for me to remember many things. If you ever wonder if Heavenly Father is really there, look out over a ledge at the Grand Canyon. If that isn't proof than what is?

the normalcy

2012-01-08T18:43:00.000-07:00

just a note to remind myself that normal life is more than just suitable and good.

for the amount of changes of scenery, jobs, plans, and goals that we have seen in the past few years, I must say that I am perfectly happy, content, and satisfied in our current state of ducks in a row.

sometimes I get ridiculously hungry for a brand new adventure. once you have seen someone else's corner of the world it is terribly hard to rid the craving to see more of the world. I scheme and dream about the next big move. today, yesterday, and for awhile, I have found perfect satisfaction in the current normalcy.

examples>>> I think I am a good teacher. That brings me so much happiness. Think about it, I do this everyday. I should be good at something I do everyday right? Right. I put my heart and soul into it actually. You know the funny thing is that it shows.

the normalcy of running really hard for the past 13 weeks is very close to paying off in a big way. I run my 3rd marathon in 3 years in just 14 days. I have big plans for a Boston qualifying time. there were mornings when a 5 30 am run in 20 degree temperatures was not so exciting and appealing. the background work always pays off though. my sister and I will be flying to the sunny shores of Cali to run an ocean view marathon. how cool is that? we made it happen.

is it weird that I sometimes drive down the main drag of my tiny home town and still smile about actually being here? I really truly love where I am. small towns rock my world. you know this about me.

my note today is love the normalcy. it is cooler than you think.

cheers

the year

2011-12-31T10:58:00.001-07:00

2011

parted with New Zealand // re-entered the classroom // learned to keep valuables out of the car // said goodbye to Nan with a proper Maori burial (perhaps the most influential event of 2011) // embraced America // ran a 2nd marathon // hiked a volcano // sun-bathed in Fiji // became a yoga regular // tasted the South // conquered Cedar Point // read 40 books // attended the temple 11 of 12 months // welcomed 2 new nephews in New Zealand // started feeling like a legit adult // organized a successful 10K race

“I think you travel to search and you come back home to find

yourself there.”

― Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

I cannot think of a better way to sum up 2011 for us.

Cheers

the only picture

2011-12-26T11:10:00.003-07:00

Before I say anything may I just comment about how this picture may be the most awkwardly posed picture yet? I should also add how this is the ONLY picture we took on Christmas. Not too sure how that happened.

Our winter Christmas did not disappoint. I did my best to live up to all the traditions that make a winter Christmas as memorable as a summer Christmas. I was thrilled to finally share all the Bratt traditions with Jason.

Highlights:

my sister and I completed a 20 mile run on Christmas Eve

finally got to attend the Bratt talent show with my hubbs

church on Christmas morning

buying a new car

We hope we can be on the beach in New Zealand next Christmas!

Cheers.

the day of Christmas Eve Eve

2011-12-23T07:44:00.002-07:00

Today I am only thinking of what we are missing in New Zealand. My heart is a little sad for Jason. He is away from his family for the first time during the holidays.

I am trying to live up this first holiday together so that he can see all the wonderful things about a winter Christmas. Come on, America does not disappoint.

Merry Christmas to our whanau in New Zealand. We miss you more than you know.

the comment

2011-12-19T11:38:00.000-07:00

Yes, I married someone from another country. No, New Zealand is not located off the coast of Africa. Yes, it is an actual marriage involving 2 people that are legitimately in love.

A few days ago a person that I know genuinely well asked me if my husband was really from New Zealand. Her question continued, does he actually live in America or is he just visiting? Of course this is paraphrased, but this little dialogue had me feeling quite annoyed.

You see, I didn't realize it but I have been keeping a little mental note of each ignorant comment I receive about this topic.

I realize that marrying someone from another country is uncommon and that there are only 4 million kiwis in this world, so it is plausible to say that some people have absolutely no clue about what my life might actually be like.

Can I just say that it is really annoying to be asked if Jason lives with me or just visits when he can.

the finish line

2011-12-17T17:36:00.002-07:00

Semester 1 done.
I feel like I have made a complete transformation from the first week of school to the end of semester 1.

At the beginning of the semester, I found myself in a mental fiasco to manage all things that are my life. I could not seem to leave school at school and enjoy home time without thinking about the lesson plan for the upcoming week. This conundrum had me overwhelmed, stressed, and pseudo-happy.

Well friends, I have come a long way. Not only am I managing my day, but I feel that I am doing a good job too. I can say that I love my role. I am happy to be doing what I set out to do after high school. It is a grown-up accomplishment that makes me proud of myself.

I think I have just made the immersion into teacher land. -meaning that I now know how to suddenly turn around a lesson that has gone down the toilet. I anticipate what questions will be asked and who will ask them. I make small accommodations that will allow the ADHD kid to resume his work without being prompted, along with the too cool for school diva, and the I don't care about anything kid.

Dynamics are everything in a classroom. I never knew that until now. Sometimes it is all up to the class list. The perfect mix can allow the most insubordinate kids the motivation to actually do something in school. Who would have thought?

Definite Highs

assurance from leadership that I am doing what I need to do
feeling like I am made to be a teacher and that I am in the right place at the right time
never-ending support from my Love, that means everything
receiving a few thank-yous from students every once in a while
seeing a particular gangster kid transform into a leader

Definite Lows

struggling hardcore at the beginning of the year
getting cussed at by a few 12 year olds
seeing too many CPS removals, attempted suicides, and bullying
not giving myself enough credit for what goes right
grammar--are these kids ever going to get it?

Goals for Semester 2

more regular assessments
continue finding creative outlets for major projects
up the overall academic expectations
finish the year with a smile on my face

Cheers

the view

2011-12-15T20:36:00.002-07:00

Jason's take on the last 7 months of our USA life.

1. What do you miss most about Aoteaora (family, food, and the ocean are understood)?

"the color green and clouds"

My whole life I have identified home with intense amounts of green, oceans and long thick clouds framing the scenery. Arizona is beautiful in its own right, but I miss the colour of home.

2. What do you love most about America?

"the differences between seasons and the emphasis on holiday traditions"

Seeing Summer turn to fall, fall to winter, winter to spring and finally back to summer is a completely new experience for me. I have never lived in such extreme heat... And vice versa, I have never lived in such extreme cold.

3. What do you hate about America?

"medical insurance"

I have never had to deal with insurance ahhh!!! Back home my healthcare has always been covered by the government. I never have to deal with co pays.

4. What surprises you most about Americans?

"how no one travels overseas or holds a passport"

As someone from a small country, its almost a right of passage to go overseas. They call it the Big O.E. (Overseas Experience). So it was a little surprising for me when I discovered that almost no Americans hold a passport.

5. What is your opinion on small-town America?

"it's small and slow but everyone is friendly"

I'm from a city and I love the convenience of having everything at my fingertips and not having to travel more than five minutes for anything I need. I don't have that here... Does it kill me? Yes... But having such good kind friends makes it easy to live in a small place

6. What does New Zealand do better than America?

"healthcare/taxes"

I'm sorry but I have to say it... How many taxes do we have here in America? Back home one tax that covers everything... Much easier to think about and deal with... And healthcare??? Never a worry in the world I'm always covered for anything... I had a major surgery 2 years ago and never had to pay a cent... Good times.

7. What was the most difficult transition to this USA life?

"being different and fitting in"

It is not so hard now... But being the only one who sounds like me in a strange place was hard. But it is getting easier... I don't really notice it so much now... Mostly I see some cultural differences that are not bad, just different. And sometimes feeling like a cockatoo in a cage being to say this or say that... Yeah sometimes it gets a little old.

the first snow

2011-12-02T10:55:00.001-07:00

I think I am lucky. Every holiday, thus far, has been filled with brand new traditions for either Jason or myself. This year it is finally Jason's turn to experience a winter Christmas.

I would like to consider myself a token expert on the typical kiwi summer Christmas now that I have lived it 3 years in a row. I left my gloves, Christmas lights, and snowflake decorations in the USA and embraced the idea of boardshorts and jandals to show Christmas spirit.

This year I am nostalgically anticipating a possible White Christmas or Christmas Eve (please Santa). Jason is excitedly (assumption made with that adverb) experiencing his first ever winter Christmas.

Last night we hung the lights from the house. Jason's kiwiness came through as he hung the lights barefoot and in shorts. It made my heart happy to see him being his typical self, yet experiencing a winter Christmas.

It really is hard to put into words. The things that are so normal and American, like Thanksgiving and Christmas lights are totally new. You have no idea how exciting it is to share a holiday tradition with someone when they have no prior experience with it. That is our life.

Today we both enjoyed a nice morning snowfall. Jason had a billion questions and I happily answered them.

the turkey day

2011-11-24T20:28:00.001-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving

What more can I say?

Cheers

the essential

2011-11-23T11:45:00.001-07:00

Short and sweet: I am thankful for this.

the land of humidifiers

2011-11-18T07:27:00.001-07:00

We have had to place a humidifier in our bedroom. I have never actually used a humidifier, even in the driest conditions. However, Jason's skin and eyes are suffering big time in this arid and dry land. His keratoconus is facing challenges he has never had to deal with in the land of rain, clouds, and humidity. The eye that has not had a cornea transplant is struggling big time. The dryness rubs it the wrong way-literally. He is in constant pain in sunlight. You will recall a similar complaint in a post I wrote in the dead of the hot summer.

We are hoping that a humidifier will help add necessary moisture to the air so that Jason can restore his tolerance to his eye condition. Jason has never even seen a humidifier before. He had no clue how to work the thing or how to understand the concept of it. I didn't have a clue either since I am immuned to dry and arid conditions.

I am respectful of his need for a humidifier. I remember when I started seeing rain come down in sheets for days on end. I could see beads of water on the inside of our windows and walls due to the high levels of moisture in the air. I constantly felt rain-soaked. Locals suggested I buy a de-humidifier so that I could feel some dryness in my life. That was a new concept for me. A machine to take moisture out of the air???

I come from the land of humidifiers and Jason comes from the land of de-humidifiers. Who would have thought?

Cheers

the kicks and giggles for the day

2011-11-08T18:53:00.003-07:00

Just for kicks and giggles I would like to share 3 awkward things that have happened to me in the past several weeks.

1. a student asked if my hair color was real. okay, I am aware of my roots. one of these days I'll take care of my root problem. it is yet another example of how very aware students are of your every move and daily appearance. on this same note, a student asked me why there were so many red bumps on my face. yes, I am aware of my adult acne challenge too. thanks for the reminder to keep that under control.

2. a large crowd was gathering in the hall outside of my room and I assumed it was a fight. as I approached the large crowd I saw the yellow rubbery item that had stopped everyone in their tracks. lucky me got to pick it up in front of a large group of laughing middle schoolers to dispose of the rubber. just part of my job.

3. as I was scanning the aisles while students were doing independent work I accidentally got a butt tap. a student had stretched out his hand and I walked by at the exact wrong time. it was obvious enough that there were giggles but low-key enough that I could pretend I hadn't realized. there are certain times in a teacher's life that you have to decide if it's better to pretend you hadn't seen it or be firm and straight faced to get them back on task. In this case I went with pretending. there were some awkward minutes to follow but we lived through it.

Welcome to my life--I love it.

the snapshots

2011-11-05T12:17:00.001-07:00

Is this not beautiful? Cold, hot, windy, sunny--Arizona is one of a kind.

the compliment of the day

2011-11-05T12:13:00.002-07:00

Since Jason and I have been married, we have made an effort to do 2 things:

1. Give each other a compliment of the day.

2. Share our favourite part of the day.

At first I always asked, but Jason has fully taken on the gig and is usually the one to initiate the compliments. I like this because it is a simple way to brighten his day. We usually end up laughing since most of them are funny. However, there is the occasional heart-touching compliment.

