day twenty three; beauty

You don't realize how beautiful the trees are, or how many different shades of green there are until you sat under an overhang for a couple hours...

Sitting, staring and sycning my breathing to hers, I held Taylor in my arms as she slept. You may think that this is just another nap, but to me

this is a learning experience. I find it interesting that the lesson in Relief Society was that we must have patience...and here I sat four two hours holding a

child in my arms with nothing to look forward to but the next breath. I think something clicked today. I'm not here for money, for the city, for bragging rights...

I'm here to help mold the outcome of these precious children. Granted I understand I'm but a small influence, but in the end both parties got to learn something.

Whether the children learn to wash their hands after eating, or to say please and thank you I know that I accomplished something that most people my age don't have

a chance to experience.

I'm here for just that. An EXPERIENCE. It's absolutely beautiful how much I can care for these children that I've been with for a mere three weeks now.

You can see how Heavenly Father blesses us when you follow your calling. I'm a woman. I'm on this Earth to help nourish the human race. I'm here to

give care and to love anything with a heart beat. I find it so grand that I have this divine purpose. I find it so interesting that just holding this child in my arms

caused me to have this purest of pure relieved feeling. I didn't have to worry if she was going to eat a coin, fall in the pool with a bucket on her head, or have a

melt down because she didn't want her swim diaper. It was just sleep. Just sleeping and breathing and twitching and dreaming.

Absolutely nothing seemed more important than just holding her there in my arms, keeping her warm and keeping still.

Moments like that just make me want to cry from the joy. So many things around me have the Spirit influencing them and I over look them everyday. It's so hard to

just be in tune with something as wonderful as the Spirit. (Well for us non-perfect-prophet types.)

Oh how beautiful this world is. Where ever you are, see the beauty in all things. It's so easy to see the dullness and mondanity of our surroundings, but so easy to

over look the wonderfullness and beauty.

Just a thought, children.

Yesterday was grand, absolutely grand. All I can say is Mini Golf, McDonalds, and Joy.

day twenty two, princess crowns and brownies..

Ahh. Yet another rainy day in Manhasset. It's like...I love the rain. I love the smell, the way it feels, how relaxed it makes me...then there is the children who despise it and want it to go away. I feel terrible, because you can't take kids outside to play when it's rainy! That's not fun! (Well to them.)

So after we got our lunch made (mini hot dogs and fries...) we went to the movies. Megan and Caroline came with me and Taylor stayed home with Teresa. We saw Cats & Dogs; Revenge of Kitty Galore...

OH YEAH. IT WAS THAT GOOD. (cough.)

I do think that I laughed at the movie way more than the girls did though...there was this pigeon that was like black, and everything he said was hilarious! I'm pretty sure I wouldn't ever pay for it again, but I could quote it...if I could remember it. Haha!

After that we went to Raindew and got some fun little toys. Megan got some binoculars, Caroline got a recorder and a buzzer for your hand, and Taylor (who wasn't there) got a crown and magic wand! Woo! We played with those when we got home, followed by making MORE brownies. I swear this week as only been brownies and chicken for breakfast lunch and dinner. But I ain't complainin! My favorite meals are chicken or chocolate...why not both, eh?!

Well, tonight I went to Sports night. I was in charge of a lesson on Journaling! HOW EXCITING! I talked about photo albums, writing a traditional journal, and how your check books cause be like a journal. (thanks to TERESA!) After that I bore my testimony about how wonderful it is to write a journal in the first place, and it was just a really good lesson to be apart of. I love that I write this blog tons, but I do need to touch up on my actual journal...ah. It sure is hard trying to be a good person!

So at volleyball tonight, apparently I've decided that kicking the ball is much more efficient than just using my hands like a normal person. I can't understand why I kick it it's just like a defense reflex I guess. The people that take it seriously don't like it, but whatever! I have fun doing it the way I do! Well, I obviously use my hands too but kicking is just more fun. Haha!

I can't wait until I have been here longer than 3 weeks and I can like start hanging out with tons of different people and making new friends. I really just want a boy to text. I don't care who you are or what you do, just freaking be my friend! It's tough living here without any testosterone around! There are like 5 boys that go to my church and 400 girls. Haha! That's an exaggeration but SERIOUSLY.

Well it is most definitely bed time.

Have a good night friends.

day twenty one, rain rain go away...oh jk you can stay.

Yesterday was very BLAH. This weather makes it hard to play energetic games outside cause it's so wet and cold! (It actually feels great to me, it's like spring in Utah) but it's freezing to the kids haha! We played outside for like ten minutes then went back in and played "Camping!" Hahaha! They have this huge Dora the Explorer tent that we pop up in the basement and they have one girl be the bear, the mom, and the baby. Haha I'm going to sneak up on them one day and be the BIG MAMA BEAR! Haha, next time....

Anyway, Tuesday was pretty uneventful. After hanging with the kids all day I decided to go to sleep. I was way to tired to go out and play. Jamie text me about going to the beach just to go and she didn't reply. But that's good cause I needed a night of relaxation and sleeping! It twas wonderful I tell you!

Anywho. I'll post again tonight about SPORTS NIGHT! I have to help with a journaling lesson tonight so hopefully I don't completely bomb it...oy.

day twenty, eye twitching exhaustion!

So the title says it all. I'm exhausted. I need to learn to get to bed on time...

Yesterday was rainy. It was so hard to keep the kids entertained when we couldn't really go outside and play...I took them to the library and they took all this time to pick out books, then we got to the front and the card was expired. Haha that was frustrating because they were all mad they couldn't get their books. Then after that I decided to take them to Gino's (a pizza place in town) and I got them pizza and some Italian ices, then walked back out to the car and there was this hilarious note on my GMC SUV. It said "Learn how to park your f-ing truck." haha except obviously it said the swear word...it was just another strawberry on my cake of frustration!

