*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTROGNER*LAUGH HARDER*BLOGGIN' A-Z BABY*
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Bloggin' A to Z
Blogging A-Z starts Tuesday...one post a day with Sundays off....and the posts go alphabetically. This is year 3...with one course of A-Z Mondays years ago. There is generally a theme...last year was children's books...but I must admit, even I was bored with it. So this year, I go themeless- or rather things that make me LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Personal Bests
Soooo....it was minimum day Wednesday and although the kids leave early the teachers had district grade level meetings. I had planned to run to my old school for the meeting and have a co-worker take my belongings in her car. It rained cats and dogs all morning up until the kids were dismissed...I packed another set of clothes thinking I would be soaked by the time I ran the 3+ miles. But by the time I changed, the sun had come though the clouds and it was super nice for my run.
Rewind to last Sunday, when I ran my weekend loop, I smashed my previous record of 49:49 by 1 minute and 22 seconds! Today I left my school being very cautious because the sidewalks were wet and there was a lot of mud, pinecones and stuff on the ground. The best part of this run is that it is down a BIG hill to start out...like about a mile all down, down, down...and I can run like I am 18 again.
Fast forward to today...I started out cautious and made all of the stoplights until the very last one...I missed it by a few seconds and had to wait for an entire set of lights...when the light changed I was a little stiff but I wanted to get a decent time...(and mainly not be late tot he meeting.) I turned off my Garmin watch and felt my runner's high throughout the meeting. When I uploaded the info to my computer I ran a 27:49...and then I looked up my last run on that route and it was 30:31!
Shaz-am! I think all my workouts are finally paying off...and I am down 5 pounds...enough to fit in my summer shorts :) I can't wait to see my time in my next event in 2 weeks! And if I can keep up with my kids in the tough mudder in May.
Rewind to last Sunday, when I ran my weekend loop, I smashed my previous record of 49:49 by 1 minute and 22 seconds! Today I left my school being very cautious because the sidewalks were wet and there was a lot of mud, pinecones and stuff on the ground. The best part of this run is that it is down a BIG hill to start out...like about a mile all down, down, down...and I can run like I am 18 again.
Fast forward to today...I started out cautious and made all of the stoplights until the very last one...I missed it by a few seconds and had to wait for an entire set of lights...when the light changed I was a little stiff but I wanted to get a decent time...(and mainly not be late tot he meeting.) I turned off my Garmin watch and felt my runner's high throughout the meeting. When I uploaded the info to my computer I ran a 27:49...and then I looked up my last run on that route and it was 30:31!
Shaz-am! I think all my workouts are finally paying off...and I am down 5 pounds...enough to fit in my summer shorts :) I can't wait to see my time in my next event in 2 weeks! And if I can keep up with my kids in the tough mudder in May.
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*RUN BABY RUN*
Monday, March 24, 2014
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BABY GIRL!
YOU ARE OFFICIALLY HALF MY AGE...AND YOUR DAD'S...whose birthday was Saturday...(so how does it feel to be 15?) Much love to our creative, fun, athletic, artistic, cancer surviving daughter! We love you!!
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIDDO*
Monday, March 17, 2014
Do you like GREEN EGGS & Spam?
I do not like Green Eggs & Spam....I do not like them Sam-I-Am!
Sam if you just let me be, I will try them you will see.....
And every student who cracked an egg found that it was GREEN inside!
SAY! I like Green Eggs & Spam...I do like them Sam-I-Am!
And every student ate Green Eggs & Spam!
It made the hour and a half that I spent making tiny pinholes in 27 eggs and injecting a full of syringe green food coloring into the tiny hole well worth it. I wasn't going to repeat this since it is second grade and all...but I felt I had to for the students new to my class this year.
The leprechaun also visited and put gold covered chocolate coins in every clean/neat desk he found. When class was dismissed there were 4 students cleaning out their desks...without prompting :)
I hope your St. Patrick's Day was filled with fun!
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*DIG THOSE GREEN EGGS AND HAM*
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Before and After
I hadn't been posting much because my photos wouldn't load...then I tried Google Chrome and "wha-la!" IT WORKED!! So photo time...
I have an itty-bitty backyard. We recently had two giant redwoods cut down....there was one in each corner of the small year. They were 50 years old and planted apparently when the house was first sold. One was rotten in the center and was dying...one good storm and it would have toppled. The other was pulling up our tiny patio and the roots were in our plumbing....so down they came. I posted photos of the workers scaling the tall trees 4 stories high...it was amazing! After the trees came down The Captain and I had the yard leveled and terraced. A small part was set aside for my cactus garden. So when the weather hit summer yesterday, (80 degrees!) I headed to Home Depot for cactus soil and thick gloves. I removed soil and then worked the cactus soil into the area. I whacked off the two large cactus and buttons off my barrel cactus out front. Then I walked the dog to the park and got a few starter pieces from there.
Then I added deocr....horse shoes, lava rock, horse skull and jaw, hummingbird feeder and rocks that we have collected on vacations over the years....all I have left is to add some small rocks that I plan to get from the soil and rock store next weekend.
Those nasturtiums wandered over from our neighbors...they will get to hang our until we decide what to plant there that doesn't take a lot of water.
Oh...and if you plan to transplant some cacti, keep some tweezers in your pocket.
I have an itty-bitty backyard. We recently had two giant redwoods cut down....there was one in each corner of the small year. They were 50 years old and planted apparently when the house was first sold. One was rotten in the center and was dying...one good storm and it would have toppled. The other was pulling up our tiny patio and the roots were in our plumbing....so down they came. I posted photos of the workers scaling the tall trees 4 stories high...it was amazing! After the trees came down The Captain and I had the yard leveled and terraced. A small part was set aside for my cactus garden. So when the weather hit summer yesterday, (80 degrees!) I headed to Home Depot for cactus soil and thick gloves. I removed soil and then worked the cactus soil into the area. I whacked off the two large cactus and buttons off my barrel cactus out front. Then I walked the dog to the park and got a few starter pieces from there.
BEFORE
Then I added deocr....horse shoes, lava rock, horse skull and jaw, hummingbird feeder and rocks that we have collected on vacations over the years....all I have left is to add some small rocks that I plan to get from the soil and rock store next weekend.
Those nasturtiums wandered over from our neighbors...they will get to hang our until we decide what to plant there that doesn't take a lot of water.
Oh...and if you plan to transplant some cacti, keep some tweezers in your pocket.
*LIVSTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*PLANT YOURSELF SOME FUN*
Saturday, March 8, 2014
So I am only 4 days behind...
...but I will make up for it...Lent that is. I was baptized a Catholic, made my First Holy Communion, did a stint in Agape Youth Group and then bailed. But in preparation of celebrating Mardi Gras, I was explaining Fat Tuesday to my class. I love second grade because not only do they listen for more than 1 minute, they also come up with some pretty darn good questions. "What are you giving up?" Who me??? Nothing!