I thought I would post my compliment/fav part of the day.

Jason, I really appreciate the pancakes you made for me twice this week. I was not even out of bed yet and you were already making pancakes from scratch. Thank you.

Favorite part of the day was definitely the mile pace my sister and I ran during our 10 miler today.

Cheers

the perfect Thursday

2011-10-27T16:33:00.003-07:00

Today was the perfect day. Nothing has gone wrong today.

It all started with my pleasant symphonic alarm tone waking me up to run at 5:02am.

By 5:28 we were ahead of schedule to hit the great outdoors for our usual Thursday morning run. This was the first morning that the temperature had fallen below 40 degrees. In my book that is grounds for being grouchy. However, it did not deter us from our goal. We ran 7 miles in the dark and in the cold as if we were champions. I should also add that our pace was far above our target, especially in cold weather (enough about my running--I talk about that on the other blog).

The next perfect thing to happen was my dress for the day. On game days we get to wear jeans. Ask a teacher if you don't understand why this adds to someone's perfect day.

Additionally, my "worst" class was all over our current writing project. The biggest gangsters in the class were eager to share ideas and ask questions about their writing. That boggled my mind. Sometimes you get it just right.

I thought it was a freak incident and that I would not receive such positive work ethic from the remainder of 8th graders. I am glad I was wrong. This assignment has been my biggest hit this year. I have never seen them work so hard at being creative and generating an original idea for a writing assignment. Throughout the day I kept thinking how much I love what I do.

Another element to my perfect day occurred in my 4th hour. We are currently celebrating Red Ribbon Week. It is our effort to promote drug free students. We are working on a door poster for our room that has our original slogan for being drug free. The students are working together and designing the poster on their own. I was very nervous to introduce this activity to my students because many of them have clearly been introduced to the world of drugs. I am glad to report that they are being mature and responsible about the poster.

Here is the slogan they came up with: "Have Swag-Don't Take a Drag"

It is legit.

On these perfect days I reaffirm my passion, love, and commitment to teaching.

My perfect day will end by making tomato soup and grilled cheese for dinner. I cannot think of a more appropriate meal for a perfect but cold day.

the world champions

2011-10-23T13:28:00.003-07:00

The All Blacks

Pre-game haka. You haven't seen a haka until you watch the All Blacks in the World Cup.

Poor France

Victorious All Blacks. It has been far too long for the Web Ellis cup to be away from New Zealand.

Jason is a proud Kiwi today.

Kia Kaha

the royal couple

2011-10-23T13:18:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween from The Royal Couple

the annoying thing

2011-10-20T19:16:00.001-07:00

I am about to tell you my number 1 spot for the most annoying thing one can say.

"I hate this town. I can't wait until I can leave here and get away from all the drama. There is nothing good about this town. Town X,Y,Z is so much better than life here in this dump. etc. . . "

The above quote is a paraphrased version of a repeated dialogue that I hear more often than I would like.

Here is my beef with this attitude: It is your fault if you have drama. Your life is what you make it. The grass is not greener on the other side. Stop looking for all the negative things when there are far too many positives all around. I also have beef with the paraphrased comments because I have been on the other side of the pasture/fence. Newsflash: It is not greener on the other side. For real. The key to happiness in your life, community, family, marriage, and job comes from you. If you are not happy you need to check yourself first before you call out other people and the whole community you live in.

Personal application of the above: I am proud to say that I grew up in the aforementioned town. From the time I was small I loved everything about this place. Christmas parades, my dad's basketball games, swimming lessons, city leagues, the library, the bumpy roads, the desert, the sunsets, and the list goes on. I realized that I am extremely fortunate to have grown up in a family where I was loved. Not only that, I had teachers, neighbors, and friends who genuinely cared about my well-being and future. All of these elements made for the perfect recipe of appreciating where I came from and why it made me who I am.

I left for college and life with an appreciation for the place I grew up. I held it in high regards and was convinced that there was not a better place to grow up. When I first brought Jason home to Winslow I was so proud. I drove him around every street and proudly gave the grand tour of this place. He was doomed to like Winslow.

After living out of Arizona and eventually overseas, my opinion is only more strengthened. I have seen the posh and modernity of big city life. I have experienced mountain snow, ocean front property, and desert heat year around. What I can tell you from these multiple experiences is that brown, green, ocean, desert do not make or break a town. It is all up to you.

I might also add that geography is only half of it. The people of this place truly make it great. I can give countless examples of good solid people who go out of their way to help each and every day.

Jason's name was given to an incoming business as a highly recommended person to hire. When he interviewed for the job, they told him that his name was already known. Thank you to the person who put in a good word.

The wrestling team at my school came to their coaches and principal to ask if they could honor and recognize a very special person that would have been on their team. This young boy was killed during little league season over the summer.

Their original idea was to put his name on their wrestling singlets. Due to AIA rules they were not able to do that, so the team got together and designed a special warm up T-shirt that says his name, weight class, and inspirational messages for the wresting season.

After word got around about what they were doing they had to make more shirts. Today the entire school wore the shirt. It was a wonderful expression of unity and celebration of life for a boy that should be wrestling. I list this piece of evidence because it captures how an entire community is affected and then comes together in times of tragedy.

These are just 2 examples that came to mind. I could go on and on.

Cheers

the happiest place on earth

2011-10-15T19:56:00.002-07:00

Bhutan.

Have you heard of this Asian nation? It is a small country, but is often considered one of the happiest places on earth. This constitutional monarchy measures prosperity by the GNP and not the GDP. That is Gross National Happiness. It is my understanding that Bhutan is the only country in the world that measures prosperity and success based on the GNH. Bhutan's culture, government, and monarchy place the well being of its people as the most important element of Bhutanese life.

What a concept. Each Bhutanese is surveyed and asked questions about personal relationships, environmental concerns, health, inner-self, well-being, and many other personal things. Last week the King of Bhutan married a commoner. Check out his smile, he obviously adores her and is legitimately HAPPY. I loved reading about it. This guy is solid. (photo credit: Time)

I first heard of Bhutan while I read "Geography of Bliss: One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places in the World", by Eric Weiner. Please read this book. It is eye-opening and suggestive about the things that truly make a person and a nation truly happy. I loved how it explored many different parts of the world and explained what these countries have that make it a special place.

Of course, it got me thinking about my own life. Overall, I would consider myself someone who experiences happiness on a daily basis. Just before I wrote this post I took a survey to measure my happiness. One of the questions asked if I felt that I have everything I need to feel happiness at this moment. I answered strongly agree on that. Materialistically speaking, I am not topping any charts. However, I truly do have all those things that bring happiness to my life.

In my recent travels around the USA and beyond its shores I have learned about happiness in different ways. It is my observation that Americans are not the happiest people on earth. We might be the busiest, richest, and most proud, but we are not the happiest.

What is it about island nations that make its inhabitants a perfect combination of humble, happy, and humorous? I saw it in New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii, and among the Samoans, Tongans, Rarotongas, and Niueans that I rubbed shoulders with in Auckland. I did NOT see it with Australians. Australians have to be the hardest and most negative people on this earth.

This is the breakdown of my own personal pursuit of happiness.

1. Married to a dreamy guy who loves me. Not only that, it's for eternity.

2. Gospel. need I say more?

The next items are purely personal and important only to me.

3. Happy and healthy body. I am hard on myself. I am probably a little too disciplined about my body, but I am completely satisfied with my exercise achievements. In my defense, it is so much more than a weight thing for me. I run and lift like crazy because I truly love it. It makes me happy and I find it rewarding. So, I'll keep doing it for my own well-being.

4. My teaching. It is so freaking hard but I feel like I make a tiny difference in this world each and everyday.

5. Seeing some of the world. I honestly feel that seeing a little bit more of this big huge world has made me happier. I love that I can appreciate and understand places that are different from my own corner of the world. Anyone who has left this continent will understand this feeling of fulfilment.

So here's the beef, I am happy. Sometimes I get hung up on what I don't have and what I need to do. That gets me down. When I take a time out and go on a date or enjoy a sunset or feel the spirit I then remember that my life is A-OK.

Cheers

“Money matters but less than we think and not in the way that we think. Family is important. So are friends. Envy is toxic. So is excessive thinking. Beaches are optional. Trust is not. Neither is gratitude.”

“[Happiness is] a ghost, it’s a shadow. You can’t really chase it. It’s a by-product, a very pleasant side effect to a life lived well.”

― Eric Weiner, The Geography of Bliss: One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places in the World

the time thief

2011-10-13T15:46:00.001-07:00

I am a time thief. In Auckland I stole time by going to the gym at 5:30 am. In Arizona I steal time by running with Kimmy at 5:30am.

After making the early morning workout switch I don't think I can ever go back. Every night I have an actual night. As in, read my book, do lesson plans, hang out with the hubbs, and generally enjoy my productive day. There is something rewarding about coming home after a tough run and knowing that it's only 6:15am and I have already pushed myself to achieve my goals. The early morning schedule also allows me to squeeze in 2-a-days, which wasn't possible previous to this daily routine.

In addition, I have come to appreciate the act of seeing a beautiful Arizona sunrise every morning during our run. They are spectacular every single time.

As far as the time thief thing, try it. See how productive you become when you get up early and tackle your to-do list before the real day begins. I tried it over 1 year ago and am still going strong.

the pink race for our mom

2011-10-08T15:26:00.001-07:00

Breast Cancer 10K Race

Wearing pink for our MOM

She is a proud, strong, beautiful, and courageous cancer conqueror 5 years and counting.

p.s. I won the 10K.

the one I love

2011-10-02T08:31:00.001-07:00

There is a guy I know that never complains, always smiles, and loves life regardless of what's in front of him. I am lucky enough to be married to this guy.

I wanted to note down a few observations I made in the past week of these amazing qualities.

1. Yesterday he picked flowers for my mom and placed them in a vase to surprise her.
2. During a dinner date Jason placed his brand new jacket around my shoulders because he saw that I was cold. Despite the fact that he had just purchased it and had to remove the price tag.
3. He packed my school lunch when he saw that I was exhausted on a Tuesday night.
4. He gladly went to Yoga class with me despite the fact that he was surrounded by a bunch of middle-aged women in spandex.
5. He is literally always in a good mood. I kid you not.
6. Yesterday when we cleaned the house he took on the gross jobs just because.
7. Whether we're in Wal-Mart or on a fancy date, he is still carrying my purse and opening my car door. It may appear that I insisted he do these things. I promise you I have never insisted. He does it, just because.

Cheers

the race on the corner

2011-09-25T07:28:00.003-07:00

Ever since we decided to move to Arizona I always had big ideas in my mind. I was determined to make my community what I wanted it to be. I am very aware of both the bad and good of this little town we moved to. For reasons dating back to my school years, I mostly just see the good. I see nothing but potential and room to grow.

Back to my determination, I had this vision in my mind of a road race held right in Winslow. Nothing of the sort has been attempted for a very, very long time. I held the idea in my secret place for quite awhile and when we actually set foot on the soil I told Kimmy about my grand idea.

I wanted to organize a road race in Winslow. I thought of it as an opportunity to show Winslow what I can do in the community. The City just dropped a ton of money on landscaping, lighting, and walking paths earlier in the year. I wanted to utilize those newly landscaped areas to their full effect on the race course. I also knew that the Standin' on the Corner Festival would be held in September. While the festival is well planned and brings much business to Winslow, it is nothing more than music and beer. This community was well overdue for adding a family friendly event to the festival weekend.

race logo designed by my one and only

So, way back in July, Kimmy and I began our master planning of the race. We met with the City of Winslow and started working on all the finer points like, race bibs and water stations. Both of us were very diligent. We both tried to do something for the race everyday. I always knew what my assignment was and how I needed to get it done. That's just how it is when both you and your sister are way too meticulous and organized.

