Today my roommate Elise was drawing a flower and it made me think of how in my childhood I knew a man who was an artist and he drew all of his pictures based entirely around music components (ie he would draw a rose bud by first turning a treble clef upside down and loosening its ends to creat the swirl and leaves of the rose.) Anyway, really ingenious guy. He was married to my second grade teacher, which made me realize how humble and quaint a lifestyle they live, which reminded me oh so dearly of said teacher, Mrs. Lola (ann?) Snively.
(For the record, she actually popped randomly into my head twice today. I knew a spotlight was imminent)
I can sincerely trace my love for all things eccentric, all humor quirky, all brain exercises effective, all songs unknown, and all love unfeigned back to Mrs. Snively.
Every morning she would sing a song with us. Lollipop Tree, 12 Days of Christmas, America the Beautiful, you name it. She knew it.
She used to spank us on our birthdays! hahah! And in such odd ways, it was so funny.
She is the master of odd voices and character impersonations. And I know it wasn't just my little child mind that was entertained by anything; she really was good.
She had themed days (Sandwich, watermelon, Christmas Around the World, etc) which were all AWESOME!
One day "Amelia Bedelia" came to our class (it was really her dressed up) (We didn't know that) (Or at least pretended not to) and she was pulling some Amelia Bededlia joke about stars and she put her hands on my shoulders and said, "This one looks like a star!" It honored me so greatly. She didn't need to be Amelia to do that, though.
She forced me to overcome a very daunting fear of times tables and learn all my multiplication facts.
Speaking of learning, she had the most creative ways to foster such an activity. One such way was gum books: do the problems within, get a piece of gum!
Can creativity be learned? I don't know, but it can definitely be taught, and she did so for me.
When I think of Mrs. Snively, I think of this crazy, wide-eyed, lady with big classes and bouncy, curly, brown hair waving on top of her head with knobby fingers pointing and dancing in my face, plaid, pleated skirts trailing behind as she hopped from one end of the classroom to the other, telling fantastic tales of umbrellas on buses and teddy bears with friends. I think of kind-hearted sincerity and light-hearted humor, good and wholesome dedication to others and other dedication to all things good and wholesome. I think of fun and life and laughter; wisdom and truth and comfort. And I think of the classmates with me who were graced by her influence and touched by her very obvious care and love, each one of them somewhere in the world, that much better off for the lady who taught us to
stand in straight lines
respect our elders
laugh every moment
do our own work
learn to think better
be quiet in quiet times
be loud when we could
care for each other
make everything fun
read good stories
and love life,
even
Mrs. Snively.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Most Inspiring
The Becars are one of those families from 11th ward that I am destined to be tied to forever because we knew each other since nursery. My favorite Becar (though they are all stellar) is Amy Becar! She has one of the most distinct souls in the world, and is happy about it.
A- Authentic. One of Amy's greatest qualities is she will never ever wear a facade and what you see is what you get and 100% of the time you will like it simply becuase it is so REAL.
M- Musically on top of the world. Amy was the ward organist and played all the time for stake events (can you say daunting!?) with perfection. She also played at least 3 of the 5 days in seminary. I think she even played the flute?
Y- Young at heart. If you want to see submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Father seeth fit to inflict upon her, see Amy Becar. Besides all that childlikeness, she is always ready for fun.
B-Brilliant! Seriously, talk about intelligence. Amy's got it.
E- Eccentric. This spotlight wouldn't be complete without it. I don't think I've ever met anyone quite like Amy, including her sense of humor, which is admittedly quite odd, but it is one of those shining components that makes Amy so loveable and Amyish! One time we were talking about having to go to the bathroom on top of Pikes Peak and she mentioned the threat of bystanding marmots? hahahah it was so funny.
C- Christlike. Amy is one of the most humble people I know. She is always subservient and kind, willing to do things for others, and happy to help with a smile. No assignment will go unaccomplished when given to Amy.
A-AWE-INSPIRING. Amy joined the cross country team my junior year and though I was nothing but excited, in the back of my mind I hoped that she would make it ok. Make it ok? Psssh! Amy rocked EVERY practice and EVERY meet, always finishing strong and giving it her all. She completed a half marathon and inspired me to do so (which changed my life, thank you, Amy!) She became something of a mascot for our team because she inspired all of us to just keep going and working hard and giving our best to the very end. She still runs like a maniac and I am inspired to do better every time I think of her.