Later that day I heard about 40 Bags....GIVE AWAY!! Help others!! Clear the clutter!! The idea is to give a bag a day away to Goodwill or the likes. So today, I took my huge, 4' tall paper bags, (that I got from the free compost section at our local dump,) that were waiting in the garage for a while now, to Goodwill. Each day I will clear out my closet, my dresser, a drawer, etc...40 days worth!! I did my own version of this a few summers ago where I got rid of one item each day....and when I had exhausted all my extras I started organizing one thing a day. I have too much...STUFF!! so 40 days should put a dent in it.
Later that day I heard about 40 Bags....GIVE AWAY!! Help others!! Clear the clutter!! The idea is to give a bag a day away to Goodwill or the likes. So today, I took my huge, 4' tall paper bags, (that I got from the free compost section at our local dump,) that were waiting in the garage for a while now, to Goodwill. Each day I will clear out my closet, my dresser, a drawer, etc...40 days worth!! I did my own version of this a few summers ago where I got rid of one item each day....and when I had exhausted all my extras I started organizing one thing a day. I have too much...STUFF!! so 40 days should put a dent in it.
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*PURGE*
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Read Across America
You're never too old,
too whacky to wild
To pick up a book
and read to a child.
Dr. Seuss
Go ahead....you read it...MONDAY!
Read-Across-America!
I have the superintendent, a policeman, the director of the club where I work out, a board member, the principal, the art teacher all reading to the 2nd graders. They will let the kids know how they use reading in their jobs, why reading is important and best of all, what they read for fun :)
too whacky to wild
To pick up a book
and read to a child.
Dr. Seuss
Go ahead....you read it...MONDAY!
Read-Across-America!
I have the superintendent, a policeman, the director of the club where I work out, a board member, the principal, the art teacher all reading to the 2nd graders. They will let the kids know how they use reading in their jobs, why reading is important and best of all, what they read for fun :)
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. SEUSS*
Monday, February 24, 2014
The Day That Wouldn't End
I generally enjoy the first day back to school after a break...but today wasn't one of those days.
A co-worker is out as her mother-in-law is about to pass away...so I said I would make her plans for the week...and when I went to work on Saturday to make copies and clean up from Valentine's Day I set off the alarm...and the alarm wouldn't accept my code....and the police came and checked my ID...(Like I would break into the school to do work?) so I was only able to work in my classroom and not go into the main building.
I was so exhausted by the end of the day...The Captain picked me up and we went to our friend's post office to mail a package to our Kiwi...there were only 2 people ahead of me in line but the first person in line was mailing A LOT. I waited 15 minutes and decided to leave....we got to the club and I decided to swim over working out inside. That was a great decision because it was a beautiful sunny day and rain is coming on Wednesday....so I got dressed only to find my lock fell apart and wouldn't work...so I had to bring my backpack and purse out to the pool deck.
I am feeling a bit less exhausted after my swim and shower...and I am waiting for my steamed veggies smothered in cheese because....I have a lot to get ready for tomorrow...because, I have to plan for the other class and IT'S THE 100TH DAY OF SCHOOL!!!!!
More fun than I can handle :)
A co-worker is out as her mother-in-law is about to pass away...so I said I would make her plans for the week...and when I went to work on Saturday to make copies and clean up from Valentine's Day I set off the alarm...and the alarm wouldn't accept my code....and the police came and checked my ID...(Like I would break into the school to do work?) so I was only able to work in my classroom and not go into the main building.
Soooooo I got to work early to do all of the things I needed to do....I made the copies, set up my room. then got the warm ups CD set because I led warm ups this morning....and then I went to my co-worker's room to set up...it smelled a little when I opened the door...and then I put out the plans, put the spelling on the board and then checked the hamster....which wasn't moving...there was plenty of food and water...it was just old...and dead....and one more thing to deal with....I had to find a bag and a box and get him out before Running Club which was starting in 15 minutes....and the tone for the day was set....although there was nothing else dead to deal with.
I was so exhausted by the end of the day...The Captain picked me up and we went to our friend's post office to mail a package to our Kiwi...there were only 2 people ahead of me in line but the first person in line was mailing A LOT. I waited 15 minutes and decided to leave....we got to the club and I decided to swim over working out inside. That was a great decision because it was a beautiful sunny day and rain is coming on Wednesday....so I got dressed only to find my lock fell apart and wouldn't work...so I had to bring my backpack and purse out to the pool deck.
I am feeling a bit less exhausted after my swim and shower...and I am waiting for my steamed veggies smothered in cheese because....I have a lot to get ready for tomorrow...because, I have to plan for the other class and IT'S THE 100TH DAY OF SCHOOL!!!!!
More fun than I can handle :)
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*SCHOOL'S A PARTY*
Sunday, February 23, 2014
February Run
With February coming to an end I was thankful to find an event that I could run in ...I try to do one event a month....but without anyone to do events with it make sit easy to put it off.
Today was a 5K run for a local private school. The upside was the entry fee being only $20 including a t-shirt...even thought the shirts are the basic men's style t-shirt which I have soooo many of and rarely wear so.... The captain has another nice shirt!
Yesterday when I ran my two uphill quarter miles the sun was out...even though it was 9:00 it was too warm for me. But today was overcast and chilly at the 9 a.m. start. This was a very small run....only 55 entrants because the other 100 participants were walking the 1K which began 10 minutes later. When this run began, the youngsters took off and were not to be seen until I was on the home stretch and they were walking to their cars...but besides finishing 45 out of 55 I was proud of my finish time of 28:05....and I could have broke 28 minutes but just into the second mile a boy around 12 who was running with who I think was his sister, fell right in front of me....of course I had to slow, turn around and make sure he was okay....he was and he finished with blood running down his knee!
I was sure I would place....but the age divisions went from 5-9, 10-19 and 20-up....there is no way I can run like a 20 year old!! The last 3/10th of the run was uphill and I felt pretty strong....I guess my last 2 days of hill climbs helped. This makes me eager to want to run more than once a week...I really need to run no less than 3x...but I get lazy, or I swim or do something else....but I want to be strong for the Rugged Mudder in May so I need to keep up the running.
I am sad tonight because my mid-winter break has ended....tomorrow I go back to a very full day starting with Running Club before school and it is my day to lead the routine for 1st/2nd grade warm ups....and a co-worker is out and I made plans for her class also....back to the grind :)
Today was a 5K run for a local private school. The upside was the entry fee being only $20 including a t-shirt...even thought the shirts are the basic men's style t-shirt which I have soooo many of and rarely wear so.... The captain has another nice shirt!
Yesterday when I ran my two uphill quarter miles the sun was out...even though it was 9:00 it was too warm for me. But today was overcast and chilly at the 9 a.m. start. This was a very small run....only 55 entrants because the other 100 participants were walking the 1K which began 10 minutes later. When this run began, the youngsters took off and were not to be seen until I was on the home stretch and they were walking to their cars...but besides finishing 45 out of 55 I was proud of my finish time of 28:05....and I could have broke 28 minutes but just into the second mile a boy around 12 who was running with who I think was his sister, fell right in front of me....of course I had to slow, turn around and make sure he was okay....he was and he finished with blood running down his knee!
I was sure I would place....but the age divisions went from 5-9, 10-19 and 20-up....there is no way I can run like a 20 year old!! The last 3/10th of the run was uphill and I felt pretty strong....I guess my last 2 days of hill climbs helped. This makes me eager to want to run more than once a week...I really need to run no less than 3x...but I get lazy, or I swim or do something else....but I want to be strong for the Rugged Mudder in May so I need to keep up the running.
