Elliott's Exposure

Watercolor Delight

2010-10-28T06:01:00.000-07:00

Public Schools vs Strong Military

2010-09-22T06:27:00.000-07:00

I became a teacher not only because I love working with children but mostly I believe in public education. Being the ONLY person in my family to graduate college, like most teachers, I obtained a master's degree and later, National Board Certification. To do this I have taken out thousands of dollars in loans. My mom, who was a single parent and worked hard to make ends meet with four children, was never in the position to help, financially. Bottom line is, I must have a deeper moral obligation to give to society and create a better future for our children. Public education is under attack! Under No Child Left Behind (NCLB), I find what is currently happening to our schools, our children and our society, an atrocity. I am all for removing "bad teachers" from the classroom but, If you are a teacher, parent or student who knows the quality of education you receive or have received in public school like I did, the time is now to protect our schools and at the very least, your future. Contact your legislator if you have a good public school success story. If you are a public school teacher, be proud of the accomplishments your students who have gone beyond your classroom to do great things. Put these accomplishments front and center, now! How many of your former students wanted to become teachers, doctors, lawyers, scientists and engineers because of you? If we loose our great teachers because of a few bad ones and worse, our treasured public schools, it leaves our society with nothing else but maybe a strong military.

High Rock Fire Lookout 2010

2010-08-02T16:30:00.000-07:00

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Waikoloa Village, Big Island, Hawaii

2010-07-16T16:42:00.001-07:00

Waikoloa Beach Villas,

Big Island, Hawaii

Photos

I have the best family! We took everyone to Hawaii this summer; I truly believe they would have loved simply playing on Anaehoomalu Bay

beach everyday, but there is so much to see and do on the beautiful Big Island of Hawaii. We took a drive across infamous "saddle road" to Hilo and Volcanoes National Park. We walked across a lake of lava hiking on the Kilauea Iki Trail and looked at Kilauea, Halema'uma'u, and Mauna Loa. On a subsequent day we took a tour of Mauna Kea and the observatories through Mauna Kea Summit Adventures. Our tour guide, Chris, was very informative and the laser show given by Rick was amazing. They also set-up two telescopes and we were introduced to new stars being born, constellations, dwarfs, and nebulas. Mike served us hot cocoa and mac-nut cookies after bringing a rescue vehicle up to the other van that broke-down that evening. I am hooked on astronomy and only wish we could see more where we live. Mauna Kea is the perfect place for viewing the stars.

"No Worry's" in Cabo San Lucas

2010-07-05T09:32:00.000-07:00

"No Worry's" when your in Cabo with Sandy...

PHOTOS

Sandy's husband Doug, drops us at Sea-Tac airport in plenty of time. We have known each other for 27 years. Sandy and I initially found each other learning to relax and breath in Lamaze class. Kristal, her baby girl came one week before Corey and Adam, my twin boys. As the flight to Cabo settles in, we share our past, present and hopes for the trip we will share together. It always amazes me how girlfriends can catch up on conversation in no time, as if the time passed was yesterday.

For most people, vacations are an escape from life to get away and recharge, but for Sandy and I, it was a time to renew girlfriend status with my good friend I've always admired. I enjoyed every minute of my time with Sandy. She knows her way around Cabo, how to

negotiate with the taxi drivers, the owners of the best places to eat, the funkiest holes in the walls to visit.

She knows the cute bellboys, the bartenders, where the ladies nights occur, and she makes one great Mango Margarita served up

with chips and guacamole. We met new friends Lesa and Ruby, other ladies with our same idea. Being mothers is what brought Sandy and I together, but being great friends is what lasts after the kids grow up and move on. Thanks for the memories! Here's a list of the places we visited:

Villa Del Palmar, Pueblo Bonito Blanco, No Worry's, Martini Jungle, El Squid Roe, Cabo Wabo, The Giggling Marlin, Hard Rock Cafe, Pepe's, Los Colorines, The Medano Beach Club, Hacienda El Coyote, Maria Corona, Alcaravea, Gordo Lele, La Ricazon...