R-Righteous. In two senses. Yes, she is a faithful member of the church with a strong testimony and firm belief and understanding of the Savior and her relationship with him. And yes, she is laid back and chill like the turtles on Finding Nemo- "Righteous!"
Nothing could be better! Amy's enduring nature nurtures endearing affection I have for her becuase she is one of a kind. If you don't know Amy, go out of your way to do so. She will teach you the most important lessons about giving nothing less than your very best and doing so with a smile and some quirky joke on the side.
A- Authentic. One of Amy's greatest qualities is she will never ever wear a facade and what you see is what you get and 100% of the time you will like it simply becuase it is so REAL.
M- Musically on top of the world. Amy was the ward organist and played all the time for stake events (can you say daunting!?) with perfection. She also played at least 3 of the 5 days in seminary. I think she even played the flute?
Y- Young at heart. If you want to see submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Father seeth fit to inflict upon her, see Amy Becar. Besides all that childlikeness, she is always ready for fun.
B-Brilliant! Seriously, talk about intelligence. Amy's got it.
E- Eccentric. This spotlight wouldn't be complete without it. I don't think I've ever met anyone quite like Amy, including her sense of humor, which is admittedly quite odd, but it is one of those shining components that makes Amy so loveable and Amyish! One time we were talking about having to go to the bathroom on top of Pikes Peak and she mentioned the threat of bystanding marmots? hahahah it was so funny.
C- Christlike. Amy is one of the most humble people I know. She is always subservient and kind, willing to do things for others, and happy to help with a smile. No assignment will go unaccomplished when given to Amy.
A-AWE-INSPIRING. Amy joined the cross country team my junior year and though I was nothing but excited, in the back of my mind I hoped that she would make it ok. Make it ok? Psssh! Amy rocked EVERY practice and EVERY meet, always finishing strong and giving it her all. She completed a half marathon and inspired me to do so (which changed my life, thank you, Amy!) She became something of a mascot for our team because she inspired all of us to just keep going and working hard and giving our best to the very end. She still runs like a maniac and I am inspired to do better every time I think of her.
R-Righteous. In two senses. Yes, she is a faithful member of the church with a strong testimony and firm belief and understanding of the Savior and her relationship with him. And yes, she is laid back and chill like the turtles on Finding Nemo- "Righteous!"
Nothing could be better! Amy's enduring nature nurtures endearing affection I have for her becuase she is one of a kind. If you don't know Amy, go out of your way to do so. She will teach you the most important lessons about giving nothing less than your very best and doing so with a smile and some quirky joke on the side.
Friday, January 14, 2011
It Is Time.
There is a handful of people I am always hesitant to spotlight because a blog post (or little else, for that matter) will ever do them justice. But now I must. Love and admiration has overcome me too much for this person for her to not get some sort of spotlight somewhere becuase she is just so so dear. I'm not holding back, so get over the longness. She deserves it all.
Elise McAllister.
The Basics:
Silky orange hair. Don't forget the natural blond streak in the back.
Pristine skin. Only pimple she's ever gotten was the one she HAD to get becuase all the rest of us had a pimple in the same place and we are too bonded for her to not get one too.
Squinty eyes. Quality eye make-up.
Big smile.
Loud laughter.
Distinct walk.
Things you can find out in a normal conversation:
She loves birds!
She makes practical decisions. You know how I love practical people.
She is wise.
Financially organized.
Family and Consumer Science Major (and though hesitant, proud of it!)
Texas Pride. She wears her texas shirts as religiously as i wear my pikes peak shirts.
Movie Quoter
Loves her family. Oldest of 6 girls, age range of 20 years.
Sensible.
Writing a missionary in Brazil who she dated in high school, but she mostly just has pure appreciation for him.
Dating an Alaskan who is kind and funny. She really likes him.
Things you can find out if you live with her:
She hacks into the sink often.
She loves oatmeal.
Professional maker of FCBs.
Messy and dirty but good at cleaning and working.
Good at making sure everyone does their chores by making charts
Loves bras. When they aren't on her.
Loves Japanese food.
Loves her family.
Good shopper. Lise will be a good mom becuase she shinkes clearance and coupons.
She hahaha doesn't mind being blunt about people's souls. or to their souls. It got us out of many rough situations more than once.
She is a scheduler and a cleaner and an organizer and good at it all.
Things I will now reveal to you that you only find out if you sleep in the bed next to her:
She has a good relationship with her mom.
She works to have an even better relationship with her dad.