I am sad tonight because my mid-winter break has ended....tomorrow I go back to a very full day starting with Running Club before school and it is my day to lead the routine for 1st/2nd grade warm ups....and a co-worker is out and I made plans for her class also....back to the grind :)
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*RUN LIKE A GIRL*
Monday, February 17, 2014
Just One More....
that used to be the first thing I would look at in Life Magazine...it was always on the last page.
Just one more? Yes, one more time BlogSpot has decided not to upload my photos...not because I am out of room but because a little dot comes up and makes circular moves...and won't go away and won't let me close the upload box and then I get frustrated and quit trying to make a post.
It is so hard to put up a post without some photos...and I may have to give up on this site...but for now....the GOOD NEWS is:
I HAVE HAD 10 DAYS TO MYSELF!!
(The Captain took his mom on a cruise)
the other good news:
THE CAPTAIN COMES HOME TONIGHT!
and the best news:
I HAVE THE WHOLE WEEK OFF!
(THANKS GEORGE AND ABE!)
Now to clean the house because FOR 10 DAYS...I ate what I wanted...left my clothes on the floor...baked some awesome muffins (and ate half the dozen)...haven't picked up the yard after the dog or made the bed...BUT I did run (set a PR on my weekend 5 miler,) and I swam....and I watched the USA Mens' hockey team beat the Russians in a shootout (2x)...and watched snowboarding, downhill, curling, biathlon and ice dancing (even though I am not a fan of it)....I ate a heart shaped box of Dove chocolates, built a fire in the fireplace and moved the couch right up in front of the hearth and read a book...had a Valentine's Day drink with a friend, left the volume on high on my laptop, left the car radio on my station and drank milk out of the jug...used my gift cards shopping online and basically was a bachelor for 10 days....and I enjoyed every second of it. Now I have a week to recuperate.
Just one more? Yes, one more time BlogSpot has decided not to upload my photos...not because I am out of room but because a little dot comes up and makes circular moves...and won't go away and won't let me close the upload box and then I get frustrated and quit trying to make a post.
It is so hard to put up a post without some photos...and I may have to give up on this site...but for now....the GOOD NEWS is:
I HAVE HAD 10 DAYS TO MYSELF!!
(The Captain took his mom on a cruise)
the other good news:
THE CAPTAIN COMES HOME TONIGHT!
and the best news:
I HAVE THE WHOLE WEEK OFF!
(THANKS GEORGE AND ABE!)
Now to clean the house because FOR 10 DAYS...I ate what I wanted...left my clothes on the floor...baked some awesome muffins (and ate half the dozen)...haven't picked up the yard after the dog or made the bed...BUT I did run (set a PR on my weekend 5 miler,) and I swam....and I watched the USA Mens' hockey team beat the Russians in a shootout (2x)...and watched snowboarding, downhill, curling, biathlon and ice dancing (even though I am not a fan of it)....I ate a heart shaped box of Dove chocolates, built a fire in the fireplace and moved the couch right up in front of the hearth and read a book...had a Valentine's Day drink with a friend, left the volume on high on my laptop, left the car radio on my station and drank milk out of the jug...used my gift cards shopping online and basically was a bachelor for 10 days....and I enjoyed every second of it. Now I have a week to recuperate.
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*ENJOY TIME OFF WORK*
Friday, January 17, 2014
The Wooden Necklace Conference
Although it is really no longer polyester pants and wooden necklaces, the name Pumpkin delight gave it sticks. I haven't found a more appropriate name for it now...but I am sure to come up with something.
I took a break and went for a run...along the same trail I ran along last year when I was here. The new 9er Stadium is looking great...almost all the seats are in. I would post the photo I took but I cannot post photos anymore ....for some odd reason....I have been trying since Monday when I tried to post.
I will spend the weekend here learning and playing....and working. Thankfully I get Monday off as a day of rest. My only dilemma is that the 9ers play the Seahawks at 3:30 on Sunday...just about the time I would leave here on my bike and head to Cal Train...so I have to decide if I am watching the game here...or trying to get home before the end of the game.
I took a break and went for a run...along the same trail I ran along last year when I was here. The new 9er Stadium is looking great...almost all the seats are in. I would post the photo I took but I cannot post photos anymore ....for some odd reason....I have been trying since Monday when I tried to post.
I will spend the weekend here learning and playing....and working. Thankfully I get Monday off as a day of rest. My only dilemma is that the 9ers play the Seahawks at 3:30 on Sunday...just about the time I would leave here on my bike and head to Cal Train...so I have to decide if I am watching the game here...or trying to get home before the end of the game.
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*RUN PAST A NEW STADIUM*
Friday, January 3, 2014
Lady Bug, Lady Bug....
Don't fly away home....you cost me too much $$......
Finally the Lady Bug book shelf is put together and in my classroom loaded with books.
I
posted last summer about my find...it all came together so well- like it was planned. I saw this book shelf at the public library on our class field trip...and I mentioned to a mom that I would love to have one in my classroom....and that perhaps my husband could make one....and the next day she gave me a $50 gift card to Home Depot to start on it!
But the Captain has so many projects on his list right now I didn't even want to ask...so I went online and found the library site that sells them....For $1,500! (Not including the $700 shipping!) Then I googled photos of Lady Bug Book Shelf and when I continued on to that link it turns out there was one for sale in a second hand furniture store in Colorado Springs. SO I sent BIG Foot over to look at it since he is conveniently attending the University of CO there....and he said it was in good shape and was $200....and I was serendipitously given a $200 VISA gift card from the parents at the end of the year. THEN BIG Foot drove the disassembled shelf to the Captain's mom's in August and we were to drive to UT to pick it up....but summer was so full of traveling we never got there. When the Captain was at his mom's in November he looked into shipping the lady bug...but it was $300 or more. Then the week before Thanksgiving I was picking up dinner at Beli Deli when the owner asked if my son was coming home for TG....and she told me her son was driving home...from UT! ....in an SUV! So I quickly texted him and he was able to pick up the lady bug and deliver it to me before we left for Vegas....and the Sunday we returned we were going to set it up! Yay! But then I returned with the severe allergic reaction to the smoke and had a rip-roaring ear infection from all the swelling....so this Christmas break the Captain put it together....and I was able to get it organized today. I can't wait until the kids see it!
Finally the Lady Bug book shelf is put together and in my classroom loaded with books.
But the Captain has so many projects on his list right now I didn't even want to ask...so I went online and found the library site that sells them....For $1,500! (Not including the $700 shipping!) Then I googled photos of Lady Bug Book Shelf and when I continued on to that link it turns out there was one for sale in a second hand furniture store in Colorado Springs. SO I sent BIG Foot over to look at it since he is conveniently attending the University of CO there....and he said it was in good shape and was $200....and I was serendipitously given a $200 VISA gift card from the parents at the end of the year. THEN BIG Foot drove the disassembled shelf to the Captain's mom's in August and we were to drive to UT to pick it up....but summer was so full of traveling we never got there. When the Captain was at his mom's in November he looked into shipping the lady bug...but it was $300 or more. Then the week before Thanksgiving I was picking up dinner at Beli Deli when the owner asked if my son was coming home for TG....and she told me her son was driving home...from UT! ....in an SUV! So I quickly texted him and he was able to pick up the lady bug and deliver it to me before we left for Vegas....and the Sunday we returned we were going to set it up! Yay! But then I returned with the severe allergic reaction to the smoke and had a rip-roaring ear infection from all the swelling....so this Christmas break the Captain put it together....and I was able to get it organized today. I can't wait until the kids see it!
