Friday, June 24, 2011

Busy Doing Nothing

Is it true that you can do nothing and still be busy?  We have been.  We really haven't accomplished much, or should I say "I" haven't accomplished much, but we have been busy. 

Last week was spent in Moab going to workshops.  Now, Moab is an okay place if you are a hiker or a tree hugger, which neither of us can claim to be.  We love trees, and scenery, but with our wonderful legs hiking is out of the question.  We had driven around Arches National Park when we were at USEA a few years ago, and we didn't think the arches had really changed very much over two years, so we didn't opt for that drive again.  So what did we do?  Just rested, and it was wonderful.

We arrived on a Sunday evening, got our rooms, which were on the second floor with no elevators, which isn't bad, but I wasn't breathing well, and .... well, we are totally out of shape.  No oxygen at night, and so many falls doesn't help my stair climbing.  But we both survived. 

We drove down main street in Moab trying to find where the delicious smell was coming from.  I tell you, Moab at night smells so good!  We decided it was Pasta Jay's garlic we were smelling, so we stopped for a bite to eat.  We decided on the shrimp gardn salad which fed 2-3 people.  It was delicious, but the garlic bread was even better!  It really lived up to its smell. 

Monday I started my 4-day marathon of Common Core classes, learning everything we need to know about only the writing standard in the language arts core.  The instructors tried to make it interesting, and they had lots of ideas, but it wasn't the best, most thrilling workshop to attend.  They didn't have the supplies there to give us, so it was difficult for the instructors to present what they wanted us to do.  We were the first group of Core Academy workshops and for some reason the supplies weren't there yet.  Oh, wait.....They did arrive, but the state people gave all the third grade supplies to the 4th grade teachers!  It appears that they came in a box marked "2-4 presenters", and since the second grade teachers said they hadn't ordered them, the box was taken to the 4th grade presenters, who were just sitting in for other presenters who couldn't be there.  They didn't know what had been ordered so, since it was brought in to them, they gave them out.  Hence, third grade got nothing!  I just happened to see Rolene, a fourth-grade teacher, sitting in the hallway reading the book we were supposed to have.  I told on her.  I told the presenters that a 4th grade teacher got their books so why didn't we get ours, since they were the same book?  She got big-eyed and said she would check into it, and came back with the above story.  She was mad!  But happy I had found out about the book.  Now we just have to wait for the state to send our books to our district, then for the district to get them off to us.  What a time!

On Monday night we went for a drive around the other end of Moab.  There are some amazing homes out there!  We found a fun little place to eat called The Branding Iron.  There weren't many people there, but the food was great!  We had a salmon with a barbecue sauce that was wonderful. 

One thing about Moab.  They haven't allowed "big-name" stores or eateries in.  All the restaurants are small, home-town places.  Not really small, some are hold large crowds, but they are in old buildings and can look like old shacks on the outside, but nice on the inside.  There is every type of food you can imagine.  We had fish, Mexican, Italian, steaks, and salads.  On Tuesday we had Mexican at the La Haciendas and it was really good.  Could have eaten more there!  On Wednesday we went to Moab Brewery where I had honey-almond chicken which was wonderful!  And Garth had a very good steak.  I wasn't to up on the home brewed cream soda and root beer, but it was alright. 

We spent time just eating, and visiting with each other.  One day Garth went to the golf course and said he had a good time.  Other than that, we just spent time together driving around and being with each other.  It was wonderful. 

Since our return Garth had worked on the yard and gotten it in shape, which was good because this week he wrecked up his knee!  The doc says it could be an ACL problem.  We are waiting on the ok for an MRI for the final decision.

Me, well, I was a klutz again and fell in my classroom.  What was I doing there?  Getting ready for two days of planning and work with the third grade teachers.  Yes, we work while on vacation.  Doesn't everyone? 

After two days of work, Garth and I took off to Provo to a check-up with his dermatologist.  His cancerous spot on his back looks like it was all cut out and should be fine.  Just regular check ups for a while.  Then we drove to Salt Lake for our annual eye examines and spent a fortune for contacts and glasses.  Why do they have to be so expensive?  I know why we didn't update my contacts, or get glasses every year when we had children in glasses and contacts.  The Opticare coverage has changed so much it doesn't help like it used to.  I know most of it is because of our terrible eyes, but it is crazy! 

We came home with paint for our bedroom, bathroom, and hallway, so I guess we will be busy getting those areas of the house done.  Who says summer is a time to relax!

1 comment:

Nicky said...

and i have i have to say... You didnt call me when you were up here! You went and saw my other siblings! Even if I was working, I would have taken off for a bit to see my parents who live 3 hours away. :( makes me feel bad..