2 weeks before the race the Police Department called to tell us that the race was a no go. They hated that our course when right through downtown, the festival venue, and crossed major intersections all during the Stadin' on the Corner festival. We met with the Chief of Police and laid out all the major reasons why we would be safe and why this race needed to go forward. The Chief gave his consent after that meeting. Not only that, he came on board with much more than we had hoped. A police escort in the front of the race and a fire truck escort in the rear of the race.

Fast forward to race morning. As Jason, Kimmy, and I were out at 5 am setting up tables and Gatorade jugs for water stations, I was excited and nervous all at the same time. What if no one showed up? or is someone got hurt? or if the course was a bust ? etc. . .

By 7:30 there was a sizeable crowd at The Corner. (For non-Winslow residents, The Corner as in Standin on a Corner in Winslow, Arizona) The Chief of Police showed up to direct traffic and I'm pretty sure there were over 100 people standing around as The Eagles played on the speaker and racers were warming up. The Chief grabbed me 5 minutes before the race start and said, "Look at these people! You need to get a picture of this for the paper!" Until then, I hadn't realized just what we had accomplished. He was right, there were so many people and everyone was amazingly happy and friendly.

I gathered everyone on the starting line and made some thank yous, directions, and tips for all the participants over the loud speaker. I don't think I could have been more happy than when they all raced off after the whistle blew. It was so cool to see so many familiar faces, wearing the T-shirt, and putting trust in my sister and I to organize a fun running event.

All in all, we had 80 runners/walkers compete in either the 10K or 2mile event. The event more than exceeded my expectations. The vision I had in my mind, way back in New Zealand, was just how it really happened.

Afterwards I told Jason that days like today remind me of why I love Winslow, Arizona. I don't care about the wind or the poverty or the lack of entertainment. This little town has got it.

the sunset in my backyard

2011-09-21T14:51:00.002-07:00

Compelling evidence of why Arizona truly does have the best sunsets. Taken right in my own backyard. Thank you Arizona for being truly majestic everyday of my life.

our story. chapter 9

2011-09-18T13:23:00.001-07:00

our story. chapter 9
from the honeymoon to the current day

Have you ever said goodbye to your family, friends, and life with uncertainty in your mind about the next time you'd be part of it all in person? Have you ever left your life behind and had a fear in the back of your mind that the whole Pacific is just too much water in between your life and what is to come? These things were on my mind as we said goodbye to Arizona.

Picture this, a cheesy couple who can't quit holding hands toting 908 bags, wedding dress in hand, all while the bride is clearly upset with tears streaming down her face. I am sure the people at Sky Harbour that day were wondering what made a newlywed so upset with her new husband. If they only knew what was on my mind.

Our flight to LAX was routine as ever. The baggage/check-in/immigration lines were expectedly long and depressing in LAX. I really didn't have much to say. Jason and I were so happy to be together. We were even wearing matching T-shirts that said Standin' on a Corner.

As we waited for our Air New Zealand flight to leave the ground, I had so many thoughts running through my head. I was scared to grow up, be away from my sisters, not pursue the teaching career that I had intended to pursue, and many other things. Jason was, as expected, supportive and understanding. When the plane's tires left the ground my heart sunk just a little. With tears in my eyes, and both a happy and sad heart, I realized that I was no longer in America. It was dramatic but it was a big deal in my world.

When we arrived in New Zealand it was cold and rainy. I was hoping for optimal beach weather to welcome my new life. Within hours we were going to re-board an Air New Zealand plane for Rarotonga. Jason had arranged for our honeymoon to be in Rarotonga for a week!!! (American translation of Rarotonga is Cook Islands). My dream in life was to honeymoon in a very exotic tropical location away from the annoying American commercialism. Rarotonga fulfilled that wish in so many ways. Our room was right on the beach and we slept with our giant glass doors wide open so that we could hear the rushing of the ocean right outside our room. Perhaps the most memorable part of the whole trip was Jason climbing endless coconut trees so that he could skin and open the coconuts for food and nourishment. Priceless.

Before we knew it life began in New Zealand. No need to give those details, the whole story is laid out in the last 2 1/2 years of this blog.

Before we knew it we were moving to Arizona. That story is unfolding.

So, that's our story.

the update

2011-09-15T20:30:00.002-07:00

I am slowly figuring out what it means to be a teacher. this has been such a roller coaster ride. I always knew jr. high was a difficult time but I didn't realize how that affects the jr. high teacher. one day a kid will be my best friend and the next day the same kid is cussing me out. I am frustrated with the discipline issues but am loving the teaching. it feels good to be doing what I am trained to do. I feel like I am making a difference in this world but I can't help but constantly think about those students who aren't quite reachable. the kid that's cussing me out all the time needs me to be there just as much as anyone, if not more. I find myself thinking about those kids day and night, in the store, in bed, at church, and during my 998 prayers that I offer over the course of a school day.

On the same note, I really feel that I identify well with the student demographics. I realize that I teach school in one of the poorest counties in the state and country. I just learned that one of my students lives in a house made out of plywood and lacks a door. I realize that many of my students come to school by means of a school bus picking them up in the middle of nowhere on the side of a dusty road. Their commute can be up to 2 hours. Today I realized that as I described the requirements for our current writing assignment, a process essay, that most students were having a hard time identifying with the example topics I gave. I was talking about writing a paper on topics like how to straighten your hair, how to wrap a Christmas present, how to make scrambled eggs, and other normal American processes. When I looked over the topics that students had come up with they were not from my world, but from theirs. For example, how to butcher a sheep, how to make turquoise jewelry, how to saddle a horse, and how to make frybread. It was a nice reminder of how much I love, love, love where I am from and how unique this teaching situation truly is.

I am in a denial stage about our new life. Let's be honest, if I am not thinking about the problem kids in my class, than I am most definitely thinking about New Zealand. My mind constantly wanders back to my ridiculously wonderful life of working for the church, running on the beach daily, and living in a genuinely exotic and modern place. When things are tough here it is easy to compare to other life stages. This is a new chapter for us and there are some roadblocks that have really tested us since we arrived. However, in the past 2 weeks our world has brightened in many ways. Jason has begun work and I have learned to establish a routine at work so that I do not neglect the most important part of my life.

I still feel like we are in a weird in-between world of becoming established and starting a family. We haven't put our roots down yet and seem to be the only people on earth who do not have children. We don't fit in with single people our age and we don't fit in with the kid toting couples either. I will be honest, it feels so good to not have kids.

All in all, we haven't quite settled into all of these changes. It will come. Just like it did in New Zealand.

Cheers.

our story. chapter 8

2011-09-14T20:31:00.003-07:00

our story. chapter 8.

the first happy ending.

Glowing. That is how I would describe myself during the engagement. That little piece of sparkling diamonds on my finger made all the difference.

Long distance became very, very difficult. Think long lasting phone conversations with all the mushy contents. "You hang up, no you hang up, I miss you too much, I wish you were here" and my personal favorite, "We see the same moon but we're so far away from each other that we see different stars in the sky."

Going to sleep was a blessing and challenge all at the same time. He would wish me a goodnight over the phone and it would make me feel so good. If only it would last. The second he hung up I would be laying on my pillow wondering how on earth I'd fall asleep when I missed him so much.

We got through it. Anyways, I was so busy planning our July wedding. It was basically a one man show when it came to planning. There wasn't much he could do from Auckland and I cared way too much about the little details to let anyone else help me.

I wasn't a bridezilla. I had a few specifics that I knew were necessary and that was it. I knew it would be black and white and I knew that I would be wearing Navajo turquoise. Everything else was secondary and not as important. The plans came together. Friends and family were supportive and helpful when it counted most.

Jason flew to America to claim his American bride on the 4th of July. Fitting. I was decked out in my stars and stripes when I picked him up at the airport.

While I waited in the cell phone lot my heart was beating 99 beats per second. I had this overwhelming realization that my life was literally about to change permanently, positively, and eternally. I knew that when I saw him at baggage claim it would mark the beginning of our permanent life together.

I sat on the edge of the baggage carousel looking nervous and smiling huge. I set eyes on him walking towards me from quite a ways away. I ran to him and jumped into his arms. I remember resting my head right into that perfect spot on his shoulder. We both commented immediately that it marked the beginning of never ever saying goodbye to each other. Amazing.

We had a few days to plan our special day. There was no time to do much of anything besides sort out centerpieces and try on tuxedos. We were all business.

The Wednesday before the wedding was a very memorable part of our life. I went to the temple to get my endowments. All I need say is that it was the most important part of my preparation to be a wife and companion. I am so grateful he was there with me.

Up until the night of the wedding we spent every waking moment together. We were up late into the night decorating and preparing for tomorrow's wedding day. In the middle of all the chaos, Jason was rushed off and told that he was not allowed to see the bride until his wedding morning. We had a sweet goodbye and I couldn't believe that the next time we laid eyes on each other that we would be getting married.

I didn't sleep a wink. I was up all night thinking about every little thing. I was happy and excited. I was thinking of all the ways my life would change. You have to remember, not only was I getting ready for my wedding day, but I was also packing my bags to move to a foreign country. Can you comprehend how many logistics go into an overseas move, a wedding, a honeymoon all in one week???

It was worth it. My life is so much more meaningful, interesting, and full of love, now that I have taken some chances by living overseas and marrying the man I fell in love with.

the big chance

2011-09-06T19:24:00.004-07:00

USA rugby team during a capping ceremony at a marae in Whanganui

credit: US Embassy New Zealand

We are missing out. The Rugby World Cup kicks off in New Zealand today. The whole world is watching; the whole world minus America that is.

People from all over the world are flocking to New Zealand to watch rugby and also say they've been in one of the most beautiful countries on this earth.

An excerpt from The New Zealand Herald says it this way...

New Zealand in this week, the start of the Rugby World Cup, has a glorious opportunity to sow seeds that will continue to flourish for 20 years or more. If the tens of thousands of visitors who will flock here enjoy an experience without parallel, then the nation will reap a rich harvest.

If they depart for every corner of the globe carrying a message of a beautiful land, a warm, friendly people whose company is to be enjoyed and revered, then the true success of this event should not be gauged by which nation holds up the Webb Ellis trophy at the end, but the long-term value accrued by the host nation. So why wouldn't it be a straightforward task?

Offer all-comers a wondrously warm welcome from ordinary Kiwis, proud of their country and anxious to show those in the world who have not yet been here just why their hospitality can be unique.

our story. chapter 7

2011-09-03T22:50:00.000-07:00

our story. chapter 7

Valentine's Day, Spring Break, Engagement

Upon arrival in windy, cold, and dreary northern Arizona, I realized one thing: my heart stayed in New Zealand on that warm black sand beach.

From that point forward, we were both giving our all to make a long distance relationship work. I sent him a good morning email everyday. Jason called me after school at 3:30 on the dot every week day. We skyped nightly for our routine good night/ I love you chat.

My teaching job was going great. I loved what I was doing but my mind was always thinking about what he was doing and the next time we'd talk on the phone. I feel like our phone conversations just amped up my attraction for him. That accent gets me every time. It still does.

Somewhere between January 1 and February 14 we were desperate enough to see each other in person that Jason decided to come to Arizona for Valentine's Day.

Jason went above and beyond to show me how he felt about me. The day before Valentine's Day, the day of his arrival, he had flowers sent to my classroom. The card read: "II am in the air now and I will see you after school today. Love, Jason" I really can't top that flower story, though Jason did once buy every single red rose in a flower shop. The exact number was 46. That was also up there.

Jason couldn't believe the size of the snowdrifts on the side of Highway 87. He had never seen anything like it. As exotic as my New Zealand experience was, Jason's northern Arizona experience was just as exotic. Maybe that's why I am still so fond of Winslow. I see it through different eyes now. I appreciate it for its uniqueness and bareness. If you ever want to truly appreciate the place you call home, travel/live overseas. Not only will you gain more perspective, but you will also realize that home is more awesome than you thought.

