Twilight

I will always remember the day that I was introduced to Twilight. I was taking a nap and my sister came into my room. “I got you a surprise,” she said. She handed me what is today my favorite book of all time. My eyes traveled across the title, then down the pale white arms until they stopped, fixed on the bright red apple. “It is about a vampire who is in love with a human, but it is hard for him because he wants her blood,” she explained. My sister knows me so well. I immediately felt the excitement start to build. In that moment, my sister gave me one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. Falling in love with Edward was indescribable.

Here is an excerpt from the book, it is from Chapter 13: Confessions. Bella and Edward are in a meadow. At this point, Bella knows that Edward is a vampire. He has just shown her how his skin sparkles in direct sunlight.

I inched closer, stretched out my whole hand now to trace the contours of his forearm with my fingertips. I saw that my fingers trembled, and knew it wouldn’t escape his notice.
“Do you mind?” I asked, for he had closed his eyes.
“No,” he said without opening his eyes. “You can’t imagine how that feels.” He sighed.
I lightly trailed my hand over the perfect muscles of his arm, followed the faint pattern of bluish veins inside the crease at his elbow.

Throughout the duration of this chapter, Bella and Edward talk about their thoughts and fears. They describe how they are feeling about each other. Edward explains to Bella how intensely he thirsts for her blood. He also tells her that while his thirst for her is great, his devotion to her is much greater. Bella explains to Edward how intensely she feels the need to be near him. This is also the chapter in which they share their first kiss. It is my favorite chapter in the book.

Last night I went to the midnight showing of the film version of Twilight. The movie was disappointing on many levels. One of which being the happenings of the aforementioned chapter which were greatly skewed and poorly portrayed. It is for this reason that I felt the need to express my feelings about that chapter, being as it is my favorite part of the book.

Casting Kristen Stewart as Bella Swan is one of the greatest casting mistakes of all time. I have been anti-Kristen Stewart for a long time now. Not only is she a horrible actress, she has no concept of who Bella is. She completely butchered the character and it is painfully obvious throughout the entire movie.

I am baffled by the fact that so many pivotal moments of the book were sacrificed for parts of no importance or parts that weren’t even in the book. Why? How could that happen?

Despite the numerous failures of the film, it is saved by the performance of Rob Pattison. He IS Edward Cullen. There were moments during the movie when I had the overwhelming feeling that I was actually face to face with the greatest book character in existence.

The other members of the Cullen family were amazing. They truly did their characters justice. The world seemed to stand still every time they were on the screen. And the baseball scene was unlike anything I have ever seen before.

I left the theatre completely heartbroken. I quickly made it home, crawled into bed, and opened the book. I flipped through the pages slowly, reading random passages and reveling in the splendor of every word. I felt a sense of calm in knowing that I will always have the book and that Edward and Bella’s true story will forever be mine.

"I might even be a ROCKSTAR!"

Words of wisdom from Hannah Montana...lol!

Sometimes I walk a little faster

In the school hallway

Just to get next to you

Some days

I spend a little extra

Time in the morning

Just to impress you

Guess you dont notice

Guess you dont need to

Sad you're not seeing what you're missing

On the outside shying away

On the inside dying to say

I'm unusual

Not so typical

Way too smart to be waiting around

Tai chi practices

Snowboard champion

I could fix the flat on your car

I might even be a rockstar

Sometimes I wish when the phone rings

That it would be you

Saying let's hang out

Then you confess

That there's something special between us

Why don't we find out

But you don't even know me

Guess you don't need me

Why you're not seeing what you're missing

On the outside shying away

On the inside dying to say

I'm unusual

Not so typical

Way too smart to be waiting around

Tai chi practices

Snowboard champion

I could fix the flat on your car

I might even be a rockstar

If you only knew the real me

I really am a rockstar

I really am a rockstar

This song is totally about me. Chunky and shy on the outside, ROCKSTAR on the inside!

"You're crazy Wildcat!"

