LEAP!

So here's the question, what did you do with your EXTRA day?

I woke to the perfect temperature room and got to work earlier than usual. Since I'm on salary, I came to the conclusion that essentially they got an extra day out of me without having to pay me for it. Thus, I petition that Leap Day become a legal holiday. Just think about it.

Then it definitely would be a happy leap day. So besides working until 8pm, I also did my visit teaching, yes, last day of the month, yes, I'm glad I had an extra day this month :) I was lucky and found one girl home and had a good visit. The second girl, I wasn't so lucky with. A few people at work occasionally tease & give me a hard time for living in the 'ghetto'. Well tonight I really went to ghetto Phoenix. I honestly was a bit creeped out, which is rare for me. Nobody answered at the girls door but I wanted to make sure she lived there, so I went to the neighbor's and knocked. Then I thought, what if some crazy, thug guy lives here and me with my 4 inch stilettos and little gift bag and card would make quite a target. Thankfully a lady answered and was pretty sure that a Bianca lived next door. So I'll go back tomorrow and try again.

I was supposed to tutor a girl in math, and I was RELIEVED she canceled, because 1) I'm exhausted and 2) I struggle to keep my patience while trying to explain for literally the 30th time how to round. Yes, round, as in you have $4.50, round to the dollar....
FIVE, the answer is FIVE!!!!! It was extremely difficult (read practically impossible) last time and despite A TON of effort I didn't remain completely calm, but mostly. So tonight I'm glad it was cancelled, I was already low on patience. After visit teaching, I came home showered and am heading to bed early and happy to do so.

My extra day was filled with extra work, in four years we'll try this again Leap Day and maybe do something magical. Happy Leap Day everyone!

My Cute Valentines

Four cuties sent me Valentines today. I heart them and I heart their ADORABLE valentines!

I especially love, my Baby Q's face. I'm absolutely positive he was screaming, "Happy Valentines Aunt E!"

The picture was taken as he was saying "VAL."

I love being loved. Hope you got some extra love today. 

Happy Valentines!

100 YEARS!

Happy Birthday Arizona!

100 years ago today we became the 48th state of the United States. There has been all sorts of activities all over the state going on. In Phoenix around the capital this weekend, they had performers, food booths, and rides.

 The big copper dome on the capital, represents AZ as the largest producer of copper in the U.S.

 The original capital building (with the dome) is now a museum of Arizona history. Here is the hull of the USS Arizona that sunk at Pearl Harbor.

 One of the life rafts from the boat.

 Also Arizona is the only state that kept all items received on the French "Merci" Train. Right after WWII, the U.S. sent supplies to the French and a couple years later as a thank-you, the French sent a train car filled with gifts to each state. Here is a replica of what it looked like.

 Here is a view of the center of the building top floor (4th) looking down.

 In the center on the 1st floor is the Arizona seal. The latin phrase means, "God enriches."

I was happy to find out and proud to know that Arizona was one the 11 states that granted woman suffrage (back in 1912, in the first state election) before the federal government passed it.

 They have a replica of how the first House was set up and on the gallery door as you enter is this:

 "People get the government they deserve. Good, moral people concerned about others get a good, moral government that cares about the people. People that are greedy, lazy, or apathetic, get a government that is greedy, immoral and unconcerned with the public's welfare." HOW TRUE!!!!

 Here is a picture of the original capital right after it was built in 1900, it was just the territorial house at the time, 12 years before we were admitted to the Union.

 CONGRATULATIONS Arizona! Happy 100 years! I'm grateful to have grown up in such a great state.

Last Minute Valentine's

Okay so for all you last minuter's here are some ideas that you can do on the fly and still will come across totally thoughtful and sweet!

LOVE PACKAGE: All (or a lot) of his/her favorite sweets/foods and handmade coupons for acts/services he or she wants. My list would include a massage(my shoulders are super tight right now), taking out the trash, doing the dishes, running errands, making me dinner, etc.

READ: Get her/his favorite book (or one he/she's been wanting to read) and read it to them, curled up on the couch w/ some hot chocolate.

PLAYLIST: Yes, its old-school just with new technology (and some say cheesy) but songs that mean something to the both of you or her favorite love songs will be a hit. Dim the lights, turn on the playlist and dance.

MOVIE MARATHON: Queue up netflix or drop by a rental place for some great romantic classics or his/her favorite movies.

INDOOR PICNIC: or bike to an outdoor picnic (shout out to biking b/c I'm loving my bike).

LOVE LETTER: or note or poem, who doesn't love being told why he/she is beloved.

Valentine's Day is a day devoted to LOVE and taking that extra minute to SHOW some love, no need to be expensive, just make it personal. Happy Valentine's! Wishing you lots of love.

Black History Month

I always knew I liked him.