Loves her family. Like really. People talk about their families. People love their families. But Lise really does and hers is so dynamic, but from the different Rachel to the young Emily to the still growing Brooklyn to the ditzy Nicole to the talkative Lauren, she tends to each of them lovingly and has nothing but their welfare at the core of her heart. She is the perfect older sister, often reminding me of my own oldest sister who i love so much for the qualities she exhibited that Elis also has.
Sees right through people. hahah I love that about Elise.
Has struggled. and come out the conquereror becuase she is stronger than trials.
Is tricky. hahah. so sly, the little credit-carding,feisting, shinking lil booger.
Pays debts.
Forgives debtors.
Loves sugar and eats it often.
Cares about me. Elise is the first to congratulate me on my successes and always always always listens to my never ending, mostly nonsensical babbling.
Also, she is very good at entertaining my pointless and random questions.
PATIENT! no doubt about it.
Elise has a BOYFRIEND, the coveted, always wanted prize of every girl at BYU, the prize that once a girl gets it, her roommates are so happy for her they are ok with her going off and galavanting with him all the time and that's how it goes and everyone is ok with that, but Elise is so pure, she feels bad for leaving us behind when she goes with her boyfriend! Seriously, that'show pure her show of friendship is.
Up for adventures, and if she's not, she will say she is and then bring laughter the whole way
Doesn't let go of old friendships. I like that about Lise. a lot of people are inclined to just let go of the people they grew up with, but not Lise. She stays in contact with those people, which is cool.
Can't help making fun of people (which is a good pairing for me haha)
Gets frustrated when she can't serve as fully as she would like.
Has a good relationship with Christ.
Cracks every bone in her body every morning and night and lots of times in between.
Sleep talks.
Likes Wendy's. But doesn't mind spending extra to really get some good food.
A good updater of facebook.
Runs! lise runs! She wants to be better, and so she tries hard and I love that.
hahah more than once I have come home to her butt in the air while she is doing yoga in our room. haha.
Feels fat in sweats.
Tells good stories about her childhood. haha.
Has a playlist of probably the same 38 songs which will forever trigger memories of her.
Watches House, Glee, and 24 while folding laundry.
More than I ever expected to be. Lise is a bookcase, and that's why I like her. I am ALWAYS finding little trinkets on her hidden shelves I would have never guessed were there but am always pleasantly surprised to find.
Back to the basic:
I LOVE ELISE MCALLISTER!
Elise McAllister.
The Basics:
Silky orange hair. Don't forget the natural blond streak in the back.
Pristine skin. Only pimple she's ever gotten was the one she HAD to get becuase all the rest of us had a pimple in the same place and we are too bonded for her to not get one too.
Squinty eyes. Quality eye make-up.
Big smile.
Loud laughter.
Distinct walk.
Things you can find out in a normal conversation:
She loves birds!
She makes practical decisions. You know how I love practical people.
She is wise.
Financially organized.
Family and Consumer Science Major (and though hesitant, proud of it!)
Texas Pride. She wears her texas shirts as religiously as i wear my pikes peak shirts.
Movie Quoter
Loves her family. Oldest of 6 girls, age range of 20 years.
Sensible.
Writing a missionary in Brazil who she dated in high school, but she mostly just has pure appreciation for him.
Dating an Alaskan who is kind and funny. She really likes him.
Things you can find out if you live with her:
She hacks into the sink often.
She loves oatmeal.
Professional maker of FCBs.
Messy and dirty but good at cleaning and working.
Good at making sure everyone does their chores by making charts
Loves bras. When they aren't on her.
Loves Japanese food.
Loves her family.
Good shopper. Lise will be a good mom becuase she shinkes clearance and coupons.
She hahaha doesn't mind being blunt about people's souls. or to their souls. It got us out of many rough situations more than once.
She is a scheduler and a cleaner and an organizer and good at it all.
Things I will now reveal to you that you only find out if you sleep in the bed next to her:
She has a good relationship with her mom.
She works to have an even better relationship with her dad.
Loves her family. Like really. People talk about their families. People love their families. But Lise really does and hers is so dynamic, but from the different Rachel to the young Emily to the still growing Brooklyn to the ditzy Nicole to the talkative Lauren, she tends to each of them lovingly and has nothing but their welfare at the core of her heart. She is the perfect older sister, often reminding me of my own oldest sister who i love so much for the qualities she exhibited that Elis also has.
Sees right through people. hahah I love that about Elise.
