3/26/08

Green Fever 5k


Hey- This Saturday at 8:00am UVSC is sponsoring 5k called Green Fever- a fundraiser put on by UVSC Athletics and Student Government. It goes to benefit Kids on the Move. The cost is $15 for an individual registration and $40 for an immediate family. (T-shirts and baseball tickets are included) Because we have a sponsor this year, 100% of the money raised will go to the organization. Its super low-key, meaning that you can bring your strollers, your dogs on a leash, you can even walk the whole thing. Its all about raising money. So tell your friends and family, and go to www.wolverinegreen.com to register.

3/25/08

100 things...

I got this idea from Melody and Jonny, but haven't had the time to do it yet. Now that student teaching is over... I have more time. Not really the time though...

1. I am the oldest of 7 kids and have been since I was 12. It baffles me when people don't know how to change a diaper.
2. For the past 4 years I've worked as a home health aide changing older people's diapers. I suppose you could say I'm a diaper expert.
3. Even though there are so many naughty children in the public education system and teachers get paid next to nothing, I still find it an exciting challenge to teach.
4. I have had 2 other jobs that I kept for only two weeks. New York Burrito in Logan (Why I took that job I'll never know) and Convergys in Lehi. (I worked there because my friend Carly did. Once we started talking too much they moved us apart and I quit.)
5. I am hardly ever warm. Even in the dead of summer. (Ok,.. maybe in the dead of summer)
6. I've met most of my very dearest friends from situations where I've had to start completely over.
7. When I lived with my mom and dad I didn't think they were as smart as I do now. I can't stop talking about them.
8. I idolize my dad. I have always thought it was the coolest thing that he played football and he is big enough to scare any person. My dates always commented on the size of his hands.
9. One of my most prized possessions is a book from my dad called Punt, Pass, and Point. He brought it home from a business trip and had the author sign it. Its about a little girl who plays football but gets injured so her mom makes her dance instead. I connected with the character:)
10. I am consistently late everywhere I go. I alway swore I would be an on time person when I grew up. I think that time has past.
11. My husband and I have known each other for nearly 14 years... he claims he has loved me all of those years, but I have a hard time believing that. 9 year olds don't like girls.
12. I love my brothers and sisters so much it scares me to think how much I'll love my own children.
13. 13 is my lucky number, and I especially love March 13th and Friday the 13th.
14. When I was little I never would have imagined talking back to someone of authority. (except my parents... I went through a naughty 10 years or so...) It astounds me that kids these days have absolutely no problem with doing it.
15. I have always been a good speller.
16. I very rarely have a hard time sleeping. Even when I'm dealing with a stressful problem.
17. When I was in 4th grade I took my dad's National Championship ring to school for show and tell and lost it. Luckily it was returned to me...
18. I have never affiliated myself with a political party but lately I have really really enjoyed Glenn Beck. I think I'm mostly a conservative.
19. When I was in 5th grade I hid my report card from my parents because I got a B. My parents found out and I was promptly checked out of school. I still vividly remember the sick feeling I had in my stomach.
20. I have a very visual memory and I can still remember what other people wore at certain events years ago
21. This really shouldn't be all the way at 21, but I love my husband for many many reasons... but one of them is because he makes me feel safe. I am confident that because he has loved me even during my extremely awkward phases, he will continue to love me through coming awkward phases.
22. I have declared tons of majors. #1 pre-med #2 pre-chiropractic #3 pre-law #4 education. Don't ask me how I ended up here. I always envisioned myself wearing scrubs or a business suit.
23. At a very young age I pictured myself changing the world. I thought I would either be a member of the Utah Jazz, the President, or Miss America. Those 3 things are out...so maybe I'll teach someone that will become one of those things.
24. Things always work out for me. Sometimes it takes a while, but I know they always will because they always have.
25. Most of the time I am very positive.
26. I am terrified of heights. I get it from my dad. I tried to get over this by rock-climbing and I have progressed... my worst nightmare is the Grand Canyon. One time we went there on a family vacation and my dad wouldn't even let us get out of the car.
27. I know when I'm about to win something. It's like a 6th sense.
28. I love babies.
29. I still remember when my husband Paul fell while playing basketball in the 4th grade. He sliced his knee open.
30. Paul and I were lab partners in AP Biology. We had to mate drosophila (fruit flies). We botched the whole project and made up our results. We got an A-.
31. I don't keep a journal. I have at least 6 that I have started though.
32. Everyone in my family starts with an M.
33. I love Reef sandals
34. I used to play soccer and it used to be my love. I got hurt over and over and kept playing until I finally tore my ACL. I haven't played since. Maybe someday.
35. Since tearing my ACL I have taken up golf and tennis. Neither of which I am particularly good at. Yet.
36. For the first 2 months that Paul and I dated I was practically sedated from 2 knee surgeries. He would still come over and sit there while I fell asleep after my last pain medication dose.
37. I like to look through my old Physiology books just for fun.
38. My favorite scents are Bath and Body Work's Warm Vanilla Sugar, Lucky's perfume, Beautiful, and Polo. All scents of some of my favorite people.
39. I still haven't written half of my thank you notes from my wedding.
