I cant believe it is December.

I can't believe it is already December and Christmas is here

Barry's mom gave us her old Christmas tree so we have a beautiful big tree for our house

Life is such a blur! 

This was our first time hosting Thanksgiving. Bobby's parents and brother and sister in law and my mom and step dad and sister were all here. It was a full house! And there were our two cats and Bobby's parents' two dogs. 

It was great having everyone here though. I really wish we were closer to everyone

This is one dog Tige. She stole the kitties' bed and they were not very happy

The semester is coming to an end! I can't believe I only have one semester left. That is what is most surreal. The stressful thing is that I have so much to do in the next two weeks. Between school and English Society and I just got promoted to co manager at work. Ahh! Just one thing at a time!

whirl of a weekend

Well, I had a crazy busy fun weekend. My mom and sister were here and we partied it up. As always. We always run run run and then are exhausted. They drove here from Colorado on Thursday night. They got here about 4 and then we went to a wedding for my mom's cousin. 

It was fun to see my mom's side of the family. We haven't been very close to them, so it was kind of overwhelming talked to so many people who know me but I dont really know them. Still fun to see everyone though. Also, ironically. We sat do for the wedding and pretty soon this couple come up and asks if these two seats are taken and it was Dr. Ostensen and his wife! I guess he is in the same ward as a bunch of my family and neighbors! It would have been even better if we were related but still funny.

 That night we went to Cafe Rio and then The Chocolate for dessert. We had another person take a picture of us but it is funny how those pictures never turn out or are really horrible

The next day was very fun filled. That morning Selby had a tour and interview at the Aveda Institute. And they showed us a good time! She was leaning towards another school, but after that tour she loved it! We got all of her application completed and she is on her way! I think she will fit in there really well. She wants to do hair, makeup, and costumes for film, plays, TV, things like that. And for being an applicant they gave us all facials! I was supposed to have class but ended up leaving early to join them! 

Since I left class, I had to go in that night and get caught up on some things. I have made a lot of bowl-ish forms! I need to work on perfecting it and on learning a new form

Then Saturday was awesome as well! Look at how cute Selby is! She cut off 13" of hair and donated it. And now she has this super cute cut. She got so many compliments. And the hair cut is extremely versatile. And she applied for a job as a front desk at the salon! We are crossing our fingers she gets it because she would do awesome there 

That evening we went up to Ikea and got some stuff for Selby's room here and shopped around. We also went to the Cheesecake Factory for some cheesecake. Yum. And then we shopped some more that night! 

Whew! It was a lot of fun! I didnt get very much done for sure. But it is always worth it to spend time with family. Sunday I slept all afternoon because I was so pooped. I just snuggled in bed with the kitties. And now I am stressing about homework. But that is okay because I would probably be stressing anyways ha. Here's to hoping Selby gets the job so she can move up here sooner! 

Seeeesterrrrr!

My sister is back! She has been in Florida for the last five months; and even though we don't see each other that often, I missed her dearly. There is something about at least being on the same side of the continent that is consoling. We have also become a lot closer in the last couple years. We are 2.5 years apart in age and fought a lot growing up. When we were younger, we were all we had because we lived out in the middle of no where so we had to be each other's friend. But as we got older, we started fighting a lot more; and I was too cool for little sister I think. But I am glad that we are way better friends now. In fact, I am anxiously hoping and awaiting for her to move up to Utah! She is thinking about going to esthetician or some sort of school up here and would live with Bobby and I for a while! I would love for that to happen as we have talked. I am really excited to have family close because it is something that I have really struggled with in the last few years. And then I would also then have a default friend that cant say no and has to do everything with me too! Exciting! Drink for sisters!

2012

Happy new year! 2012 brought many great memories and adventures! I got a scooter; we sold Bobby's car; we went to Moab, Durango twice, Montana, Denver, and California; we moved houses; I was put in yw's; I got a new job; I cut off 10" of hair; bobby was promoted at work; we both got raises; my family visited several times; we ate a lot of good food; I cooked and baked a lot; we got a new couch; we celebrated our first anniversary; Bobby got a motorcycle; we got a new kitty; I became English Society president; we went to four concerts in two weeks and met Slug; I went to UCTE conference and met Taylor Mali; I went to Yellowstone; I saw the Nutcracker; we saw several movies; I saw several plays; I finished two semesters of college; I read many books and wrote many papers; I went to the zoo twice; I finished many crafts; and I spent time with great people. Whew and that's not even a comprehensive list! To 2013! May it be even greater!

slacker.

