First Day Jitters

5 years later and I still get nervous before the first day of school. This last week was pure madness trying to get my classroom ready for tomorrow. With Robert's help and lots of long hours I think I am as ready as can be. I am really pumped about my new school. The stars aligned in order for me to land this job. Things that I love already:
-It is a lot closer to my house! (hooray for no more 5 AM walks to the subway!) Anyone that comes to visit is welcome to stop by!
- My school is located in the heart of Harlem, only 7 blocks from central park.
- My favorite soul food restaurant is just around the corner.
-I love all the culture in this neighborhood. Lots of people walking around in their African wardrobe.
- Harlem Success is the top preforming charter school in NY state! I am excited to be part of it.
-I am excited that my classroom will be named after UVU once again!
- I love my classroom!
- I love my coworkers!

It should be a really good year. Well,I have 24 rascals waiting for me to fill their brains with knowledge for college!!! Wish me luck!
Before

After

Thinking of you.....

Thinking of you.....
On your Birthday!!!!

Happy Birthday Taren Michelle

***picture

Taren is one of my most favorite people on this earth. She is hilarious and is the only person that can read my mind. She would do anything for anybody. She keeps us laughing at all times.

***Being the corky girl she is, on one of her visits to NYC she pointed to a police box near my place and said "Every time you see this box, think of me." I laughed at at her and rolled my eyes. But without fail, every time I walk by it I think of her and smile.

This world would not be the same without you! We love you Taren!!!!

Charter Schools

For the past 2 years (going on 3) I have been working in NYC Charter Schools. I actually landed in charter schools by default. My Utah teaching certification wouldn't transfer over to NY so I applied for charter schools. I consider it fate that it ended up this way because I believe in charter schools' missions and my experience these last 2 years has been life changing. As of the last couple of years charter schools have been making a huge difference in education reform and frequently make the headlines. Recently two movies have come out about the charter school I work in! In the trailers you can see some of my students, my school, and my boss (Eva Mosqowitz).

http://www.waitingforsuperman.com/

http://thelotteryfilm.com/

And if you get a chance to see the movies, DO IT! Enjoy!

OBGYN! It's over

Well, it is over, my first rotation...and what a rotation. I saw just about every phase of life (from births on obstetrics to diagnosis of terminal ovarian cancer on gynecology). It was an amazing experience to interact more closely with patients and feel part of the team that took care of them.
I loved the residents that I worked with. They were all incredible teachers!!!
I really enjoyed the OR and in particular cancer surgeries...I have plenty of great stories but I think HIPPA would not be to thrilled if I shared them with you. However, I did get to operate which is extremely rare in medical school. I was so excited while operating that my facial expressions during the surgery became the topic of several jokes during the following week. I also worked three 24-26hr shifts. It was a great insight into what happens to my brain when I am severely fatigued. I do okay until I sit down and once I do sit down... sounds feel like I am underwater and it is like running a marathon to keep your eyes open...I just can't wait for the rest of this year. I can honestly say that I love medicine.(BUT...full disclaimer, I do love Lindsay more)...Next up the other crotch specialty...Urology

Hailey Jane is 2!

Princess Hailey Jane turns 2 this week! I love this little girl! Glad that we were able to celebrate before I left!
Love,
Your favorite Aunt Lindsay
xoxoxoxo

22 things I did in Utah

Family is the BEST! There is No denying it. As much as I love our adventures in New York, it is a breathe of fresh air to be around loved ones. While Robert slaved away in the hospital, I enjoyed 2 wonderful weeks with my family.

My parents did exactly what I told them not to do .....ENTERTAIN ME! Every day was full of fun. If I didn't know any better, I would think they were trying to entice me to move back West! ;) Well, it is working! xoxoxo

***In no particular order

1. Splashing at the pool
2. Weekend trip to Park City



3. Hiking in Bell Canyon

4. Four wheeling in American Fork Canyon


5. Shooting practice with dad



6. A day with Hailey!
7. A day at Cowabunga Bay

8. Sleepovers with Julia
9. Smith Family reunion

10. Dinner with the Staples
11. Visit with Great Grandma and Clair

12. Lunch Bunch with H.S. friends
13. Sunday Steak dinner at Grandma and Grandpas

14. Getting nails done with mom

15. American Fork Carnival

16. Symphony at Draper Amphitheater


17. Girls Night to Ghost Falls
18. Movies (Inceptions :))
19. Hair cut with Julia
20. Draper Days

21. Tearful Goodbyes
22. Returning home to a husband that missed me!

I seriously have the greatest family in the world. I know this because it wouldn't be so hard to say goodbye if they weren't! xoxoxo

Bikes ..

Bikes in the city are the best! I had several people tell me this but now I know they are right! We bought some ghetto-fabulous bikes from Walmart and have been on bike rides almost every night since!

(Robert turns into a 8 year old when he gets on his bike. He loves to jump curbs, ride with no hands, and race! I think I need to get him a helmet!)



We rode our bikes to this great Brazilian Concert.