Japanese IQ test

I found the blog of an old roommate I had over the summer at BYU-Idaho today. It was so much fun to see her family now, and her two cute lil girls! She had this test a few days ago, and I thought I'd steal her idea...it's fun!

This is a fun lil IQ test.

Click to Play the IQ Rafting game straight from Japan; see if you can get everyone across the river.

Everything is in Japanese, so here’s what you have to do:

Everybody has to cross the river, but there are rules:

1. Only 2 people on the raft at a time.
2. The father can not stay with any of the daughters without their mother’s presence (or he will beat them).
3. The mother can not stay with any of the sons without their father’s presence (or she will beat them).
4. The thief (striped shirt) can not stay with any family member if the Policeman is not there.
5. Only the Father, the Mother and the Policeman know how to operate the raft.
6. To start click on the big blue circle on the right.
7. To move the people, double-click on them. To move the raft click on the red handle (looks like a small post by the raft).

Have fun w/ this one. I have to admit...it only took me seven minutes to do, but I couldn't really tell you my secret...OR it wouldn't be a secret, would it? It's frustrating, so beware...

In Memory of Pres. Hinckley

He inspired a nation,

and will be missed by many.

Gordon B. Hinckley

(1910 - 2008)

A quote from Pres. Hinckley's son, at the funeral of his wife, Marjorie Pay Hinckley back in 2004: "When in some future day the hand of death gently touches one or the other of us, there will be tears, yes," said son Clark B. Hinckley, reading a letter his father wrote his mother after nearly 60 years of marriage. "But there will also be a quiet and certain assurance of reunion and eternal companionship."

I'm sure they are finding peace and comfort as they are reunited once again with so many loved ones on the other side.

Some favorite photos/memories:

He was told that he needed a cane...but he rarely used it. It was more like an acessory to him, or a fancy "pointing stick"

He was a man who cared about his country, and who traveled around the world. He was not afraid of politicians, but loved "setting people straight" about our faith. He loved people from every land.

. . . . . .

When I think of President Hinckley, I just can't help but smile...

MAD LIBS

Do these bring back memories?

Last night, Steven & I sat around wondering what we should do with our time. It was WAY too cold to go for a stroll around the neighborhood, it was Sunday so going to the mall or other places of interest usually isn't at the top of the list. We don't have children yet, we live in the basement of my parent's home, and watching tv just didn't sound that exciting. Oh ya, did I mention I was tired of board games (or should I say bored games)?

Anyhow, a brilliant thought came to mind...Steven's older sister Julina bought us a variety of things we could do for FHE when we had a family, or we just needed some ideas on what we could do together. I went and found the box of goodies in the storage room, and found a book of mad libs. I used to play these all the time when I was a kid, and was so excited to do a few of them!

I found a website that had a spinoff of them; Crazy Libs. Check them out, and see what kind of fun you can have!

http://rinkworks.com/crazylibs/

AMERICAN IDOL

American Idol is the ONLY show I actually plan my schedule around. I know it sounds crazy, but it is true. I started watching it during the 3rd season, since it debuted while I was in Chile. I wish I could say I have been watching it since it first began, but I am still a huge fan and find every year that it gets better and better. I love finding someone new each year to discuss the season with...last year, I introduced Steven to American Idol and know he loves it as well.

I have to say, each year it does get better. However, there are two auditions that really stick out in my mind. One of them was in 2005 (the year Carrie Underwood won). Her name is Mary Roach. Anyone remember her? Well, if you can't remember her or aren't an avid American Idol watcher...please watch below...you should be sitting down for this one!

So funny, you say? Well, there is also another all-time favorite of mine. He actually appeared in the same set of auditions, although Mary and he auditioned at two different places across the country. His name is Leroy Wells. No one actually knows what he's saying half the time, and most figure he was on drugs during his auditions. I'm not sure what was going on with Paula's hairdo either...it is quite strange. Leroy is quite amusing, and he even goes so far as to tell Simon to "put Jesus first"...and that he needs to "get crunk" and start bobbing his head...although he doesn't even know where Simon is sitting at the time (probably b/c the room is spinning in his head)...this one is a must see:

Here's the question..."can YOU dig it"?