Well then we went home and we were all having a hard time agreeing on anything so some fits were happening. It was frustrating but yesterday was hard, and today is a new day. I just need to think positive. Lately I've just been so home sick that it's been draining me. I need to just go to bed early tonight and get my work done correctly. I feel like a slacker!

Anyway. I'll post again tonight or tomorrow.

day seventeen, eighteen and nineteen!!!

AH! Time as gone by so quickly these past few days that updating my blog has be absolutely impossible! Haha! It's been so fun though! I hope you'll all ready for a super long blog post...

Okay so Friday. (day seventeen.) --ADVENTURELAND

--Friday was SO chill. It was good weather, so I took the girls to the pool. The moment I got there they ran off and I was with Taylor for a bit. But she was abnormally tired that day so I took her home and she napped for like four or five hours! It was nice, because Teresa was home so I got to go back to the pool and relax while Megan, Caroline and Grace played at the pool. I fell asleep on the chair and got a little bit tan. After that I got off "work" and I went home, showered, and went and picked up Brooke from her house. We went and go out eyebrows waxed at this place called "Babi" hahaha it was fun...I also got my lip waxed because apparently I'm a man and have a mustache. So she waxed that and you can tell where she ripped off some skin from my lip. It kills! I hate having such a ugly face. Haha! Well after that we went and picked up Jarrahlee from her house, and we were off to ADVENTURELAND! OH YEAH! I bet you're jealous! It had the funnest rides ever and was way cheap! It had swings, a small rollercoaster, this cool ride called "The Frisbee" that like spun you all crazy and a small little Eiffel Tower! Anyways, that was a fun night. We got Slurpees afterwards! Well, if you know me you know I hate slurpees. So I got a coke instead. Haha!

Day Eighteen -- The CITY!

OH BABY. Let's just say that it was really hard getting up on saturday after being out all friday night. I woke up around 9 and left my house with Jamie and Kimberly around 930. We barely made our train, then got into the city around 1030ish! It was nice! We met Brooke there and we waited about an hour for some more girls to come. We left Penn Station, (after getting some starbucks coffee-free drinks) and we went into Old Navy! I got some black flip-flops. Haha. We then walked to the Empire State Building and saw that, but didn't go in. We agreed to meet Brooke's Au Pair friends there from her company, and two of them were slightly annoying. You know. Super skinny, foreign, and annoyed with us. Haha! Oh well! But after that we headed to Times Square and took tons of pictures, then went to the M&M factory, then went to Olive Garden. But you wont believe this...we were at a souvenir shop and this tall, scary black woman said "You like bags? Coach? Gucci?" I was like "Uhm I dont know..." and she was like "Follow me. Follow me. Quickly." I was so scared that I just followed her, and I forced Kim to come with me because I didn't want to get murdered by this crazy woman! I went to like this car and this old black woman wobbled out of no where and threw all these bags on the ground and asked which one we wanted. I told her I wanted this cute black Coach bag. She said "Sixty dollars." and I was like "I can only afford 30..." and she said "40" and I gave her forty dollars for this Coach bag that was either A) Stolen or B) Made in someones basement! Ah! it was so scary!

Anyway, we went to the McDonalds in Times Square to use the restroom because we all had to pee like crazy. The line was so long and we were talking, then this woman infront of us just started talking to us so I asked her name and she said "Anna." and we did our introductions and where we are from and then she suddenly asked "Are you girls Mormon?" and we said "Yes!" and she was LDS TOO! We all hugged immediately and the way we talked felt like we knew eachother for years! It was so nice! People from the church seriously are the best on the planet...soooo fun! after that we ate our food and we headed to the subway! That's right! I rode the subway! It was so hot and humid down there, but the train actually had some A/C so that was nice! We took it all the way to where the Ferry goes so we could see the Statue of Liberty, but we got there and the last ferry was about to leave so we missed it :( Next time I want to go to the actual island and not just take pictures from far away ...

After that we went to Central Park. It was beautiful! We took a bike tour, and these black men rode their bikes around with us on the back of it! We were in so many spots were movies and stuff were filmed, and Mario (the R&B singer) was performing at the stage in the park, so we got to see tons of his fans there as we biked through...we saw the fountain that friends was filmed at, where the pigeon lady stood in Home Alone, we saw "Strawberry Fields" and where John Lennon was killed in his apartment building. People apparently pay so much to live there, and Madonna was rejected twice to live there because the woman who owns it doesn't like paparazzi hahaha. Anywho after that we hailed our first TAXI! We got in and he took us to Times Square (which is literally a couple blocks away from where we were, but we just wanted to do it...) and it was so fun! It cost like 6 bucks totally to drive 4 girls! It was way better than walking! We got to Times Square at night and it was absolutely beautiful. I bought an I Heart NY hoodie and shorts. :) We headed home afterwards on the train, and after that Brooke and I tried a new diner and got some dinner at around midnight. :) soo much fun!

Day Nineteen -- Sabbath day craziness...

Well today was really great, and terrifying. Haha. We had church like normal, and that was great. We just went through the day, whatever. We were all going to watch movies at Brookes house, so we headed over and hung around for a bit. Then the power went out! Ah! So we couldn't do that. So we went out to iHop and it was raining pretty bad by that point. We just ate our food and carried on. We met a crazy server and it was awesome haha her name was Bridgette. Anywho we drove home and the rain was like buckets of water being splashed on my car. It was so hard to see and roads started to flood. We saw cars literally floating in the flooded roads. Luckily I'm an amazing driver and we made it safely home. But it was probably the craziest weather I have ever driven in! I have driven in a flood before, but it was like I had to navigate our way home and also not kill us. Scary stuff. Luckily I was in the BMW so we could have gotten stuck in class...hahaha

Well, I am so ready for bed. Long weekend, being followed by a long week. Let's pray that I can wake up tomorrow...Goodnight!

