Holiday Update

I'm enjoying my Christmas break greatly. Here's a few updates.

1. Spent time with family I only see once a year. I'm always nervous to go, but it turned out okay.

2. Got to give mom her favorite gift. Dark Jeans.

3. Looking forward to using my ipod, memo board, shoes, socks, coupon holder and umbrella. I also got some cute Cows on Parade.

4. Going to be going to the jewlery stores that have blue boxes.

5. Saw "We are Marshall" a feel good movie (not the beginning, but the end).

6. A little bit of sad news, I have to go to my Grandma's Special Friend's Wake.

7. Got to spend good quality time with friends that I wished lived much closer.

8. Booked my flight for the big spring break trip.

9. I'm on day three of No Sweets. I've consumed enough candy and cookies to last a lifetime, so I'm trying to cut back. In all honesty, I did have a Fannie May Turtle yesterday. I only had one, which is a huge accomplishment in itself.

I'm Done

Except for one gift that I have to get at home, I'm done shopping. So if I don't have a gift for you already, then you aren't getting one! This was my first day of Christmas Break. 7 more glorious days to go!!

This picture was taken after my mom and I put up the tree. Besides missing the topper, it looks pretty good.

By the way, you'd think it was summer outside. The neighbor boys are playing catch across the street and the adults are all outside on the porch. Kind of strange for December 21st, but whatever works I guess.

It's Just Stuff....

But I Keep Breaking It. I broke the chain on my favortie necklace. I was dusting the picture above my bed and the wire on the back broke so the picture fell and now the glass is broke. The Gaff's dog has an injury and is wearing one of those cone things on his head and that broke tonight while I was there. So nothing major here, but it just feels like I need to be super careful with everything.

First Snow

Here are some pictures of the house after the first major snow of the year. I'm reminded how crazy the weather in this part of the country is, I didn't wear a coat for at least 3 days this week and today, I was bundled up shoveling snow. Here's the driveway after shoveling. My neighbor had come over and started it for me before he went to work.
I had to pull a chunk of ice off of the mail box so it would open. I was sure I was getting a US Weekly today and wanted to make sure the mail man had no excuse to not get it to me.
You can't see it that well, but the tree is covered ice, so much so that...
A large amount of limbs broke off. Luckily no damage was done.

Snow Day

Whoot! Whoot!

I got to hang out with this sweet girl last night. She wanted to look at pictures on my phone and so we took some more. I cannot begin to tell you how cute she is!!

100th Post

I just got back from a nice long bike ride. I've been enjoying having the time to do other things besides running. I felt a little like a rebel, How do you feel about helmets for bike riders?

On another note, I had a parent tell me today that maybe his son isn't doing that great in class because I'm a women. May be true, but still a strange thing to hear from a parent.

Friday Morning.

We are getting ready to go shopping this morning. I'm a little nervous because I don't have a lot of direction. I have a plan, I'm just not sure how successful it will be. Hopefully I'll come away with some deals.

Thanksgiving Break

I've probably had more 4 day weeks this year than whole 5 day weeks, but I am so thankful for this extended break. What makes it even better, is that in just 3 and half more, I get two weeks off. I'm looking forward to spending time with family and hopefully seeing a movie (mom, are you willing to brave that awful parking lot?)

I went to a water class today at the Y, just to try something different. I didn't know which one to pick, so I ended up with lots of nice elderly women. The class was okay, nothing strenuous and I didn't feel the need to compare myself to the others in the class. I think I'll go back, but try to find a more challenging class.

Here's a few things that I'm putting on my Christmas list..
1. I wanted to put this adorable Coach purse that I saw some lady carrying, but alas, I can't find it on their web site.

2. an umbrella

3. an outside broom

4. new carpet for the family room

5. a chair for the office

6. a new pair of tennis shoes

7. a new pair of running shoes

8. to lose 10 lbs (I don't think anyone can get me that, but I'm still putting in on my list)

9. subscription to the paper

10. gift card to Ann Taylor

Okay, so not really exciting and not all practical, but just some things I've been thinking about.