About Me...

4 jobs I have had in my life

1. Day Care Teacher's Aide
2. Cracker Barrel Cashier/Gift Shop Worker
3. Secretary/Translator for Potato Factory
4. Spanish Teacher (currently)
   

4 movies I've watched more than once:

1. The Notebook (my favorite love story)
2. Any Disney Classic (Little Mermaid, Fox & The Hound, Beauty & the Beast, Aladdin, etc)
3. The Green Mile (makes me cry every time)
4. Rudy

Places where I have lived:

1. Kentucky
2. Tennessee
3. Chile
4. Idaho
5. Las Vegas

TV Shows that I watch

1. American Idol (did you see Renauldo this week? See it on You Tube--so funny! Randy sings along, and Paula dances...incredible!)
2. American Gladiators--Wolf is so cool!
3. Oprah (when I get home from school in time)
4. Deal or No Deal--Go Howie, Go Howie!

5 places I have been

1. Salt Lake City, Utah
2. The beautiful beaches of Florida
3. California (Hollywood & San José)
4. Nauvoo, Illinois
5. Mall of America

4 people who e-mail me regularly

1. Liz, the Primary President
2. My sisters
3. Mission Companions
4. My mom (she loves forwarding crazy stories that I just delete and rarely ever read..he he he)

4 of my favorite foods:

1. Lasagna--mom's style
2. O'Charley's chicken fingers w/ their Ranch & Honey Mustard dressing
3. Outback's Bloomin' Onions
4. Homemade Hamburgers & Seasoned Fries or just plain 'ol homemade tacos

Places I'd rather be right now:

1. Cuddling on the couch and watching a movie w/ Steven
2. Shopping the sales racks at Kohl's
3. on the beach catching some rays where it's not BELOW 10 DEGREES!
4. Playing with my nieces & nephews and gossiping with my sisters
5. Back in Chile for a few weeks

4 things I am looking forward to this year:

1. Going to Cancun, Mexico & Cozumel for Spring Break
2. Going to Nauvoo again with Steven & to see a mission companion
3. Summer Vacation (yipee...no school!)
4. No more Cheerleading!
5. Moving out of my parent's basement

Recent Pics

Just wanted to post a few recent photos of Steven & I. We never carry around the camera, & that makes me upset sometimes, because I used to love capturing those precious moments and archiving them in photo albums. I am just so busy these days, that I can't even think straight sometimes.

Take yesterday, for example...if there was ever a day from HELL...Steven's and mine was yesterday. I didn't sleep well the night before, so I went to school at 7am really, really REALLY exhausted (which didn't start the day off too well). School was fine until last hour...7th hour classes on Fridays...who enjoys them, anyway? After school, I had tons of grading to do so I stayed at school until 5pm, when Cheerleading practice started. Steven brought my order from Sam's Club to school and brought a book to sit and read while I ran practice. Let's just say I'm turning into more of a psychologist for these girls than their "coach". I called each girl in, one by one, to let them vent on me, and them take a bit of constructive criticism from me. It went fairly well, although my head was pounding from having a long day! The whole time, Steven was patiently waiting in the cafeteria for me, with a few dollar sandwiches from McDonald's to hold us over until the Basketball game ended so we could have some REAL food.

Practice ended, and the game started at 6pm. Before the game, we all sat in a circle, held hands and they listened to things like "There will always be hardships...so get over it!" "It's not about you anymore...this is a team effort, so start acting like it!" "You are beautiful, talented, and intelligent girls...don't let the little things build up so much that it affects not only you, but everyone around you!" etc, etc, etc. It was quite a speech, let me just say. A few minutes later, I had to write up a few girls for having jewelry on during the game and refusing to take it off (rules of the game), and being late to practice (30 freaking minutes...b/c they were hungry).