P.S. Talking to my best friend on iChat is the best thing ever. I love my BFF Jayson! :) I wish you a great time at school tomorrow...

day sixteen, surprised no tears arised

Today was stressful. One of those days where you're ready to just go home because you're so home sick and so ready to just lay down and bawl your eyes out. I almost did, but I held it in!

Basically it was just rough. The kids and I weren't getting along too well and I lost my temper. I feel terrible about it, but it's already happened so I just need to learn to watch myself better. It was everything wrapped into one. I was frustrated because of the yelling, because I miss home, and because I'm a woman. (if ya know whatimsayin') But it's over! No more because crazy. Haha. It's hard to let the kids know that you are the authority until the parents get home, and it's hard to keep the parents wishes fulfilled when you just feel like the bad guy! It's definitely a stressful job but the pros outweigh the cons so much. It's not even funny. Right now I'm complaining and being a stinker, but two years from now I know that I'll miss it.

Well we went to the pool today. It was really hot! But we weren't there too long, 4 hourish. But I had to leave early because Taylor was sooo tired! After I got off I went over to Brooke's house and we met up with her other Au Pair friends. They are all German and have these cute accents, and Brooke has this cute Australian accent then there is me. And my Utah accent. (Mountain. The T is silent.)

Anyway, we went to Starbucks and I just got a water, and they got like cappuccinos and cute drinks and I just didn't haha! But it was fun talking to them all and seeing what other people do and stuff. They all came to America in an Au Pair company and all met before I was even in the picture. Hopefully this most definitely goes somewhere!

Well. I'm pooped. NIGHT!

day fifteen, lost in jfk and applebees...

Hey all! Sorry for the late post, I was way to tired last night to post anything!

Anyway, yesterday was very productive! I got tons of laundry done, folded it, put it away, cleaned the dishes, cleaned the basement and vacuumed! Felt good to clean! :) And Taylor actually liked me! It's so nice now that she trusts me!

Yesterday all we really did was hang out with Ambre before she left. We went on a walk to the duck pond so I found out another fun place to go with the kids! I really don't like just sitting at the house cause time goes by slow and the kids are bored and so am I! Haha! I want to take them to the library in town because it has a kid section where we can read and play with puzzles...Caroline would like that I think. I feel like she's the Metilda of the family! Haha! I love it! She told me when I was folding clothes "If you find anything that has to do with soccer, thats mine. No one else plays soccer but me in this house..." And went up the stairs hahaha I laughed! She's so nonchalant!

Anyway, we went to the pool for a couple hours and then I had to take Ambre to the JFK airport. IT IS SOO BIG. I have no idea how I even got out of that airport. The AIRPORT as EXITS. Like, you have to exit off a main road and drive a mile till the next one! It's giant! Anyway, we were navigating our way through the airport and I get a call from Teresa. She said "You should find this entertaining. So, you know how Taylor had that bucket on her head?"

"Yeah..."

"You know how she was walking around...?"

"Yeah..."

"She was walking around the pool with a bucket on her head...what happens when you walk around a pool with a bucket on your head?"

"SHE DID NOT!"

"SHE FELL IN THE POOL!"

*laughter*

Best moment in history! Of course I'm sure at the moment Teresa had a heart attack, but afterwards it's so funny! I wish I was there to see it! Or recorded or something...America's funniest home videos much??! Haha! Teresa was like "Our life is better than reality TV..." Haha I agree...I should call fox...

Anyway AGAIN. I got so terribly lost on my way home from the airport that all I could do is laugh. This island has parkways, expressways, routes, roads in the sky, and spaghetti bowls everywhere! I get so confused driving here because you can get somewhere so many different ways that I just don't know what to do! In Utah we have like 3 main roads and it's so easy. Haha!

Well yesterday was sports night at church, so I picked up Brooke and we went to the church. We got to the church and Jamie was there, but she didn't feel to good and was hungry so we left and got some Wendys (I swear wendy's is happening way too much in my life right now haha) and it was good! We ate it, Jamie when home, then I went and played Volleyball. It was fun! Sometimes people take it too seriously though haha! I'm usually really competitive but when I know I suck at a game I won't be...haha

After that Brooke and I got invited to go to Applebees and Brooke was so excited because she has never been to an Applebees! Of course I was like blegh it's not that good...cause I used to work there...but I couldn't deny her American experience haha! So we went and I think I was just tired because I was not very social. Back home I was the funny girl! I'm just not funny here! Everyone is "sophisticated" and I'm just immature hahaha oh well I'll get over that...I guess. Haha!

Tomorrow is Friday, which means I get paid, which also means I'm going to ADVENTURELAND with Brooke and Jamie! AH! Haha! More on that tomorrow...

day fourteen, beach!

Today was so much fun! Taylor wasn't as freaked out by me this morning, and we got a bath in at a descent time too! It was a good morning! Having Ambre here really helped me out, it calmed me down...she helps me so much! She was doing my job right in front ofme and I was like uh...stop it! That's my job! You make me look bad! Haha! She's so cute! (I'm staring at you Ambre as I write this and you just don't know. Hah!)

So Ambre and I took Taylor to the beach today. We left the house around 10ish I guess and got half way there and the gas light came on...haha we had to turn around and like put gas in the car and then drive all the way back to where we were and then some...haha my bad...but we made it there by at like 12. So it was all good. It was like an overcast so the weather was perfect!