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*READ A GOOD BOOK FROM THE LADY BUG BOOK SHELF*
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Happy New Year!
Two accomplishments:
*New Year's Eve the Captain and I earned our t-shirts in the Winter Warrior program at the SMAC. 30 consecutive days of working out....well, minus Christmas Day because they were closed.
*Then year #3 of the New Year's Day Run to End Hunger Run...this is what I get when all the rest of the runners party all night...I get 3rd in my age division.
And now it is time to eat the split pea soup I have been waiting for. I used the ham and bone from the Christmas ham to make some delicious crock pot split soup...and I turned off the crock pot, put the crock on the stove to cool so I could put it in the fridge....and then promptly went to bed- leaving it out all night. So this is round 2 of the split pea soup....had to buy a bone and a slab of ham...but it is smelling soooooo good right now.
HAPPY NEW YEAR MY BLOG FRIENDS
*New Year's Eve the Captain and I earned our t-shirts in the Winter Warrior program at the SMAC. 30 consecutive days of working out....well, minus Christmas Day because they were closed.
*Then year #3 of the New Year's Day Run to End Hunger Run...this is what I get when all the rest of the runners party all night...I get 3rd in my age division.
And now it is time to eat the split pea soup I have been waiting for. I used the ham and bone from the Christmas ham to make some delicious crock pot split soup...and I turned off the crock pot, put the crock on the stove to cool so I could put it in the fridge....and then promptly went to bed- leaving it out all night. So this is round 2 of the split pea soup....had to buy a bone and a slab of ham...but it is smelling soooooo good right now.
HAPPY NEW YEAR MY BLOG FRIENDS
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH
HARDER*HAVE A HEALTHY, HAPPY NEW YEAR*
Thursday, December 26, 2013
This is how I feel today...
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER
*LAUGH HARDER*ENJOY THE DAY
AFTER...BOXING DAY!*
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Made it!
After running 300 miles my next goal was to make it to the end of the week with all my marbles.
I DID!
Now the countdown to Christmas!!
Off to run 1,000 errands~
I DID!
Now the countdown to Christmas!!
Off to run 1,000 errands~
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*MERRY CHRISTMAS PREP*
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
I ran...I ate...
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*RUN FOR YOUR LIFE*
Monday, December 16, 2013
5 to GOOOOO!
5 miles to go. I will order a big fat veggie pizza with sausage when I make 300!
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*RUN FURTHER*
Saturday, December 14, 2013
11 to go...
Since I have been sick- finally on a round of antibiotics that are clearing my ears- I have begun the push to make 300 miles this year...running miles that is. I know, sounds pathetic...in college I probably ran that in a summer....and I have friends who do that in a month- but seriously it was my goal this year since I would not make 1,000 biking miles.
It has been insanely cold here...and dark in the mornings...so I have resorted to a treadmill. I have only been on one once at physical therapy- talk about boring. Plus the fact that I apparently cannot run a straight line and watch the overhead TVs....I keep stepping partly on the side on the machine that does not move causing me to trip and look like a moron. BUT I am down to 11 miles left!
SMAC, where The Captain and I work out has the WINTER WARRIOR program in full swing. 30 days gets you a t-shirt- 60 days a fleece and 80 days free dues for a month! Last year I only missed 1 day for a conference in Santa Clara that I wasn't about to drive home for...and the same will happen again this year....so I keep plugging along 2 miles a day on that silly George Jetson contraption and should reach my goal next week. By then my ears should be clear and I should have enough energy to swim!
It has been insanely cold here...and dark in the mornings...so I have resorted to a treadmill. I have only been on one once at physical therapy- talk about boring. Plus the fact that I apparently cannot run a straight line and watch the overhead TVs....I keep stepping partly on the side on the machine that does not move causing me to trip and look like a moron. BUT I am down to 11 miles left!
SMAC, where The Captain and I work out has the WINTER WARRIOR program in full swing. 30 days gets you a t-shirt- 60 days a fleece and 80 days free dues for a month! Last year I only missed 1 day for a conference in Santa Clara that I wasn't about to drive home for...and the same will happen again this year....so I keep plugging along 2 miles a day on that silly George Jetson contraption and should reach my goal next week. By then my ears should be clear and I should have enough energy to swim!
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*MAKE A GOAL FOR 2014*
Thursday, December 12, 2013
It's beginning to Look a lot like Christmas....
...returned from Thanksgiving so to a whirl-wind of activities....so today I am off work for a Dr. appointment and to make my house look as though Christmas is actually coming! The tree stands naked...the mantel empty and only my classroom decorated. It is about time a little cheer arrived....and will happen right after my Dr. appointment and errands are run!
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*A LITTLE CHRISTMAS CHEER*
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
It's beginning to look a lot like Thanksgiving....
25 conferences down....1 apple pie baked...one pumpkin pie baked....36 corn muffins baked....the kids were awesome with following recipes. Now one more day...and one 504 meeting AFTER school tomorrow and then I can begin my Thanksgiving holiday....but seriously...WHO schedules a meeting after school on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving break????
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*CRY OVER A MEETING I HAVE TO ATTEND WHILE ALL THE OTHER
TEACHERS LEAVE SCHOOL*
Sunday, November 17, 2013
three words...
Parent Teacher Conferences...
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*ONLY 22 CONFERENCES TO GO*
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Sweet Dreams
So my alarm apparently went off this morning at 5:30...and I lay there for a few minutes then put on my swimsuit and sweats. My backpack was packed with my work clothing so I grabbed it and went up to the kitchen...where I glanced at the clock and it looked odd...battery must be dead...then I looked at the clock on the stove and indeed it was 4:28 a.m!
I went back downstairs and there was my phone...set for 5:30 a.m....still connected to the charger. I guess I dreamed it went off...now I was too awake to go back to sleep so I went online to see when the club opened...5:30...so I got a few things done, packed my breakfast and headed out the door. I swam my mile and made it to work with time to get some things buttoned up before Running Club began.
I will be sure to check the time before climbing out of bed tomorrow morning.
I went back downstairs and there was my phone...set for 5:30 a.m....still connected to the charger. I guess I dreamed it went off...now I was too awake to go back to sleep so I went online to see when the club opened...5:30...so I got a few things done, packed my breakfast and headed out the door. I swam my mile and made it to work with time to get some things buttoned up before Running Club began.
I will be sure to check the time before climbing out of bed tomorrow morning.
