The GRE and how I ruined my chances in 7th grade

I am getting ready to take the GRE soon in hopes of getting accepted into a social work grad program. I am now seriously doubting what the heck I am thinking and want to turn back but I already paid 160 bucks to take the test so I kinda feel I gotta. Breathe. Let me paint a little picture for ya.

First grade: It's around Christmas time and Mrs. Magill is having everyone color giant elves that we will eventually hang around the classroom. The catch is you can't color your elf until you've solved all the addition and subtraction problems correctly that are all over the elf. It takes me days, DAYS to work on the elf. I just can't seem to get the answers right. Part of the problem might be that I confuse the numbers 11 and 12. I don't know if 11 is called "eleven" or if 12 is called "eleven". (That sounds so weird, but I really struggled with it.) Bottom line: I am the LAST one to put my elf up.

Summer after first grade: My mom must have caught wind of my math deficiency and I do math worksheets all summer long.

Second grade: I'm placed in the "Green Group" for math. You guys, this is the ADVANCED math group. Yep, the girl who didn't know the difference between 11 and 12 now is "advanced" mathematically for her age. It's a miracle and my mom deserves all the credit.

From 2nd grade on, I was on a very promising math trajectory. There was talk of Harvard. (I'm just sayin.) Fast forward to 7th grade and  the trajectory suddenly stops and I fall off the edge, crash, and burn. Apparently, in my fully developed 12 year old brain, I thought it would make me look like a loser if I actually did my math homework. This was only a problem in math class. You see, there were 8th and 9th graders in my math class and it was of the utmost importance for me to appear as cool as possible. My mental coolness checklist must have gone something like this:

1. Unionbay pants-adequate bagginess? Check.
2. Hang Ten shirt-or at least a really good look alike? Check.
3. Barrel curled bangs- barreled enough? Check.
4. Skipped math homework? Check.

8th grade didn't help things when I had to take geometry which still to this day is SO confusing to me. It didn't help that my geometry teacher had an extremely thick Japanese accent. My mom got me into another geometry class where I could understand the actual words spoken. That didn't help. Then my parents hired a tutor from the University of Utah who also had an accent. During our one tutoring session he said, "You undastand? Yes? Okey Tokey?" No okey tokey. That didn't help. Then they hired another who drew smiley and frowny faces instead of x's and y's. That didn't help. Then they hired my cousin, who was my SAME age. Embarrassment- accomplished, mastering of geometry-not accomplished.

Well, here I am a million years later trying to recall the things I was purposely trying to avoid during my 7th grade algebra class just to prove to a social work program (which involves ZERO math) that I am a smart, capable person deserving a masters degree. AND I AM STRESSING OUT.

 I feel like furthering my education is just really something I want to do, and I really do feel like I deserve to try it. I think I'm worried that I'll do horribly on the test and then not get into the program and then my life will be ruined forever and ever. Okay, not really, but I worry that if I don't get in then I'll never do much more with my career in social work and my brain will slowly turn to mush.

I doubt you've made it this far into my rant but just pray for me okay? Thanks. 'Preciate cha.


p.s. Seth just came home and asked, "Are you studying for the GRE". I said, "Nope, I'm blogging about how I'm stressed about the GRE."

Save The Music

I LOVE this teacher and these kids. I've watched a bunch of their YouTube videos. This teacher totally rocks and I love how into the music the kids get. I may or may not cry when these kids sing.

Here are some of my faves:

Gram and Pop Come to Spokane

Seth's parents made quite the trek from Belgium to Spokane over Labor Day weekend. They were actually out visiting the states and helping Aunt Colie move to San Diego. We were honored that they made the long drive from Utah to Spokane just to see us for a short weekend. We did our best to show them all the inland northwest has to offer in the short 48 hours they were visiting.

I didn't take many pictures. Seth's mom has a great new camera so she took most of the pictures.

The first night we ate at a restaurant called Anthony's, that has a great view of Spokane Falls. Some people had taken us to dinner there when we came up looking for apartments and we thought it was something Gram and Pop would appreciate. We sat outside and enjoyed the summer air, with a light breeze, and a great view.