After the first game, we found out that the second game had been canceled. So, excited to finally leave school, we headed to Steven's favorite restaurant in Columbia: Flat Branch Pub & Brewery. After roaming the streets and finally finding parking in the parking garage, we walked in the brisk cold only to find out it was a 45 minute wait. We left, and decided to go to Pizza Hut instead. When we got there, it had already closed as well. So, we headed home and decided to order a pizza and watch a movie together. We tried looking for online specials at Papa John's Pizza, but for one large, with all the fees and delivery charges, the total was over $20, and that is too expensive for one pizza. We went to Pizza Hut and decided to order the 3 medium pizzas for $5 each. After registering online and picking the toppings, and all that other crap you have to do, we finally placed our order. The total came to $20, but at least we had 3 pizzas instead of 1. No kidding...the phone rang 10 seconds later, and I said...if that is Pizza Hut calling to cancel our order, I'm just going to bed hungry. IT WAS PIZZA HUT! "Man, I'm sorry to inform you of this, but we are all out of medium regular crust...but we'd be happy to make your pizzas in the thin crust if you'd like!" YUCK! I'm not on a diet (but I need to be on one) and I don't like thin crust! I said "no thanks" and went to bed!

What a horrible day! It was full of disappointment after disappointment! Hopefully today will be better. So enjoy the following pictures of Steven & I, thanks to my wonderful sister-in-law, Emily who always has her top-notch camera ready for action!

All About Steven...

What is his name? Steven

How long have you been married? 5 WHOLE months

How long did you date? We dated for about 7 months before we were engaged the 1st time, then 3 months later we were engaged to be married in 4 weeks...August 3, 2007.

Who eats more? Steven, by far! Although if you put a Bloomin' Onion from Outback in front of me I'll go to town on it immediately!

Who said I love you first? Steven. Funny story--we were talking in the car about something, and I asked him a random question about....well, I can't even remember. Then, he just said quite bluntly..."If you're asking me if I love you...I do." Kinda cute, and I just sat there, smiled and said...."OK. That's not really what I was asking, but ok." And I was speechless (there's a first time for everything...).

Who sings better? Steven has a beautiful tenor voice! His entire family has beautiful voices...I love hearing them harmonize! You should hear their Christmas carols...it's like listening to the MoTab choir!


Who is taller? Steven wins again....6'2"ish.

Whose temper is worse? Steven can get quite grumpy. But I have to admit...I hold on to things for longer than he does. I have a hard time letting things go. He is much better about saying "I'm sorry" and cuddling up to me in the bed when he knows I'm upset. I like it so much that sometimes I just play like I'm mad just so he'll roll up in a ball on his side of the bed...and 3 minutes later roll over next to me, put his arm around me, and say "I'm sorry."

Who does the laundry? Me...I'm quite OCD about it, really. But he does help fold it...he HAS already learned to only fold his and to take the laundry basket upstairs on laundry days! How cute is that?

Who does the dishes? Once I ask Steve to do it, he does the dishes. We both clear the table, and he's good about taking my dishes from the table (his waiter-ly instincts kick into place nicely here). But occasionally I do them while he's letting them "soak" awhile...that's his way of saying...I'm done now, babe...can I go watch the game now?


Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Steven does for now. I just have to have the easier access to the bathroom. I don't like being next to the wall, either. Steven doesn't mind, so he takes whichever I don't want. But, we both prefer the middle. It's true...we're gonna have to purchase a king-size bed, b/c neither of us can sleep with the other one beside them...sad, but true. We both like to spread out in the middle of the bed!


Who does the cooking? Right now, my mom! ha ha...that's one of the many perks of living at home. I love to cook, and hate doing the clean-up...I just lack the time to do it all. Steve also works two jobs, so we either eat what mom fixes or go out to eat!