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*DOUBLE CHECK THE CLOCK*
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Lazy Saturday
I am thoroughly enjoying a much needed Saturday. I woke up and then sat in bed with my laptop. Then I lounged around a bit and then ran. The weather is not hot so I was able to run whenever I wanted...which ended up being around 11. I ran my 5 mile loop- I thought I was sucking under but actually to my surprise I hit my last record time. On my way up the hill I passed a woman running down...when I got back to the house she was coming back...turns out she is my new neighbor and runs slow like me...we will make a date to run together...it is always nicer to have someone to run with. I am approaching 300 miles for the first time in ages...I have 42.07 miles to go for 2013!
Tonight I have a PTA event...it will be fun but I am so enjoying doing nothing. I have my sewing computer warming up and I hope to make some gifts for Thanksgiving and Hanukkah. The dog is waiting for a walk and I would love to just sit on the couch.
Tomorrow is a loooong day. I cannot eat, only drink clear liquids for a procedure on Monday....there goes my 3 day weekend but it is better than taking a day off work. Conference are coming up and I have a zillion report cards to do...and papers to score and lessons to plan and books to read. I am looking forward to a fun Thanksgiving break even though we will be traveling.
Tonight I have a PTA event...it will be fun but I am so enjoying doing nothing. I have my sewing computer warming up and I hope to make some gifts for Thanksgiving and Hanukkah. The dog is waiting for a walk and I would love to just sit on the couch.
Tomorrow is a loooong day. I cannot eat, only drink clear liquids for a procedure on Monday....there goes my 3 day weekend but it is better than taking a day off work. Conference are coming up and I have a zillion report cards to do...and papers to score and lessons to plan and books to read. I am looking forward to a fun Thanksgiving break even though we will be traveling.
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*ENJOY A LAZY DAY
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Time Change
Is there anyone out there who really enjoys the time changes?
I admit I enjoyed my extra hour to run in my extremely busy day...but I hate that it was dark so early...I hate that I will wake up extra early, and that my students will be cranky and ask for lunch at snack time and want to go home when it isn't time yet, but the sun is in the sky where it was when they got to go home on Friday.
My body takes so long to adjust. I just wish we would pick a time and keep it...or split the difference by a half hour and not be tortured twice a year.
I admit I enjoyed my extra hour to run in my extremely busy day...but I hate that it was dark so early...I hate that I will wake up extra early, and that my students will be cranky and ask for lunch at snack time and want to go home when it isn't time yet, but the sun is in the sky where it was when they got to go home on Friday.
My body takes so long to adjust. I just wish we would pick a time and keep it...or split the difference by a half hour and not be tortured twice a year.
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*S*@%# THE TIME CHANGE*
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Happy (Birthday) Halloween! Or When Oscar and FelixSwitch Places
She wears heels and dresses and jewelry...Prada sunglasses and has manicured and pedicured nails....I wear shorts or skorts, Converse or Vans, Nike golf shirts with my keys and whistle on a lanyard and ID around my neck....
until Halloween when she was me and I was her.....
and the kids thought it was hilarious...and the principal said it we the best costumes in the history of the school.....now to soak my aching feet!
My Halloween birthday was a hit...one little girl said, "When we were in first grade you told us your birthday was in February."
My answer, "Yes, and this year my birthday is in October."
(It might be more mind boggling if she remembered that in kindergarten my birthday was my real birthday in April....pre-birthday change.)
She just looked at me trying to figure it all out and no one else even gave it another thought....and that was the end of that.
My Halloween birthday was a hit...one little girl said, "When we were in first grade you told us your birthday was in February."
My answer, "Yes, and this year my birthday is in October."
(It might be more mind boggling if she remembered that in kindergarten my birthday was my real birthday in April....pre-birthday change.)
She just looked at me trying to figure it all out and no one else even gave it another thought....and that was the end of that.
*HAPPY HALLOWEEN*HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*EAT SOME CANDY*
Monday, October 28, 2013
Mileage Update
So I was complaining about the gadgets not working...I have used them every day that I exercise for the past 4 years....putting my totals in the sidebar to motivate myself...and this month, the gadgets suddenly stopped working. I finally found a way to send a concern to blogger...no reply of course but when I tried the gadgets today...WHA-LA! they work!!
I am proud of my running miles this year...I haven't run this many miles since I was in college (way more per month,)...and weighed a lot less and ran 7 and 8 minute miles....but I am twice as old now and feel pretty good at coming in 299/1520 in my age group in the S.F. Nike half marathon.
Halloween is Thursday...I have a very cool costume planned...and it is always a favorite day for me with the kids....I will be sure to post- besides, it's my "birthday!"
I am proud of my running miles this year...I haven't run this many miles since I was in college (way more per month,)...and weighed a lot less and ran 7 and 8 minute miles....but I am twice as old now and feel pretty good at coming in 299/1520 in my age group in the S.F. Nike half marathon.
Halloween is Thursday...I have a very cool costume planned...and it is always a favorite day for me with the kids....I will be sure to post- besides, it's my "birthday!"
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*RUN LIKE A GIRL*
Sunday, October 20, 2013
We Rocked The City!
We were up at 4:30 a.m. and The Captain was driving us to The City by 4:50. This year's race was set up so much better than the past...each corral, with your specific time per mile was entered at a different street...and once in the corral there were port-o-potties. This made for less of a wait for the potties. Then about a minute was added between letting the corrals start the run...we still had to dodge walkers (who think rules don't apply to them,) and much slower runners. 30,000 participants with 306 Legacy Runners...those are participants who have RUN all 10 year's events!
We bought some funny hair spirals that light up at CVS and wore them in the run...Ali's was purple for TNT and mine was green and purple...and the back of my tank top said, "MOM OF A CHILDHOOD leukemia SURVIVOR." (Terry, Julianna Banana's dad taught me that you never give cancer the power of capital letters.)
We rocked the run- well, The Teacher dragged my butt the entire way and could have beaten me handsomely but she chose to run with her mom...which made me go faster- oh those hills! But at the end, a tuxedoed fireman awaits with a silver tray full of Tiffany boxes...holding the coveted necklace.....
Pretty cool!
And all the proceeds go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society...so one day soon
all children with leukemia can stand by this sign!
 |
| That's not an orange mustache but the straw :) |
We bought some funny hair spirals that light up at CVS and wore them in the run...Ali's was purple for TNT and mine was green and purple...and the back of my tank top said, "MOM OF A CHILDHOOD leukemia SURVIVOR." (Terry, Julianna Banana's dad taught me that you never give cancer the power of capital letters.)
We rocked the run- well, The Teacher dragged my butt the entire way and could have beaten me handsomely but she chose to run with her mom...which made me go faster- oh those hills! But at the end, a tuxedoed fireman awaits with a silver tray full of Tiffany boxes...holding the coveted necklace.....
And all the proceeds go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society...so one day soon
all children with leukemia can stand by this sign!
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*RUN LIKE A GIRL*
Saturday, October 19, 2013
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Happy almost Birthday to me...this year my school birthday falls on Halloween! Last year it was Valentine's Day!
I grew tired of my birthday at the end of April when Open House, report cards and teacher Appreciation Day all run together with Mother's Day....so I decided, there's no law about changing my work birthday...should have done it years ago! So last year, my birthday conveniently coincided with Valentine's Day and one party day! This year Halloween is the day of choice and my party is part of another. Technically I did have 2 birthdays this year....but the great thing is, I take my real birthday off work and the students don't get cheated out of not celebrating with me...which is a big deal when you are 7 or 8.