On Valentine's Day we rode the train to the Grand Canyon. I wrote about that adventure here. It was fun to see the Grand Canyon through a winter wonderland perspective. It was also special because I was sharing something amazingly beautiful with my kiwi. I may not be able to give him black sand beaches and perfectly green hill sides dotted in sheep, but I can show him one of the 7 natural wonders in my own backyard.

During our Arizona time together, we discussed marriage. Jason was so ready to put the ring on my finger. He had even brought the ring with him. At that point I was STILL not ready. I loved him and thought of him as my future husband but was still not ready to say yes.

A few days later we celebrated our one year anniversary together at La Posada. It was a special date that will forever remain one of my all time favorites. That date, among other events from the Valentine visit, are mentioned here, in a post titled, "the kiwi boy loves arizona."

Our goodbye at the airport was, you guessed it, dramatic and emotional. By this point we had been through far too many goodbyes at airports.

The next weeks were just as challenging as the weeks after Christmas and before Valentine's. I was so twitterpated because of that kiwi. It was during this small window that I felt completely ready to say yes. I felt like I had reached a place in my life, and heart, that allowed me to freely give myself. It was bad timing because he had just left Arizona.

The planning for the next trip began. This time I was headed to Aotearoa. Spring Break was the logical choice because it gave me a full week. Jason bought my ticket and I flew to New Zealand on a Friday afternoon.

As the plane made its final descent into Auckland I had nothing but happy thoughts. I knew that by the end of the day I would be engaged. Jason held out purple and pink roses for me as I greeted him at Customs. I thought he might be planning to propose right than and there but he didn't. I later found out that he had the ring in his pocket. He planned to, but I was sooo tired and out of it that he decided to wait until I got a little bit of rest.

I did just that. I took a nap at his house for several hours. Jason came in and softly woke me up. As I stood up he grabbed both of my hands and got down on one knee. Even though I knew it was coming at some point, I was still shocked. I froze for a second, though it probably felt like a year to him, and said yes. When I said yes he slipped the ring on my finger and we both got on our knees and hugged, cried, and smiled. Here is the post that I wrote.

It had been a long road. There were bumps, hills, setbacks, and everything in between for us. We had been through much and it legitimately felt like an accomplishment for both of us.

As newly engaged people do, we showed off the news (and ring) to anyone who would listen. I called everyone from my family back in the States. I didn't tell anyone that I was going to New Zealand with the intention of getting engaged. It was probably obvious but I still think I caught people off guard.

I do have to mention that I ended up trading the ring that Jason picked. The ring was great but I was really hoping to have one that was flat on my hand. That is what I had always wanted. Jason agreed to take me to Michael Hill to see if there was anything suitable. There was. We traded the rings out and I walked out with my perfect, dream come true ring. Picture of the ring from the link above.

We had an engagement party in Auckland the day before I left. Many people from Jason's family came along with friends from the singles ward (the one where I met him in Sunday School). I was even lucky enough to have Carol and Natalie attend. After all, they are my New Zealand family.

It was so fun to open presents together. We received towels, an iron, and cute little wall decorations that had "home" sayings. To us, they were the most exciting gifts we could have gotten because they represented our life together.

We worked hard to plan as much as we could for our special day. We decided on a date, July 11, and a temple, Snowflake. That gave us 2 1/2 months to plan a wedding. The challenge was that I was in one hemisphere and he was in the other hemisphere. Literally, at opposite sides of the earth.

It was the best spring break ever, even my blog post about it says so. As always, we had our dramatic airport goodbye. There was something a little more tender this time though. He was my husband-to-be and that made it more intense. The first few hours of the flight I did nothing but stare at the shiny diamond encrusted ring on my finger. I felt so good. I was smiling and the lady next to me noticed. She told me I was glowing.

March 28 brought me home to Arizona. I was all business. Wedding preparation began immedatley.

our story. chapter 6

2011-09-03T07:53:00.003-07:00

our story. chapter 6
Christmas reunion

Larissa

I was sweating bullets. As the flight attendants prompted me to prepare for landing at Auckland International, I was filled with nervousness.
1) I was returning to this beautiful gem in the South Pacific just 8 short months after I had spent an entire semester there. I had never planned on returning so soon.
2) I was about to see Jason face to face. I knew it would be different and on the awkward side.
Was I supposed to run and jump in his arms? No. The last time he had seen me in person I had explained how I was breaking up with him permanently. Did I pretend like nothing had happened? Did I begin begging for forgiveness? These are the thoughts that filled my mind as the beautiful turquoise blue water and the familiarity of the Auckland skyline became within eye shot of my plane window.

I got off the plane and prepped myself big time. I changed my clothes, applied make up, brushed my teeth, etc. . .After all, international travel is not the most hygienic activity in life.

By the time I retrieved my bags and was greeted by an ever friendly Kiwi customs official, my heart was beating at an unusually fast pace. I said a prayer in my heart that he would actually be there and want me to be there.

He was there.

Waiting patiently and ready to give me a nice warm hug and a big toothy smile. That's Jason. He is the most forgiving person in the world. I didn't know it at that time--but I do now that I'm married to him.

As we left the airport the conversation remained a little on the stiff side. It was awkward. There was a huge elephant in the room. We found a bench (of course) and took a few hours to talk. We needed to catch up and talk through the horrible events of the prior months and weeks.

To this day, I believe the conversation that took place there on that bench, overlooking the ocean, was one of the most meaningful and integral parts of our relationship. Both of us had gained much insight into what it takes to have a good, working relationship. My lesson mainly had to do with learning that my life was more rich and meaningful with him at my side. I felt like our prior break up helped me learn just who I wanted and needed in my life as an eternal companion.

I had arrived on Christmas Eve and we had every intention of making it a Christmas to remember. We drove to the Hamilton Temple that night to enjoy the Temple Lights and Christmas Program on the temple grounds. The date was oozing with romance. Scripture reading under a white lighted palm tree, holding hands and listening to Christmas Choirs--see, I told you, is that not oozing with romance? Isn't the Christmas date everyone's dream?

By the end of that date we were back in business. That fire had been rekindled and we were determined to make my New Zealand week meaningful and eventful.

Christmas morning was fabulous for so many reasons. I was experiencing my first summer Christmas. Jason and I exchanged presents before the festivities began with his family. A boy had never bought me a present before. I felt so very special to have received a thoughtful gift from him. We had a lovely summer Christmas BBQ-- you know, chicken on the barbie.

The remainder of my trip was dedicated to road tripping. Jason and I packed up for a getaway to the top of New Zealand. We drove all the way to the very top of the island, Cape Reinga, and stayed several nights in Paihia.

We rented a kayak and spent several hours zooming around the bay near our hotel. I could barely pull my paddle through the water and was basically no help. Jason sat in the back and pushed both of us around by paddling like a mad man. I remember that the front of the kayak was sticking straight out of the water on my side. We made some jokes about how it was comparable to marriage. In all seriousness, that little water activity confirmed in my mind that I truly could marry this boy. I loved being around him. He is virtually always happy. I loved how big and strong he was. I loved how he is up for anything, always outgoing.

The rest of the weekend went a similar way.

The highlight of the trip was making the trek to Cape Reinga. I know you have heard me talk about Cape Reinga in this forum. I have done so here, here, and here. It is just that good. And here I go, another speech about Cape Reinga.

I love Cape Reinga. It is beautiful, majestic, and inspiring. Turquoise blue ocean water meeting the very northern tip of New Zealand. It is reason alone to see New Zealand in person.

Jason and I packed our lunches and drove the 4 hours to the top of the North Island. When we got there, we decided to take a path off the beaten track. We wanted to have a more personal view of the ocean cliffs and oceans meeting away from the tourists at the lookout point.

During our lunch, Jason brought me close to him and told me some things that really touched my heart. He said he knew he loved me and that he knew he wanted to marry me. Out of nowhere, he got down on one knee!!! He even pulled a ring out of his pocket!!!

I was totally shocked and surprised. I had no idea that was coming. I wanted to say yes so bad. But I was so scared. I didn't think I should get engaged just months after I broke his heart. I felt like I needed to prove myself even more. Not to mention, move forward at a snail's pace so I didn't back out again.

He didn't put the ring on my finger that day. Though, I probably should have let him. Please look at one of the above links to see why I am an idiot. Cape Reinga is too good to be true.

Overall, the Christmas trip to New Zealand was monumental in our relationship. I came back. There were also many firsts on the trip.

--first summer Christmas, first trip with Jason, first time to be proposed to, first time to travel overseas by myself, first time to be away from my family for Christmas, first time I felt like I could truly marry him--

We said goodbye at the same place. Muriwai. We drove back to that black sand beach and took a nice long walk. We weren't sure when we would see each other again but we knew it would be soon. We also knew that we were getting married at some point but we were going at a snail's pace.

The month of January in Winslow was a total bust. We were back to the long distance thing. It was summer where he was and winter where I was. We needed to see each other again asap.

Then came Valentine's Day.

the temple date

2011-08-28T16:28:00.001-07:00

Above:

Solution to having a hard week.

I love the clarity, peace, and spirit that come with entering the temple. That brief time to step out of the world was exactly what I needed.

our story. chapter 5

2011-08-24T20:57:00.000-07:00

our story. chapter 5
the worst part

Larissa

The day began early. I was packed and ready to go before 8 am because I knew that we had a jam packed day ahead of us. We had decided that we needed to spend the day in the place where it all started for us. Muriwai Beach.

We spend most of the afternoon talking and walking along the black sand. It was a momentous goodbye in easily one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen on this earth. The drive to the airport was bittersweet. I was excited to go home but at the same time was never ready to start a long distance relationship.

I remember that my heart was beating so fast. Each kilometre brought me closer to the airport and further away from my love. I kept thinking that I didn't need to be sad because I knew that somehow some way I would see New Zealand again.

We got to the airport very early. After all, it was for an international flight. The Auckland airport is set up so that you can save your goodbyes for literally the last second before New Zealand Customs and Immigration.

I wondered if I would cry. I had never cried due to a full and loving heart until that point. The second he wrapped his arms around me I lost it. Legit, tears streaming. Not even because of the goodbye, but because I loved him. I truly in my heart had felt love.

As we parted ways I mouthed I love you one last time and walked through the security lines. In Auckland you get one last goodbye with loved ones after security. There is a glass overhead deck that families can go to as they watch their loved ones go through security. I stood there for several minutes looking at him on the other side of the glass. Jason wasn't crying. He was smiling. He always smiles.

He later told me that he made himself not cry. He didn't want me to see him cry so he decided to smile for me.

I held it together for the next few hours as I purchased last minute souvenirs and waited for the flight to board to Fiji. I didn't cry again until the plane left the ground. I was on a plane bound for a Fiji getaway. I should have been so happy. I was, but I was missing him big time.

Fiji ended up being rainy most of the time. It just made me feel more far away from him. I hung on his every word in skype and email messages. I didn't know how to be away from him.

The next thing you know I'm back in little old Winslow. I came home and everything was different. I was different. I had seen the world. I understood a little more about love and who I was becoming. I found it very frustrating to try and explain what I had experienced.

Most people didn't really know what country I was in. Some said Africa, others said Australia. Either way, it's hard to explain just how amazing my adventure was. No one got it. Not even my family.

After I had been home for a few weeks I couldn't help but think that Jason really needed to see the place that made me ME. I knew all about New Zealand. I made sure of it. I wanted to know everything I could about the place that made him who he was. If you know me at all, than you know that I am very, very passionate about where I come from. I am convinced that this little place made me who I am. I am convinced that this place gave me the desire to see the world and love other people and cultures.