Who is more stubborn? Definitely me. I'm way to picky, and Steven lets me be me. Lucky me to marry such a wonderful guy who lets me be queen everyday!

Who proposed? Steven, twice! (I'm so lucky) The first time, he came over on Sunday, before church, with a basket of breakfast goodies. In the cute basket was 2 small juices, 2 small cereal boxes, bananas, linen napkins, the cutest white bowls you've ever seen, and some tulips. Burried in one of the bowls was the ring. I froze and instantly was in a trance! He said..."are you gonna open it?" "I can't...you do it." So before I knew it, he had it opened and was down on one knee propsing. The second time was also on a Sunday, and he popped the ring back out and asked me again to marry him. I asked, "Are you sure this time?" And he said, "100%. I've decided that you are the one for me and I'm going to dedicate everything I have to making you happy for the rest of our lives"...and that was enough for me to say yes AGAIN!

Who is more likely to admit when they're wrong? Steven...I'm so stubborn!


Who wears the pants in the family? I plead the fifth

Why do you love your husband? I don't think I have enough space or the time to list all the details on the blog. I love him for being the man I always dreamed of marrying. He loves me no matter what and isn't afraid to tell me or show me anytime or anyplace (w/o the PDA, mind you!). He supports me in all of my dreams and aspirations. He makes me a whole person. He lets me be me, but when I go overboard or am completely out of line, he lets me know properly. He is so loving to me, and even when I'm upset with him, I still can't help to love him completely and wholely. He tries his best at making me happy...it's so hard sometimes, me being the perfectionist I am. But he does his best, and I'm so proud of him. I love his laughter and I the way he loves the gospel. I love the way he will drop anything and everything to do what is right for our family, and for his parents and/or sisters. He always puts family first! I love him for having to courage to admit that he wanted to be 100% sure that he wanted to marry me, and for taking back the ring after he'd already proposed to me. I love him because he has a great heart, and always wants to make sure he knows what he is doing, why he's doing it, and completely dedicated to what he does. He is my husband and I adore and love him for the man he is every single day. I love finding new things every day to love and admire about him.

Crazy Mizor-ah Weather

This is what the weather looked like today at 3pm in Columbia, MO. Cool, you say? NOT EXACTLY...when you are still at school, and in charge of so many kids!

It was complete chaos for a bit. We were under a tornado warning until 4pm, then it was changed to 4:15pm, and then at 4:10 (right when all the kids are getting restless, and a bit tired of texting and games on their cell phones), they decide to extend the warning until 5pm. Talk about craziness! One kid even shouted..."I have rights, too, you know!"

Yikes...that IS true...but I tried to remain calm, and keep them seated in the basement. Can you believe it? And while it's hailing the size of golf-balls outside, all I could think about was my car...oh, the dents THAT is gonna cause!

There was supposed to be a basketball game today after school, but at 4:30 they decided to cancel everything...good decision! However, it is still storming outside right now! AND...there is supposedly another storm and a cold front on it's way right now.

Why did I move to MO again?

My Name...

What Tamara Means

You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life. You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home. You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated. You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want. You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way! You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Back to School

Yes, it's time for school again.....

Today was my first day back. Only I didn't have students with me...it was a day dedicated to grades. Since I had already done mine before leaving for Christmas break, it was relatively peaceful. I was able to plan a month ahead, get some worksheets made up, and get my desk cleaned up and organized! YIPEE for teacher workdays!

I'm excited to see the kids again, really. I can't say that I'm looking forward to getting up at 5:45am again, but I am ready for my routine again. No more glancing throught he fridge and nibbling, when you're not even hungry int he first place. NO more playing Scrabulous on Facebook every 5 minutes, and definitely no more Super Bounce Out that I love wasting time on on Yahoo Games! I will, however, miss spending time with my family, traveling to Saint Louis to hang out with the in-laws, and playing games with Steven everyday.

Relaxing everyday has an end...Adios, Chao, Nos vemos...