Has struggled. and come out the conquereror becuase she is stronger than trials.
Is tricky. hahah. so sly, the little credit-carding,feisting, shinking lil booger.
Pays debts.
Forgives debtors.
Loves sugar and eats it often.
Cares about me. Elise is the first to congratulate me on my successes and always always always listens to my never ending, mostly nonsensical babbling.
Also, she is very good at entertaining my pointless and random questions.
PATIENT! no doubt about it.
Elise has a BOYFRIEND, the coveted, always wanted prize of every girl at BYU, the prize that once a girl gets it, her roommates are so happy for her they are ok with her going off and galavanting with him all the time and that's how it goes and everyone is ok with that, but Elise is so pure, she feels bad for leaving us behind when she goes with her boyfriend! Seriously, that'show pure her show of friendship is.
Up for adventures, and if she's not, she will say she is and then bring laughter the whole way
Doesn't let go of old friendships. I like that about Lise. a lot of people are inclined to just let go of the people they grew up with, but not Lise. She stays in contact with those people, which is cool.
Can't help making fun of people (which is a good pairing for me haha)
Gets frustrated when she can't serve as fully as she would like.
Has a good relationship with Christ.
Cracks every bone in her body every morning and night and lots of times in between.
Sleep talks.
Likes Wendy's. But doesn't mind spending extra to really get some good food.
A good updater of facebook.
Runs! lise runs! She wants to be better, and so she tries hard and I love that.
hahah more than once I have come home to her butt in the air while she is doing yoga in our room. haha.
Feels fat in sweats.
Tells good stories about her childhood. haha.
Has a playlist of probably the same 38 songs which will forever trigger memories of her.
Watches House, Glee, and 24 while folding laundry.
More than I ever expected to be. Lise is a bookcase, and that's why I like her. I am ALWAYS finding little trinkets on her hidden shelves I would have never guessed were there but am always pleasantly surprised to find.
Back to the basic:
I LOVE ELISE MCALLISTER!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Mr. Mac!
Pikes Peak Ascent
Running everywhere
Homemade candy canes
Faith
Family values
Brilliance
Button-up shirts
Friendly eyes
Precious wife
Honey bees/wine
Extreme runner
Friendly
Supportive
Tie-Dye
Tolerant of rough authority
Respectful to deserving authority
Patience with slow learners
Flexibility for fast learners
Adventurous
Kind
Hilarious
Realistic/Practical
Stellar teacher
Skinny
Prepared
Understands meaning of respect; gives it and expects it
Fulfilled
Courageous
Good story teller
Marathoner
Ultra Marathoner
Easy going
Cherisher of fondness
Joyous
Ebullient
I must say there are only 2 reasons I really would go back to Doherty after having left: Mr. Gigliotti and Mr. Mac.
I must say there are 2 reasons I am a crazy runner the way I am: Coach Schwartz and Mr. Mac
I must say there are (mostly only) 2 reasons why I am happy to be friends with whoever comes along: Sarah Griggs and Mr. Mac
I must say there is only one reason why I love chemistry and hate all other science, want to keep running the Ascent forever, have confidence that I can be better than I think, and am willing to do something crazy and shake it off if it goes wrong, and that one reason is
MR. MAC!
Running everywhere
Homemade candy canes
Faith
Family values
Brilliance
Button-up shirts
Friendly eyes
Precious wife
Honey bees/wine
Extreme runner
Friendly
Supportive
Tie-Dye
Tolerant of rough authority
Respectful to deserving authority
Patience with slow learners
Flexibility for fast learners
Adventurous
Kind
Hilarious
Realistic/Practical
Stellar teacher
Skinny
Prepared
Understands meaning of respect; gives it and expects it
Fulfilled
Courageous
Good story teller
Marathoner
Ultra Marathoner
Easy going
Cherisher of fondness
Joyous
Ebullient
I must say there are only 2 reasons I really would go back to Doherty after having left: Mr. Gigliotti and Mr. Mac.
I must say there are 2 reasons I am a crazy runner the way I am: Coach Schwartz and Mr. Mac
I must say there are (mostly only) 2 reasons why I am happy to be friends with whoever comes along: Sarah Griggs and Mr. Mac
I must say there is only one reason why I love chemistry and hate all other science, want to keep running the Ascent forever, have confidence that I can be better than I think, and am willing to do something crazy and shake it off if it goes wrong, and that one reason is
MR. MAC!
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