Overheard at Krispy Kreme

Customer: I like a half dozen of the original glazed dougnouts

Worker: Would you like to make it a full dozen for $1. 65 more

Customer: No thank you, We're on a diet

A quick update

1. I'm getting ready for some friends from t-ville who are coming for a visit. I'm excited to see them and catch up.

2. I just got back from a class at the Y. My mom gave me a membership for an early Christmas present (Thanks Mom). I've only been to two classes, but am enjoying doing something besides running. My arms feel a little like jelly right now, but that's a good thing right.

3. Laurie left Blm this week. The house just doesn't feel the same without her.

4. Went to see Barbara Striesand in concert this week. I'd have pictures, but I'm such a rule follower and the ticket said no camera. Anyway, she put on a good show and I especially enjoyed the full orchestra. The crowd (which consited of mostly gay men and the over 50 crowd) was super into her. Appearantly, we got there just a few minutes late, because the guy next to me said that Rosie had just gone through and everyone around us got to shake her hand. Sorry Laurie, but I missed it. I'm blaming the traffic that made us get there late. Just a little FYI, if you ever go see Babs, you should dress up a little if you want to fit in.

5. So looking forward to this long weekend!!

It's About Time

I've been so behind at work this week that I've gone in over an hour early the last two days. Yesterday, while I'm sitting at my desk, my back up alarm goes off. Yes, the same alarm that is supposed to get me out of bed in case my real alarm goes off. I was totally outraged that I was already working before my alarm even went off!! I'm back to normal today. Thank Goodness.

Just wanted to wish all the stalkers at Marquette Bank a great day and a wonderful conversion

How True It Is

And Their Off

Today was the big 20 mile run. I was super nervous going into it and super happy that it is over. I've calculated the amount of runs that I was supposed to do to train and if I don't miss anymore in the next three weeks, I will have done about 90% of the runs. It hasn't made me any faster, but I hope that I'm more prepared than last year.

Have you ever been to the dog or horse track? They have this rabbit that is attached to a pole that goes around the track for the animals to chase. I felt kind of like that rabbit today. I'm one of the slowest runners that I know, and I'm okay with that. Today though there were 2 groups of people running and I felt like their bunny. I would pass them while they stopped for a break and it was like they were thinking "okay, let's go catch that rabbit." I guess it was good for them, but a little unsettling for me that they could stop and drink and use the bathroom and I would keep running and then they would pass me until the next stop where I would keep going and they would take a several minute break only to catch me again. In the end, it doesn't matter because I finished what I set out to do. Maybe someday I'll be quick and they won't be able to catch me.


On a totally different subject, I think after a year of searching I've found a person to do my hair that I like and have confidence in. Hooray, that's almost as big an accomplishment as running 20 miles.

Trip to Chicago

I spent some time in Chicago last week for a math confernce. Can't say that the sessions were that great, but I did get to spend some time catching up with friends in the evenings. Here's a few pictures. I'd like to say that they are in some kind of order, but blogger is not being helpful.

Jenny and Greg came in and hung out in the city. Thanks so much for coming, I hope we are able to get together again soon.
If you look closely, you can see Buckingham Fountain. I took this picture with my phone while running on Lake Shore Drive.
Here's a few from our hotel room on the 33rd floor of the Hyatt. We had some housing issues so we spent one night in the Hilton. I was so impressed with our room because it had 2 bathrooms. I loved it!

The buidings reflecting off the bean in Millenium Park

There was a concert going at the music shelter
Me and Jenny at the bean
Cards on the Lawn at Millenium Park

I had a really nice weekend. I fully enjoyed the extra day given to me this weekend. Here's a run down of events.

Friday
- Went to football game
- Got free advice from the sports enhancement guy

Saturday
- Had a pretty good 16 mile run
- Finally got an oil change (only 2 thousand miles late)
- Worked out in the lawn
- Cleaned (I even dusted) the whole house
- Caught up with Laurie

Sunday
- Church
- BBQ with friends
- Nice Nap
- Concert in the Park
- Smore's and converstation around the fire pit

Monday
- Slept in for the first time in a long time
- Paid bills and ran errands
- Had a great time visiting with the Lee family. I just don't see them enough
- Got the lawm mower to start. Thanks to Greg
- Did a little school work (I'll be regretting the amount that I didn't do later in the week.)