The weekend they were here happened to be the same weekend as the "Pig Out" event at Riverfront Park. There were a ton of food vendors and live bands playing all weekend long. After dinner we headed over the listen to some of the music. Taft got his groove on.




Saturday morning we had breakfast at the hospital so Gram and Pop could see where Seth works. Taft pretty much just ate sugary thing after sugary thing for breakfast so he was a bit wired.

We then drove to Coeur d'Alene and rode bikes along the Centennial Trail, had lunch at the lake, and then hurried back for the first BYU game of the season and a BBQ with friends. Gram and Pop must be good luck because BYU hasn't won since they've been back in Europe. After the game Seth, Taft, and I were pooped and went to bed early. Gram and Pop are party animals and went back to the "Pig Out" event to listen to more music.

Sunday we went to church together and then while I made dinner Taft, Seth, Gram, and Pop went to Manito Park.

We loved having our first guests in Spokane, we just wish it could have been longer! Taft loved having his grandparents come play and cried when they got on the elevator to leave.

Taffy-Our Child's Namesake

The other day I was in Wal Mart and our cashier was taking an interest in Taft, you know, because he's just so darn cute. The guy asked what his name was and I told him.

Wal Mart employee: "Taff? Like Taffy?

Me: Blank stare with internal dialogue saying, "Yep. Just like Taffy. We're thinking of naming our next baby Toots. Like Tootsie Roll."

Me: "No, like the president, William Howard Taft, with a T."

Wal Mart employee: Blank stare

Don't get me wrong here, I didn't even know there was a President Taft until after we even chose the name.    If you were like me, embarrassingly uneducated about the Presidents of the United States, then here's some Billy Taft trivia for you:

1. He didn't like being president.
2. He later became a Supreme Court Justice (the only president to do so) and really liked that job.
3. He was so fat that he got stuck in the bathtub at the White House.

And another story...

We were having dinner at the hospital the other night (cuz it's free). A old couple was at the table next to us. I could tell the old lady was looking at Taft and I thought she was admiring him so I smiled at her and told Taft to say hi. Taft smiled at the lady but she didn't smile back. Instead:

Old Lady: "He needs his nose wiped"
Me: "Oh, thanks"I look at him and he has nothing on his face whatsoever. But I wipe anyway.
Old Lady: Leans over to her husband and does a whisper-yell (cuz she's old) "She didn't even get it"

Geez lady. Sorry I didn't get rid of the imaginary snot that is causing you to lose your appetite and therefore feel it necessary to tell a random stranger to wipe her son's nose.

People are weird.

More Pictures

My mom has a picture of me in this chair when I was Taft's age. He didn't want to sit it though.

I recently got the CD with all the pictures from Taft's one year photo shoot. I had to post some more because I think they turned out really cute. It's crazy how much he's changed in just six months! 

In other news....I am about 5 months pregnant now. I am no longer sick, hallelujah! I had an ultrasound this past week and baby is growing on track and weighs about as much as a grapefruit right now. :) 

What 11 o'clock church does to a kid...

And then he didn't even take a nap! We laid him down right after this and he perked right up and would not go to sleep. Go figure.




More jammies sent to Taft from the Nana. The second I put these on him he got really excited and was pointing to the balls on his feet.

Our Child, The Linguist

One of Taft's words is "again" except he says "GIN! GIN! GIN!" Pretty much he repeats himself a million times with every word whether it's "Mo! Mo! Mo!" (more) or "Doos! Doos! Doos!" (shoes).


Taft's current vocabulary:


More: Mo
Shoes: Doos
Keys: Kes
Outside: Outhad
Dog: Daaaaah
Bye Bye: Buh-Ba (with a wave)
Car: Ca
Again: Gin
Lion: Raaa
Elephant: Makes a sound kind of like an elephant
Book: Buh
Ball: Bah
Horse: Hus
Duck: Aack

I had to take some pictures of Taft this night. My mom sent him these new pajamas and I was loving how cuddly he was and how yummy he smelled. I love holding Taft right before bed, freshly bathed, in a clean pair of cozy jammies.

I had to post this picture because even though I think he was just blinking, it looks like he's saying, "Mom. Really? We're doing this?"

