It's Too Darn HOT!!!

This has been the hottest August in Arizona history. Aren't I glad I'm here to witness this milestone? If you answered yes, you're suffering from more heat stroke than I am. The first full week of classes saw highs of 114, 116, 115, 117, 116. Just melt me already!

Last First Day of School

Yesterday was the last time I will be a student attending classes on the first day of school! Hard to believe! When I was little, my mom would take our picture on the first day of school with a sign that said the year and the grade we were entering into. I figured I'd finish the way I began. Grade 23--pretty ridiculous but that's what I'm technically in this year. Also, I always wear something new on the first day of class (feels good to start the new school year off in something fresh and pretty), so do you like my new dress?

On my first day of college, 1o years ago, I sat on the steps of the business building at Poly waiting for my first class (Speech 101). I was excited, nervous, and an hour early. I talked to Aunt Mer on the phone right before I went in. She gave me a pep talk and sent me into my first class feeling more excited than scared. I called Auntie yesterday on my way to my last first class, and when I told her about it, I felt like crying. Funny, isn't it? I didn't expect this to mean so much to me. I've been a student my whole life, and finishing up classes is bittersweet. I'll be teaching, of course, but there is something remarkable about a new school year as a student--so much opportunity for growth and change. Unlike many people, I've always looked forward to going back to school in the fall, sitting in different classrooms, discovering new ideas.

I just wanted to say thank you to the family for the support you've given me as I've pursued so many degrees. It has been your support, your intelligence, your love, and your belief in education that created in me a love of learning. I most certainly wouldn't be here without you.

Happy Back to School!

See any resemblance?

Brooke has said she thinks Zura looks like me. I kind agree. What do you think?

Also, I forget that my hair hasn't always been that curly...

I Have a Visitor!

My mom made it safe and sound to the desert! Yay! Her flight was a bit delayed, but not severely. We've welcomed her with what else? HEAT! And lots of it. The car said 114 this afternoon, and it is usually pretty close. Tomorrow is supposed to be even hotter. Lucky her, right?! Well, I have to live here so I guess I'm the lucky one ;) Actually, I am pretty acclimated to it, but I will say that over 110 a resident can tell the difference. It's not pleasant to be in triple digits, but 110 and over is HOT.

Today, I had to work at both CGCC and ASU, so Mom had a slow morning and then went shopping when I was teaching. When she picked me up from school, we went to buy my first NEW major appliance: a refrigerator. The one that came with the condo has been leaking internally. The drawers have been filling with water for a month. I've tried a bunch of things, but it is on its last leg. So say goodbye to the fridge. Sears is delivering a new one Friday. I'll post pics of it when it arrives.

Tomorrow, we're going to go see Harry Potter! We're both excited as no one else wanted to go with either of us! I still have to work, which is a major bummer, but I have to pay for my share of the fridge still so I'm glad to have money coming in!

So nice to have Mom here. She made me Fritos and beans for dinner--one of my favorites! Maybe if I keep her in the AC she won't recognize how beastly hot it is here. Wish me luck!