I grew tired of my birthday at the end of April when Open House, report cards and teacher Appreciation Day all run together with Mother's Day....so I decided, there's no law about changing my work birthday...should have done it years ago! So last year, my birthday conveniently coincided with Valentine's Day and one party day! This year Halloween is the day of choice and my party is part of another. Technically I did have 2 birthdays this year....but the great thing is, I take my real birthday off work and the students don't get cheated out of not celebrating with me...which is a big deal when you are 7 or 8.
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*CELEBRATE YOUR
BIRTHDAY...REAL OR NOT*
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Gadgets
Anyone else having trouble with blogspot's gadgets? I cannot update my mileage...I put int eh new info and then it won't save. I have tried on several computers so I know it isn't my computer...hmmm...and of course there is no way to contact a real human at blogspot. Thankfully I have it on XL.
The good news is I have suprpassed 200 miles running this year...I know some people who do that in a month...but for me it is abig deal.
The good news is I have suprpassed 200 miles running this year...I know some people who do that in a month...but for me it is abig deal.
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*HAPPY HUMP DAY*
Sunday, October 6, 2013
We Did It!
SAN JOSE ROCK N ROLL HALF MARATHON SURVIVORS!!
Finishers get a "heavy" medal and beer...in this crappy cell phone photo it is hard to tell that we are sporting our medals and beer.
We survived the run...Teacher (Daughter #1) kicked my butt...she and her boyfriend, Nuclear Physicist, who has asthma beat me by 4+ minutes...but they didn't beat my time from the last San Jose Rock N Roll I ran.
2:15:27 was my time today...but 2:07 was what I needed to beat...but there's always the S.F. Nike Women's coming up in two weeks! GO GIRLS! Just me and the teacher then.
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*RUN LIKE A GIRL*
Saturday, October 5, 2013
By this time tomorrow...
I will have finished the San Jose Rock N Roll Half Marathon!!
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*RUN WITH YOUR KIDS*
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Happy Birthday Johnny
He was born 239 years ago that John Chapman....right when the apples were ripe for pickin'. And that means celebrating with applesauce makin' in kindergarten- along with graphing and counting and eating applesauce of course. In first grade you can get away with it too...but by second, well that's when I had to get a little sophisticated.
I went shopping...and we did a taste test...
And we did a little recording and adjective work....
And we tasted and tasted until the apples were all gone.And then we used the apple-corer thingy to core and peel more Fuji apples.
Then we topped off the day with "The Legend of Johnny Appleseed" film circa 1948!
Then the kids wrote the best bios on Johnny Appleseed I have ever read.
Then we topped off the day with "The Legend of Johnny Appleseed" film circa 1948!
Then the kids wrote the best bios on Johnny Appleseed I have ever read.
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*AN APPLE A DAY KEEPS
THE TEACHER FULL*
Friday, September 20, 2013
Friday Funny in Room 9
I got up at 5:30 a.m. to swim...and I forgot my make up bag and arrived at work with wet hair only to find out I had morning traffic duty. Uh! I did not have time to re-copy permission slips that needed to go home today...they are now front and back forms and I had only copied the front side.
As I was taking roll, I noticed the moms talking out front of my classroom. I asked a little girl to go outside and ask her mom if she would make me some copies.
The girl came back inside and about 30 seconds later her mother came in. I walked over and asked if she had a few minutes and if she wouldn't mind making 25 copies. Then she smiled and said, "Susie asked if I would go get you coffee!"
We both had a good laugh. First of all I don't know this mom well enough to boss her around like a servant- and secondly, I don't like coffee!
TGIF!
As I was taking roll, I noticed the moms talking out front of my classroom. I asked a little girl to go outside and ask her mom if she would make me some copies.
The girl came back inside and about 30 seconds later her mother came in. I walked over and asked if she had a few minutes and if she wouldn't mind making 25 copies. Then she smiled and said, "Susie asked if I would go get you coffee!"
We both had a good laugh. First of all I don't know this mom well enough to boss her around like a servant- and secondly, I don't like coffee!
TGIF!
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*GET ME COFFEE*
Thursday, September 19, 2013
TGIF!
Tomorrow is FRIDAY! It will be the 8th day of school...with 172 to follow. So far I really like my students...while the other 2nd grade teachers are finding the students a bit immature...mine seem so mature- coming from first grade and previously kinder.
On Tuesday we had a 49er/Gatorade Camp come to our school for a 90 minute session. It was a sunny day but the wind was howling! It was well organized- all I had to do was supply ice, a table and 5 helpers. Our 4 second grades, two 4th grades and one fifth grade participated...we could have 150 kids max. It was a fun, amazing time. The kids got to run over hurdles, hit a dummy, throw the football into a target and run a few drills and catch a spiral.
When it ended I helped clean up and the students were to return to their classrooms- coming from kinder and first, I was worried that I was taking too long and who knows what my students would be up to...but when I looked over at my classroom, there they were in line, waiting for me. Now that doesn't happen in kinder...and not likely in first...but next fall....well I think I will be saying my class is immature.
On Tuesday we had a 49er/Gatorade Camp come to our school for a 90 minute session. It was a sunny day but the wind was howling! It was well organized- all I had to do was supply ice, a table and 5 helpers. Our 4 second grades, two 4th grades and one fifth grade participated...we could have 150 kids max. It was a fun, amazing time. The kids got to run over hurdles, hit a dummy, throw the football into a target and run a few drills and catch a spiral.
When it ended I helped clean up and the students were to return to their classrooms- coming from kinder and first, I was worried that I was taking too long and who knows what my students would be up to...but when I looked over at my classroom, there they were in line, waiting for me. Now that doesn't happen in kinder...and not likely in first...but next fall....well I think I will be saying my class is immature.
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*READ HENRY AND MUDGE BOOKS*
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
First Day of 2nd Grade
And like I said when I went to first grade from kinder...IT IS MUCH EASIER!! I took all the 2nd grader's photos today...100 of them...and I did that in less time that it took me to photograph 25 kinders on the first day!
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*REFLECT ON 9/11*
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Let 2nd Grade Begin!!
I taught 2nd grade way back in 1986...and will start again tomorrow :)
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH
HARDER*GO TO SCHOOL*
Thursday, September 5, 2013
I went from here
...our own private beach...on Wednesday ...
to here tomorrow:
Yes...I have been gone for a month...and tomorrow I have to be back at work. The students arrive on the 11th...all the construction kept us from returning before Labor Day. So if you are reading my blog for the first time...TCRWP friends, return for school stuff in a week...until then, enjoy knowing that I may have had more summer than you, but when I don't get out of school until June 25 you can laugh! (Leave a comment so I know you were here!)
But I am woman- hear me ROAR!! If I can carry a 45 pound pack over the pass of Santa Cruz Island last Sunday, I can conquer my classroom piles...but the view from that mountain cannot be matched.
