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Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Insert Cheesy Sentiment, yet Not Cheesy Title Here.

We have moved.
We have settled.
School is out for the year, so I am no longer driving over an hour each day just to pick up the boys from daycare.

Hubs is on his summer work hours -- 5:30AM - 2PM, so we are actually seeing each other in the evenings.

On Friday I ran.
(Pulling up my garmin stats so I get this right.)

1.83 miles in 31.52 minutes.
I was following Week 3 of C25K.

Five minute warm-up, 90 second run, 90 second walk, 3 minute run, 3minute run, repeat the run intervals, end with cool-down.

It went really well.
Things I have noticed.
There are SO MANY MORE HILLS here.
But -- I can run near the ocean!

There are SO MANY PEDESTRIANS and tourists and TRAFFIC.
But--- I can run near the ocean!

And -- this is the super cool part ---  my SLOWEST running average was 14:18!
That is still quite slow, and I know that... and I own it.  But-- it didn't feel overly difficult, so it was very encouraging.

I tried to focus on my breathing, and my core muscles during the longer running sections, and what do you know, Danny Dreyer?  It really helped!

On Monday I tackled the running segments of Week 4 of C25K.

The break down is this:
Warm up walk (5 minutes)

Run 3 min/ Walk 90 sec
Run 5 min/ Walk 2.5 min
repeat

Cool down walk.

The details:
1.91 miles in 32:59.

I am not disappointed with the run- even though I wasn't able to actually run all of the portions.  The hills and the humidity were CRAZY.  My mind wandered a bit, and I had to focus quite a bit on oncoming traffic, weaving around other pedestrians, and such.

The highlight of the run? Stopping at the end of the footbridge and seeing one of my favorite past students EVER. :)  In fact, this student is one of my most major inspirations when it comes to running.  So it was great to see him!  (I love being back in the town I teach in!!!)

Yesterday and Today are the WindJammer (tall ship) Days here, so the Community Band (that I direct) had a concert last night, and are in the parade this afternoon.  I am hoping to get a run in this evening, but we will see.

I am making my second public appearance as a sousaphone player.  (Scroll to the end of the page on the link for the full effect!)

That's all for now!  :)
Hope everyone is having beautiful weather!

Friday, June 3, 2011

Graduation Day

I have been a mess for the last three days.
I am losing 8 seniors, 4 of whom have been a part of my life since they were fifth graders.

Last night, after watching another one of my band students receiving an award, I realized that I have been so selfish about all of this.

Yes, I am going to miss them.
Yes -- I adore them.

But.... it's time for me to be excited for them.

But for one last time....
My tribute to them.

Emma- My sweet, caring, dedicated, compassionate friend. It has been a pleasure and a privilege watching you grow.  I am so proud of you. I'm stopping now, before I start crying. :)

Nate- My heart could have BURST with pride last night at your accolades.  You deserve them all.  Thank you for your steadfast presence.  You have been my rock many times.

Maya - I am so proud of you.  I am going to miss you so much.  You have held the upper woodwind section together for years. Kahla is ready to step into that role, and I know that you have helped make that happen.

Andy - Oh the memories...Thank you. You are contagious. I am going to miss all those moments of trying not to laugh at your antics. You are a tremendous person, and I am so grateful that I got to be a part of your life for the last 8 years.

Eliza - Sunshine came into my life when were in 7th grade and decided to take a chance on that crazy lady on the stage.  I have watched you blossom musically and personally, and I cannot wait to see where you land!  Thank you for caring for my children numerous times, and for sharing your heart with the little ones in our community.

Drew-  I cannot explain how proud I am of you.  In the six years that I have known you, you have quietly become the backbone of our ensemble. You have no idea the whole that you leaving behind.  I will miss you tremendously.  I am thrilled that you are going to be a Marine, and I cannot wait for visits from you, in full uniform.  It has changed the way I view Memorial Day, and I thank you for that.

Calvin -  I handed you a clarinet four years ago, and you went with it. You never gave up, and soon you were half of our bass section, on bass clarinet.  It has been a joy to be a part of your life, and I look forward to playing with you as an alumni of BRHS.  Thank you for your hard work, and for sharing part of your life with me.

Spencer - It has been a joy getting to know you all over again this year.  You have become a fine young man, and I am so grateful that I got to be a part of your senior year.  Good luck to you!!


*deep breath*

Well.....
Maybe by doing this now, I will be able to survive the day!!
(I am still taking TWO packages of tissues!!)