our spare bedroom the day we moved in
we didnt bother do a phenomenal job packing
because we just moved across town
and we havent had time to unpack and organize
so this is the result
i did clean it up a little though haha

let me tell you how much of  a slacker i am.
or maybe my life is just really busy and crazy
between school and work and new house and family visiting

but life has been very good
we moved into a new house
and i love it
it is so much bigger
and so nice
and its funny how such a small thing can change so much

so i still need to unpack
i did so some organizing because my mom came to visit this weekend
it was a lot of fun
her selby and barry came to visit
and we had a great time
tucanos, temple square, divine comedy, IKEA!
i am just glad that i at least have someone
who likes to come visit us

on friday i went to an english teaching conference
it was so great
i loved it
and i cant wait until i have my own classroom
i figured out my school schedule
and i wont officially graduate until a year later than what i planned
but i will at least have a minor
and be able to do an internship
so itll all be good.

yay for life
and yay for life being good

enye

i officially became a piña a while ago 

but i was sad to find out 

that most places dont support the "ñ"

social security, drivers licence, school records 

they just do the base letter and no tilde

and it is sad to me 

because i like finally having something interesting 

and the tilde is the best part 

and makes piña interesting and unique!

and a lot of people dont know

how to pronounce 'piña'

case and point: my mom

and she always corrects everyone else

and calls us 'pena'

frustrating.

it is also funny because 

for some reason ever since

i changed my name i have had an influx 

of people asking me if i am latino

just with the change of my last name

and i guess i could kinda fake it?

im not that dark

my spanish teacher asked

if i was latino even

and the other day the guy

from the multicultural office

at byu came into my office

and saw my name tag with 'piña'

he then went on asking me if

i was latino

and even after i said no 

he asked my if i was sure 

like 'are you sure youre not latino?"

haha yes. i am rather sure

but the funniest thing is 

bobby is not latino looking at all 

so it comes across very strange

and people dont typically believe me

or under stand

but i am trying to learn spanish 

so maybe i will look more latino if i become fluent 

and then i can play the part

and tonight i met two new spanish partners 

to practice with and get better at spanish

i am so excited

they are both from mexico 

and they just seem like such cool kids

i really love the hispanic culture 

and i am excited to get to know Betzi and Carlos

and help them better their english

(they both already speak really good english

so they just need pointers)

when i got home from the meet and greet

i coudlnt talk in english to my mom

i kept wanting to say everything in spanish

so thats good right?

and my spanish class has got my in the 

weird bad habit of calling all

my teachers 'profe'

so i am slowly learning!

just very very slowly 

newest member of the family

Meet the newest members of the family.

They cost more than I do.

seriously.

not more than bobby though

cause he cost a lot (tickets, court fees, electronic, etc)

so after a serious of ridiculously unfortunate events

and a very sad and frustrated bee

we welcome them home.

next step 

kitty cat

no joke

i am going to convince my landlord

because there is no way a cat 

is any worse than

our neighbors several birds and life size gerbil cage

but on a different note!

first week of school down!

and i have already written lesson plans 

signed away my soul again

and so many other things

but i still love it

really just learning all of this about teaching 

makes me so happy

it is what i want to do

now. today. for real.

i used to be so anti junior high

but after this week and learning more

i am seriously considering it

first off

the government just redid the standards

and now all of the state have the same standards

"common core"

and when they created this

they up-ed all the requirements

so now upper 8th grade 

is pretty much doing what

i was as a senior

second

we had a teacher who came in

and just talked all about 

middle school 

and how the kids are such a good balance

so i will just have to see

and decide for myself

but i start in my classroom tuesday

high school first

its an alternative hs

so itll be different

small classes

a lot of diversity

i think it will be a good experience

eee tuesday!

and i am so exited

and really not to nervous either 

and my mom and sister will be her in t minus 3 hours

fun weekend shopping!

no school monday!

teaching tuesday!

eeee!

cultural pizza

Pizza night got moved to Saturday this week

and i made pizza at home

thanks to bobbys mom donna/ his dad

we had mexican pizza!

not quite like taco bell

but still good

just take a pizza crust

layer with refried beans

green chiles

cheese

other mexican toppings

bake for suggested time

top with salsa and sour cream

delicious. 

more luck than last time.

this last weekend we went to colorado

for one last hoorah before school

and to see Bobbys parents of course

and most importantly!

we had a really good time

and it was so good to spend time with bobbys parents

i wish we were closer and could see them more often

they live in fort collins and i have to say

i really like it there

it feels alot like durango except less tourist

maybe one day we will move there

i would  like that a lot

we drove through wyoming because it is 2 hours faster

and it was so strange to finally see clouds

stupid utah

but we had much better luck this trip

last trip we had quite the run

first we were pulled over for going 82 in a 75

bobby was hand cuffed

our car was searched

and then we got a 120 speeding ticket

and then we got a 60 ticket for supposedly tailgating...

oh and cops can go 50 mph in the left lane in WY

and its tailgating when you cant 

even read the bumper stickers

and then we got our car towed at 

the concert we went to.....

at least the concert was good...

vip tickets

front row

i punched a girl in the face

ahh memories

one day we will move out of  uterr

and have weather again

sweet home colorado.