Ambre invited her friends to the beach too, so they met us there and it was super chill today. While a couple people were swimming someone would be playing with Taylor and it was nice to know that I had all these cute experienced girls around just helping out and I wasn't concerned at all. I feel like I don't know what I'm doing but then I feel like I've got it on wraps...today was just super chillaxed so I don't even know what I was feeling. Haha!

Anyway...so if you know me you know I haven't been to the beach in like, forever. I swam in this beautiful ocean and the waves were like taller than like my house! (okay not that tall, but pretty close!) And you just dive into them and let the water take you where ever...but you have to pay attention because you don't wanna get sucked into some undertow/current and drown! The ocean is so beautiful but it's so scary when you think you're going to die! Haha! Good times!

Anyway, we started heading home and Ambre decided to grab her camera...and bam. It wasn't in her bag. So she was thinking it fell in the car so it was no big deal, but then she remembered her waller and checked it and allllllllllllllll her money was missing! Someone broke into the car and took her money and camera! Isn't that so mean!? It's my fault because I didn't lock the doors and I just feel like I owe her a new camera and stuff...which I'll probably arrange something once I get some money saved up cause seriously?! I'm an idiot sometimes! :(

Anyway...after that Brooke and I went to the mall again and she bought this freaky monkey toy that like laughs and I just followed her around! Haha! It was a good night...I think it's time for me to sleep though! Oy! Goodnight!

day thirteen, a serious coca cola addiction...

Basically anything that is either A) Caffeinated, B) Covered in Chocolate or C) Covered in the Ranch dressing is all that I want to eat/drink lately...I think it's comfort food cause that's all I ever eat/ate when I was at home! I think it's time for a lifestyle change, right? I'm pretty sure that if I keep doing this I'll die of obesity and/or heart-issues.

Anywho. Today was chill, and absolutely cloudy. I loved it. I think that the sun can just hide for a couple more days while my skin heals from it's burning rays...haha.

Anyway, Megan and Caroline weren't home this morning, they were at their grandparents. So that left me with Grace and Taylor basically. Grace was being so helpful today I appreciated it sooo much! For the first hour or so, Taylor always wants to just get away from me. I try to distract her but she won't have any of it! Haha! Grace is good for that part, but once she starts to have fun I'm just another fun person to play with for her. So that's good! We played all sorts of games today, like "Ice-Cream Shoppe". Haha! She basically shoved her hands in my mouth screaming "Ice Cream!" and I pretended to eat it. Haha! Good times! Then we played "Eat the Crabs!" Which was all her doing...she just started saying "Eat the Crabs! Eat the Crabs!" and started to claw at the couch and put invisible crabs in her mouth! Haha! She's such a funny little girl! Taylor has definitely taught me patience...this job isn't like every other job, you're actually helping the children learn and you don't rush to get through the work day, you just play and learn with them. It's so nice to know that what I'm doing now I'll be doing for the rest of my life...(once I become a mother, of course haha)

I had FHE tonight, and I got SO lost getting to the church again...I think the only reason I keep getting lost is because I am too confident in my direction skills. Then I end up in some scary neighborhood! Haha! Oh well, I'll learn the streets soon! Exploring (aka getting lost) is really fun, cause I just see more and more of Long Island!

I've been in a weird mood lately, I think it's just home sickness. I'm doing a really good job of not letting it get to me by keeping in contact with my friends and family, but one of these days I'm gonna have a break down I can already see it! It really helps though because the Amatos are such chill and laid back people (even though they have kids running around everywhere and very busy jobs!) it's nice to see that I'm not the only one who is busy or is getting frustrated...it's just going day by day and soon the days won't have to be counted down...

Have a fabulous night my few readers.

day twelve, just a little fall of rain

Today was good. My second Sunday in my new home went well...it's just making me miss home more and more everyday. Oh well, at least I'm having a good time, right? This weekend went by rather quickly, but at least it was good. :) I've been doing a lot of things by myself lately, and it's actually really nice. I don't have to worry about making anyone else happy, just myself! That's so nice! I can just focus on myself and not have to worry about anything else but myself...of course until Monday and all I have on my mind are the Amato kids :)

The rain here is just so much better than the rain in Utah...it smells different. It smells fresher, and not so sulfury! I don't even know how I've been living without rain like this! Ah!

Other than all that, today wasn't too eventful. I went to church and stayed for the munch n' mingle. It was pasta! Haha! I also have to make the refreshments tomorrow for FHE and I have no clue what to make! Someone! Ideas!?

I'm heading to bed, I'm pooped! Talk to you all tomorrow. :)

day eleven, a bit late...haha

Yesterday was eventful that's for sure!

I spent the day by

myself, but it was definitely

needed. I woke up around ten (which is now sleeping in to me...haha) And I got all ready and headed to the city. I walked around Times Square again, and saw the Empire State building but I didn't get too close because I wanna go see it with Brooke and Jamie! Haha! I got some more pictures of the city, and I took a video of Times Square! How fun! Check Facebook for that!

After that, I went and got a philly cheese steak! Mm! The only issue was I forgot to ask for it plain so there was like more peppers than meat...next time haha...

As I was walking around town, Teresa text me and said "You can have my car for the weekend..." Which means I get to cruise in the BMW! Oh baby! My life really can't get better! So I went home on the train, not gonna lie I was super tired. I got home around 4 and took a nap and charged my phone then took the BMW to the south shore! That's right! The BEACH! :)

I got to the beach and I'm pretty sure that I was supposed to pay, but no one was at the booth so I just drove through, hahaha! It was called Nickerson Beach! It was nice!