::Sigh::

How do I even begin to describe a night in which I had more fun than I have had in such a long time? I guess I should start with my friend Lacey. I love her so much! She is a person who loves life and always has fun. Whenever we are together, we talk and laugh and life is great. I was beyond excited when she asked me to go with her to see High School Musical 3. I am a total High School Musical nerd...lol!! I quote the movies all the time and know every song by heart. I couldn't wait to see Zac on the big screen.

The best night ever started out with us making T-shirts to wear to the movie. Okay...so actually Lacey pretty much did all the work. Meanwhile, I was playing with her daughter, Hailey, and watching the first two High School Musical movies. Lacey did such an amazing job on our shirts. The shirts had Wildcats in team style letters across the front and Efron on the back. My shirt had the number 14 on the back (Troy's Jersey Number for all you High School Musical slackers out there). The back of Lacey's shirt displayed the Wildcats team motto, "Getcha head in the game!" LOL!! To finish off the look, Lacey curled my hair. Expect to see pictures soon.

Upon entering the theatre, we were greeted by cheers from the other High School Musical fans! We ended up getting a really good place in line. Waiting in line was so much fun! Lacey and I discussed it all. We talked about High School Musical, The Host, I Am Legend, Twilight, and Harry Potter. The girl in line ahead of us watched and listened intently throughout our discussion. I'm sure we were VERY entertaining...lol!

Watching the actual movie was so great. We all cheered, laughed, and watched in awe together. It was so much fun. The crowd was loving every minute of it and so were we. Lacey is one of my favorite people to watch movies with. We are so loud and it is great! Without a doubt, everyone in that theatre knew every single emotion that Lacey and I experienced that night. We wouldn't have been able to keep it to ourselves even if we tried. The movie was so amazing! It completely surpasses the first two films. This is High School Musical as it should be. It was perfect!

After the movie, Lacey and I could not stop talking about how great it was. We didn't shut up the entire way home. Neither of us wanted the night to end. I will never forget the drive home. Lacey and I remembered the movie, talked, and laughed so hard. It was so much fun.

I had honestly forgotten how much fun life can be...until last night. Thanks Lacey. I dedicate the clip below to you Wildcat!

Survey

8 Things I Am Passionate About
My Faith

People that I love
Children

Teaching
Movies
Books
The importance of Reading
Jazz Basketball

8 words or phrases I say often-
The thing about it is...
I mean...
Urgh!!!
Hey Girl! (Jean)
Whatever!
In the South...

Movie Quotes

One of my student's names followed by a direction or praise.

8 things I want to do before I die-
Get married in the Temple
Have children

Work with the Youth of the Church
Go to Indiana and see all the James Dean sites
Go on a cruise with Jean
Read as many books as possible
Travel
Go to the U.S. Open in N.Y. and see Andy Roddick play a match

8 things I have learned from the past-

Heavenly Father exists, loves, and forgives.
Holding onto what is gone won't heal it.
Maybe we have the bad things to remind us what the good things are.
Time heals all wounds.
The pain, no matter how severe, always goes away.
Wisdom comes with experience and age.
Above all else, people just want to be loved.
We are stronger than we think.
True joy only comes from living the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

8 places I would love to go or see-
Indiana (James Dean sites)
Hollywood
Louisiana

North Carolina
Washington D.C.
Forks, Washington
Pearl Harbor
London

8 things I currently need or want-
To see my Sister

More time to Read

To find my Husband

Cold Weather

Less Homework

More Confidence

To be Okay

Crepe Fever at IHOP

"Thanks, that was fun!"

My first day back at work was 3 weeks ago. I miss my students from last year terribly. I even cried the first couple of days when I left work. However, it is really great to see them in the halls and at recess. I cannot believe how much they grew over the summer. They really look like 6th graders, which also makes me kinda sad. I love to see their faces light up when they see me. I love that they still love me. And while I will always miss having them in my class, I have a great group of students this year. Sydney is this tiny little Asian girl with the smallest of voices. She is so adorable. Daniel is smart and full of energy. He gets really frustrated when he doesn't understand things right away, but always figures it out on his own. Olivia is a little perfectionist. She is always raising her hand to make sure she does everything just right. She is also the most well-behaved. Marshall is an artist. He draws the most amazing sketches. I always make sure that I see them and compliment his work. Richard is a handful and is always in trouble. He never wants to do his school work and is obsessed with BYU football. Lindsay(the teacher I work with) and I have been trying to figure out how to get through to him. On Friday, my class had the playground all to ourselves. Richard walked over to me with a football and said, "Miss East, Go Long." Even though this is completely against the rules, I took the football from him and said, "You go long." He smiled a big smile and excitedly said, "Ok!" Now before you all think I'm terrible, I promise that I was watching my other students. I can totally do two things at once. Richard was very impressed by my football throwing and catching ability. It may not seem like it now, but I was once a tomboy. As many of you know, I hate to sweat, but it was all worth it when he walked over to me and said, "Thanks, that was fun!"