I found it frustrating to explain to him all the things I was doing. He hadn't met my family, had never been to the country I was born and raised in, and knew nothing of the desert that I call home. Plans began to form for Jason to see me in late August.

I came home from New Zealand in April. By late June things were not going great. I found myself feeling distanced and frustrated with our relationship. I felt like he only knew one small side of me and was convinced that I shouldn't move forward unless he knew more. Doubt creeped in. We eventually broke up. Yeah, I hate writing that and admitting that. The break up was my idea and left Jason totally confused.

It lasted for about 2 weeks. During those 2 weeks I could only think about how I made a mistake. Good friends and supportive sisters talked me through it. I called Jason up out of the blue and we worked through my fears.

We picked up where we left off and I reconfirmed my feelings for him. Life starting getting hectic for me. I moved back to Provo to finish student teaching. It consumed my life. It kicked my butt. I was so anxious for Jason to fly to Utah to see me. I needed his hand to hold and his love in person. I was so ready to see him.

The day he flew into Salt Lake City was scary. I was so nervous. When he came out of baggage claim my first thought was "oh crap." I was scared. I froze. It didn't feel so natural any more. I think it had to do with the fact that we were in my territory. My doubts and fears were getting in my way.

Jason came with his guns blazing. He was ready to move forward in our relationship. Several days into the visit he asked me to look at something in a cute little pink box. I told him I didn't want to see it because I felt like things were moving faster than I knew how to handle. That made me panic big time. I told him I wasn't sure anymore and that my mind was full of doubt. On top of all that, I felt totally swamped with student teaching. I was overwhelmed with many things.

I hurt Jason so bad. I eventually started avoiding him. It was easier to not see him than to pretend like it was okay. He was trying so hard to be understanding. He would call after school to see if he could do anything for me.

We had planned all along for Jason to come down to Arizona with me so he could meet my family. It was the whole point of his visit to America. Went it came time for him to come with me I was convinced that I didn't want him to meet my family. My sisters told me I was absolutely ridiculous and forced me to bring him. I think I was nervous about what they would think of him. The trip to Arizona was quick and painful. I couldn't hide how I was feeling. I had doubt written all over my face. Poor Jason. He must have been so miserable.

One day he asked me to meet him because he had something for me. It was another busy day at school with open house for parents in just a few hours. I didn't want to meet him because I was too nervous but I did anyways. He surprised me with a beautiful tanzanite stone necklace. As I opened it he told me he picked it for me for a very specific reason. Tanzanite is unique and rare. It is mined in just one place, South Africa. He said it was fitting for me since I was unique and special to him. My heart melted. In my heart I was touched. It made me feel so good and reminded me of just how amazing he was. My head told me to keep my wall up and that's what I did.*

*I'm wearing that very necklace right now.

The next few weeks get ridiculously worse. I don't even want to waste space typing them. I hate these weeks. I hate that I broke my husband's heart at one time. I hate that I was too stubborn to take a leap of faith.

I broke up with him. He came all that way, for all those weeks, to be with me. I dove into my school work and used it as a shield to ignore what I had done. Jason was absolutely devastated. He couldn't go back to New Zealand a beaten man and he didn't want to be in the same city as me while I felt the way I did. He decided to do a grand tour of America. I can't even imagine how painful it would have been for him to be in America. It seriously kills me.

Fast forward a few weeks. I took a teaching job in my home town and moved home. Jason returned to New Zealand. We were both trying to go our separate ways. The truth is, I came home and despite the thousands of memories I have in that tiny town, the only thing I was reminded of EVERYWHERE I went was Jason. I always hated that he didn't really know anything about where I was from, yet here I was in that same place being reminded of him no matter what the situation was. To me, that was a huge sign. I started realizing that I was much better off with him in my life. I wondered what he was doing. Was he thinking of me? Did he hate me? Was he still so hurt? I wanted to be there for him.

I emailed him. It was a quick email to say that I wanted to know he was okay. That little email sparked a good decision. The email led to a phone call. A phone call in which I wanted to say so much but had no way of doing so. How do you tell someone just how sorry you are. I am pretty sure I broke his heart in a way that is worse than any other broken hearted man on this earth. He was understanding but very guarded.

I wanted to show him how serious I was so I thought big. Christmas was coming soon, which meant I had time off of school. I decided to buy a plane ticket and show him in person that I was back. He must have thought I was a total wacko. Which, I was.

2 days before Christmas I was on a plane bound for Auckland to see my baby.

It all changed after that. For good. Permanently.

the sickness

2011-08-21T22:07:00.001-07:00

Alright, it's happened.

Jason and I both had our first bout of sickness-homesickness for New Zealand that is.

*I will list a disclaimer now stating that I acknowledge that I have no right to be homesick. I am home. However, I am homesick.

What an interesting life we have; literally torn between two different places. I can't exactly put into words just how I am feeling. It's as if my normal life never existed and now I am creating a new one in a new country. Can I please have the best of both worlds?

I guess I haven't completely settled into our American life. It is an awkward in-between time for us. I keep thinking that it wouldn't be so hard if we were in New Zealand. Nevertheless, I know we came here because this is where we are supposed to be right now. I wish I could see the hindsight and have some more faith. I am trying but I need to try harder.

our story. chapter 4

2011-08-20T11:45:00.001-07:00

our story. chapter 4

benches, the driveway, and I love you

Larissa

After our cloud extravaganza we were both invested fully in our future. It was easy. It was natural.

The next time I saw Jason he made me try fish 'n' chips. I only did it because it was him asking. Secretly, I would have rather died than eat that fish. As he pulled into the driveway I wondered if he would walk me to the door. You know, it was our second date, everything was out on the table, and we had held hands during a movie previous to this occasion.

He did. He walked me to the door and I was so nervous because I knew the first kiss was coming. I said my obligatory thank yous and Jason replied by saying, "I would kiss you right now but Daniel is in the car." (***His friend Daniel was catching a ride home.****) I replied by saying, "I don't care." With that, he kissed me!

Monday through Friday I was student teaching in a Massey school. While I enjoyed teaching in a completely foreign setting, I was very much pre-occupied with thoughts of how I was falling for an awesome guy and he was feeling the same as me. Jason picked me up everyday after school.

He would drive me home to Carol's house and we would sit in the driveway for an excessive amount of time. After our usual driveway conversation, I would finish up my school work, run, and spend time with the Andertons. After all, during this time the Andertons came to be my family.

While we ate dinner I was always waiting for the phone to ring. I anticipated his call because I was always so dang anxious to spend time with him. We would all giggle when the phone would ring because I started getting more calls at Carol's house than any of the other permanent family members that lived there.

Looking back, it seemed like we did something ridiculously amazing every single day. Jason really went out of his way to make sure I saw everything notable, beautiful, stunning, and impressive about New Zealand.

We shared countless sunsets, beach walks, and bush walks. We had this thing for benches and beaches. All of our best memories took place on some stunningly beautiful park bench overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It seemed so effortless yet we were experiencing such an amazingly beautiful relationship in an amazingly beautiful place.

We kept everything low key. We saw each other everyday. Each day April got closer and I knew that I wasn't ready to say goodbye to him. The low key stopped working.

While on a temple trip in Hamilton, Jason and I had a very memorable experience. As we exited the temple, Jason pulled me aside as everyone else continued to walk down the stairs. We had the grounds to our selves for a brief second. He grabbed me and kissed me right in front of the temple. He than told me, "the next time I kiss you at a temple, I hope it is to marry you."

I am jumping ahead to the future real quick because I can't help but say this. Every time we went to the Hamilton temple as a married couple we always took a brief second to kiss in that very spot. How amazing is that?

When Jason's brother got married I went as Jason's official date. I met his family--whole extended family that is. That's serious stuff to be someone's date at a wedding. The wedding was wonderful. We were dressed up, danced all night, and celebrated with everyone else. After we said farewell to the bride and groom we drove back to Jason's house.

Jason pulled straight in the driveway and without hesitation, told me he loved me. It was simple. I told him I loved him too. As we enjoyed a celebratory kiss, we were interrupted by Jason's uncle who had just witnessed everything. To this day, I still get embarrassed when I am around him. We pretty much stayed up that whole night. After the L bomb was dropped we felt like we had a licence to discuss many more parts of our future. I remember that we even talked about future kids, baby names, possible temples, you know, all the lovey dovey stuff.

It sounds fast but it seemed like perfect timing. I was down to 2 weeks left in New Zealand and felt like I needed to stay longer. I cancelled my Australia extravaganza trip and opted to stay in New Zealand for an additional week while the BYU girls went on their way around the Pacific.

It was a great decision. Jason and I spent entire days together. We conquered Rangitoto in an all day trip, experienced a Polynesian market, stocked up on New Zealand treats, beached it up daily, cooked meals together, and talked about how we would navigate a long distance relationship in the coming week.

When I think back on our courtship I can't help but think how lucky I was. Many of our experiences felt like they were better written for a movie script.

Let's recap. Previous to this, I had never had a boyfriend. I always felt somewhat inadequate when it came to boys actually taking notice of me. I arrive in New Zealand and have a surety in my heart that it was home for me and within one week, meet a guy with an accent, tall, handsome, etc... Not only is he all these things, but he is a nice Mormon boy that took notice of me. Though he took me to places that were just considered his everyday backyard, I saw them as places too-good-to-be-true beautiful. I actually fell in love. With him, with his home, and everything about his world.

The last day came quick; though I felt like Jason and I had the time together that was necessary for us to be halfway okay with being apart. That goodbye at the airport was probably one of the most dramatic in my life. I'll save those details for the next chapter.

our story. chapter 3

2011-08-14T15:43:00.002-07:00

Chapter 3.

Apples to Apples, Muriwai, Sports Night, First Date

Larissa

Somehow before I showed up at Jason's house for game night I knew he had served his mission in the Wellington New Zealand mission. That is the same mission that my brother served in. I was thinking in my head that I could use that little factoid as a conversation starter when I encountered him at game night.

Jason's house was pretty neat. He had a huge deck with a backyard that looked more like Jurassic Park than a suburban family home in West Auckland. Camille and I went exploring out in the backyard and eventually Jason made his way out there to see what the heck we were doing balancing on a giant beam across a stream.

When we went inside I strategically stood by him and asked him about his mission. We talked about that for a second and that was it.

An hour later an Apples to Apples game was getting started in the lounge. There was a huge group of prospective players. Come on, we all know how game night works in the world of young adults in a singles ward. Everyone comes. Everyone is hoping to spark it up with someone. Someone shouted out that we all needed to partner up to play. With the fear of being the last one to find a partner at the forefront of my mind, I quickly blurted out, "Who wants to be my partner?" To my surprise, the one guy that I was remotely interested in raised his hand and said. "I will."

Jackpot.

While everyone else did the mad dash to find a partner, I was settling in next to my partner. In between turns we really got some good conversation in. We pretty much participated in the game only as a secondary activity. Getting to know each other was much more fun. I found it very easy to talk to Jason. I didn't experience any of that awkward fake conversation that happens oh so much in singles ward functions. I know his accent played a fair part in me being so interested, intrigued, etc...

The game went on and I can say with certainty, by the end of the game I was head over heels for the guy. The game ended by both of saying that we should hang out sometime. The request made by me for two reasons. 1. To see more of New Zealand from a local's perspective. 2. To spend more time with a cute guy that happened to have an accent and happened to be very nice.

Jason got up and left the room abruptly as I started to walk out the door with the other BYU girls. What happened next sealed the deal.

He walked right up to me and wrote his phone number on a small piece of paper. It was in immaculate handwriting with a swirly design. This impressed me for 2 reasons. 1. No guy had ever gone out of his way to make sure that I had a way of contacting him. 2. He hand wrote it on paper the old school way.

