Say What?!?!

There are only 8 more school days of the year left!!!  To top it off the last 3 days are filled with school-wide activities!!!  That means I have 5 days left to plan for and deal with.  I am so excited to have my first year of teaching checked off.

House on Fire and Fallen Roof Ruins

A few weeks ago Chris and I were able to hike to some ruins with City.  It was a great trail with the best weather imaginable.  As we walked along the canyon floor we enjoyed catching up and spending time with City.  We came across a few individuals, but were left alone for the most part.  The first picture is of the Fallen Roof ruin that is high up along the canyon wall.  We had to climb up a way which was challenging for City, but it was a spectacular ruin to see!

 The next two pictures are of the House on Fire ruins.  These ruins have a beautiful natural phenomenon that decorates the ceiling of each room.  The rocks look like they are on fire hence the name.  There were three rooms still standing and in great condition.  We loved walking up to the ruins and looking in each room. 

 City behaved so well on this hike.  He even walked between Chris and I on the trail.  I loved taking him along with us.  I wish that the bigger national parks are pet friendly, but alas, they aren't.  Chris and I will just have to explore the local, smaller trails with City.  

A little drama to spice up things!

Life has been a little dramatic as of late.  Chris and Kaleb decided to have a boys night that ended Kaleb and Malia's 4 year relationship.  I had promised Malia that Kaleb would not be drinking at our home when he first moved in.  Unfortunately Chris decided that Kaleb really didn't have a problem (due to the fact that we did not have all the information to correctly assess Kaleb's addiction) and invited him to share a few drinks.  Their talking and laughter woke me up on several different occasions throughout the night, and it pissed me off!  I told Malia out of spite and to apologize for not keeping up my end of the promise.  Malia was understanding but said that their relationship was no longer a happy or good balance.  She decided to take a break from things so that Kaleb could figure out what he wanted.  I was shocked but supportive.  She needed to do what was best for her rather than support Kaleb's addictions and unhappiness.

Fast forward two weeks and both of them are in new relationships.  It's crazy to see the change, but I'm glad they are both happy.  Malia is now dating a professional lawyer who is in charge of the HR department at Blanding's local hospital/clinic.  He is really great and he treats her very well.  I'm happy to see that she is getting the attention and support she so deserves.

Kaleb is now dating an operating nurse who loves the Polynesian culture.  He has transformed completely.  He sings at home and constantly plays his guitar.  Our home is now full of music and laughter.  Kaleb will even talk with me once in awhile.  I have enjoyed getting to know Kaleb even more over the past few weeks and I'm very happy to see him happy for once.  He was heart broken when they first took a break, but I think he realized that things weren't good between the two of them.

Although I'm glad that both of them are happy, I am extremely sad that we no longer have friends in them.  Sure we see Kaleb at home and have met his new significant other... she's great... but she's FROM Blanding and her family is here. Instead of hanging out with other "outsiders" Kaleb can now hang out with her family.  Malia's new boy toy is also FROM Blanding and has family members in town.  They spend all of their free time with his family...  I have not felt more isolated in Blanding then I do now.  To top it off Tracy MacDonald  (the 7th grade math teacher) is moving the day after school gets out.  She has been such a mental/emotional resource for me at school.  She's like-minded and a ton of fun to hang out with.  Her son is also a joy to have around.  We have enjoyed many great game nights with the MacDonald's!  I hope our drama will end soon and that we'll find more friends soon.

City Boy!

City is such a joy to have around.  He really is so much fun.  We go on walks and hikes all the time. This first picture is at the CEU land.  It is a beautiful area just west of town that has a lot of trails to explore.  City becomes a legit Mountain Dog the moment he gets out of the car.  The first picture is on top of a tower that is supposed to be a replica of the first Anglo settler's camp.  Its called the "Bradford Friendship Tower."  I doubt there was much friendship going on back then.  City was so scared to climb up the tower's wrought iron staircase.  We eventually had to carry him up.  The next challenge came when we decided to leave the tower.  City literally peed when we started to pull him down the staircase.  Now he can go up and down the stairs on his own!

 The college has also created a lot of other "authentic" replicas.  City crossed the plains as a pilgrim and settled in Blanding to wait for us :)

 City really is a Mountain Dog at heart.  I just love the cute boy!!  Today we took him to the reservoir to try out his fetching abilities in water.  City was hesitant at first but eventually he gave in.  

Spring Break

For spring break the Merkets all got together for the WAC Tournament in Las Vegas.  It was a lot of fun! Even though I did not get a single picture of a basketball game, I DID get a picture of the jelly fish at Bally's.  At least I think it was Bally's.   

 I also got an awesome picture of some striped fish.  This was my favorite fish... second to jelly fish of course.  

Chris and I in front of the fountains at Bally's.  I have been to Vegas 4 times now and still don't know each big casino name. I have never been infatuated like some are.  I have even been called a prude for not gambling or getting drunk by a close friend.  I decided not to go back to Vegas with her again :)

After the Merkets left Chris and I had a few days to ourselves.  I got ambitious and took along my straightener to have a change.  This is the length of my hair before I chopped it off.  It was great to try a new hairstyle, but now I'm too lazy to straighten it :) I don't even have a picture to show you the new do.  I was the talk of the school the day after spring break.  The kids thought my hair was so cool.  Then they got to class and realized they hate my teaching!  The hair do was a small distraction for them.

Life Lesson

Chris learned an important life lesson this morning.  I don't want to sound  controlling, but when you have thins walls and a loud husband you tend to control the situation to save your sanity.  On top of that lesson, Chris also learned empathy.  He might think he's superman, but he isn't and no one else is.  We all struggle with our demons.  You are all probably wondering why I'm even posting if I write in vague terms... I've learned my life lesson that Blanding is a tiny town and I need to keep my mouth shut.

We might have more changes in the future, but for now our home is an alcohol-free home.  We'll see if that fixes the problem :)

Random Pictures

Ami (Chris' sister), Val, and Michelle stopped by on their way back to California.  It was fun to see them even if it was for a few hours.  Chris went back to California with them to get to Vegas.  I know that sounds ridiculous, but it was our best option.  I have been home alone for a few days.  I miss Chris because I love him, but also because he takes care of City for the majority of the day.  Since I don't have time during lunch or the afternoon to come home to check on City, I decided to leave him in the kitchen.  We have a baby gate that prevents him from getting out... or so we thought. 

The first day went really well!  The second day didn't go as smoothly as the first.  I came home during my morning prep period to find our postcards, birthday cards, schedule, and notes ripped to shreds in the kitchen.  To top it all off, City was on the wrong side of the gate!!!  It wasn't knocked over... nothing was amiss except for the darn puppy!

On the third day I decided to add boxes to extend the feel of the gate.  When I came home in the morning everything was perfect!  

When I got home tonight from tutoring, I found the one casualty.  A pad of sticky-notes had somehow been ripped apart.  There wasn't any paper on the floor in the kitchen or living room... somehow City got on top of the counter and sat there ripping up the sticky-notes.  It's laughable just imagining what he did.

This picture is cute and a little old.  Chris and City on a ledge at the Goosenecks.