"Welcome to Dreamland."

As some of you may know, I have a tendency to become a tad obsessed when I am inspired by an actor or actress. While I am sure that it is quite annoying for those closest to me, something positive does occasionally come out of it. As a result of being a very passionate individual, I sometimes stumble upon some of the greatest movies ever. At least in my opinion they are some of the greatest. Dreamland is one of those movies. A true diamond in the rough as far as film is concerned.

“His name is Mookie. He’s from Las Vegas.” -Audrey

“What are you doing out here?” -Mookie
“I’m unraveling.” -Audrey

“The only thing better than kissing on a first date is almost kissing on a first date.” -Henry

“I want to read everything you write.” -Mookie to Audrey

“I’m in love with him.” -Audrey
“Is he in love with you?” -Calista
“I hope so. I listen to my dad tell stories about my mom, and I've read books and I just really believe in love, and no matter how fleeting or tragic I just really, really believe in it.” -Audrey

“I couldn’t leave without telling you how I feel. I guess its kind of impossible to keep secrets in Dreamland.” -Mookie to Audrey

Because its easier to do a Top Ten...

1.) I finished my first semester at UVU with A's in both of my summer classes.

2.) The opening ceremony for the 2008 Olympics was the most amazing thing I have ever seen!

3.) Michael Phelps is the best swimmer in the world. Go USA!

4.) I found a roommate. My friend Ashlie from NC will be moving here soon.

5.) I fell down the wooden stairs in my apartment. It freaking hurt!

6.) A bee attacked me while I was sitting outside on my swing. I'm pretty sure that bee wanted to kill me. I ran inside screaming for my life.

7.) Justin Long is a really good actor. Watch "Live Free or Die Hard" and "Jeepers Creepers". You will LOVE him!

8.) I saw "The Dark Knight" in IMAX. I have no words that would do that experience any justice. If Heath Ledger doesn't win an Oscar, I'm going to kill someone.

9.) Yes, I am still reading Breaking Dawn. I didn't think it was possible to love Edward Cullen more than I already did...it is very possible.

10.) I want Dan to win Big Brother 10.

My talk with Jolynn.

Jolynn is a young woman in my math class. She is one of the many of us who populate the open math lab every test day. I usually sit beside Dixie, but she didn't come today, so I sat by Jolynn. Today was Jolynn's birthday. She was telling me that she was a little depressed about turning 30. She then went on to tell me how sad it was that she was 30 and still in school. In an effort to comfort her, I told her that I was almost 26, still in school, and not even married. She quickly informed me that she didn't get married until she was 28. I told her that hearing that made me feel better because I sometimes worry that I will never get married. I will never forget the look that she gave me. She looked at me like I was crazy. She then began to shake her head and asked me, "Why would you ever think that you wouldn't get married?" I just shrugged and looked back at my computer screen. However, Jolynn wasn't going to let me off that easily. "No, no...seriously Erica...why do you think that you won't get married?" I looked at her and began to explain that I used to be really skinny and pretty. I told her that I always had boyfriends growing up. I explained to her that being so pretty was my saving grace because I am so painfully shy. And then I said, "Now I'm chunky and not one of the pretty girls and it is just hard." I have never felt such compassion from someone I barely knew as I did when Jolynn leaned over and hugged me. "Erica, you are really pretty. I mean you really are. I can't believe you worry about getting married! You are really smart too. You are ranked #1 in this class. You are also really nice. You always answer all our questions and laugh at our jokes. You have a beautiful smile. You have nothing to worry about." I was really surprised by the things that she said to me. However, I was even more surprised by the fact that I actually believed her. I will never forget my talk with Jolynn. It just goes to show you that you never know how other people truly see you.