Beaching at the beach by myself is definitely something that I would do again and again, because it is just so relaxing! There was hardly anyone there and the sun was going down...it was perfect!

Well, I headed home...and I stopped at Wendy's to get some dinner. Haha, and I had to go inside cause it had no drive through! What! That's dumb! So I sat down and was excited to enjoy my baconator...then this funny old black guy came in and said 'Hey lady! Don't speed! My friend just got in this terrible accident ya hear?!" And I was like "Yes sir..." Haha! Then he began to tell me how he crashed and how his family are all cops and it was rather hilarious, but I couldn't laugh cause he was completely serious! Ah! Haha!

I'll post again tonight! haha!

day ten. friday the 13th is LUCKY!

So you know how people say you have the worst lucky on friday the 13th? I bed to differ...it might be my luckiest day in the whollllle year!

Reasons.

1. I woke up on time.

2. I got MOST of the laundry done.

3. I didn't have to go to the pool from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (only 2 to 6!)

4. I got PAID!

5. I got to drive the BMW ALL NIGHT!--IN HEELS! Best day EVER!

6. I got to hang out with Brooke!

7. I got a pillow top for my bed.

8. I have tomorrow off :)

So basically life is totally radical right now! I'm pretty sure it can't get better. Unless like I find 1,000 dollars on the phone! That would be good, right? Haha! (Just as I was typing this Mary-Kate stumbled upon me in my underwear...hahahahahaha! Don't worry I was wearing a shirt. Phew!)

So to recap, basically I went to the pool today for a couple hours, and got covered in dirt from Taylor. She is really warming up to me I like it! She still has her moments but from the looks of it she's getting really close to me :)

After the pool I got to take the BEAMER (Whom I have named Mersae...haha) to the mall with Brooke! We had such a good time, I can't wait to hang out with her and some of the people from church! How fun is that!? It was great. I got a pillow top, then I got my self some dinner! MM! Roast Beef sandwich with a side of ranch and au'jus :) I'm pretty sure I'm gonna gain weight if I keep stuff like that up...I think that it's time for some EXERCISE!

Maybe I'll make like a "Follow my WEIGHTLOSS blog!" Or something like that. Keep me motivated, eh? That'll be for a later date though...too busy, too busy...

Anywho I most definitely wanna call it a night, I am tired...plus I wanna try out my new pillow top! Mmmhmm that's good! Happy 13th! :)

day nine, a rainy day

Today it rained. It was a different kind of rain though...a musty and super 'rain' smelling rain. It's now my personal favorite. Haha!

Anywho. I woke up late again this morning, somehow I just don't hear my phone alarm! I think the humidity is clogging my ears...But it's okay hardly anyone was up! I got more laundry done. It's ridiculous how much laundry the Amatos have! I understand having like 8 people in the house but goodness sooo much laundry! Ah!

So even though it was rainy weather, Grace and Caroline still wanted to go to the pool. Teresa was okay with it so whatever! :) I dropped them off, then took Megan and Taylor out to get pizza at this WAY good pizza place! It was like exactlyhow you'd expect New York pizza to taste, if that makes any sense...The girls didn't eat theirs of course but whatever haha more for me!

Afterwards we went to Raindew (kind of like a mini target that has toys and cute stuff) and got them each a little cheap toy. Then we went home and cute Taylor took like a 2 hour nap. That was so relaxing up until the point Grace called me and decided she needed to be picked up. I had to put Megan and Taylor in the car, which they hate, and go over to the country club. Then they decided not to come home...major frustration. Oh well. I played monster with Megan and Taylor so it was fun. I love that just yelling "ahhh!" is a monster haha

I was having some trouble with my phone bill cause I came here literally broke. So Teresa being such an amazing person paid it for me! I was so happy I could barely handle it. I told her to take it out of my first 'paycheck' so hopefully she does...I would feel so bad if she didn't take it out!!

Well it's 8:53 p.m. and the kids are sleeping, so is Teresa...maybe I'll go exploring for a bit just to get a hold of the town better.

Have a good night everyone!

day eight--relaxation!

Ahh day eight...how you've soothed me so...Ambre is here! :)

My day started off well, I woke up at a descent hour and got 3 loads of laundry finished by the end of the day. I also cleaned the kitchen, greeted Ambre and some how managed to get Taylor a bath (she had a wee-accident...PUN definitely intended...also, Ambre helped out TONS today. Taylor just went straight to her like she's known Ambre her whole 2 years of living...most definitely lucky for her!) ...and got everyone dressed and ready for the pool! Yay!

So we got to the pool, and poor Ambre has been dead tired since she got here, but she couldn't just got to sleep! She had Amato girls to play with! We all got in the pool eventually, and Taylor even got in with her floaties! She's usually not allowed in the pool because she's in the middle of potty training, but she went a whole week without an accident (by accident I mean a BIG accident...if ya know what I'm sayinnn)

She absolutely adored it. We stayed in the pool for like 3 hours straight and Ambre and I got SOO sun burnt. You'd think that we were just relatives to like tomatoes and it was no big deal. Haha!

So after a fun adventure at the pool, Ambre and I went to sports night at the church! I drove the brand-stinkin' new jeep wranger! It was like my dream car! (Also Kiersten's I might add...muahaha!) But before we went to the church we got Ralph's. Ralph's is this amazing Italian ice place that is just sooo delicious. I found my new favorite snack!

We got to sports night and Brooke showed up, and the ward was actually bigger than I thought! We had tons of people there today, and I had just a hoot! We played volleyball and I kept kicking the ball because it felt more natural to kick it then to hit it with my hands! It was bizarre, but It was fun so who cares?!