Paradise Snowshoe

2010-04-11T18:47:00.000-07:00

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Poipu, Kauai April 2010

2010-04-04T08:27:00.001-07:00

Lisa & Scott Hyatt 2010
Originally uploaded by teachalisa

We just returned from our 2nd "annual" trip to Poipu, Kauai. We spent time doing just about as much as you can cram into one week. We love the island of Kauai and each time we go, we leave with more to do on our list. It seems busy, but in the same way it is also relaxing hanging loose with the island breezes, music and lifestyle.
This year we hiked more than anything and explored further into to Waimea Canyon heading to probably what is the most popular hike on the island, The Pihea Trail. This is a muddy trek, where you can see a costal view of the Na' Pali that drops 4,300 ft to the ocean coast. We also went to an undeveloped beach park just a bit north of Poipu, the Mahaulepu Trail and walked along the beach for a couple of hours never seeing anything but a few chickens and people who had the same idea in mind. Our final hike was a beach on the east side below the Na' Pali at Polihale State Park. The park is 5 miles in on a cane field road and you need a 4x4 to gain access.
On other days we pretty much spent time running to Poipu Park or Spouting Horn each day, enjoying the perfect running weather. We also love our favorite restaurant, The Beach House. I especially appreciate the art in Kauai and my favorite artist is Kim McDonald by far.
We really enjoyed our stay at Kuhio Shores, #103. The unit is right on the beach (30 ft . away). Permanent resident, Marion, baked us bread and had a few stories to share. She has a cardinal that comes into her place everyday and brings "his wife". What a delightful lady to know...
This is a photo we had taken at the Grand Hyatt Luau. I thought the show, the Mai Tai's, the food was great! The grounds of the hotel are pretty amazing.
I believe we'll be going back!

Hiking in Kauai

2010-04-02T21:32:00.001-07:00

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Old Koloa House

2010-03-29T19:30:00.001-07:00

Old Koloa House
Originally uploaded by teachalisa

I found this amazing old house right smack in the center of town across from the post office. Doesn't it just make you want to ask it what do you know about who lived here?

Happy Valentine's Day, Scott

2010-02-14T16:41:00.000-08:00

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Seattle Frog Shopping

2010-02-07T16:30:00.000-08:00

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Cabin Weekend 2010

2010-01-18T18:23:00.001-08:00

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Scott's Marathon Video 2009

2009-12-30T16:32:00.001-08:00

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Zesty Vegetable Beef Soup

2009-12-27T19:10:00.000-08:00

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My Annual Christmas Greeting to Legislators

2009-12-26T13:48:00.001-08:00

Dear Representative Morrell,

Thank you for serving our community of Puyallup. I appreciate your commitment during these difficult economic times.

If you remember, a few years ago you visited my classroom at Wildwood Park Elementary. I am a first grade teacher and have been for fifteen years. Prior to that I worked as a preschool teacher and a parent educator for Pierce College Early Childhood Department. This year I expanded my education beyond a masters degree to National Board Certified Teacher. There currently has been no harder time for my students and their families than the present. Telling me it is going to get harder is difficult for me to believe as the classroom teacher is the first responder to the basic needs of children many times.

I pay a lot of attention to the recent choices being made in our state. I am proud to live here, and like you I have a higher need to serve the public. Moreover, I have read the link of proposed cuts to education from Department of Early Learning, K-12 and Higher Education you have sent. Since my last letter, I could easily add public safety with our police officers being shot and killed as another top priority. It truly is beyond belief and we very well may be faced with more felons being released from jail or others who are deeply mentally disturbed not having access to mental health services.

It does not appear that many cuts are being made to transportation. I cannot believe the tax payers are still committed to building a viaduct in Seattle and the ferry system should be able to support itself through tolls. All bridges should be toll bridges at this time, Hood Canal, 520, 1-90, 1-5 into Oregon.

As far as higher education is concerned, we need to greatly reduce the number of out of state students we are subsidizing.

Since I am proud, like you, to live in Washington and I am a fourth generation Washingtonian from Pierce County, when do we start discussing a state income tax? It truly could be a fairer tax for the elderly and poorest citizens of our fine state.

Sincerely,
Lisa Elliott
Puyallup, WA.