Here's a few things I wish I could have done
- Read a good book
- Seen my mom, Kristin, and the Royalty family
- Went for a bike ride

Just waiting for the next long weekend. Columbus Day, I will be waiting.

I'm not your hon

I'm having trouble with my lawn mower. (anyone with skills here, feel free to volunteer to take a look.) I'm talking to my neighbor about getting a spark plug and he suggest I go to Auto Zone to get one. I'm against going to Auto Zone because I think they treat women poorly there, at least make you feel stupid. I decide to go to Lowe's because they are generally helpful. I go in and ask directions to the spark plugs and all is good. I'm proud of myself for the wise choice I've made going to Lowe's whan all of a sudden a Lowe's employee comes up and says "Are you finding what you need hon?" I found this extremely offensive and could have just as well gone to Auto Zone, but slightly out of charcter for me, I help my tongue, got my spark plug and came on home.

I don't really want to be one of those people who fishes for compliments, but it really does make me feel like I'm doing a good job if people tell me so, otherwise I'm full of self-doubt. I was reminded of this last night at open house. I had quite a few parents tell me their kids were excited to have me as a teacher again. It gave me some much needed reassurance. Now if only the people I work with could act like adults.

I'm tossing and turning at 3:00 am. I see the clock say 4:00 am. I'm awake before the alarm goes off at 5:00 am. I'm nervous about the 15 mile run I've got today. I haven't had a good run in over a week and I'm not sure if I'm feeling the tiniest hint of an injury, so I want this 15 to be good. I get up and check the weather, rain is on its way, but I should be done before it gets here. I follow my morning routine and I'm on the trail at 6:00 am. It's going really good. I'm about a third of the way through when I think, was that just lightning? I keep running, there's tons of people on the trail with me and they are pushing along, so I push along. I'm now to the place where I've guarenteed myself the 15 miles, there is no way for me to go less than 15. I always like that spot in a run, and I'm still feeling good there, and then it happens...I've been ignoring the high lightning until now, but here comes the rain. I can handle some rain, but this is pour down rain. Luckily for me, I run into Krista. We're both not sure what to do. We are no where close to a stopping point. Her house is the closest about 4 miles away. We start going for a while and take shelter under the interstate. I'm thinking, well at least I'm not sweaty. We call Isaac to see how much longer we will have to wait until the rain passes, turns out not too long as he's alreay on his way to find Krista. I'm totally bummed, I want to keep going, I haven't felt this good in so long, but alas I climb in the car (bonus here as I get to see Hannah) I have to admit I'm done for day. Here's what the radar currently looks like. It would have been a wet 6 miles back.

By the way mom, I was always safe and never in danger. Just a little wet.

I'm out of shape..

teacher shape that is. It's amazing how quickly I forget how long I must stand and talk in one day. It seems to be hitting me much harder this year. I feel like my attitude is close to what it was at the end of last year. It I stay in that mode, it will be a long year. By the way, I'm not complaining about working, just about the adjustment.

School Days School Days Good Old Golden Rule Days....

Well the time has come. I'm officially back on the job today. Only 185 official work days until next summer vacation.

Lazy Sunday Afternoon

I always enjoy a good Sunday afternoon when one can nap, read a book or just waste time. Today had been one of those days for me. I found myself working on a word search from a book I picked up at Orlando International Airport the other day. I'm currently taking a break from finding 6 letter words that start with "T." The trick is, there is no list, so you just have to find them. I'm surprised that I'm enjoying it, since I tend to shy away from word games (just ask those who have seen me cry at Boggle). Must be that there is no little timer just ticking away making me nervous, just me and my pencil and nothing to hurry off to. Fits great with a beatiful Sunday afternoon.

