The Quest for Sleep Continues...

First of all I would like to say thank you to everyone that has provided me with suggestions and advice. I've given it a good solid week and seen little improvements so far. I've tried many of the items suggested including Ambien (Scott said the exact same thing my doctor said. He's ready already!) I have to say that sleeping pills have the opposite affect on me and generally make me hyper or wide awake. Caffeine on the other hand has been known to put me to sleep. For a while I felt like drinking a Mountain Dew before I went to sleep was a wise plan (and I still kind of do because it worked) however, I know that is not good for me. So, I have decided that their are many contributors to my inability to sleep. They were all mentioned in the comments and they include the following:

• stress and big decisions
• bad nightly routine
• inability to turn my ADHD brain off
• too much Diet Mountain Dew (Hard to imagine, I know.)
• anxiety because I'm not sleeping (I laughed at Hannah at first for this one but then I realized it is what is happening to me! You're smart girl.)
• knowing I have to get up at 6:00 and dreading it/worrying about it

I set some goals for this coming week. I'm going to try them out and let ya'll know if their are any improvements.

1. Be lying in bed at 11:00 with lights off, computer put away, etc.
2. No watching Survivor before bed (I'm such a nerd.)
3. Stay calm and don't worry about not going to sleep.
4. No naps. (Sometimes I accidently fall asleep at 7 or 8ish cause I'm so tired from not sleeping. It doesn't help the situation at all.)

I'm going to give it my all. I'll let you know how it goes. Wish me luck.

AGRHHH! I CAN'T SLEEP!

In the past few months I have this newly developed problem in my life. I can't sleep. It is currently two o'clock in the morning and I've got nothing. Last night I finally fell asleep at about 4:30 am and I had to get up for work at 6:15. Shoot me now. The thing I don't understand is why the sudden problem? I have always been a super sleeper! It was actually something I was proud of! Now I struggle hardcore to get to sleep and then I am tired and grumpy Gus all day long. I feel like I have tried everything I can think of. I change beds, read, watch t.v., blog, take pills, etc. Once I am a sleep I am totally fine and I stay asleep. I just can't get there. So the purpose of this post is to present this question. What should I do? Any suggestions? I'm dying here team.

Miss Sullivan's Class Still Says The Darndest Things...

I have been saving these up for a while. This class I have is full of mischief, sneakiness, and questions. It makes for some great material.

• Coming up at the beginning of February we are having a Chinese New Year parade. We have been working on making dragon masks, fish lanterns, dragon puppets, etc. The students wear a big dragon costume and parade around for all of the school and parents to see. (I hate some of the traditions I have stumbled into at this school.) My class is extremely excited about this activity and we have been talking about it a lot. Yesterday a little girl comes up to my crying really hard. This is the conversation that followed... Me: "What is wrong sweetheart?" Student: "I CAN'T BE IN THE PARADE!!" Me: "What do you mean? Everyone gets to be in the parade." Student: "No, I can't be! I'M NOT CHINESE!" What else was there for me to do in this situation but smile.
• During football season the rivalry between Utah and BYU filtered into my classroom. It came through in everything we did for a few days. On the last day of school before the game, the class was writing in their journals. I walked past one of my students and started laughing out loud. For his picture he had drawn BYU in big blue letters. He had then taken a red crayon, crossed out the BYU and wrote UTAH RULES over the top. I told him I thought it was funny and I liked it. He then looked up at me and said very seriously, "Miss Sullivan, football is not a funny thing. Football is VERY important." I wonder where he learned that?
• I started a new management program in January. During the day my class is trying to earn different pieces of a Mr. Potato Head to get fun rewards. One day I was getting a piece out of the back flap of the potato. As I was doing this I knocked the whole back flap off. When I drop something in class it is kind of a stampede of 20 kids trying to be the first to help me. They just love me that much. (Yeah right.) So they all come rushing toward me and one boy grabs it and hands it to me. He then proudly said, "Here Miss Sullivan! You dropped Mr. Potato Head's butt and everyone really wanted to get it but I grabbed it first!" This put me into hysterics, which put my class into hysterics, and they didn't even know why we were laughing.
• Warning: Don't be offended, I just thought this was cute. Last week we were talking about Martin Luther King, Jr. We had been discussing him and the Civil Rights Movement all week long. My class got really into it and liked learning about Dr. King. At the end of the week a little girl said to me, "I am thankful for Martin Luther King because we don't have school on Monday." The girl sitting next to her looked at her funny and then responded by saying, "Well, I'm thankful for Martin Luther King because now we have black people!"
• We do this thing in class called snap and clap. When we are practicing spelling words or something we snap the vowels and clap the consonants as we say them. At the beginning of the year most of my students couldn't snap. I took a lot of time teaching them how to snap and some of them I just taught how to pretend to snap by making the motion. Last week one of my parent helpers said, "My son tells me that you are a rapper." I am sure I looked at her totally confused because she laughed and said, "He told me last week that you are a rapper and you are teaching them how to be a rappers. I asked him why he thinks you rap and he said because you are the best finger snapper he had ever met." We had a good laugh about this. I always knew I had a snapping talent I just didn't realize it could take me far.

