Magic Mountain

Saturday was my first trip to Magic Mountain. I know I went to college for four years just down the street from said theme park, but I was also a poor college student. So, it was my first time and it was so much fun! We met at church at 7 am and organized the caravan for the trip, leaving around 8:00. After the nearly 3 hour car ride up there, making our way through 2 major construction SIG alerts on the 5 freeway, we arrived at Magic Mountain at 10:45. I think we finally got in the park around 11:15. Despite my dislike of rush hour traffic, I was thankful for the nap on the way up! Once we arrived, bought tickets and organized groups, my group headed over to Revolution (at least I think that's the name of it). We waited in line for a while in the pouring rain and then the ride was shut down when we were about 25 feet from the front of the line. Bummer. We waited for a little while, thinking it'd be better to stay more dry and wait for the ride to re-open so we could be first... especially because most of the other rides were closed. Then we finally left for The Riddler's Revenge and the rain cleared up! The best part about standing in that line was finding a soggy $20 bill on the ground :-D After that was lunch and more rides. We went on Goldrusher, Scream, Colossus (I didn't go on this one), Goliath, Revolution, X.... and maybe some more... I really don't remember since the day was pretty crazy. But it was fun! And I think X is pretty much the most amazing roller coaster I've ever been on :-D Check out the pictures from our rainy day at Magic Mountain, if you feel so inclined, and have a lovely Tuesday!

Desiring God National Conference

Wouldn't it be great to go to Minneapolis and hear these people speak? Watch the video.

Confessions of a Recovering Feminist

Happy Monday! Today I will get my permanent crown at the dentist. YAY!

However, the real reason I was posting was not to keep you updated on my dental situation, but to point out that I added a new blog to our sidebar links. It is called CBMW (The Council on Biblical Manhood & Womanhood) Gender Blog and today's post is called Confessions of a Recovering Feminist. I thought it might be a good description (for those who may be wondering) of what I, and many other Christians, think about Feminism. I don't mean for this to be a jab at anyone, but I know I've had conversations with several people about this topic. Here is someone who is a bit more articulate than me, sharing her perspective on Feminism. Let me know what you think!

Pictures

Jake and Amber's wedding pictures are now up! Go here.

Pedometer

For the last two weeks, Amy and I have been walking around with little pedometers clipped to our pants at the hip. Pedometers can measure steps taken (its original function), miles walked/run, calories burned, steps per minute, miles per hour and time spent walking/running. It's actually a pretty cool way to keep track of your general exercise throughout a given day or week.

This article is one of many detailing that 10,000 steps a day is probably a good number to take for "weight management." I think this one was only $15 through the President's Challenge website.

Even as a PE teacher, I struggle to get my 10,000 steps in every day. For instance, it's 8:25 am and I'm at 962 steps. I've gone 0.436 miles in seven minutes and 40 seconds for a speed of 3.26 mph. I've also burned approximately 48.5 calories. Since Tuesday, September 11, I've taken 81,667 steps, which has taken me about 37 miles!

For what it's worth, buy a pedometer and see how you're doing.

Don't Get Cavities

Yesterday was phase one of a crown on my number 14 tooth (at least I think that's what they were saying). It's my second molar on the top left side of my mouth. For those of you who are familiar with my love of needles, I was more than a little nervous about all the Novocaine shots. In light of that, my dentist was made very aware of the fact that he must keep the needles out of my line of vision, which he did very well. It went something like this "Alright, Amy, close your eyes now..." Then I'd shut my eyes tight and open my mouth imagining I was in New England walking in the snow. I was even singing "I'll be Home for Christmas" in my head.

All in all, I had two long shots of Novocaine on the outer gums to numb the two major nerves that are connected to the tooth. Then I had several (I didn't count because I was trying to transport myself by singing the aforementioned song) smaller shots on the inner gums by the tooth just before he shaved the inside of the tooth. The shaving of my tooth was not a big deal, aside from the smell and little bits of silver flying all over the place. They took an impression, made a temporary crown for me, glued it on and sent me on my way. I'll go back on the 24th after work to get the real crown.