Yes...I have been gone for a month...and tomorrow I have to be back at work. The students arrive on the 11th...all the construction kept us from returning before Labor Day. So if you are reading my blog for the first time...TCRWP friends, return for school stuff in a week...until then, enjoy knowing that I may have had more summer than you, but when I don't get out of school until June 25 you can laugh! (Leave a comment so I know you were here!)
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*CLIMB A MOUNTAIN*MOVE A CLASSROOM*
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Plllll-ease Can We Drive the bus?
If you don't know who Mo Willems is then you will have no idea what the heck I am doing in this page of a book....
When I was in Boston I sweet talked The Captain into going to the Eric Carle Museum in Amherst. (Eric Carle wrote the Very Hungry Caterpillar and illustrated Brown Bear, Brown Bear.) I have always wanted to go to the museum and finally go the chance. The bonus was, a Mo Willems' exhibit. I was in teacher heaven....more photos to follow and details of my trip but I have to pack because we are leaving tomorrow for...BACKPACKING in the Channel Islands!!
And I will return to this:
There are 38 boxes...10 more arriving from the heat sensitive area AND everything from my classroom that was carried over on the last day. I had to be out of my old room by 1 p.m. on the last day of school...anything left was thrown in the dumpster.
I am moving into a portable classroom..so the principal told me that the rest of my items didn't have to be packed for storage...I could just move them into the portable. Great plan...BUT, the speech teacher used the portable last school year and she wouldn't pack her boxes. Then she wouldn't let my volunteer parents in the room to put my teaching items in the cupboards...she was very uncooperative to say the least. On the last day, 20 minutes before saying good bye to my students, each child and parent carried a item over to the portable and set it on the floor, or on a table or counter top...and that was how my room was left. The other teacher's items were in boxes but she did not have them sent to storage...she said the janitor told her to leave them in the classroom- which he did not. There was a party for teachers afterwards...where the janitor told me my new classroom would not be cleaned this summer because there was too much stuff in the room! We are not allowed in the classrooms due to construction, but last night after the workers were gone I went to drop off supplies I purchased for the school year. I wanted to cry...my room is so full of boxes and my students desks and chairs are not in the classroom yet! There is a giant rust stain on the new vinyl where the teacher had her file cabinet and she must have spilled tea....this portable is only one school year old! She has locked the giant teacher cabinets because her files are inside...and I cannot move anything into those cabinets. I have next Friday after teacher meetings to prepare my classroom. So for now, I am heading to the island and erasing this mess from my mind until I have to be back to work.
And I will return to this:
I am moving into a portable classroom..so the principal told me that the rest of my items didn't have to be packed for storage...I could just move them into the portable. Great plan...BUT, the speech teacher used the portable last school year and she wouldn't pack her boxes. Then she wouldn't let my volunteer parents in the room to put my teaching items in the cupboards...she was very uncooperative to say the least. On the last day, 20 minutes before saying good bye to my students, each child and parent carried a item over to the portable and set it on the floor, or on a table or counter top...and that was how my room was left. The other teacher's items were in boxes but she did not have them sent to storage...she said the janitor told her to leave them in the classroom- which he did not. There was a party for teachers afterwards...where the janitor told me my new classroom would not be cleaned this summer because there was too much stuff in the room! We are not allowed in the classrooms due to construction, but last night after the workers were gone I went to drop off supplies I purchased for the school year. I wanted to cry...my room is so full of boxes and my students desks and chairs are not in the classroom yet! There is a giant rust stain on the new vinyl where the teacher had her file cabinet and she must have spilled tea....this portable is only one school year old! She has locked the giant teacher cabinets because her files are inside...and I cannot move anything into those cabinets. I have next Friday after teacher meetings to prepare my classroom. So for now, I am heading to the island and erasing this mess from my mind until I have to be back to work.
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*HIKE AN ISLAND*DON'T
THINK ABOUT WORK*
Thursday, August 22, 2013
The Berlin Wall...
... in Portland, Maine!
We had a great time at the Waterfront...onto Boston via Amtrak today.
Just 1 lost camera, 1 flight delay, 1 rental car fiasco...but lots of good times.
 |
| Crappy cell photo |
Just 1 lost camera, 1 flight delay, 1 rental car fiasco...but lots of good times.
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*A PIECE OF HISTORY THAT
IS BETTER TORN DOWN*
Sunday, August 18, 2013
9-11
The Captain and I had a blast in NYC. We had an amazing hotel right over the 9-11 Memorial. In fact, it was the only place we could see Ground Zero. When I booked the hotel on Priceline, (Yep, name your price,) I knew which hotel it was before we paid for it because of the description. Our room overlooked the sight and we could see the people lined up to get into the park and view the reflecting pools. But it wasn't until I was actually down there that it hit me. People on this very spot jumped from the inferno... out the blown out windows, to their death. It was a choice- burn to death or jump- holding the hand of someone they knew- or didn't know until that moment. The very spot where terrorists crashed planes full of innocent people.
Although it was almost 12 years ago I vividly remember listening to the radio that morning as I was lying in bed. When I heard the news I jumped up, switched on the TV...and then the second hit. I woke up my children and had them come down. The Captain was on his way to work. I didn't want to send my kids to school...I didn't want to go to work...but I tried to keep things as normal as possible. That day the kindergartners didn't know much about what had happened. As I worked parents filled me in on other flights that were off course and eventually of what had happened. All flights were ordered to the closest airports....it was eerie at recess with no planes overhead...my school was right under the flight path...so we were used to the noise of planes coming and going from SFO.
The next day children were talking....we were told to keep things normal and try not to let the younger kids discuss what had happened. Our school and community seemed to unite that first week. Flags were flown and cars and had decals and USA!! stickers on them. Fire trucks flew the American Flag on board and wore NYFD on their sleeves.
On the first anniversary of 9-11, Daughter #1 was in the hospital with a cancer diagnosis. I bought little flags for every child on the cancer wing's IV/med pumps. I hung a full size flag from her window which overlooked the hospital parking garage. Again our community was united. I didn't think about the people who jumped, or the little children who were born and would never know their fathers...I just kept going.
But yesterday, I had a hard time sleeping. I kept thinking that right there, where I had walked, people died....LOTS of people. And it wasn't an accident- or mother nature, or a freak happening...it was on purpose. 3,000 people were murdered. I am happy there is a memorial there...but I am unhappy that the entire thing happened and we have a reason to have that memorial. I am sure my father felt that way when he returned to the places he was actively fighting in during WWII. So very sad.
On a happier note, Amtrak was only 1 hour behind today and we are at
Viagara Niagara Falls!
This is the Canadian side from our hotel room!
Although it was almost 12 years ago I vividly remember listening to the radio that morning as I was lying in bed. When I heard the news I jumped up, switched on the TV...and then the second hit. I woke up my children and had them come down. The Captain was on his way to work. I didn't want to send my kids to school...I didn't want to go to work...but I tried to keep things as normal as possible. That day the kindergartners didn't know much about what had happened. As I worked parents filled me in on other flights that were off course and eventually of what had happened. All flights were ordered to the closest airports....it was eerie at recess with no planes overhead...my school was right under the flight path...so we were used to the noise of planes coming and going from SFO.