That is all I have for now. Writing this has been good for me though because it helps me remember sometimes the little devils are cute, funny, and lovable. For past funny moments from my wonderful first graders, click here.

New Years Resolutions

I hate New Years Resolutions. I know that self reflection is important and can help us grow and improve. However, all New Years Resolutions are for me is another way to disappoint and let myself down. They really don't help my self esteem. In past years I have had a dear friend help me by suggesting resolutions I should adopt. Also, not really a self esteem booster but pretty funny. This year I decided to make only one resolution for myself and to make it easy and very attainable. I decided my goal for the 2008 year is to always wear socks with closed toed shoes. I'm sure my feet stink when I don't wear socks but because of the whole smell thing I'm not sure how bad so socks is a good idea for everyones sake. Seeing as my profession requires business casual attire I can't really slip on the old white cotton socks. That being the case, I went out and purchased a whole bunch of those nylonish not-sock thingamajigs. I even purchased three new pair of work appropriate shoes that don't currently have the nasty feet smell encrusted in them. I was sure that all my efforts would help me succeed and feel a good sense of accomplishment for the 2008 year. Today is January 9, 2008. Nine days into the year and SHOCKER I've already broken my resolution. I ran out of clean nylon sockaroonies today. I hunted for an alternative but refused to wear nasty stinky dirty socks and therefore went sockless. So I did it again, disappointed and let myself down by breaking my New Years Resolutions. I'm sure deep down I assumed all along that I wouldn't make it longer than two weeks and so I really don't feel bad. Oh well. Who needs to become better anyways. That's totally overrated. Happy New Year!

Are You For Real?

So I am not generally one who laughs out loud at funny things when I am all alone. I know some people laugh out loud at The Sunday Comics, TV commercials, books, newspapers, etc. I just don't happen to do that very often. I have recently subscribed to The Best of Youtube Podcasts. If you haven't checked it out you should. http://thebestofyoutube.com/ or just subscribe to the free podcasts through itunes. You won't regret it. So the other day I was watching a few of the videos and I honestly was laughing out loud at two of them. I realize this proves that I get a kick out of watching other people make complete idiots out of themselves. I believe that would only be mean if I didn't daily make an idiot out of myself as well. :) I have posted them below. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

I watched this video more than ten times and it got funnier every time. My favorite part is at the end when he says, "It is very safe to operate. So continue to call for it." It kills me!

I really want to talk to this guy and find out if he actually thought he saw the horse or if he is just full of crap. I seriously can't stop laughing.

St. Louis Rams

Every time I'm on my computer my dad asks if I am posting on my blog about the Rams. He then proceeds to tell me how everyone wants to read about the Rams and that my blog will be much more popular if I write about them. Now you and I both know that writing about the Rams might actually decrease my blogs popularity, especially this season. However, Slim makes a lot of sacrifices for me so I can make one for him. Here is everything I know about the Rams.

1. Their colors are blue and gold.
   
2. Their home town is St. Louis, Missouri.
   
3. They used to be the Los Angeles Rams until 1995. (I think I even know the year! Slim will be so proud!)


4. The sport they participate in is football.
   
5. They used to have a player with the last name Warner. Which is how Slim became Slim Warner.


6. They now have a player named Torry Holt. The position he plays is unknown to me but Scooter has a Torry Holt jersey. I think his number is 81.


7. Their mascot is the Ram. :)


8. Their record this year is 3-12. They are struggling. This shows what a dedicated and loyal fan my father is. They have only won 3 games and yet he still wears his Rams jersey every Sunday for the games. He tivo's every game and if you accidentally delete the game before he has watched it you will be shunned. I know this one from experience. He travels to various locations around the United States to support his team and he convinces his anti-football daughter to blog about them. I love all of those things about him!