It's been a long day my friends, so bed time it is. Hopefully tomorrow is just as fun. :)

day seven (i think)

Hey all! I'm not sure how I went ahead in time to day seven because tomorrow is Wednesday, and that was day one...oh well what ever! Haha!

Today wasn't too eventful, actually! We went to the pool from 1130-6...lots of sun! It was good though, Taylor has warmed up a little more to me...she still hates getting dressed or taking a bath with me, but what 2 year old likes that?? Haha!

It's getting easier to take care of the kids, it's just hard trying to remember when Teresa works and when Tony flies out and when someone has to be somewhere and what time I need to wake up and blah blah...I'm thinking I'm going to find myself getting into this crazy routine that is going to make time fly by soooo fast!

My days are going to get a lot less stressful once school starts, because then I'd only have Taylor and that way I can clean and what not when she is napping. I want to wake up at five or something everyday and run, then clean, then take care of the kids...granted I might not do that considering I am a sleepy head allll the time!

Here's to hoping though...

Ambre comes tomorrow! THANK GOODNESS! :) Tomorrow is going to be very stressful, but it'll be over then on Thursday I'll just do it over and over! Haha!

Post tomorrow. :)

day six...(crazy long...day...six...)

HOLY DOLLY. (Copyright Brooke McMillan, my new Australian Lass...)

Today was terribly busy and terribly fun! So I woke up this morning getting ready for Splish Splash, this Lagoon-type water park...I woke up on time, then for some reason fell back asleep and was super duper late! Ah! I hate that! But long story short, we got there on time!

We got to Splish Splash right before it opened so we got a good parking spot, and waited in line. Taylor was already just hating me by this point cause she was trying to climb through the fence to get in before getting her ticket, so I of course, had to be the bad guy and keep her from some how A) Dismembering herself, B) Running into the closed park and me not being able to get her and C) Splitting open her head and/or someone else's head...(which ironically happened later that day...read on my friends!!)

We got to the park and I had Taylor and Megan with me most of the day. Teresa and I took them to the 'Kiddie Cove' and they played, and of course, Taylor was just not having it and smashed her head into Teresa's chin. BAM! Bloooood! (blud!) It just split right open and I couldn't tell if it was foreshadowing to a bad day or just a really funny story to tell to someone...luckily no one was hurt too bad and the day did continue.

I rode a couple rides with the girls and we went in the wave pool and had a great time! It was very hectic and by time it was 3 everyone was ready to leave, thank goodness! I was ready to leave once Taylor splashed my shirt soaking wet. Haha what can you do though, she's 2 and she's terribly adorable!!

After that I went to FHE and I was so excited to see Brooke and Jamie. They both told me that they probably couldn't make it so I was so sad...but BAM! Last minute, they both showed up! I was so excited! We had a nice lesson and a rather interesting activity but all in all it was a good time!

So we all had the best idea to go and get Frosty's and what not from the nearest Wendys...turns out that Wendy's just arent as popular as McDonalds around these parts...We stopped in a Burger King to ask for directions, met a nice big man with some other scary men, and a mexican woman who was just livid about our presence! Sad! I think that we are rather awesome but whatever. We finally found it, (thank goodness for GPS!) and we got our fix, and it was a golly ol' time!

Brooke McMillan and Jamie Pond are my new friends. Horray!

I have no idea what tomorrow holds, so hopefully it's a little more relaxed than today...

GOODNIGHT!

day five (for real)

Today was just what I needed after a long night of not sleeping! I got about an hour or so of sleep before I woke up around 11 and got myself ready for church. Yes you heard correctly! CHURCH! It was so wonderful...I went somewhere that looked, felt, smelt and WAS home. That is definitely going to be the high point of my week this whole year...

I met tons of people, but only three of them stuff out to me. I met Jovy, Jamie and Brooke. Jovy is Ambre's friend, (She was the girl who basically got me this job with the Amatos, the old nanny...) Jamie is a nice girl from Orem, Utah who has been nannying for a bit now, and Brooke is a Au Pair from Australia! AUSTRALIA! She is so cool. Her accent is subtle, but you can tell that she has fried some shrimp on the barbie and protected babies from dingos.

I can't describe to you how wonderful it feels to have someone on Long Island to have my phone number. Anyone that's not FROM New York and can relate to me. A friggin' Mormon!! Haha! I can tell that Brooke and I are going to be close, she gave me a hug! AH! If you read my last post you'd know how important dem hugs are to me....haha

Anywho, Today was Taylor's birthday and she is officially 2 years old now. So I don't have to lie to you guys about it anymore. Well we ate pizza and this delicious egg-plant like lasagna. I usually don't like lasagna, but this was HEAVENLY. Teresa invited over a family that they have all been friends with since forever I guess. Lisa and I can't remember the fathers name, but they were very, very nice. Their kids were playing with the Amato kids and it was just a great big celebration! Lisa has a son named Patrick who has Autism, and he was just the life of the party! He took his moms clothes, and his clothes, and put them in the toilet. Wanna know what he said to that? "So we can have them later!" Haha that makes sense, right? Of course it does! :)

I connected a little bit with the family tonight, it was something that I definitely needed. I think the spirit just helped me get through a really rough time and I can't help but feel sooo much better than last night. I have a bit of a headache but that could be the fact that there were like 12 kids in the house. Haha!

So for the past 5 nights I have been sleeping on the couch in the basement because my bed is really hard, but now my back is all jacked up from the couch so I suppose I'll sleep on the actual bed tonight. It's my first time so hopefully I won't wake up with some extreme back pain!