It's a Small World

I thought I share some of my favorite moments from my recent trip to Florida. I had a great time hanging out with my mom. She's a fun lady to be with! We spent one day at the Magic Kingdom which I must say hasn't changed must since I was there 15 years ago or for that matter when I was there 21 years ago. The picture on the right is from the ride Small World. This ride has a special place in the hearts of my family after riding it numerous times to stay out of the rain years and years ago. It was fun to see it again and ride in that little boat around the world. We also went and saw Cirque du Soleil - La Nouba. It was a good show, but I will say this...If you've ever seen a Cirque du Soleil show, you've pretty much seen the "story line" for every Cirque du Soleil show.
I must say one of the highlights for me of this trip, was the chance to just lay by the pool with no where to go and the only thing to worry about was when I was going to go in and take my nap. This was really a great trip to end the summer with. Thanks mom for taking me with.

The Word I've Been Waiting For

Hannah now says "Bickie" Close enough for me!

Call Me Krista

While I might not have saved over $20 at Target, I did get 9 bottles of hand soap for $3. How'd I do Krista?

Reward

I set a goal for myself a little less than 6 weeks ago, where I said I would try to not miss a training run in those 6 weeks. I'm incredilby close to that goal and I wonder why I can't be as successful with other things I set out to do.
Anyway, a discussion was under way this weekend about what would you reward yourself with after you completed 26.2 miles. Last year I got a massage, I'm not sure what I might do this year. So the question is to you. What would you reward yourself with?

A little bit of everything

1) It's marathon season. There seems to be something different in the air on the trail on Saturday mornings. It seems like everyone out there is training for Chicago and completing about the same long run. Week four of training reminded me of why I was hesitant to sign up for this thing again. I'm going to blame it on the rise of humidity, but I must have adjusted a little, because it wasn't so bad today. I'm hopefully getting a new pair of running shoes and I'm really excited about that.

2) Favorite Summer TV. I'm really enjoying NBCs Treasure Hunters. It has qualities like the Amazing Race, so it keeps me coming back for more. I also like VH1 and the world series of pop culture. I don't care about the competition so much (I fast forward through a lot of that, yeah for DVR), but I think the questions are fun. The Closer on TNT will round out my 3 favorites so far.

3) Vacation anyone. I'm considering a trip to Florida in a few weeks. My mom will be there and it might be nice to actually go somewhere other than Chicago and St. Louis this summer.

3) My favorite vendors. I've been to 9 White Sox games this year and since we sit in the same spot all the time, I recognize the vendors who work in the same spot all the time. Here are my favorites. A) European Beer Man. If the action is slow on the field, he's a nice distractions. I know for a fact that he's not from Europe, but he has visited there, that must be when he got his look. B) skeleton Guy. This guy got to sell beer once, but I think the thing was too heavy for him, so he's now on cotton candy and licorice ropes. I really think a strong wind and he'd be falling over. C) Cheerleader Ice Cream/Hot Dog guy. I've only seen him once, but he left an impression. I don't think he's confident in his selling voice because he calls out like a cheer. I wanted to clap for him, but I don't think that would have helped.

Well those of you who were waiting for an update, here it is. This should be enough to last awhile.

A Girl and Some Power Tools

I have felt very empowered the last few days. I know I have the ability to do lots of things, but don't always have the chance to. It feels good to know that I can hang blinds and curtains and towel bars and cabinets, and even trim the bushes.

You know you've been to Target....

One too many times, when you can comment on the hair styles of the employees. Honestly, today I went to return shelving paper and I asked the lady if she got a hair cut, and sure enough, she had.

Last Day

In honor of my official last day of school, I thought I'd share this picture. It is me and the inventor of the graphing calculator. I know it's quite nerdy of me to have this picture, but I love it anyway.

First Post

This is my first post from my new house. I can almost see the end of the boxes, oh, I just remembered the garage. Anyway, it's coming along. Seems like there's a lot going on right now, and I'm so looking forward to a chance to just sit and catch up with some people. I'm lucky I have so many friendships where we can easily just pick up, because I've let some go way to long.

On another note, I signed up for the Chicago marathon today. Not quite sure if I'm excited about that or not, but we have until October to find out.