It's a small thing but I loved it. That note is still in my journal.

We started our BYU classes the next day and all day I couldn't stop thinking about him. When would I call him? What would be my excuse for calling him?

That next Friday the singles ward hosted a campout at Muriwai beach. Within the first hour that we arrived at the beach I found myself hiking up to a beautiful scenic lookout with Jason. We stayed at that lookout talking for several hours. Later that night we partnered up for several games and before you knew it, we were the only ones awake. I remember that he showed me the stars in the sky. It was unique because those southern hemisphere stars look different from anything I see above me in America. There was nothing terribly romantic, just good conversation and two people getting along extremely well.

Sports night happened every Wednesday night for those attending the singles ward. It was an excuse for single adults to mingle and meet people. I was definitely going because they had volleyball and basketball pick up games and I was pretty confident Jason would be there too.

Those next few weeks I would always try to strategically be around Jason. I wanted to hang out with him and get to know him. Jason jokes that I would walk by him and than all of a sudden turn my head and say, "Oh hi, I didn't see you there!" Probably some truth there.

I don't know why I fell for him so quick. I just did. He wasn't even trying to do anything special for me. He was just being his normal friendly self.

Eventually the gossip circle worked its powers and both Jason and I knew that we had a thing for each other.

In normal life, Jason would have asked me on a date and we most likely would have hit it off and got on with our lives. However, I was a BYU girl, thus off-limits. I signed a no-dating policy during the duration of my study abroad in New Zealand. I am not a rule breaker. I could not fathom sneaking off, lying, or doing anything that would have been in distaste with the honor code.

Jason asked me on "a date." So, I got permission. I spoke with my professor and host mom, Carol. Both knew exactly where I was going and gave their blessing.

Our first date was wonderful. Jason hadn't known me very long but by then he obviously took the hint on how I live and breathe Mexican food. He took me to the Mexican Cafe, one of 3 Mexican restaurants in New Zealand. I have nothing great to say about the food but I loved that he took me there. It was a nice thing to do for an American girl far from home.

On the way home from our date we still hadn't talked about the awkward subject of how we felt about each other. I was sitting in the passenger seat thinking about 98 different scenarios of how I could bring it up. I was hoping he would but knew it didn't look good.

He randomly got off the Te Atatu exit and took me to a nice park that overlooks the beautiful Auckland city skyline (oh how I miss it). We laid down on the grass and just gazed up at the clouds. I rested my head on his arm and knew that I had to take care of business.

I took a deep breath and blurted out, "Now that we know what everyone else thinks, what do you think about me?" Not the smoothest way to ask someone if they like you, but hey, I got the words out.

He told me he did like me but that he really didn't want to do too much about it since I was a BYU girl. Like me, he is not a rule breaker. He also didn't want to fall for someone that would be flying back to America in just 3 short months. We decided to spend as much time as we could together but to stay in big groups. You know, playing it safe for the BYU reason and the long distance love reason.

It worked, for about 2 weeks.

the first week

2011-08-14T11:38:00.002-07:00

I think my life just completely changed indefinitely. The first week of school was a wake up call for me in so many ways.

here I am, shaking in my boots for the first day

Wake up call 1: You are an adult. Welcome to your new life of overworking and being underpaid.

Wake up call 2: Teaching is hard. I have always known this in my family of teachers but now I really understand.

Wake up call 3: Junior high kids are a whole different breed. Hormones on feet is about the best description I have heard yet.

Wake up call 4: Teaching is awesome. I love that I came home every night feeling like I accomplished something huge.

Wake up call 5: Leave work at work. I failed at that this week big time. I need to find ways, somehow some way, to leave work at work and have Larissa (and Jason) time.

Here comes week 2. Bring it on.

our story chapter 2

2011-08-12T18:49:00.000-07:00

Chapter 2.

Meeting.

Larissa.

As I sat in church for the first time I was distracted by the accent, the lava lavas, and the cheek kissing. I pretty much embraced it from the first day.

I do vividly recall the first time I actually saw Jason during that church meeting. He was passing the Sacrament. He was wearing a gold tie.

The next meeting was Sunday School. The room was packed with a bunch of BYU girls and even more young single adults from the Auckland area. Our Sunday School teacher walked in and introduced himself as Brother Richards. He started off his lesson by asking each person to introduce themselves and name their favorite cartoon.

I fretted in my mind as to what cartoon I would name when it finally got to my turn. I survived and said my favorite cartoon was Captain Planet. Probably not really true but I get shy in those situations.

As the lesson progressed I began to be impressed with this Brother Richards. My first impressions by the middle of the Sunday School lesson were as follows: He's tall, He knows how to start a class, His accent is amazing, His eyes are beautiful, and He's a great teacher.

Back to my original goals for being in New Zealand, I had decided that I wanted to meet people and make friends and fully embrace the place. With that in mind I decided that I needed to introduce myself to Brother Richards at the end of the Sunday School lesson. Partly because he was cute and partly because I felt like I didn't need to be as shy as I am in normal situations. After all, you are only in New Zealand once right?

After the closing prayer I took a deep breath and walked towards Brother Richards. I was nervous, I won't lie about that. I held out my hand and introduced myself to Brother Richards. As we shook hands I looked him in the eye and said, "I really liked your lesson." That was it. I left the room feeling like a million bucks.

A week went by. As we toured around the local beaches and saw bits and pieces of amazing Auckland, I found my thoughts turning to Jason. I wondered when I would see him again and how it would be when I did.

The next Sunday I saw him again. We didn't make contact with each other until after Relief Society. A crowd was forming outside the Relief Society room. Of course my eyes found one particular individual amongst that crowd. I could hear people talking about a game night that would be going on later that day. I wanted to be part of it so I went up and asked the only person I had really met in the ward. Jason said that there was a game night at his house and that it would be fine for us to come. He gave me his address, which was very close to my host family's house.

My 2 room mates and I walked in the rain to Jason's house. I was nervous only because I knew we'd be in a room with a bunch of people we had never met. I was also a little nervous because that nice looking Sunday School teacher would be there too.

Jason.

A week before the "BYU girls " arrived I remember sitting in a Burger King with one of my best friends. He was very excited about the "fresh meat" venturing down under and hoped he would meet some nice girls. A few days later, I remember playing basketball with some of my friends from the YSA ward . The guys were throwing around a rugby ball, talking about the girls who would arrive soon. Among other things I remember distinctly their "big plans" to woo the girls and aparently sweep them off of their feet.

As for myself I couldn't have cared in the slightest; I almost took no notice at all. I was excited to meet new people but I would have to say that was about as far as my fixation extended. Little did I know that one of these girls would be my future wife.

Flash forward a few more days, the girls finally arrived. I noticed Larissa right off the bat. She was nice, friendly and very happy. This was my first impression of the woman formerly known as, Larissa Bratt.

It was not until I finally sat down with her and got to know who she was that the sparks began to fly. The attraction was magnetic, despite my best efforts to stay away and remain friends the alure was to enticing. Inspite of my better judgement I jumped in head first and I have never looked back since.

our story. chapter 1.

2011-07-31T13:39:00.003-07:00

So, I've decided to blog our story. You see, I religiously wrote in a hand written journal during our many months of dating. But, that journal may grow legs some day and walk off. I want to have these details down so that I always have them. If you don't like it, don't read it.

Our Story.

Chapter 1.

Larissa. Pre Meet.

I was walking on the BYU campus in between the library and Kennedy Center when a flier caught my attention. In essence the flier described an opportunity for Elementary Education majors to study abroad in New Zealand for a semester of student teaching.

I was hooked from the moment I saw that poster. I was ready for a change. I was ready to leave the Provo bubble and simultaneously avoid a Utah winter. The price tag was expensive but I knew I would find a way to go. Looking back, it was weird that I was so convinced I would go. I never even considered or thought about study abroad prior to that point.

Months went by, I completed 2 more semesters at BYU, worked an entire summer as a tour guide at Meteor Crater, and put every penny I earned towards my trip. When the time came to apply to the program, I was all go. By this time I was so ready to go that I could almost touch the black sand and smell the ocean breezes. At first there was not enough interest in the program so the Education department tried to pull the plug on the trip. I was not going to let that happen. I, along with my classmates, did our part to show how interested and committed we were. We must have played some small part in making sure the program happened.

More months went by and I happily packed up my boxes and got the heck out of snowy Utah. I said goodbye to my family and got on a plane bound for Auckland on January 3. When I left it was snowing but I knew it would be summer when I landed on the other side.

That long 13 hour plane ride gave me plenty of time to think. That I did. During that plane ride I wrote down some goals that I wanted to accomplish during my time in New Zealand. None of them had anything remotely to do with meeting boys or finding someone to marry. They did have to do with making the most of my time. Living, enjoying, and experiencing everything about New Zealand.

I felt in my heart that I was doing the right thing. At the time I thought it was just for my preparation to become an educator. I thought New Zealand would help me be more well rounded and more understanding of cultures and practices different from my own.

The first significant and special part of our story is the arrival.

After I collected my luggage, went through immigration lines, custom lines, and met my host family, I set foot on New Zealand soil. I stepped out on the footpath and was overwhelmed with one simple, sweet, profound, and inspiring message. "Larissa, this is HOME."

I remember feeling that message so strongly that I actually did pause for a moment and tried to take it in. You know the feeling you get when you pull into your parents' driveway for the first time in a long time, maybe even years? That feeling of knowing that this place made you who you were and how the memories and experiences therein shaped you--that's how I felt when I took those first steps outside the terminal. Can you believe that? It was bizarre because I knew it was true I just didn't know how or why.

Jason. Pre Meet.

disclaimer: I asked Jason for his first hand account of what went down before he knew that I existed. I tried to get him to blog it himself but he refused, saying that blogging is not for boys. So, here it is in my words, his account short and sweet.

2 weeks before my arrival in New Zealand Jason went to a young single adult convention for the young adults all across New Zealand. In connection or as a result of the conference, Jason met a nice young lady and began dating her. Jason says that the girl was plenty nice but he never felt good about it. He abandoned ship even though he really didn't have any concrete reasons to besides his bad feeling.

The conference was during Christmas Break 2007. Jason has told me that he felt very strongly that his life was taking a new course for 2008. Like me, he didn't know the specifics but he felt like he was being prepared for a new and important thing in his life, something that would change everything.

More to come :)

the eye doctor

2011-07-26T11:33:00.001-07:00

My worst healthcare fear came true this weekend.

Jason woke up on Sunday morning with extreme eye pain in his right eye-the eye that has not yet had a cornea transplant. His pain was so severe that even the slightest daylight reaching his eye would make him beg me to take him to the hospital.

I was nervous for 2 reasons.

1. Jason never feels pain. He has an incredibly high tolerance for pain. When Jason says something is hurting I never mess around. That morning I asked him what his pain level was on a scale of 1-10. His reply was 50. That is scary coming from him.

2. Our insurance doesn't start until August 1. Yes, that's right, 6 days before our insurance coverage began Jason was in need of immediate medical attention. I didn't know if I should go to the emergency room and somehow handle the bill or wait 6 more days to see the doctor and hope that his pain would subside by then.

At that instant I did what everyone does. I googled. I said a teeny tiny prayer in my heart; you know the ones that you throw up with the best of intentions but don't really stop what you are doing to ask more humbly and sincerely?

I searched for opthalmologists in northern Arizona, not really knowing why or how it would help us at that particular moment. I was drawn to the third hit for some reason. I visited the website and filled out the "please contact us" form. Again, I don't know why I did this. I wrote a brief message stating that my husband is a keratoconus patient suffering from acute eye pain. I ended the message by asking if he had any experience in treating keratoconus or cornea transplants.

Before I tell you what happened next, may I remind you that I wrote this message on a Sunday morning before 8am, obviously not business hours. Minutes later I received a call from someone at the doctor's office wanting to know more about Jason's pain and condition. I could not believe it.

