Fried Oreos. Mmmmmm.

I don't know the last time I went to a state fair, but this one I will never forget. It seemed like all of Mormonia was at this place; taking advantage of the demolition derby, fried oreos, flirting opportunities, and really expensive rides. I know, who wouldn't want to go to the Maryland State Fair on a Friday night?

What's even better? A pseudo double date. Who would want the real thing when you can have a fake one?

Here I am with the male folk, Ian and Adam...now both back in Salt Lake. Sad. Our last hurrah.

The demolition derby. My first ever. Could you ever imagine telling someone that you are a demolition derby driver? I really couldn't. But some people actually put this on their resume!


Yes, all pseudo. But so much real love in front of the derby.

The fairgrounds. I particularly like the "Fried Dough" sign.

Love the swings.

Kind of hate the ferris wheel.

Look closely. You could actually pay to see the Giant Horse show. Can we say, Freak Show?

Adam told me, as my pseudo-date, that he would win this big, cheap, stuffed banana. Empty promises, Adam.

Sarah fully supports fried dough and any junk food for that matter.

Fried oreos and funnel cake. You better believe we ate about a thousand calories.

Close up fried oreos. Surprisingly good.

Chug it.

And chug it some more...and look haggard at the same time.

If you ever go to a state fair, get some fried oreos. They will not only change your life but they will clog your arteries as well. Amen.

Finding my (teaching) niche.

Okay people, I now have week one of the new school year under my belt. And boy, does it feel good. I think I am most excited that I am now done with repeating the syllabus lecture 5 different times. Phew.

I've decided that one of the hardest parts about teaching is finding your niche; ultimately figuring out how you teach and what works for you. Now, I am not claiming that I have found my niche because I believe it's an ongoing process. But at the same time, I am way ahead of the game now than I was 8 months ago.

I now understand the following aspects about teaching that are absolutely vital. (and if this means nothing to you, then tough).

• Procedures (telling kids what you expect of them when they come into class, how they act in class, where to find missing work, etc)
• Posting your rules and explaining to the students why you have them and how they allow us to have an effective learning environment.
• Posting consequences for breaking rules and then enforcing them.
• Drilling these over and over again till the students can explain them over and over again.

And here are the results:

• Very little yelling and waiting for students to pay attention
• Students starting their warm-up before class begins and doing it quietly
• Students telling me that they like that my class has structure and high expectations
• Kids not acting out after I threaten them with detention.

Wow! What a difference it has made! This is a completely different school year than the last. And it feels good.

Granted, I am teaching 9th grade and school just started but I am enjoying this as long as I can.

The niche is coming along nicely...Excellent.

Annapolis My Eye.

Yes, Annapolis MD was our destination not too long ago. It was one of my last days to play before I had to go back to work. Last time I had been there was for a Navy dance...Remember? Haha. Good times

I don't understand the obsession...at all.



Yes, life is good.


Raaaar.


The 3rd oldest university in the United States resides in Annapolis.

Michelle Obama had just come to this restaurant 3 days earlier. La dee freakin' da.



I thought this was cool.

Weird.
Ash Ash baby.



Modelesque.

Indiana Jones??? Probably not.

Sarah had difficulties navigating the map...

You shall not pass.

With our awesome friend, Jessica.

Hello??

Oh yah, we went kayaking. Not my best talent in the world.

Tell me a story...


We went on a trolley ride too.

My wonderful friends.

Not (freakin') long enough

Excuse my french.

But seriously what school district makes their teachers go back to work only 7 weeks after school gets out??????????????????????

Mine does. Lame.

Yes, doesn't it just feel like yesterday that I was celebrating over summer vay-cay?

Well now I am cursing because I am back in school. Yes, you heard me right. This week we have done tons of PD (professional development). It has been nuts. Lots of good stuff heard but I feel completely overwhelmed: mentally, physically, emotionally. My back aches too. Tear.

I don't know if I am ready for this again.

Well ready or not here they (the students) come....on Monday.

Wish me luck. Better yet, say some prayers.

While I am being sentimental: It has been a year since I moved to DC!

Okay, technically I moved out here on the 11th, but nonetheless, it's hard to believe that I have been on the east for a year and that I am actually staying put for yet another one!

There are so many things I love about this place. Let me tell you about a few:

• I love the people. The crazy, crazy hilarious people.
• I love my coworkers. Sure they can be eccentric, but they are entertaining at least.
• I love the trees
• I love the close proximity to other states
• I love all the opportunities I have to travel
• I love how I've grown since one year ago
• I love my roommates
• I love my ward. So much.
• I love my friends who are such great examples to me
• I love the history and the many sites to see
• I love my room
• I love my students (yes, even those rascals get an "I love you")
• I love how I feel out here
• I love how I have found my niche

Yes, I will always have a soft spot for the west, but I can't help but admit that I LOVE where I am at.

DC is where I wanna BE.

3 years ago today...

I came home from my mission.

Wow, time has sure flown by.

Behind the Scenes of the Baer Family Photo Shoot

We just finished our 2 day family reunion with my whole immediate fam damily. In order to honor Mom and Dad's 40th Wedding Anniversary and my father's upcoming 70th birthday we took some pictures of all of us together. These were taken by me but the real deal will come soon.

Anna aka Nanners.

Julie and I
John B., Davey, and Jo Jo

Nursing party. This is not an uncommon site.

26 grandchildren...for reals.

Jenny with newborn Hannah.

Kass and Nicole

Amy. What a cutie.

Father and Son. Sweet.

Mother and Son. Sweet again.

Adam and John.

Bethany and Isaac.

The 5 boys that were born while I was on my mission.

Izzy and TT

Pole dancing.

Boo.

Sister and Brother.

All of us with Mommy.

The Sibs.

We love each other.

SILLY...a usual site in our family.

My "jealous rage" shot...really, it was all for coming relief.

And this is what you get for being lovey-dovey. I spit on you.

Thanks everyone for a good time. It has been so fun to see the fam.