Sandpoint

Last weekend we drove to Sandpoint, ID which is about 1 1/2 hours away. We'd heard it was really pretty and a must-see while living in the Northwest. The town is quaint and the lake is huge and beautiful! Seth and Taft went on a bike ride while I read a book at the beach. The OB put me on a no-exercise restriction at least until my next ultrasound. Normally this would be fantastic news and I would have thanked my doctor for giving me a reason to be lazy but I've actually like going to the gym the last year or so. Anyway, we also hung out at the beach, got lunch, and walked around the town. We didn't have the prettiest day, the sun was in and out of the clouds and we got rained on for just a sec.

Best picture of the day

Dear Friends,

I miss you. I want to go to lunch and drink Diet Coke and get dessert. I don't care how Utah this sounds or how it's totally something you would read on Seriously So Blessed. It's just how I feel.

I haven't been 'homesick' until this week. I think I already mentioned that Seth is on night float and we only see him for a short couple hours in the afternoon each day and I think this is contributing to my homesickness. I'm not even really homesick, because I actually feel at home here. I guess I'm just friends and family sick.

I was talking to my mom earlier and was telling her how tired I was because T.T. got up waaaaay early today. She said she wished she could come over and watch him so I could take a nap. I wish you could have come over too Mom.

Did you know that since I've lived in Utah nearly my entire life I haven't had to make brand new friends since first grade. I mean, I've moved for college and stuff and have made new friends along the way, but I still was at least in lunching (I'm lame) distance with my old friends.

People are super nice here and I know people now and all, but I still miss my friend-friends. You know?

Good news is Seth's parents are coming to visit next weekend. We even bought an air-mattress just for the occassion. :)




For the record I really like it here. I just wish that all you could live here too.

Seth and Heidi Sitting in a Tree

I'm blogging from a dinosaur of a computer tonight because our power cord to our newer laptop is toast thanks to a little man named, Taft Taylor Herway. A new cord should arrive in 7-10 business days. I tried to watch one of my shows online (we have no tv) and this computer is too old to support the science behind video streaming. I was getting annoyed, then I realized the important significance of this ancient computer. If it weren't for this computer, Seth and I might have not had the B.S.E. (best summer ever) also known as the summer we decided we wanted to date eachother forever.

It was summer 2006 in Provo. I was living in Blue Condo West and Seth was living in a house with a buncha dudes a block away. It was one afternoon when we decided to watch The Notebook on this very laptop. By the way, Seth really loves this movie. When the movie was over, Seth pulled out a calendar and started planning our summer full of exciting trips and adventures. We started the summer off right by going to Seattle for Seth's BFFs wedding over Memorial Day. We did the Wasatch Back Relay together. We went to St. George for the Utah Summer Games and Seth did a triathalon there.We went to San Diego with Seth's family. We went to San Francisco for Seth's Ironman race (where we first discussed the wonderful idea of getting married). We had a lot of fun dates in between the trips too. Seth and I both agree that taking those vacations together were pivotal in our relationship. Around the time of the Seattle trip I was unfortunately still in communication with an old flame. During one conversation he asked, "How come you do so many fun things with this guy?" And I'm pretty sure I said something like, "Duh. Because he's awesome and he plans fun things." Seth still is awesome and still plans fun things. I think our life would be really boring if I were in charge of the fun department. Fortunately for me, Seth comes from a long line of do-ers and see-ers, so we also do and see stuff. In about a month we're heading to Seattle and Vancouver for a week. I'm really excited.

Anyway, sorry for the trip down memory lane. This computer, old and slow as it is, obviously has some sentimental and nostalgic value so I guess I won't throw it out the window.