The next day children were talking....we were told to keep things normal and try not to let the younger kids discuss what had happened. Our school and community seemed to unite that first week. Flags were flown and cars and had decals and USA!! stickers on them. Fire trucks flew the American Flag on board and wore NYFD on their sleeves.
On the first anniversary of 9-11, Daughter #1 was in the hospital with a cancer diagnosis. I bought little flags for every child on the cancer wing's IV/med pumps. I hung a full size flag from her window which overlooked the hospital parking garage. Again our community was united. I didn't think about the people who jumped, or the little children who were born and would never know their fathers...I just kept going.
But yesterday, I had a hard time sleeping. I kept thinking that right there, where I had walked, people died....LOTS of people. And it wasn't an accident- or mother nature, or a freak happening...it was on purpose. 3,000 people were murdered. I am happy there is a memorial there...but I am unhappy that the entire thing happened and we have a reason to have that memorial. I am sure my father felt that way when he returned to the places he was actively fighting in during WWII. So very sad.
On a happier note, Amtrak was only 1 hour behind today and we are at
This is the Canadian side from our hotel room!
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*DON'T GO OVER IN A BARREL*
Saturday, August 17, 2013
We walked in her crown today....
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*CLIMB A WHOLE LOT OF STAIRS*
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Another item checked off my bucket list....
Although it wasn't the old stadium where the Babe played, it is still Yankees Stadium.
And although my Angels lost miserably, I managed to get myself there via subway, buy a ticket, watch the game and get myself back- through the not so nice neighborhood, and safely back to the hostel...with my souvenir cup!
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*LOVE BASEBALL*
Monday, August 12, 2013
I looked for Jerry and Elaine...
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*MY BRAIN IS FULL*
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Oakland, Denver, Phillie and Newark
I airport hopped today...Phillie wasn't in the plans, but what the heck...I have never been to Pennsylvania so why not cross that state off my list?!
As we approached Newark, 30 minutes early the radar went out for all New York Airports. We circled...and circled until we were out of fuel....so we went to Phillie, landed, got fueled up and headed back to Newark.
Loooong day. I am at the hostel now and boy I got some looks....like...what is that old lady doing here? But for $50 in New York City, right near Columbia....I am doing the same thing they are...N.Y. on the cheap!
As we approached Newark, 30 minutes early the radar went out for all New York Airports. We circled...and circled until we were out of fuel....so we went to Phillie, landed, got fueled up and headed back to Newark.
Loooong day. I am at the hostel now and boy I got some looks....like...what is that old lady doing here? But for $50 in New York City, right near Columbia....I am doing the same thing they are...N.Y. on the cheap!
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*AIRPORT HOPPING IS NOT
ALL IT IS CRACKED UP TO BE*
Welcome to Denver....
...Now wait 2 hours for you connecting flight.....
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*
LAUGH HARDER*TRAVEL ALL DAY TO
GET TO NEW YORK!*
Thursday, August 8, 2013
N Zed- Round Two
Have fun kiddo!
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER*TRAVEL WHILE YOU'RE YOUNG*
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Ready, Set.....
.... BACK TO SCHOOL NO! GO ON VACATION!!
It feels like summer is just beginning for me....Sunday I leave for New York. I will spend a week at Columbia University's Teacher's College for the Reading Institute. I am soooo excited.
When it ends on Friday, I will meet up with The Captain at a hotel. I am sure I will be ready for our own room after staying in a hostel all week. On Saturday we have tickets to the CROWN of the Statue of Liberty and then we will take in a Broadway show that night. Then on Sunday we will take Amtrak to Niagara Falls in Ontario. That is what we have planned so far....and our return tickets. We will be home for two days and then we will leave for backpacking on Santa Cruz Island, in Channel Island National Park.
School does not begin for kids until September 11, due to the remodeling of all the schools. I am sooooo enjoying this long summer. All my bloggy friends are getting their classrooms ready and I am going on vacation! I am sure I will be posting a different version of this next June when everyone is out of school and I am still working until JUNE 25!! But for now I will enjoy my summer.
I usually don't post my vacation plans but we have people staying at our house and taking care of the animals...so if you planned to steal my Pez collection you'll have to try another time.
Today I finished canning the last of the salsa thanks to a friend for bringing me a ton of tomatoes! I also canned tomatoes with basil and garlic when I ran out of the rest of the peppers and celantro....that will make for some great spaghetti sauce and chili! I just wish I had apricots to make jam.
It feels like summer is just beginning for me....Sunday I leave for New York. I will spend a week at Columbia University's Teacher's College for the Reading Institute. I am soooo excited.
When it ends on Friday, I will meet up with The Captain at a hotel. I am sure I will be ready for our own room after staying in a hostel all week. On Saturday we have tickets to the CROWN of the Statue of Liberty and then we will take in a Broadway show that night. Then on Sunday we will take Amtrak to Niagara Falls in Ontario. That is what we have planned so far....and our return tickets. We will be home for two days and then we will leave for backpacking on Santa Cruz Island, in Channel Island National Park.
School does not begin for kids until September 11, due to the remodeling of all the schools. I am sooooo enjoying this long summer. All my bloggy friends are getting their classrooms ready and I am going on vacation! I am sure I will be posting a different version of this next June when everyone is out of school and I am still working until JUNE 25!! But for now I will enjoy my summer.
I usually don't post my vacation plans but we have people staying at our house and taking care of the animals...so if you planned to steal my Pez collection you'll have to try another time.
Today I finished canning the last of the salsa thanks to a friend for bringing me a ton of tomatoes! I also canned tomatoes with basil and garlic when I ran out of the rest of the peppers and celantro....that will make for some great spaghetti sauce and chili! I just wish I had apricots to make jam.
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER* ENJOY THE LONG SUMMER*
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Le
Tour de France Peninsula...as close as I got to France this summer....but it was an adventure.
We usually ride the 62 miler...but we have friends coming over and we needed to get home...so we opted for the 31 miler. Good move on our part- It wasn't crowded at the finish and for the first time, I got the correct size t-shirt...usually everyone who does the shorter rides take all the size small shirts....and I get stuck with a men's medium or an XL- even though I put down a small on my entry form. There were lots of freebies from the vendors and they hadn't run out of tri tip sandwiches at the food booth.
This ride benefits the county parks and is my 5th year participating. One area of the ride was through an area closed to cars on Sundays which is sponsored by the parks...so we had the entire road to ourselves. Another part of the ride was through Sawyer Camp Trail along the reservoir, which is for bike or foot traffic only BUT for today was closed to the public and open only for the riders...so we didn't have to worry about pedestrians or cyclists coming the opposite direction. The bonus is that I am not tired like I would be if I rode the 62 miles.
This ride benefits the county parks and is my 5th year participating. One area of the ride was through an area closed to cars on Sundays which is sponsored by the parks...so we had the entire road to ourselves. Another part of the ride was through Sawyer Camp Trail along the reservoir, which is for bike or foot traffic only BUT for today was closed to the public and open only for the riders...so we didn't have to worry about pedestrians or cyclists coming the opposite direction. The bonus is that I am not tired like I would be if I rode the 62 miles.
*LIVESTRONG*LOVESTRONGER*LAUGH HARDER* RIDE THE RIDE*
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