Headed out to graduation tonight. How strange to have an opportunity to wear a cap and gown again.

Happy Mother's Day

I know some of you will argue for yours, but I think my mom's the greatest!!

Two Weeks Notice

Dear Alarm Clock,
You have been such a trusted, sure fire thing in my life for this school year, that it is with slight hestiation that I am notifiying you of my two weeks notice. In just 10 short school days, I will no longer be using your services to awake me to get to work at such a horrible time of the morning. Please note that I will be in contact if I need your service periodically throughout the summer, but will no longer need to be awake before 6:30am. Thank you for all your hard work.

Sincerely,
Almost Free for the Summer

WARNING: This post will make no sense, unless you go here first.

(MI III music continues)

Here's the real skinny...
1. Location: Trickie's resident city
2. An assortment of 30-2 liter bottles of coke & pepsi products were purchased for tomorrow's NHS event.
3. "Hey remember that time when we were in college and everything we did was useless?"
4. Allergies...enough said.
5. Followed up the meds with a decaf vanilla latte at Starbucks.
6. Laughed at our silliness....vibrations, kinkos, etc. (Thus reason for joyous tears.)

Please Note: If you have ideas for next week's activities, please leave a comment and our people will call your people...and we'll talk.

Indy Half Marathon

Today I ran the best race that I've had in quite a while. It actually made me not want to give up running.

Math Geeks Unite

I'm so excited to be going to this conference. My guess is that none of the sessions will be amazing (except for NASA Janet's which I don't have the privaledge of attending), but none the less, I can't wait. I can't wait to hang out with my Taylorville friends, to go to the boat, a cardinals game and whatever else I can squeeze into 2 days in St. Louis.

This is a Test

A test for what, don't worry about it. Hope you are having a great day!!

I so wanted to put a picture here, but it won't let me. It drives me crazy.

Well, if there was a picture it would be of the world series trophy to remind everyone that today is opening day. I'm so enjoying the fact that we have season tickets. Last week, I got to go to a special open house for season ticket holders. It was very cool, because it was located in a part of the stadium where I've never been, plus it was all calm and relaxed, not anywhere how it will the next time I go.

This weekend, I went with my mom to try out the alternate route we will need to take to the Cell, since the Dan Ryan is for all practical purposed closed. An intersting thing happened on this trip. We had to go through lots of the city and I found myself looking at billboards I could not understand. I know it was something about bananas and AT&T, but I could not translate the spanish. If this didn't drive me crazy enough, then after a while all the store signs were in Chinese. This is Illinois, I should be able to understand what's going on around me. Call me insensitive, but English, PLEASE!!

It won't let me check spelling either, does anyone have any tips to fix this?

There's lots I could blog about, but I just haven't felt like using the energy to post. Here's a few things going on.

1) Bought a new house. I'll be moving out of the Gaff home sometime in May
2) Stayed home sick from school today. Can't wait for a the work that will be awaiting me when I get back tomorrow.
3) Horribly out of shape. I haven't run in weeks and the Indy half is only 5 weeks away.
4) Keep forgetting that Laurie has sent me her newsletter and I need to get it out (sorry Laurie)
5) New York was fun. We had the tiniest hotel room ever, but the shows were excellent.

My Pet Peeve

Okay, so one of my pet peeves is holiday candy. I hate how practically no candy is sacred anymore. It used to be that you could only get Peeps at Easter and Candy Corn in the Fall, but now any candy is available in the Holiday Candy Aisle all the time. This is most noticible to me with Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs. I love those things, but appreciated them so much more when I couldn't get Peanut Butter Hearts and Christmas Trees and Turkeys and Four Leaf Clovers.. You get my point.

On another note: If I keep going out to eat with Pete and Janet, I'll be over the hill before I know it. Feel free to share the wealth, it doesn't always have to be my birthday.