So tomorrow I wake up at 7:30 a.m. to go to this 'way fun waterpark!' Splish Splash. It sounds way fun...except the fact that I have to chase around children all day while I'm there. We'll see how this turns out, but at least I'll get some sun and some exercise, right?

That's all for now, thank you all for all your support! The text messages and phone calls really do help me get through the day here. Don't ever stop keeping contact with me you guys! I love the connection to home...

Here's to going to be at a descent hour! Horrah!

day five-ish, homesick with a hint of sleep deprivation

It's 3:53 a.m. here.

I'm wide awake with absolutely no intention of going to sleep right now...

You'd think that five days away from home wouldn't be so bad, but with the thought of being moved away from home sprinkled on top of those five days sure isn't motivating, nor is the idea of going months until you see someone that you absolutely adore.

I'm having a hard time going to sleep at the risk of dreaming of my loved ones, cause I just don't want to cry anymore! I'm so tired of crying and being scared because it does absolutely nothing for me or the situation. I just can't help but feel so lonely here...I have no one to cry to, or to hug. I survived at home with at least 2 hugs a day. I made sure of it, and it's been 5 days since I've had a hug...sad thing to notice actually...

I hate spilling this all here but it kind of feels good to just vent it out and go to sleep, that sounds like a good idea...writing is good, writing is great...

I'm so excited for Church tomorrow...LDS people who know what I'm going through, but still, they aren't my Jayson or my Kiersten or my Shalese or my anyone...they're just people that I already know I'm going to have to work just as hard to get close to. Why work towards a friend when you have perfectly good ones already?...Oh yeah. They're not here and won't be for a long time.

Ugh I hate this! I feel so anti-everything. Maybe it's the humidity. Maybe it's the fact I have my favorite song playing on repeat and every lyric reminds me of home. I don't know, maybe I'm just going crazy in this basement watching the Discovery Channel like it's my only friend. Haha.

I need to go to bed and just get over it all, it's not hard to to make friends or let go of friends. (Not that I have ANY intention of letting any of you go...and if you try you better believe that's going to fail. HA!)

There I feel a little better. Hard nights are always gonna be around, but at least I have this stupid blog to yell at.

STUPID BLOG! You don't even talk!!!

4:05 a.m....

day four, empire state of mind...

Can I just say wow?

I decided today would be the perfect day to head into the city and discover Times Square...so I went! I have zero friends out here, so of course I went alone...

I headed down to the train station in Manhasset, which is conveniently placed right and the bottom of the hill at where I live so walking there is terribly easy and quick. I bought my ticket on the machine with no troubles, and it was like 13.50 for a round trip, which is alot for anything in Utah but since I'm in NY I can just say that it was a good price...haha

I got on the train and it felt like I had done it hundreds of times before, and it wasn't that hard...(granted I had to text Ambre for almost everything to make sure I didn't do something wrong...haha but thank goodness she's a dollface and loves to help me out! I'd be dead if it wasn't for her!)

I arrived at Penn Station around 3ish and I just started walking...I found my way up this escalator onto 34th and 7th Avenue. The sun was so bright and I could just feel the big city! I couldn't help but grin when I saw a black homeless man, smelt piss, and could see pigeons flying over head...It was the most gratifying moment of my life! Me! TERRY GATLEY in NEW YORK CITY by MYSELF! Imagine the song "Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z and that's how I felt! Now you're in New York!...(I listened to it for effect right when I got up to the city...loser? I think so!) ...You can't get much better than that....

I ventured past Madison Square Garden and realized I was going the wrong way to Times Square and had to turn around. It's easy to find your way in the city cause it's just a giant grid. If you go the wrong way you can just go around to the next street and you're back to where you need to be! It happened a lot today, haha. I got to Times Square in one piece, thank goodness. I was looking around, wondering where in the world it was and I looked up and realized oh Neptune I'm smack in the middle of it! Haha!

I heard so many horns honking, so many different accents, and it's true what they say about New York...it's one giant melting pot and I don't think I have ever seen sooo many tourists that weren't white! (Except for when I went to Paris! That was busy!)

After I had my fill of the City I went back to Penn Station to get home before my phone died, and I got some pizza at this cute little place called "Caruso's!" I met a guy named Matt there and he was super nice! And attractive...he had an accent and he was laughing at my jokes! I felt cool. Haha! But the pizza was amazing! MMM! I can't wait to get all new clothes and stuff! I'm so excited to get PAID!

Well that's it for now, but it's gonna be a good weekend! CHURCH TOMORROW!

day three

Easy morning today...I woke up around 10 and found Megan staring at me! She was like "I was waiting for you to wake up..." If she wasn't 5 I'd be creeped out. Haha! Anywho, we watched cartoons and played on my laptop for a good hour or so then we were off to the pool! AGAIN! Haha! Which is fine with me I already have crazy tan lines. 6 hours a day at the pool definitely makes me look my best...sweaty and burnt! Mmhmm!

When we first got there, Taylor, Megan and I wandered around until Megan was ready to change. We went into the changing room to get our swim suits on and OHH NELLY all hell broke loose! Taylor was having a breakdown because she didn't want to wear her swim diaper...haha the tears were rolling and I was about to just lay down and cry. I called Teresa and she had Grace (who I'm pretty sure isn't a fan of me...haha) come help me out. Taylor will warm up to me then completely loathe me the next minute, it's bizarre! But she is 2, and she definitely did not have a nap today so she was a grump! But she tried on her friend Jillian's heels then got in a much better mood...