She said that we needed to notify the opthalmologist of his current state. Within another few minutes Jason was speaking to the opthalmologist directly! He spoke with Jason and pinpointed the cause of his eye pain. He told Jason he would call in a prescription right then so that Jason could get the proper medicine right away.

I was amazed. I have been so very nervous about health insurance, Jason's eyes, co-pays, prescriptions, and everything else known as the headache of American healthcare. During this fiasco we kept thinking how we could have gone to any doctor or hospital in New Zealand and Jason would have gotten the eye care he needed right then and there, no questions asked.

So, why am I telling this experience? Because once again we seem to just squeak by with exactly what we need at that point in time. There is no doubt in my mind that the doctor felt impressed to help Jason over the phone, even if he wasn't his patient. The nice lady who happened to come across my little comment on the website felt as if it was serious enough to contact the doctor. And the Google search. Really, how do all these little things add up to exactly what we need?

Once again I am grateful that our decisions are guided by Heavenly Father.

And for the record, Jason has a doctor's appointment on August 1, the first day our insurance coverage begins. Welcome to America.

the sedona trip

2011-07-23T09:01:00.001-07:00

There are many reasons why I am convinced that Arizona is the most beautiful state. Sedona is a major part of that reason.

Yesterday we hiked Cathedral Rock, as seen above, went to Slide Rock, and visited the Chapel of the Holy Cross. All of which are considered must see stops in Arizona.

Cathedral Rock is a token hike in Sedona so we figured it was time to cross it off the bucket list. It is just under 1 mile to the top but goes from 0ft-800ft in that time. Hiking on the red rock was scary but the view from the top was so worth the effort.

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a Roman Catholic church built within the red rocks of Sedona. It is an impressive piece of architecture.

credit: gatewaytosedona.com

Slide Rock State Park is basically a natural water slide through Oak Creek. The small white rapids will push you all the way down the creek. The rock underneath the water is very slippery-hence Slide Rock.

credit: pr.state.az.us

and now for the best photo ever...

the garden

2011-07-17T16:46:00.000-07:00

This is our pride and joy for the summer. My sister had vacant space in her garden so we asked if we could try our hand at gardening.

We had fun picking out different vegetables to grow. In the end we decided on corn, squash, red and yellow chiles, and onion.

I am sad to report that the onions did not make it this year.

I am happy to report that a Santa Fe yellow chile made its début today!

We danced around, hugged, and celebrated our achievement. We didn't think the chile would make it in the windy and dry desert. But they did!

keep calm and carry on

2011-07-16T20:43:00.001-07:00

This week-

I went to the Little Painted Desert. Seriously, how beautiful is Arizona? Even the New Zealander says so. That is huge considering how New Zealand is heaven on earth.

I was happy to see Jason reunited with his brother. Jordan is on a 3 month holiday in America. Jordan brought 95 Peanut Slabs and an econo size Milo and 10 boxes of Tim Tams. We are in New Zealand treat heaven right now.

I began getting my classroom ready for the first day of school. I had a moment where I sat at my desk and looked around at the smart board, rows of desks, and whiteboard and thought, are you kidding me? This is huge. I am a teacher. Bring on the first day, I was born for this.

And, I bought this poster for my classroom.

credit: sarahjlwest.com

I was reunited with my sisters. I love them. It is the reason I moved home. Can you tell which one I am?

july 11

2011-07-12T17:54:00.000-07:00

2 years.

love you more today than I did on this day

the passing score

2011-07-06T19:29:00.004-07:00

I have anxiously awaited this particular announcement.
I passed.

As in I passed the AEPA tests that certify me as a proficient educator in Arizona schools.
Now I can finally say out loud that I am teaching 8th grade English in my hometown.

Let me give you some background on this sweet gig. Many months ago I contacted my hometown school district to express interest in returning to teach there. At that time, Jason and I had decided to move to the States. Many things fell in place, including immigration, schooling, and job prospects. With all of those ducks in a row, we knew it was the right time to make the move.

This move was not easy. We are still experiencing 88 bumps in the road per day. As long as we are on the right track.

credit: babble.com

the jumps

2011-07-06T07:53:00.001-07:00

My first bungy jump in Queenstown, New Zealand

Jason jumps off Cavesa in Arizona. In my opinion, this jump is not nearly as safe as bungy jumping.

the best 4th of July

2011-07-05T17:29:00.000-07:00

4th of July.

Patriotic Parade in downtown Winslow

Clear Creek

Fireworks

Snow Cones for the whole family

A perfect excuse to wear red, white, and blue

Star Spangled Banner

I love America.

the cake

2011-07-05T12:46:00.001-07:00

Meet Talan's birthday cake.

This little gem was made, from scratch, by Jason. He is the Martha Stewart in our relationship.

twenty five

2011-06-28T14:24:00.002-07:00

oreo cream dessert with candles mounted on an oreo cookie--thanks mom

obsessed with black and white anything >> impulsively bought a bike >> basking in the sunshine of the second summer of 2011 >> letting my hair go wavy more often >> ridiculous acne problem >> anxious to be mrs. richards, eighth grade english teacher >> filled with an unusual confidence of being in the right place at the right time >> craving an omelet made by Jason >> feeling beautiful in my own skin >> dead set on starting my masters this year >> forever reading non-fiction >> changed forever after living overseas >> changed forever because of the solid guy I married >> soaking up all things small town >> starting to think about a baby >> having a happy birthday today

official candle blower outers, Talan, Tatum, and the birthday girl

the ohio experience

2011-06-25T19:33:00.005-07:00

I was well overdue for a visit to Ohio. Pretty much all of my summers were spent in Ohio with family before I got married. I hadn't seen my Grandma in years and was itching for a Cedar Point trip.

It was also important for my Grandma to meet Jason and giver her approval. Just so you know, she pulled me aside to say that I did very well in choosing a husband. That stamp of approval means a lot.

I have to tell you that going on vacation with Jason was extra cool. It was fun to experience things in America with a first timer. I was able to see it all from a different perspective this time around.
He had a lot of firsts on this trip including but no limited to the following:

Saw fireflies for the first time
Ate at Outback (and thought it was hilarious to see Americans trying to pull off the Aussie experience).
Rode huge roller coasters
Saw legit rednecks in a Wal Mart-think People of Wal Mart worthy
Ate real Southern BBQ
Recited the Pledge of Allegiance and stood for the National Anthem at a school assembly we went to
visited a U.S. Army base, Fort Rucker, Alabama
played golf
tried Angel food cake
interpreted the Southern accent successfully

We fit as much as we could into the 10 days we were there. Here is a sample of the random things we did.

Barns all over the state have this sign on them. I love taking pictures of all of the different barns.

Jason spent way too much time at the library doing homework.

just another street corner in Ohio with American flags

more flags

flags galore

special note: I never noticed American flags until I got married. Jason observed this American trend from the very beginning. Now days we count American flags wherever we go. It's entertaining.

We visited the grave sites of my great grandparents.

We walked across the Newell Bridge, a rickety old bridge that begins in East Liverpool, Ohio and ends in Chester, West Virginia.

The bridge is ancient and is made of nothing more than wooden planks. Sometimes the spacing of the wood is a little too far apart for comfort.

Newell Bridge action with my mom

We went to church in Ohio! In all my years of visiting I had never made it to the nearest ward, until this trip. There are not many Mormons in the tri-state area.

Hole 4 at the Beaver Creek Par 3

I learned how to golf on this course when I was a teenager. Jason played his first game of golf and got a VIP golf lesson from my dad, the best coach I know.

We got up close and personal with the huge locks on the Ohio River. Here, Jason is giving me an expert lesson on proper stone skipping.

the roller coaster capitol of the world

2011-06-25T18:40:00.003-07:00

If you think Disneyland isthe happiest place on earth, you are wrong. Cedar Point is.

We made the long anticipated trip to Sandusky, Ohio to spend a day at CedarPoint. It was oh so necessary for Jason to experienceCedar Point. The Bratt family has alwaysbeen obsessed with the coasters and rides at Cedar Point. I kepttrying to explain to him just how HUGE the roller coasters would be. It is safe to say that his expectations wereexceeded.

Iwas determined to make the day perfect. When we were just a few miles onto theOhio Turnpike and got a flat tire, I was a little nervous. Jason got the tire changed and fixedrelatively quickly. Soon the sky turnedgray and the rain came down in buckets. I could barely see the road and it washard to picture a warm sunny day at Cedar Point by that time. We trucked on and by the time we entered thepark the clouds parted and the sun was beating down. ACedar Point miracle yet again.

Werode everything. Wooden roller coasters,huge steel coasters, standing up coasters, world’s tallest and fastest, andeverything in between. Usually the linesare hours long but not today. Our longest wait of the entire day was only 45minutes for the Top Thrill Dragster.

Thethree of us (my mom came too), had a wonderful time. The day was perfect despite thesetbacks. I love Ohio. I love Cedar Point.

Cedar Point FACTS

The world's roller coaster capitol of the world. There are more coasters (17) in this park than any other place on earth.
More record breaking coasters call Cedar Point home than any other park.
Millennium Force 93mph with a 310 foot drop--video below.
Top Thrill Dragster 120 mph in 4 seconds with a 420 foot drop--video below.

Observations made by the foreigner at Cedar Point:

Americans have way too many tatoos.
Americans eat way too much fast food.
Americans know what's up when it comes to roller coasters.
As always, Americans were forever displaying their American pride.

Millennium Force Video

Ohio Welcomes You

2011-06-15T10:11:00.027-07:00

I love Ohio. It is a part of me as much as Arizona is.
I can now say with certainty that Jason has experienced every little thing that makes me, ME.

I have talked about Ohio many, many times. I have told him about my Grandma Bratt's house that always seemed way cooler than my own house, mostly because it has a basement, candy on tap, and a huge hill in the backyard. He has heard me give speeches about Ohio State. He knows all about Fiestaware, the Ohio River, and the narrow roads cutting through the green bush around here.
Now, he has seen it in person. It makes me so happy.

What makes it even richer is that Ohio looks a whole lot like New Zealand. Not kidding. Narrow roads, curvy roads, humidity, rainy, dense green forest, the list goes on. I'm glad Jason found a little piece of "paradise" among the 50 states.

I also must say that token family vacations are made heaps more exciting by bringing along a foreigner. It is like we're experiencing every cool thing about travelling the USA for the first time, all over again.

note: Jason has one thing left to experience. CEDAR POINT...THE REASON I LIVE. Expect a full run down very soon.

the alabama experience

2011-06-12T14:04:00.002-07:00

This Alabama trip has been extra special. First, we were travelling with a foreigner who was experiencing the Bible Belt for the first time. He encountered a language barrier throughout the trip. The funniest moment was in the Cracker Barrel. Jason had no clue what most of the items were. When he ordered the waitress couldn't understand him and Jason certainly could not understand her. I guess he isn't quite ready for the Ya'lls and the southern drawl.

language barrier at the Cracker Barrel

Second, I rekindled my American pride. The South LOVES America. I used to think my state had a good deal of patriotism going on. We don't have anything on the South. There are houses with legit red, white, and blue banners hanging from the outside of their homes. My brother's neighbor has a huge flag pole with a flag that looks like it belongs outside of a car dealership rather than a front yard. Alabama is also home to Fort Rucker. With a huge military presence, it is no surprise that folks are extra supportive, patriotic, and firm about their stance on God, politics, and their country. I like it. So, I would like to thank Alabama for re instilling me with good ol' fashioned American patriotism.

Third, how humid is it in the South? Really, truly how hot is it here?