Get Well Soon Mom

2009-12-26T08:11:00.000-08:00

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A Message to Chris

2009-12-26T08:06:00.000-08:00

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Wall Art Photos Slide Show

2009-12-24T17:27:00.000-08:00

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Merry Christmas 2009

2009-12-22T10:47:00.000-08:00

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Celebrate the Challenge of Average!

2009-11-21T19:22:00.000-08:00

Just about one year ago, I started a journey to complete National Board Certification for teachers. I thought it would be easy, but I quickly learned I would have to rely on the help of my friends, family, co-workers and parents of my students. I passed but by only 12 points! No stellar performance like there was back in the college days on the honor roll with a 3.8 GPA in Science. It was real time, working a job full time, balancing studies, having a family, and finding time to enjoy life as well as learn. This past Friday the great National Board deity informed me what I've really thought all along, I am average. When I think about me compared to most others, that is, what I am. Average age 52, average shoe size 7, average height 5'2", average clothing (size whatever I'd like you to think), average eye color brown, average house 2,400 sq, ft, average car Honda, average number of children 3. Is there anything wrong with being average all around? I could make average a challenge for me. It could become an opportunity to try out new things beyond average. I could take up bungie jumping, or become a competitive race car driver. Until then I'm having a great time enjoying this life and dreaming what something beyond average might be!

He's Ready, I'm Not

2008-12-26T18:20:00.001-08:00

Man runs, woman runs. Woman chases man. Man chases woman. Man gets woman.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-22T08:29:00.000-08:00

2008 is wearing the same wintery fashion it arrived in.We awoke to 8 inches of snow this morning. School was let out 3 days early, our staff Christmas party was cancelled, and we waited and waiting while everyone else got hit. The weather man said we were in the doughnut hole of the storm. This event extends our winter (non-Christmas) break to almost 3 weeks this year. As I finished up my, opps, Christmas shopping, I added the comment to the store clerk, that I was taking my summer vacation early. Only people who teach school can relate to that sort of comment. Scott keeps the driveway clear as he keeps a cautious eye for kids who sled down the street in front of house. Daily life changes when there is snow. I like the mood, the calm, and peace it brings. Peace to the world is my hope this season.

Elfing and National Boards

2008-11-30T17:50:00.000-08:00

November has come and gone, I'm elfing and working on National Boards.

Celine Dion and Roses

2008-10-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

I attended the Celine Dion concert for a girls night out last night. The opening act was a performer named Gordie Brown. Brown was a singing impressionist. I actually think he outperformed most of the entertainers he impersonated as he sang his way through new lyrics that capitalized on a of lessor known fact for the oddities he portrayed. For example, Elton John had missing g-string and Michael Jackson had multiple changes to his appearance over a short period of time. I am definitely going to try to see him again in Las Vegas when he returns after his North America tour with Celine Dion. As far as my opinion of the the Celine Dion concert, it was incredible. She looks fantastic, sounds fantastic and can really relate to the audience as she sang and told us a story of how she is touring with her 81 year old mother. I enjoyed the concert very much which brings up my photograph of this rose I took.

The bud of a rose possesses the potential for beauty with patience and grace of a lady. These qualities allow it to rise to the top uncompromised.

Lost Friends and Many Birthdays

2008-10-05T18:30:00.000-07:00

A little over a week ago, the phone rang just about the time there was a transition between Dr. Phil and Oprah on television. Another solicitor or someone attempting to research which candidate I'm voting for in this November's presidential race I'm thinking. The voice sounded familiar, it was my friend Sandy. Sandy and I met during Lamaze class during our first pregnancies. She went into labor first and delivered at the end of August, 1983. Sandy always looked "kind of pregnant", maintaining her pretty face and probably still able to wear her jeans up to around 6 months along. I know she wore them out of the hospital in any case. I however delivered twins at 40 weeks and looked like I was carrying around a table with legs under my maternity top. My face somewhat resembled the person I once was, at least my eyes were still brown. Anyway, move forward 25 years if you can imagine my surprise and excitement on the phone. We talked for hours and the time that had passed and the birthdays we had celebrated quickly closed in as if it was yesterday. We find out that we still have a lot in common, our children went to WSU, we both love Cabo San Lucas, Mexican food, and I am so glad I can call her friend after all these years. Mostly, I am grateful she took the time to call. Isn't friendship a great gift.