Things that will be here before I know it

1) The first time I'm speaking at a math conference (haven't really started)
2) Trip to New York City (can't wait)
3) The half marathon (training has hit a bump)
4) The new season of the Amazing Race

It's Better To Give Than To Receive

Okay, so I know Christmas is more than just presents, but this is crazy. My mom's oldest friend is also my brother's godmother. Now, he hasn't talked to her, probably since my dad's funeral in 2001 and I have sent cards and been out to dinner and even exchanged gifts with her. So maybe you can see why I feel it is slightly unjust that she always spends more money on him than me. I can totally live with it, I just think it's wrong. I bring this up, because we just received our Christmas gifts from her. Rich got a shirt (with a gift receipt) and the full Lord of The Rings Trilogy on DVD. Look what I got.

I saw myself the other day of who I used to be
and while I'd like to go back there, I just can't
find a way.

My Days As A Kayto Are Numbered

I have no idea how much longer I'll be living with the Gaff's, but since I've sold the summer home, it will soon be time to find a place of my own. Life in the Twin Citites will be changing.

They Say It's Your Birthday

I celebrated by birthday at Avanti's today with singing and cake. It was quite the suprise. I highly recomend the free Avanti's birthday cake. Don't worry for those of you that missed it. I'm happy to celebrate again in early April, and for those who were there, thanks for the fun, but where were the gifts?

Training Day

Today is the first official day of Indy Mini-Marathon Training. 16 weeks ahead of somewhat self discipline. Let the fun begin.

Not to be left out

Four jobs you’ve had in your life:
1. OfficeMax know it all
2. JCPenny men's dept
3. High School Math Teacher
4. Target guest services (not yet, but maybe)

Four movies you could watch over and over:
I'm ashamed to admit to these
1. She's All That
2. Speed
3. While You Were Sleeping
4. Okay, almost anything they show on TBS

Four places you’ve lived:
1. Oak Forest, IL
2. Lincoln, IL
3. Taylorville, IL
4. Normal, IL

Four TV shows you love to watch:
1. Amazing Race
2. CSI
3. Las Vegas
4. Friends

Four places you’ve been on vacation:
1. Meditteranean Cruise (Venice is awesome)
2. Las Vegas
3. New York, New York
4. Prince Edward Island, Canada

Four web sites you visit daily:
1. suntimes.com
2. taylorvilledailynews.com
3. hotmail.com
4. chicagowhitesox.com

Four of your favorite foods:
1. chocolate
2. McDonalds
3. steak
4. french fries

Four places you’d rather be:
1. Hawaii
2. reading a book
3. sleeping
4. out of debt

Four albums/artists you can’t live without:
Even though I can sing a million songs, I'm not so much a music person, so I'll leave this out.
1.
2.
3.
4.


Four magazines you read:
1. US Weekly (Krista may read it, but I'm the supplier)
2. Glamour
3. Runner's World
4. Parents (If it's laying around)

Four cars you’ve owned:
1. 86 Honda CRX
2. 89 Chevy Corsica
3. 99 Nisaan Sentra (this is really the only one I haven't been borrowing from my parents)
4.

A full week

I was just commenting that I actually have to work for 5 full days this week. I'm not whining (too much), I just haven't done that in a while. I'm working on some Geometry for tomorrow, but I have had such a nice weekend. A great combination of rest, work and friends. I'm sure that since I am no longer deficient in Vitamin D, my mood has improved.

Name it and Claim it

Okay, so this is all Laurie, to name and claim what this year will be. So this week, I've come up with a few. Here they are in no particular order.

1. The year of bulimia. I knocked this one out pretty quick, besides being so Linsday Lohan, I also don't like to throw up.

2. The year of anorexia. Also knocked out, simply because I like to eat way more than I like to work out.

3. The year of giving up the summer house in T-ville. Don't know what to say here, don't have much control over that one.

4. The year of the husband. Okay, I know that if I want this to be true, I need to make sure I'm not at home. I went to Borders today (not planning on meeting the husband, but just to go out) and there were only women in the cafe, I kid you not.

5. Any other suggestions?

vacation funk

While I'm not super excited to start back to school tomorrow, I think the return to a schedule might be just the thing to get me out of my cranky funk. Thanks to all for putting up with me.