Friday night hoop-la

Last night both Ben and I were looking forward to enjoying an evening together; a 'date night' is what we like to call it. After a long week of not spending good, quality time with one another, we decided we both deserved a little outing. I chose the activity and Ben took care of deciding where we'd go for dinner. We got all gussied up and went out in the bitter cold air that is Rexburg and made our way through the bustling city to Wingers, one of the newest dining additions to the tiny town.

I had been craving a salad for weeks and decided to order the Mango Chicken salad. Let me tell you, this salad did not disappoint! It was fresh and tasty. It had bits of chicken and bits of mango fruit and dried cranberries. Yum! Of course, they give you ginormous proportions and I couldn't bring myself to finish all the leafy-greens, but after feeling the tightening of my jeans, I ate as much of the "good stuff" as I could. I left the greens and nibbled on chicken and mangos until Ben was done. What a good meal! I highly recommend it.

On the other hand, silly me picked the activity...To see a movie. Ben has wanted to see "Constantine" since he saw the preview, so I humored him in going to see the freaky-film. In the first five minutes, I had my eyes covered more than not and decided inwardly that Lauren and scary/satanic movies don't mix. I am a tad embarrassed to admit this, but after the first scene with a frightening exorcist adventure, tears came to my eyes because I was THAT scared!! Needless to say, I only heard the rest of the movie as I kept my head buried in Ben's arms and enjoyed a few moments of peaceful napping. I'm sure others who have seen this movie, such as my guy, enjoyed it as entertainment and intrigue, but for me, it wasn't working and I highly regret my decision to view it. If anyone else sees it, let me know what you think...I'm interested....

On a student teaching note (I figure I must update people about what's going on), my excellent co-op teacher suggested yesterday that I apply for summer-school positions in Utah. She said it is one good way to get an "in" to any district or school of my choosing. What's even better is that she proclaimed proudly that she's excited to write my letter of recommendation for future jobs! Also, another bit of good info...Normally student teachers must have substitutes in the room if the teacher is gone, but I have officially been "waived" of this rule. I am now "capable of being left alone in the classroom, with the prospect of administrator check-ups throughout the day." This basically means that, through the eyes of Mrs. B, the administration at the school (principal, etc.) feels I am A-OK to be fully in charge of my classroom! Yay! Good stuff, good stuff. (Ok, insert your eager applause here, I don't mind...even a pat on the back is accepted).

tonight's plans: Watch the dripingly sweet chick-flick "The Notebook" with Ben (I figure it's ok to make him watch this after the horrible experience with "Constantine" last night).

I have a nice three day weekend with Monday off so I'm looking forward to that.

Happy Saturday night. Love you all.