That is really all I know, however that is 8 facts. That is 8 more than I know about any other football team! This is my gift/sacrifice for my father. I will never post about football again. I promise.

Best of 2007

I got an e-mail from a friend that had her personal best of lists for 2007 and I was inspired. This year for me has been one of obsessions. I always seem to get obsessed with random things but this year I feel like I was more passionate about my obsessions than ever. This will explain a few of them.

Lindsi Marie's Best of 2007 List

Movies:

• High School Musical 2- Shocker
• Ratatouille
• Hairspray
• The Ultimate Gift

TV Shows:

• The Office-It's okay with me if the Hollywood Writer's Strike continues but please at least make a deal with the writer's of The Office. I'm dying here.
• Chuck- I seriously want to marry a man just like him. Nerdy but so dang cute.
• So You Think You Can Dance- I'm so happy Sabra won!
• Private Practice

Music: The CD's and songs I listened to a lot
CD's:

• Rascal Flatts "Still Feels Good"-They never disappoint me!
• Joshua Radin "We Were Here"- This man's voice is so sexy and I don't say sexy very often. The best song on the CD is Someone Else's Life.
• Hairspray Soundtrack- A lot of dancing has happened to this music, usually by myself. :)
• Colbie Caillat "Coco"
• High School Musical 2 Soundtrack- Duh. I need help.

Please notice that there is only one country album listed above. It has been a weird year for me.
Songs:

• All We Are by Matt Nathanson
• Waiting on the World to Change by John Mayer
• The Fear You Won't Fall by Joshua Radin
• Teardrops On My Guitar by Taylor Swift
• The Way I Are by Timbaland
• Love Song by Sara Bareilles

Books:

• Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse by Stephanie Meyers- It's true, I'm that trendy.
• Counting Stars by Michele Paige Holmes- Super cheesy LDS fiction, gotta love it.
• No One Can Take Your Place by Sheri Dew- If you are wondering if you are doing the right things with your life or headed in the right direction this book will inspire you to know.

News and Milestones:

• I completed my first year teaching!
• This was my personal year of sickness. I struggled with my health for a while and I believe I came out on top! Thank goodness for prayer, family, and friends to help and support me.
• I moved out of Utah County, all the way to West Jordan(lame)!
• I started to teaching in Sandy and switched from teaching second to first grade.
• My nephew Collin Ryan "Scooter" Sullivan turned one and my whole family is obsessed with him. Scooter said his first real big word today. It is turtle (durdle). Cute.
• Katie graduated from High School and is kicking butt as a freshman at UVSC. She does everything. She is a part of the Black Box Theater Company, PLP (leadership something or other), working, full time school, multiple plays and productions, and other freshman like things.
• Ryan and Jac started a company called The IT Phactor. IT stands for Information Technology. He does all sort of computer jazz. You can check out his website at http://theitphactor.com/company.html
• My Mom and Dad started an add-on to the house. They are in the middle of the process right now and they are excited for it to be finished! So we can enjoy it and to be rid of the mess.
• DJ is still doing his thing at BYU. He did fantastically at school and worked super hard with the lacrosse team. Things are looking good this year for lots of playing time for lacrosse.

That last section ended up turning into a Christmas Newsletter type situation. Sorry about that. It has been a really good year but I am also happy to say that it is over! I am one super blessed girl!

Igloo Videos

These are some videos that show our hard work and dedication to the making of our igloo. The best part about these videos is my Mom thought she was taking pictures. We therefore had no idea she was filming us. Silly Toni.

How to Build an Igloo

You may be under the impression that you know how to build an igloo but you're wrong. I'm not trying to be harsh or anything but I can't lie to you about it. I thought I knew too but it turns out it's a lot trickier than I thought. I now realize that I could never be an Eskimo and I admire their hard work and dedication.


Here are the steps for making an amazing igloo:

• Step 1: Wait for a solid snow storm. This storm came for me two Sundays ago. The snow was perfect packing snow and just the right wetness.
• Step 2: Recruit workers. It took a lot of persuading and bribing but I was able to talk Slim and Donna into participating in the work project.
• Step 3: Acquire the appropriate equipment. We needed something to mold the snow bricks into rectangles to create authenticity regarding our igloo. We used shoe boxes that we lined with tin foil. That was Slim's genius idea!
• Step 4: Assemble appropriate snow attire. For me that included my sweet 1992 Utah Jazz snow coat, pink and grey snow hat from the 80's, and my dad's snow pants (they were a little big). I look good.