Fourth, a funny random story from our time with family in Alabama. Jason was swimming laps while we were all in the pool playing. I heard Kyle, 8, ask Courtney if Jason has steroids. He had gathered that big guys, like Jason, have steroids. A few moments passed and Kyle then asked, "What are steroids?"

Fifth, how much chicken and BBQ do people eat here? Every gas station and restaurant around these parts has fried chicken and pulled pork. I have never seen anything like it.

4 wheeling in the South is a little different from the sand dunes in Arizona. We were covered in vines, insects, and cotton by the end.

U.S. Army Aviation Museum. Ft. Rucker, Alabama

Honors Assembly for Courtney. We're proud of you.

Sixth, we were happy to be visiting Alabama during the last week of school. We got to attend the end of year honors assemblies for Kyle, Courtney, and Ryan. It was nice to support them in their achievements.

That's all folks.

the baptism

2011-06-12T13:20:00.017-07:00

Today my nephew Kyle was baptized. We strategically planned our Alabama trip so that we could be part of this special day. The whole family had a part in the program; whether playing the piano, singing, or praying. I am proud of Kyle. He has a head full of knowledge and continually makes me laugh. I am also grateful for the example my big brother has set for me. He baptized me when I turned 8.

the beach day at Panama City

2011-06-10T19:38:00.040-07:00

8 things about Panama City Beach, Florida

The water was warm, like bath water.
The persons from New Zealand and Arizona in the above picture all left with a sunburn.
St. Andrews State Park was impressive. Though there was a fee to enter, it was worth it. The beach is pristine and there were no massive crowds.
I tried skin boarding for the first time, with no success.
Jason really appreciated the ocean time. He pretty much never left the water.
We collected heaps of shells for my mom's class.
My parents coasted around the water in floaty tubes. Priceless.
After the beach we enjoyed real, authentic southern BBQ. The foreigner was a fan.

the green card

2011-06-03T21:09:00.001-07:00

We won't have to worry about Arizona's SB 1070. That's right, Jason's green card came in the mail today. My favourite part about all of this is that USA immigration processes have been pain free.

Everyday our new American life seems to piece together a little more. Immigration is obviously a huge part of having our lives in order. Work, school, and all else are slowly but surely coming along.

Cheers

the kiwi version of the statue of liberty

2011-05-31T18:32:00.000-07:00

Here we are. America. But we're still trying to hold onto those things that we love about New Zealand.

the cabin door

2011-05-24T12:35:00.001-07:00

All because of a cabin door our flight to the USA was miserable. I am easy going. I can handle long haul flights, inconveniences, slow airport security lines, and the general stress that is international travel.

However, I am still recovering from the worst travel experience I have had yet. I will just share the lowlights and spare the details. We departed from Auckland 2 1/2 hours late due to a cabin door not closing properly. It was clear, even before departure, that we would not make our connecting flight to Phoenix upon arrival in San Francisco.

The concierge on board assured us all would be well and we would be rebooked on the next flight to Phoenix. I chose to believe her and tried to rest on the 13 hour flight. For some odd reason they did not have my meal selection on the plane so I got to eat leftover fruit from First Class for dinner and breakfast. That made me starving and grouchy on the plane.

When we arrived in San Francisco we waited for over 2 1/2 hours to receive confirmation of a new flight booking to leave Phoenix. Have you ever waited in an airport line for more than 30 minutes? It is torture. The next flight to Phoenix was at 9pm so we were given a hotel room to rest in until the departure 8 hours later. Our taxi driver got lost on the way the hotel and tried to make me pay for the whole fare even though he got lost. Dang American.

This is where we said goodbye to Jason's family at the Auckland Airport

After a much needed shower, restful nap, and first taste of American cuisine, Jason and I felt like our troubles were behind us. False. When we got to the San Fran airport to check in for our flight they said there was never a booking for us. Air New Zealand screwed up again. I was crushed when I heard this. The airline agent could see I was distraught and assured me it would all workout. It did all work out but not before our baggage was lost, and our flight to Phoenix was delayed. As you can see, the little cabin door put us out so much!

The best part about our actual air travel was the immigration line. The immigration agent was very helpful and offered a warm welcome and congratulations to Jason. We were not treated like terrorists this time.

The first thing we saw at Baggage Claim in Phoenix was a group of tall people holding red, white, and blue balloons, American signs, and patriotic clothing. They also held up a sign saying, "Kia Ora Kiwis." It was glorious. I have never been more happy to see my family.

the hamilton temple

2011-05-19T01:46:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday we went to the temple as a family. Peace of mind. That's what I am feeling as a result of our temple session. It was so nice to be gathered as a family in the House of the Lord and to take a moment to remember what is most important of all. All in all it reminds me of how the distance that will be between us does not mean anything in the long run. I am grateful for Jason's family. I know that Jason is the good guy that he is because of his hard-working parents. I know that he is so kind and caring because of his brothers and sisters.

Jason and I went to the Hamilton temple once every month while we were here. It has no doubt been a source of strength.

the last work day

2011-05-16T16:24:00.004-07:00

I have loved working for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I will always be grateful for the perfect timing of not getting a teaching job and stumbling onto this role during that first year we were here.

I am dying to return to the classroom but my time working for the Church was not spent in vain. I worked in the administration office for the Church Schools in the Pacific. Basically, I got an inside look at the running and function of schools on a district/administration level. It would bore virtually anyone but I thrive on this stuff. You see, my dream in life is to be a principal and eventually a superintendent. Combine this with the church environment and you see why it was a very good fit for me.

I loved how work meetings were always opened with a prayer and that we openly spoke of Christ in our work roles (reminiscent of my BYU days). I will miss associating with co-workers from South Africa, Fiji, Britain, Aussie, Raro, Tonga, Samoa, Brazil, and a few other islands. It is quite a blessing to know that I got to help in the Lord's Work, even if it was only a small contribution.

I learnt much about the presence and function of the Church in the Pacific Area. All priesthood direction, and department policy comes from the Pacific Area Office under the direction of the Area Presidency. It truly is a miraculous work. Specifically in the Church Schools, there are many Saints being blessed in Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, and Tonga because of the education they are receiving. I have seen amazing things happen in these islands.

I go away from this role with much gained. My testimony of my Saviour and His Work has been strengthened. My resolve to continue on with my education to become a principal has been affirmed along with my resolve to fulfill my role as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I will miss the wonderful working environment. Not even a classroom can compete with that! I will also miss the more insignificant things like, the fact that the beach is 2 minutes from my office, the sushi restaurant that I ate at way too much, and the gym that I worked out in twice a day. Takapuna knows what is up.

the all other passport holders line

2011-05-14T04:28:00.001-07:00

Moving overseas is hard. Compacting whole lives into 4 suitcases, saying goodbye, dropping everything, starting over, being both happy and sad at the very same time-hard. At times I am so excited I can hardly wait another day to board the plane. Other times I am so incredibly sad to say goodbye to Jason's family and the beautiful paradise they call home. How exactly do you say goodbye to one life and start over in an entirely new one?

This is how I feel right now.

When I was dating Jason and weighing the decision of marriage carefully in my mind, I did consider these very obstacles. Though it is notable that I really did not know how these obstacles would affect me. Would I be able to live away from home permanently or temporarily, as in 10,000 miles away, 13 hour plane ride, and another country away? Would I be willing to take on board a whole new culture? Would I be prepared to say goodbye to my family, and in this case, Jason's family, not knowing the next time I would see them? Whether here or there, did I really understand that one of us would ALWAYS be so far away from our family?

I had a very clear answer back then, and now. In the grand scheme of things, it is nothing more than geography. We can build a righteous family here in the South Pacific, or in the high desert of Arizona. I also knew in my heart that a commitment of that degree would strengthen our marriage relationship. There have been plenty of occasions where I have needed my mom, my sisters (especially my sisters), my friends, an American... but, I didn't have any of these people. I had Jason. I learned to turn to him. It has been wonderful. I can say with surety that I could live anywhere on this blue green earth thanks to him.

This map gives a good impression of just how far our lives/hearts/cultures are being stretched. New Zealand barely even makes the map in the right hand corner.

Immigration is a paragraph all its own. Who would have thought how painstaking immigration can be? I certainly did not think of that one back then. I ended up turning down New Zealand permanent residency after too many months and too many dollars. Jason did get his green card and though the process was a bust, it was nothing compared to my New Zealand experience.

The only good thing I can say about immigration is that we will be standing in the same line for the first time on this trip. U.S. citizens are ushered through relatively quick lines while an immigration officer offers a "Welcome Home" to all us Americans. While I am loving life in the American fast lane, Jason is being prodded and pushed through the cattle corral that is the "All Other Passport Holders" line. Everyone is holding different coloured passports from places that I may or may not be able to point to on a map. Jason tells me that the immigration officers pretty much assume everyone is a terrorist and act as such. Accordingly, Jason's first impressions on American soil will ever remain negative.

However, this time he will walk side by side with his American wife and hear the "Welcome Home" in the U.S. Citizen line. It should be noted that when we travel to New Zealand I am the one in the "All Other Passport Holders" line being pushed and prodded while Jason hears a pleasant "Cheers Mate" from a fellow Kiwi. Again, parts of our lives that we never foresaw.

I guess what I am trying to convey is that the obstacles I have faced in the last 2 Kiwi years were profound for me in many ways. I have learned to not waste my time worrying about little things in our marriage. I have learned a completely new culture-different from pretty much everything I ever experienced. I have learned that socialised medicine is actually awesome. I have learned that drying laundry outside is actually a really smart idea. I have learned that big family get togethers every week makes for a really strong extended family. I have learned how America is viewed for an outsider looking in (a whole story in and of itself). I have learned to rely on my husband, solely and truly.

I am nervous. I admit it. We have been living like Kiwis and now we are going to be eating Lucky Charms, using private insurance, and standing for the National Anthem at T-ball games. Is it weird that I think it is weird that we will be doing that now?

as long as I'm with this guy

Cheers

the things I never caught onto

2011-05-07T01:26:00.002-07:00

I am pretty kiwi-fied. However, there are a few things that I never quite caught onto.

the ultimate NZ man ride-never caught on

station wagons are cool-never caught on

pedestrians never have the right of way-never caught on

meat pies galore but virtually no dessert pies-never caught on

potatoes in some form every night-never caught on

men wearing stubbies-never caught on

All good, I love New Zealand. The list of things I took on board is far more lengthy.

Cheers

the best mom

2011-05-06T14:33:00.002-07:00

In 13 days I get to see this fabulous lady!!!

Happy Mother's Day to the best mom ever.

the empty flat

2011-05-03T03:30:00.001-07:00

It is real now. We have packed and crammed our lives into the suitcases pictured above. I have to admit, I am nervous. This is a huge move and we are starting over in virtually every way. I chose to ignore my nervous feelings until after the marathon. But the marathon has come and gone so I am a bit scared. I am lying on the floor, our bed is long gone, and am about to sleep for the last time in our little flat.

Everything about our lives has been in chapters. There was the New Zealand dating chapter, the Arizona break up chapter, the Reunited New Zealand Christmas chapter, the Engagement chapter, the Arizona wedding chapter, Newlywed in New Zealand chapter, and now, the Settle down in Arizona chapter. I hope I am ready for this new chapter. In hindsight, I realize how incredibly different my life outlook is. Basically, the New Zealand chapters have strengthened me in too many ways to name.

I packed up and left Arizona the second I got married. Jason and I have really only known a life together in New Zealand. Well, it is USA time. Hopefully he can learn to live with a bunch of nerds who are obsessed with Ohio State and El Rancho.

17 more days.

P.S. I had a Proud to be an American moment when we heard the news about Bin Laden. It was nice to hear some positive media coverage about the USA. I was grinning ear to ear and feeling proud about everything that my country stands for as the New Zealand nightly news reported the good news. From the other side of the world, I can tell you that we are all happy about justice being served.

Cheers