40. Even though it might be prejudice talking, I think my wedding was one of the most beautiful weddings I've ever seen thanks to some seriously talented people in my ward.
41. This is an extremely long project.
42. I very rarely get disappointed. I can usually talk myself into being ok with any outcome.
43. I consistently leave my clothes behind the door in the bathroom.
44. Since my birthday is on April 4th, 4 years ago my birthday fell on 04-04-04.
45. My full name now contains 32 letters and 12 syllables. Marianne Elizabeth King McAllister.
46. In reference to Melody's #58- yes she is a good MadGab player, however, Paul and I recently beat her. One of my finest hours.
47. Speaking of winning, I absolutely love to win. When I do, I get this squirmy feeling inside and a can't help but squeal like a 6 year old.
48. I shared a bed with my sister Melynne until the day I got married.
49. I have a special affinity for my brother Michael. Last summer was one of the best because I got to coach swim team with him for 3 hours a day.
50. Every year for April Fools Day I put clear tape around the sink squirter thing. I used to get called every year at school after I did it.
51. I was a nightmare of a child. I threw tantrums all the time and would have to be put into cold showers before I would calm down. I'm surprised there were more Kings.
52. I once lived with my friend Larissa on the bottom floor of a crappy apartment in Provo. Our shower had a window right by it and my roommates and I would take turns throwing cold water on the person in the shower.
53. I love The Book of Mormon- the history of it fascinates me.
54. I'm glad my last name doesn't start with a 'K' anymore. I hate writing cursive 'K's'.
55. I love to take pictures of people playing sports.
56. My siblings have always given me a hard time about my music selections. If they drive a car after me they immediately eject whatever was playing.
57. I like underground music.
58. I am terrible at organizing.
59. I became a Kansas fan by marriage. However I will watch the Utes only when they are playing BYU. I will allow them on the screen at times to appease Paul.
60. I love buying clothes for Paul.
61. We took our own engagement pictures with a tripod. Less stress.
62. My favorite movies are My Girl and Little Women. And now Martian Child. All 3 make me cry... which is uncommon.
63. I usually only cry when other people experience sadness.
64. One of my most favorite memories of growing up is my mom coloring our food for Valentines and St. Patrick's Day. Pink and green milk are only neat for one day. Feb. 15 and Mar. 18 always began with breakfasts other than cereal because of the odd appearance of the milk.
65. I can cross one eye at a time. Paul thinks its hilarious.
66. My dad's football number. I have a tiny jacket that I wore to watch him when I was little with 'KING' and '66' on it. Its so cute:)
67. I have played the piano for close to 17 years. I can sight read extremely well, but take the music away and I'm practically paralyzed. Even if I've played the piece a hundred times. This has not served me well, especially at recitals.
68. I think I've been to about a thousand swim meets.
69. Kevin from 'The Office's' favorite number.
70. I close my eyes when I take a drink from a drinking fountain. I can't stand to see what other people spit inside.
71. I look at myself in the mirrors when I lift weights.
72. I contemplated joining the Army once. I even had recruiters come to my house.
73. I broke my nose once in high school. I got hit in the face with a baseball while trying to catch two baseballs at once like Julie Paxman. It didn't work out so well. It was the week after Prom and I looked like a Klingon.
74. I have had 4 surgeries. Two knee, two feet. 5 if you count my wisdom teeth.
75. I am very impulsive. Paul is very very contemplative. This is one reason we're a good mix.
76. I don't mind a good video game once in a while.
77. Some of my favorite memories from Junior High are thanks to Melody, Emily and Jill:)
78. I once memorized "Danny the Dinosaur" when I was 3 years old.
79. I spent one summer in California taking care of a severely handicapped girl and her family.
80. I don't like to travel.
81. When I cry I can't talk because my mouth forms a strong frown. Its so frustrating sometimes.
82. Except that I very rarely cry.
83. I have a serious sweet tooth. It doesn't matter if it is 6 am- I can eat sweets.
84. I send and receive over 5000 text messages per month.
85. I don't like to fly- it always scares me that the flight I'm on is the pilot's first one.
86. I'm not allergic to anything.
87. I save every letter I ever get.
88. I'm running out of ideas.
89. Once upon a time I got into the pageant circuit. I was 1st runner up to Miss American Fork in 2004.
90. I throw the Javelin, Discus, and Hammer for UVSC's track team. I've been affectionately dubbed Miss Trunchbull.
91. I like to call my mom and just ask "What's up?" It drives her nuts.
92. When I'm at home alone I turn on the TV just so it's not quiet.
93. At one point, I thought I would become the next Olympic bobsled driver. I trained and trained until I tore a muscle in my calf. That ended that.
94. I spend too much time on the computer doing nothing. I like to see pictures of Melody's Julia:)
95. My favorite desserts are cheesecake and graham crackers/vanilla pudding/chocolate frosting mixed in a bowl.
96. In the summer I get as tan as an Indian. It amazes me how quickly I lose it as soon as school starts.
97. I wrote 15 thank you notes yesterday :)
98. During the summer my family works for Harward Farms (a roadside stand that sells amazing produce.) I love corn on the cob raw. I get sick to my stomach every time I work there because I eat so many ears of corn. And I'm allergic to it; so you can imagine I get quite sick. That doesn't stop me.
99. I love to do manual labor. Last summer our family put in a pool and surrounded it with brick pavers. We did it all by hand and it was incredibly difficult. Every night I went to bed exhausted and with blistered hands but I loved it.
100. I used to love Jamocha shakes from Arby's until Paul told me that he was certain they had real coffee in them. In the interest of the Word of Wisdom I stopped drinking them.