After getting the girls their ice cream, then some more ice cream, we actually swam! Well, they did, I didn't. Again. I feel like a giant whale compared to these people cause they're all so dang fit and skinny! It only gives me more motivation to stop eating everything in sight, haha. I haven't been eating lately cause i'm scared to offend the Amatos, but they tell me to eat...I guess I'm just embarrassed or something. They are all really nice, and I love that they just want me to be another part of their family...I want a month or two to pass so I can just be comfortable here!

Time is gonna go by fast with days like this coming!

I miss my friends and family like crazy, I can't believe that I am actually here...

It's friday night and I have no plans, maybe I'll go walk into town...

or go to sleep. haha!

day two

WHEW what a day...

This morning I slept in while everyone was going to the pool for a swim meet. Caroline got first in her age group I guess and they were all excited about it! :)

They came home and we all got ready and went to the country club. It was funny, cause right when we get there Teresa says "Okay, so it's pretty up tight here but the people aren't. Ya cant use your cell phone around the pool, you have to go in the locker room. And Taylor can't go in the big pool. And Megan can't order food by herself. And Tommy is here but he's never here so you'll get to meet him. And....I guess that's it." I thought to myself...uhm I'm going to fail horribly at this. Haha!

After sitting around for a bit I followed Taylor around, the 2 year old. We walked around the pool, went down to the play ground-ish type area, and she didn't actually get in the kiddie pool until we walked around for 3 hours! She swam for like 13 minutes then we went out and explored some more. We dug holes in the dig, collect rocks, played 'basketball' (by which she just threw this huge ball at me), I met her friends Jillian and Nicolas...who are also like 2 and 3. That was a great conversation! What do I say to kids that young? Oh hey so did you hear about barney? yeah he's in jail now. What?!

Anywho we got home around 6 so we were swimming for a good 5-6 hours. It was nuts how long they stay at the pool! I can tell I'm going to be black by time this month is over. Which is fine with me! Haha!

I'm scared though, I hope this wasnt more than I could handle, cause I'm starting to get stressed out just thinking about it!!

Well everyone is going to Teresa's dad's house for his birthday dinner and I think I might go...

I'll post tomorrow!

day one

Ahh, New York...

My flight in from Chicago was absolutely beautiful...not going to lie though I had to hide my face when the tears started to roll down my face! I miss everyone at home so much it hurts to think about it...

Enough about that though...

My flight was beautiful, as I was saying. I looked out my window and saw the Big Apple right under me! It was surreal seeing New York from that angle for the first time.

I can't believe that I'm living out this dream that I never thought I even had!

When I got here, Tony picked me up and we talked the whole way to Manhasset. He's a great dad, I can tell! He told me that New York is actually like 5 counties...that's SOOO big! Luckily for me there is a trainstation right down the road from where the Amatos live, and I can walk to it...it goes to various parts of the city and to a way cool baseball field where the Mets play! I can't wait to go to a game!

I got all unpacked and I can tell I'm going to have a hard time sleeping...I always feel awkward trying to sleep somewhere I've never been before. When I was living at Shalese's it took me a week and a half to get comfortable sleeping without the TV or my music going...

I met the kids too, except for Tommy. I'll meet him eventually. I dont know when the actual nannying begins but I hope that I'm cut out for it!

Oh, just a funny story...right when I start having a conversation with Grace (the 12 year old) this cute little mouse crawls out from under the closet and she lets out this huge gasp and climbs on the table! I was like it's just a mouse...and she was like it's gross! Haha I laughed...but now the mouse is hiding somewhere in the basement...where my bed is...it's gonna be a longggg night.

Swimming tomorrow at 9...lets hope I don't get made fun of! Haha!

8 hours

8 hours and I'll be on my plane

8 hours and I'll be saying goodbye to my home

8 hours and I'll be on my way to my new home

8 hours...

I'm going to miss you all so much.

the best kind of people

It's weekends like this that make me want to stay in Utah...

But it's also weekends like this that make me want to appreciate those around me more and more everyday...

So here I am, appreciating you...

Kiersten ; My very best friend, my partner in doing absolutely nothing and having a great time...I never thought I'd have someone has remarkably chill as you in my life. Drama is not even a word in your dictionary, you make me laugh just by looking at me with your ginger face!

The Jordans ; I love you all to death! You are like my family, and I never want to see any of you guys fight ever again! Be grateful for all the times you spend together, because most families hardly do even that...you are all so great and without you I'd have such a boring life. :) You take me on your adventures, and I come back actually feeling like people out there care about me. Friends or family who cares, you are all in my heart.

Rachel ; I know we hardly talk anymore, and I know that you know it too...but I also want you to know that you are such a sweetheart. You have such a beautiful heart and I just want you to know that I see it there along with all you other beautiful traits...you should always love yourself and the rest will follow! You've given me memories that I will never forget!

Adrian ; Oh nigga. I can't even begin to tell you how hilarious our friendship is. You make me want to smile everytime I see you. I love your guts and I dont ever want to see you hurting cause it would kill me too much. Keep living your life the way you want to live it, and make your own choices...not that you havent already...just sayin...:)

Shalese ; We're the same person so why am I even writing this?! Oh yeah. I love you or whatever. Haha! I love that I can call you at any hour and you'd know exactly what is wrong with me. I love that I lived in your basement for 2 months and we still rarely saw each other, but when we did, it was like having a twin. I love that we never finished Chuck, which means that we have to see each other again, even after I leave.

Jayson ; I don't even have to say anything about you because you know exactly what I'm going to say. You're always going to be in my life, and I wouldn't change a thing about that.

That's all for now, but all of you are awesome!

I know that I am only leaving for a year but hey, it might be longer...I might love this job more than you people...Haha...

I leave Wednesday at 9 a.m.

That's basically tomorrow.

1 1/2 Days...