our trip to colorado was well needed

it was way too short

mainly because there is so much to do

and so many people to see

some highlights:

i missed these weenies.

you cant talk to a dog on the phone 

so i end up missing them so much

one of the best thing about durango 

is the mexican food

it is actually spicy!

and authentic tamales :)

sooo good

i ate them all

2 every day for breakfast :]

another delicious food.

texas tacos. 

smoked pork and cheesy potatoes and jalapenos

and then you slather it in their bbq sauce

mmmmm

i am hungry just looking at that picture

i love that colorado actually had weather

it clouds up so nice every night

even if it doesnt rain

at least it cools off compared to utah

my mom has always had the coolest jobs

ie: she works at THE chocolate factory 

in the offices :)

and gets free chocolate 

yummy

for our wedding bobby and i got a gift certificate to ken and sues

aka classy restaurante. 

i had prime rib and bobby had some halibut 

these are his classy poses

dont you love the desert one

he was very excited for his apple tart

i had some yummy cheesecake 

and apple lover had the apple good ness

it was all so good

and we were so stuffed in the end 

yummy

gracias fuscoes. 

we were able to go tubing twice!

its so much fun

you just get a tube and float down the river

i do have to add that the animas has some world class rapids

all the more fun 

but my mom went with bobby and i the first time 

and my forever friend chelsea

she is the cutest thing ever

and we have been friends since we were 7

literally.

so it was good to see her and hang out

the second time we went with some friends from idaho

and my sister

and a friend from high school garrett

bobby got so sunburned

it was so sad

and he still is 

hes just a huge peely peel now

one thing we used to always do when we were kids

was go to the bar d chuckwagon

bobby wasnt very excited though

isnt colorado just so pretty

i was kinda disappointed in it all though

maybe things are just better when youre a kid

but the shops seemed to have nothing in them

and it just seemed lame

me and selby waiting for dinner

i think she actually likes me now

mom and rasp-barry being silly waiting

the food was delicious

and the show was fun

i wish they wouldve done more funny songs though 

there are no more old guys that do the show any more

the last old guy who owns it came out for one song

he played his toilet seat instrument haha 

so that was sad that everyone is too old

you see he loved it

but i though it was okay

i was glad we were able to go

but idk if i will want to go again

maybe i am just old and boring

we got to walk down town and hit all my favorite shops

silk sparrow, animas trading, the home store

and i got a new water bottle!

and mom is gonna make me a purse like this 

after she makes me the pillows we got stuff for 

and the purse we got fabric for too :)

we were also able to go see bobbys grandma

on the way by her we stopped at one of our favorite places in durango

bread. a yummy bakery

bobby likes the baguettes 

he is funny

i love the sew your oats cookies

its their everything cookie

but i didnt get to eat mine :(

and i forgot it at home

we finally had to head home

it was so sad

colorado is just so pretty compared to the desert 

this is sleeping ute mountain in cortez

just a fun landmark

and historical cultural too

i drew in the ute for those who lack imagination

but the utes believe he will wake up 

and help them

i was just reading about all the ute legends and they are pretty cool i must say

at one point there was this grasshopper that got stuck on the window

he just road there for a long time until we got going 50 mph

i guess grasshopper paws are only rated for that much wind

we had some car problems coming back too

it was so stressful because i have never had car problems

and my car is rather new too

it was just so hot or something that our car was vapor locking

but we finally made it home

this sight of gross smog greeted us

at least there was a pretty sunset

it was a good trip

but colorado is still better than uterrrr

BAYFIELD, cooollllooorraadooooo. thats my homeeetown.

bayfield bayfield bayfield!

anyone remember the dorky song

that we used to sing in elementary school 

at the very end of all the music programs?

i wish i could remember the lyrics haha

today after work bobby and i are going homeeee

we havent been back to colorado since the wedding

and like that even really counts

and before that it was christmas

i miss it so much

utah just sucks

and i miss the weeny dogs too 

i can call and my family can visit 

but the weeny dogs cant

we have alot planned

bar d chuck wagon

tubing down the animas

serious texas

using our wedding presents to Ken and Sues 

maybe some alpine slide action

i am sooo excited!

but we will also be dropping off the face of the earth
as my mom has no internet ha

here kitty kitty kitty

So this last week my dad and sister came up to visit
my sister was getting her wisdom teeth out which sucks for her
but they paid her $250 so i really dont feel bad for her

while they were here we went to the Bean Museum here at BYU
now its really the Life Science Museum
but for some reason it got named the Bean museum in my mind

I had never been and i have to say it was pretty good
It just a bunch of stuffed animals
but then they have live reptile shows every night too

The front door was so cool

it was a bunch of carved out animals

and this is what i get when i ask for a picture with him :/

There was this really cool butterfly collage

all made of butterflys!

just a cute little zebra

 Humphrey the Elephant
and Bobby said that face was a face of sadness for all the dead animals
Pretty fun i have to say :)
we will def go back when my mom comes to visit!