There was only one point at which I was concentrating on anything and everything to get myself not to puke, but I was thankfully already lying down. Leaving the dentist, I was shaky and still feeling a bit ill and traumatized so I was glad Happy was there to drive me home. Once the Novocaine wore off, the throbbing started and now my jaw is pretty sore on the left side of my mouth. But, I slept great and can talk without a problem, so answering the phones today is just like normal. I figure it probably would have saved me a bunch of hassle (not to mention a bunch of money) if I hadn't gotten a cavity in the first place. So that's the wisdom I have to share from this experience: Don't get cavities.

School and Travel

Today marked the third day of school at Liberty Christian. But in reality, it was the second "real" day of school. Tuesday was only the first day of school for the secondary (7-12). Wednesday, the elementary (K-6) graced us with their presence (and the presence of proud parents and grandparents, snapping tons of pictures of their less-than-eager students).

Yesterday was also the first day I had to teach my Bible class (second period) and eighth grade homeroom class. I went over the PE syllabus with 38 junior highers this afternoon. That class is really going to test my patience and my classroom management skills. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I have at least 43 students signed up for junior high PE! AHHHHH!!! Yesterday I also went over some basic introductory rules and procedures with the high schoolers in PE. To end class, we played Big Booty. If you don't know how to play, then you need to learn. It's so fun!

Today was my first day of lecturing in Bible and I basically filled up the whole period lecturing on Bibliology, the origin of the Bible, the Canon, etc. It was fun. I learned a lot from it and figured out some things I need to do better. I'm really looking forward to the rest of year in that class.

Last, here's a random list of trips - in no particular order - we would like to go on in the coming years. It started as a way to figure out what we want to do next summer for vacation and expanded from there. What do you think? Any comments or questions?

1. Go camping with my parents and brothers.
2. Go camping with Emily and Steven at Buckeye Flats in Sequoia National Park.
3. Hike Half-Dome in Yosemite with Amy.
4. Climb Mt. Whitney with guys from Village!
5. Go to Monterey.
6. Visit New England in the Fall (Octoberish).
7. Visit Aunt Cindy in Colorado.
8. Take a road trip to Idaho.
9. Take a road trip to Seattle and visit Uncle Bob and Aunt Barbara.
10. Visit the UK.

Labor Day Weekend

This was the sunset that Happy & I watched on Sunday night! It was BEAUTIFUL, even if the beach was the most crowded I've ever seen it. Our Labor Day weekend was relaxing, fun and REALLY STINKIN HOT! For those who live in Santa Clarita, I'm VERY sorry. We were in Anaheim on Saturday and it was around 100 degrees. I would much rather be absolutely freezing than hot, but I've heard the heat wave is supposed to be done soon. Is it dumb to pray that it doesn't get so hot? I'm seriously hoping that this winter is really rainy and cold. I'd love it!

In other news, my boss had her baby yesterday! I heard he was 8 lbs. 8 oz. and 21" long. His name is Colton (not sure on the spelling of that) and I'm told he's absolutely adorable. It seems like there are a lot of babies being born around me right now. By the way, the baby in our web album is the one I held on Saturday. He was a week old! When he was born he was only 6 lbs. 2 oz. so he is still really tiny. SO CUTE! But don't worry, I'm not going to do the "I'm pregnant" joke again ;-) Seeing and holding babies makes me realize.... I can wait! Plus, hearing the stories of not sleeping makes me think... I can wait! For those of you who are so ready for Happy & me to start having babies... Hopefully you can wait too :-) Meanwhile, I'll just hold other women's babies and say how cute they are and then give them back when they start to fuss. But seriously, what's with all the babies?!?!

But, since I am back at work, I do need to get to my invoices. I hope everyone had a lovely Labor Day weekend, even if it was stiflingly hot. I'd love to hear any stories.... but since no one ever comments on my posts, perhaps I shouldn't get my hopes up (YES, that is a guilt-trip!). Back to work for me! Have an excellent short week!