Boys

The other night some people invited us over for dinner. One girl who was there is expecting a baby boy next month. She already has a girl who is 2 1/2. After Taft ran past her with Frankenstein arms and screaming "Raaaaa" she said, "It's funny how from the get-go some kids are all boy or girl." She went on to say how she thinks she's in for a big surprise having a boy. She said how her daughter is always quiet, rarely makes messes, doesn't hit, and is just really dainty and girly. I don't know if Taft is really a manly-man yet, but he sure isn't very dainty and certainly likes to make messes. In fact, I think the thing he is best at is making messes. Ten minutes before we were supposed to leave for church today he found the flour and next thing you know, it looks like a snowy Christmas morning in our kitchen. Taft thinks it's super funny to throw his food when he is done eating and thinks it's even funnier when we tell him no and he keeps on doing it. Seth and I have discussed the need for disciplining, but neither of us can do it very well with those big darling brown eyes and goofy laugh that he has. Taft used to have a favorite game called "1,732 card pick up". Until I wised up after the 85th time of playing this game and moved the cards, Taft used to take every single deck of playing cards, Uno cards, Phase 10 cards, and Skip Bo cards out of the drawer and spread them around the apartment. Throughout the day, his sweaty little feet would end up picking a few up as he walked over them.

This wasn't his fault, but the other day I was getting Taft ready for a bath. I had him stripped down while the bath was filling up. Once it was filled up, I picked him up to put him in and THERE WAS POOP on the floor! I am not kidding, my first reaction was "How did a dog get in here?!" Then I realized it wasn't from a dog, but from my child. So gross. Then I was even more grossed out when I remembered that I was the mom and it was my job to clean it up. (Seth was gone otherwise I probably would have talked  him into cleaning it up.)

Up until recently we've mostly given Taft finger-foods. I've decided it's time he start learning to eat like a civilized human being by using a fork or spoon, but he does not seem interested in the slightest.

And lastly, Taft has learned to fart on demand. He once tooted while I was changing his diaper and I accidentally laughed. He now tries very hard to let one rip each and every time we change his diaper.

Even though I think boys are naturally messier and crazier and a little more disgusting kids than girls, I am so happy to be adding another little boy to our family. I better start getting interested in boy things too. Like sports and bugs and guts and stuff.

For you, Sailor Pete

Trip to Utah

First Hires Big H Rootbeer

Playing "This is what my sister would look like"

Swimming at Lanx's apartment pool

Days of '47 Parade

Train at the Heber Bluth's

The Zoo

The Zoo with Cousin Nate

Abunski Bunny Bunchunski and I had a fun time in Utah. We did lots of fun stuff and got to see lots of friends and family, but still not everyone we wanted to see. Time flew even though we were there two weeks. We missed Seth lots though and are happy to be home. Thanks to my mom and dad who treated me to many meals and movies and to also to my sisters to helped out with Buhski lots. 

Definitely Outnumbered

Another person to watch football with Seth so I don't have to...We're having another boy! The ultrasound was able to show us a 3D picture of his cute little face and man alive, he is so adorable. I was completely shocked to hear "it's a boy" but we got a clear picture of the evidence. I really thought I was having a girl! We are so excited for Taft to have a little buddy. My due date is later than we thought, so instead of a Christmas baby we will be having a New Year's baby. So far, baby looks healthy and growing well!

What's Been Up

Taft and I have been in Utah for a couple of weeks. I know, I just moved like a month ago but listen to me for a sec. Taft is the first and only grandchild on my side and he's kind of a big deal. That's exactly what I told two ladies on the plane who asked if I lived in Salt Lake or Spokane. The whole time we've been here my mom has mentioned to people, "...well my grandson is in town..." or "...I can't make it because I'm spending time with my grandson". Um, what about your grandson's mother?! You know, your oldest and favorite daughter? She's here too. Just kidding Mom. But seriously, he is a really big deal around these parts.

We head home in a couple of days and both of us are really excited to see Seth. He's been working long, long hours while we've been gone. He'll still have to work long, long hours these next few weeks, but at least we'll get to see  him a couple hours a day.

Poor Taft has had an ear infection since yesterday and the poor little boy feels like he is on fire half the time. Just the other day I told Seth, "I can't believe Taft hasn't had an ear infection yet." Then I said, "Knock on wood" and I knocked on some wood. It didn't work.

We also find out if this peanut in my belly is a boy or a girl on Thursday. Everybody on my side of the family thinks girl except for Taylor. Who, by the way, was just offered a full-ride scholarship to play soccer at the junior college in Arizona. Woot, woot!

I know people (i.e. grandparents and other family members) primarily check this blog to see pictures of the Taftman so sorry to disappoint. Once I'm back home I'll have pictures to share.

Peace out.