Well, there you go. Just for fun I want to tag Paul- cause he's seen me working on this for weeks, and also my cousin Brinn

3/24/08

Michael's Mission Call and other events of the week...

Last Wednesday was my mom's birthday, and Michael also got his mission call!!

He was so excited to open it- and we were all so excited to find out where he was going! We had all made guesses on a big map in our kitchen- My mom and McKay were the closest. Michael will be going to Orlando Florida...

Speaking Haitian Creole!?



And in more news... here is our entire new family- Melynne got engaged the next day!


The boys are almost caught up to the girls now...

Paul and I have commented on how strange it will be for my parents and other siblings that in a matter of 6 months they will have gone from 7 kids at home to 4. That hasn't happened since 1994:)

3/18/08

Final Day

Well, it's 7:30 am and I am getting ready for my final day of student teaching. It is hard to believe that ten weeks has past already! The kids have been fantastic for the most part (aside from the weapon at school and the hit list) and I think that I will actually miss them. However, a 6th grade position has opened up at the school- who knows?
My parents got a call from their bishop the other day- Michael's mission call is en route and should be here on Wednesday (also my mom's birthday) We had a fun family night guessing where he would go and filling out our NCAA brackets. (Do other families spend their FHE borderline gambling?) I won the bracket competition last year... I felt an incredible amount of pressure this year. As for Michael and his call- Stay tuned!

