New workout motivator

So, I have two big (for me) races coming up. The ten miler at soldier field and the half marathon in June. I have a problem right now with the treadmill. I hate it. But, the roads are just too slippery to run on right now and I can't expect that all my neighbors will have shoveled the sidewalks. So, the treadmill at the gym it is. 

A friend from work, who is run races with, says she watches moves. She especially likes rings like space balls to distract her. 

So, I realized, kids movies, like ones form Disney or Dreamworks last about as long as I need to be running. 90 minutes.  

I guess I can purchase all those movies to put on my iPad now...

Things my students tell me

A collection of recent amazing kid quotes in my classroom. There are more but alas, my brain doesn't keep them all in by the time I get home.

"I use you tube to look up where babies come from!"

 "Someone fell in the toilet!"

"my brain is singing!"

"I don't remember how many freckles Mrs. Bush has"- Student was drawing my picture

The Marathon

Today was the Chicago marathon. I think I should be there, next year.

I have gotten more. And more comfortable with running and have signed up for several races in the last few weeks. 

My goal. 30 before 30. I have a little less than two years before my 30th birthday. Many people make a bucket list. I don't like the idea of a list. Of hugging sags before death. Life is too short to look to death daily. For me, this will be a "before I hit the big 3-0" challenge.

The list-part 1 of three

1. Run the Rock and Roll Half Marathon -already signed up

2. Run the Chicago marathon

3. Finish my masters

4. Leave the country -yes I have done this but I need to do it again

5. Make a significant donation to a charity I care about

6. Put on a recital

7. Road trip with my best friend
8. Save enough for a house down payment.
9. Volunteer
10. Buy coffee at Starbucks for the next five people behind me.  

Unsure

The constant battle in my mind.
Am I doing the right thing? Do I really understand what I am doing? I don't think I am smart enough to do this.
Forever I am unsure of who I am and what I am capable of. Always second guessing and waiting with fear that comes with being unsure.

Inner battles of letting something go and being spontaneous.
But wait, did I jump too early or speak too soon?

Hold on for a month while I think about what I might want to do, say, be.

Bajillion Degrees and strippers

Today was hot, very hot. 101 heat index hot. My students melted into the floor while we attempted learning.

I had one student tell me to "have a nice weekend" as they left my class. Yup. It is only Tuesday. They must not want to come back until it cools off

I also overheard two third grade boys asking each other if they knew what a stripper was. I am guessing and hoping it is because someone at home was discussing the recent Miley Cyrus performance on the VMAs. 

A car!

I bought a new car today. So now DH and I each have our own again. We trie just one for almost a whole year and it worked well. We live in the downtown area of our community and he took the train every day. I commute about 30 miles each way so we had to have one. Then DH lost his job, so he used grandma's the. We sold grandma's has guzzler.
It is hat to get a job without a car in our suburban area. Thus the need for being back to two cars. I am pretty pleased with our purchase. Bought for less than we were planning and I think it is just the right car for us.

Thanks, Gram

Grandma was always smiling.
 Her whole life was loving us, her children and grandchildren. Plus a few more who got lumped into that group regardless who genetics.
Generous and kind. Not a afraid to speak her thoughts.
You always felt loved in her presence.
Are you getting good grades in school? Yes? Here are a few dollars. No? I will hire a tutor.
What do you want? It magically appears.
There are no wants when Grandma is around, she already got them for you.
When Grandma needs your help, you get a squeeze, a kiss, and "Thanks, Love"
Being around her is enough of a reward.
"Have you thought about this option?"
She has an opinion about everything. She knows what she likes. She knows how to make it happen.
We talk about my life, my dreams, my wants.
She smiles and tells me how she would do things.
I am the one with red hair like hers. This gives me and my sister something special with her.
I am perpetually trying to make her proud. She doesn't always tell me but I know, she is.
I have a lot to look up to. A lot to live up to.
Thanks, Love
Katie

Grandma, Me, My Dad -Summer on the Patio 2012