• Step 5: Create the base of the igloo by stacking the snow bricks until they are 5 rows tall. This takes a lot of patience and you must be good at negotiating with your workers to keep them on the project. I promised treats, unlimited compliments, and I let them hit me with snowballs. They're easy.
• Step 6: When the base is built you throw some boards on top. You may not have heard of this technique before, however, it's normal protocol in igloo making. Trust me.
• Step 7: Get out the riding law mower with the snow blade attachment and scoop all the snow on the grass into a large pile. My greatest regret in life is not having a picture of Slim doing this. It was awesome!

• Step 8: Carefully place the snow on top of the boards and smooth it out. Round the snow into a smooth dome shaped mound.
• Step 9: Step back and take a moment to admire your fantastic work!

Here are a few more pictures just in case you weren't able to get the full visual from the steps. It sounds like a lot of work but it is worth it in the end. :)

Disclaimer: Our igloo fell apart about 3 hours later. I know what a huge disappointment this is. I had to wait until the end to tell you. Otherwise you wouldn't have read on; I know I wouldn't have.

I love Costco!

Costco really is like paradise to me. Items in bulk bring a smile to my face. For the A Plus Home Care and Hospice (my parents company) work party we went to Costco. Before you wrinkle your nose or decide that doesn't seem cool let me just elaborate on the greatness of a Costco holiday party. We arrived after hours and were treated to some delicious costco bakery dinner choices, cakes, and other goodies. We then recieved gift cards as part of our bonus and were let loose. It felt like in the movies when someone gets locked in the walmart after hours and goes to town. I felt free to explore and enjoy the Costco with nobody judging or rushing me. I usually feel very judged by the fellow shoppers. I'm random and that scares some people. We wandered around, ate our items before purchasing, had cart races, made up some sweet dance moves with the cart, tried on robes and other important clothing items, etc. Normal shopping stuff. :) As we shopped they had various games and activities in which you could win more gift cards. Chris Nelson came with me and his crazy hip swinging hula hoop skills beat all the females and won us $10.00! I did pretty well at the football throw and was able to add $5.00 to that. We participated in the cake walk for some of the bakery goodness however we failed at that. We came up empty handed. We were able to do Karaoke singing to the fellow A Plus employees and let's just say we brought them to tears (of joy, duh). It was a blast and I had a little heart expandage toward Costco. I didn't know I could love it more but I do.

I haven't seen any of my former co-workers in a long time and Chris and I decided it would be a good idea to play a trick on them. All it took was my sister-in-laws wedding ring on the appropriate finger, some fake flirting, and lots of body language. We had them hooked. The gossip mill was faster than I expected and my parents and siblings were dodging questions from all over the place. It was hilarious! The funniest part was that nobody asked Chris or I about it. They just stared at my finger the whole time they talked to me and then went and asked other people. I guess it isn't believable that I could be engaged. Sad day. Anyways, I have some pretty good engagement photos that we took that night. They aren't awkward at all. :) Which one do you think we should put on our announcement?

Gazing into eachothers eyes. I'm not a very good gazer.

Face shot. You might think I have food on my face but no. That is a Christopher Nelson original teardrop design. Don't be jealous.

My hand is strategically placed on his chest to show my bling.

My favorite shot. The word "frolic" keeps coming to mind.

The best event of the night however is what I was able to purchase while there. Two items that have completley changed my outlook on and way of life. The first is a Costco membership. I had never been to a Costco alone because I didn't have a membership. Since I got mine own card just 10 days ago, I have been twice. All by myself!!! I have already spent way too much time and money at that store but each time I left with a grand smile upon my face. The second life-changing purchase made that night was the 80 gb ipod. I have always thought I was above ipod's. That I didn't need one and that they were just a trendy cd player. Well, I decided to break down and try it out. How did I live without one for so long? It is wonderful and my new constant companion! I'm now a proud ipod addict.

In conclusion, the Costco party was a huge success. I got to enjoy my favorite store when it was practically empty, fake an engagement, purchase lifechanging items, and have an enjoyable Saturday evening out. I couldn't ask for more.