In other news, I moved from my apartment into a townhouse. It is all kinds of wonderful! It is a really nice little house with a backyard for Mickey. There are no lame college students, so it is really adult and quiet. AND...I actually had someone leave me muffins welcoming me to the neighborhood. How adorable is that?

I have watched Penelope at least five times in the past two days. It is a beautiful fairy tale about finding love through loving yourself. And because I know Jean will read this, I will quote our favorite line from the movie....

"I like myself the way I am!"

My "I Haven't Blogged in Forever" Top Ten

#1) I am finally going back to school to finish my degree in Elementary Education.

#2) I still hate Math as much as I always have.

#3) Great Guy + Young + Handsome + Biology = Someone who tries really hard, but is not a great teacher and is super confusing.

#4) I had a flat tire on Friday. Apparently there was a nail in it. Thank you to the good person who left the note on my car. Being that it was my back right tire, I wouldn't have noticed it for awhile.

#5) Speaking of notes on cars, I freaking hate all of the stupid advertisements that get put under my wiper blades. Send an email. Save a tree for cripes sake!

#6) Saw The Incredible Hulk. Loved it! Tony Stark made an appearance...woot!

#7) An important message from me: I hate shopping for DVDs at Best Buy. The aisles are only big enough for one person, so you are constantly moving for people. And the DVDs on the two bottom shelves of the aisles are pretty much impossible to see unless you are a contortionist. AND the selection is terrible. Any store that has more Animai Movies than Sci Fi Movies isn't worth the time of a movie intellectual.

#8) I am absolutely head over heels for Robert Downey Jr.

#9) Some of my favorite Robert Downey Jr. movies are: "Chances Are", "Chaplin", "A Guide to Recoginizing Your Saints", "Only You", "Heart and Souls", "Less Than Zero" and of course "Iron Man".

#10) "The Tramp can't talk! If he talks, he's dead! The magic will be gone."

~Charlie Chaplin fighting Hollywood's transition into sound.

Robert Downey Jr as Charlie Chaplin

Chances Are...

......I am falling in love with Robert Downey Jr.

It all began with a friendly conversation at work.

Shauna
"Have you seen Iron Man?"

Me
"No, but I've heard it is getting really good reviews."

Shauna
"It was sooo good! You have to see it Erica!"

Me
"Ehh...I don't really like Robert Downey Jr. all that much."

Shauna
"What!?! Why?!? Don't you like James Dean?"

Me
"Of course! I LOVE James Dean!"

Shauna
"Well, doesn't Robert Downey Jr. kinda remind you of James Dean?"

Me
"I haven't really thought about it."

Shauna
"You need to watch some of his early films. I just know that you will love him."
(Her eyes glaze over with pure adoration.)
"You need to watch Chances Are, you would love him."
(She sighs.)
"He is so handsome in that movie."

I was completely convinced at this point. I just had to experience the feelings that radiated from her face. I went to FYE after work and purchased the very last copy. I watched it that same night. My friend was right. I fell in love with Robert Downey Jr. almost instantly. He resembles Jimmy (James Dean) in many ways. It actually made me cry. So basically the movie goes like this...

Handsome young Washington attorney Louie Jeffries (Chris McDonald) has it all: a promising career, a beautiful wife, and a baby on the way. But after discovering a local judge is in cahoots with the Mob, Louie dies in a car crash and finds himself in Heaven. Unsatisfied with the customer service he's receiving, Louie jumps the gun and gets himself reincarnated before being administered the magic injection that will remove the memories of his former life. For the next quarter-century, Louie's museum curator wife, Corinne (Cybill Shepherd), remains true to her husband's memory, ignoring the frustrated devotion of Louie's best friend, Philip Train (Ryan O'Neal). Meanwhile, Louie's soul grows up in the body of Alex Finch (Robert Downey Jr.), an aspiring journalist. Alex's memories of his life as Louie return after he becomes romantically involved with Miranda (Mary Stuart Masterson) — the daughter he never got to meet. Soon, Alex/Louie is romancing his wife, spurning his daughter's advances, and frustrating Philip's attempts finally to woo Corinne.