3/13/08

TAG

A - Attached or Single: Attached
B - Best Friends: My husband Paul, Tasha, Larissa, and my entire family
C - Cake or Pie: Cake
D - Day of choice: Saturday... hello!
E - Essential Item: Cell Phone. I've learned to get along without it since shutting it in the car door...
F - Favorite Color: Blue, Pink
G - Gummy Bears or Worms: Worms. I like to bite off a section at a time.
H - Hometown: American Fork UT
I - Indulgence(s): Cadbury eggs, cinnamon rolls
J - January or July: July hands down. I love summer!
K - Kids: none yet!
L - Life is incomplete without: Family and friends:)
M - Marriage Date: November 15, 2007. I never thought in a million years I would get married in the winter.
N - Number of Siblings: 6- 2 brothers, 4 sisters
O - Oranges or Apples: Apples.
P - Phobias or Fears: Spiders and heights. And someone I love dying.
Q - Quotes: "The harder the conflict the more glorious the triumph." -Thomas Paine
R - Reason to smile: Family!
S - Season: Summer. No doubt.
T - Tag Three Friends/Family: Melody, Emily, and Jill
U - Unknown fact about me: I love gross buffets like Chuck o Rama. I like not having to make decisions.
V - Very favorite store: I used to love Scoreboard Sports, but I have always loved Old Navy and Barnes and Noble.
W - Worst habit: Biting my fingernails until they are low enough to bleed.
X - X-ray or Ultrasound: I've had thousands of both.
Y - Your favorite food: My mom's lasagna and Paul's stir fry.
Z - Zodiac: I think I'm an Aries, but it doesn't really matter much to me.

3/10/08

Tired?


This may not be of much consequence to anyone else (unless of course they've student taught) but it is just too good to not share. Friday morning; letting the kids in for the day.
"Mrs. McAllister, you look really sleepy."
"Yeah, Mrs. McAllister. You don't look good."
"Maybe you should let Mrs. Jensen teach and you go home and go back to bed."

.... I had slept really well the night before.


As of today at 3:45 I have 6 days left of student teaching.

3/5/08

The Next Thing On My List

The title of this post reminds me of a country song by Toby Keith...

"Like, go for a walk, say a little prayer,
take a deep breath of the mountain air.
Put on my glove and play some catch,
it's time that I make time for that.
Wade to shore, cast a line,
look up an old lost friend of mine.
Sit on the porch and give my girl a kiss. (In my case of course NOT a girl... my husband)
Start living, that's the next thing on my list.

Raise a little hell, laugh till it hurts,
put an extra five in the plate at church.
Call up my folks, just to chat.
It's time that I make time for that.
Stay up late, then oversleep.
Show her what she means to me.
Catch up on all the things I've always missed.
Just start living, that's the next thing on my list.

Over the past 9 weeks I feel like I've lost touch with a lot of things... friends, sleep, track, family, etc. I've had to put my life on hold to student teach, and sadly no one else did- my family continues to grow up; my brother just turned in his mission papers. My steady job was easily filled by other employees (I still have it though!) My friends have continued on in their lives, my husband continues to cook and do laundry and clean... So when I stop to think about all thats happened- I realize that life goes on. It always does. And for the better! I've learned a lot of things about myself not only as a teacher but as a person through this whole experience. I've actually liked it. However, my time is drawing to a close. Next week is my last week! It is scary to say, but I'm halfway worried about how to go back to "normal life". For the past few weeks I've been keeping a mental log of what I'll be doing after I'm done student teaching; which was the real reason for this post. Somehow it turned out a little deeper than anticipated. Here's my mental log jotted down:
1. Go on a Spring Break with Paul.
2. Organize the cupboards in my kitchen
3. File our taxes
4. Sell my old car
5. First and foremost should probably be to complete my Senior Project...
6. Actually make it to track practice
7. Clean out our "Spar Oom"
8. Spend more time with Paul and my family
9. Catch up with good friends I've lost touch with
10. Start taking some pictures again.

I haven't thought of what else I could possibly do in my spare time... the concept is boggling at the moment. I'll add more as it comes to me.


Oh and PS- I got called a klutz today. Could it have been because I shut my phone in my car door? And that now the screen only shows half of a text and the entire phone is in a shape resembling a banana?