I know it may sound a little weird, but it is actually a very charming movie.

Love. Love. Love.

On May 24th, my sister Jean married Samuel Rivera in the Mount Timpanogos Temple. It was a perfectly beautiful day. To avoid yet another set of sentimental tears, I will simply say that I love them both and wish them the very best. My sister couldn't have married into a better family. I love them dearly.

Congratulations Sam and Jean!

Happy Little Working Song

Noah Webster's 2nd Annual Teacher Idol is just days away and I need some help. One of the other fifth grade teachers is performing Happy Little Working Song from the movie "Enchanted" and a few aides (including me) volunteered to be animals. I am going to be a pigeon. I have no idea how to dress up like a pigeon! Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Books

I am quite sure that no one is as interested in my opinion as I am. However, if you are a book reader or interested in what I'm reading, you can check out my Book Blog at:

http://ericasfavoritebooks.blogspot.com/

A lack of comments will not hurt my feelings...no worries.

I love my fifth graders!

I have the BEST job ever! I am an Instructional Aide (aka Teacher's Aide) for Mrs. Harris's fifth grade class at Noah Webster Academy. Every single day is a rewarding experience for me. Today more so because it was the first day back after a week off of school for Spring Break. I can't even begin to describe how much I missed my fifth graders. I was so excited to get to school this morning and see them. I walked into the classroom and received a warm greeting in unison from the entire class. Then it was time for my regulars. First was Trevor, he's always first. Then Blake. Blake is a total flirt and already a lady's man at age eleven. Next was Krissy. Krissy had gotten bangs over Spring Break and was looking rather stylish. Then came Madeline, who had to remind me once again that she would be moving to Arkansas at the end of this week. I'm really going to miss her. She is such a creative soul. She always writes stories and brings them to me to read. I'm so proud of everything that she does.

After all the excited greetings, it was back to business as usual. Okay so we had an earthquake drill, which isn't usual, but was all business. We climbed under desks like troopers and painful scrunched our bodies to stay safe from what could be falling debris. Hearing the kids laugh was great. I had missed it so much.

At lunch, the girls wanted to gossip about all the happening that had occured since we had been apart. Apparently, someone has a crush on Ananda. She was naturally completely shocked by this new development. In between spouts of girl talk, I was continually asked by many of my students to hurry with the lunch room duties so that I could go outside with them for recess.

When I got outside, I played tag with Trevor, Blake, Natahlia, Hailey, Amantha, and Kylie. It is always so much fun playing tag because they have all these crazy rules...like you have to be standing on a certain color to tag a certain person. I always end up chasing Trevor around the playground. I never can catch him because he makes me laugh so hard.

When the fifth grade had to line up, I heard the familiar everyday goodbyes and see-ya-tomorrows. I realized that my fifth graders might have missed me almost as much as I missed them over the break. I love my fifth graders. They are the best!

Stupid Medication

"I can't stop itching!" -Joey in Overboard

Welcome to my today. A today in which taking medication to solve one problem, develops into an even bigger problem in the form of an allergic reaction.I started to feel rather itchy last night after taking a newly prescribe medication. Thanks to my sister's super smart fiancee, I was able to make it through the night by taking some Benadryl. However, my itch relief did not last. I woke up this morning itching like crazy. I went to the bathroom to wash my face and I couldn't believe my eyes. I had red splotches all over my face. Then I noticed hives on my wrists and ankles. They were so bad on my left ankle that I could barely walk.

When I arrived at the hospital, the nurse got me right into a room. I was given a shot in my hip and three different pills. I have never been so thankful to receive a shot in my life. The itching subsided quickly and most of the hives were gone within a few minutes.The doctor gave me some medications that I have to take for the next few days. But all in all, I'm feeling much better now.

However, I was really disappointed that Dr. Kovac wasn't there to treat me...lol!