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!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
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!!)
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!!)
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
It's a special kind of crazy....
The end of the school year snowballs out of control.
Always.
This year is different because it is not just the school year....
In the midst of:
Two different end of year concerts (back to back -- was I crazy?)
Preparing 60 kids for marching/playing in the Memorial Day Parades (yes, plural)
Graduation preparation (pomp and circumstance-- one more time with feeling)
And getting the community band ready for Memorial Day
And getting the community band ready for Grand March (graduation night, seniors dressed in beautiful white tuxes and white gowns)
I am losing EIGHT seniors. I have never had a class like this before.... they were the ones that changed the whole dynamic of band in our schools. When they were fifth graders, I was beginning my 3rd year teaching. Now they are leaving, and I am finishing my 10th. I have had these 8 seniors for 8 years.
AND....
I am MOVING. Packing up my belonging and schlepping them to our new place...
So when I tell you that things are a special kind of crazy up in here....
you will now understand.
Three more nights in this house!
And.... all this stress and anxiety is taking a toll on me physically.
My back has been bothering me. A lot. Great timing, huh? I have been blaming it on my mattress. I think its the tension I have been trapping along my spine.
And my heart has been doing strange extra beat or skipping beat type things.
I don't think I am dying... I think that life is just a little bit too much for little old me to handle right now.
After my two school concerts last week, I deserved a chance to relax. To reflect.... to take a break before the crazy end of year madness.
Nope. No relaxing for this Mama! Pack, pack, pack.... Schlep, Schlep, Schlep...
(We are so grateful that we have been able to bring things over to the new place whenever we want to.
It is making the packing much easier.)
And now the end of a beautiful chapter in our lives is ending.... The last three years in this town, in this house, making lifelong friends is drawing to a close.
We are beyond excited about what lies ahead.
And in the meantime, you can often find me singing "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming."
See you when the dust settles . . .
Always.
This year is different because it is not just the school year....
In the midst of:
Two different end of year concerts (back to back -- was I crazy?)
Preparing 60 kids for marching/playing in the Memorial Day Parades (yes, plural)
Graduation preparation (pomp and circumstance-- one more time with feeling)
And getting the community band ready for Memorial Day
And getting the community band ready for Grand March (graduation night, seniors dressed in beautiful white tuxes and white gowns)
I am losing EIGHT seniors. I have never had a class like this before.... they were the ones that changed the whole dynamic of band in our schools. When they were fifth graders, I was beginning my 3rd year teaching. Now they are leaving, and I am finishing my 10th. I have had these 8 seniors for 8 years.
AND....
I am MOVING. Packing up my belonging and schlepping them to our new place...
So when I tell you that things are a special kind of crazy up in here....
you will now understand.
Three more nights in this house!
And.... all this stress and anxiety is taking a toll on me physically.
My back has been bothering me. A lot. Great timing, huh? I have been blaming it on my mattress. I think its the tension I have been trapping along my spine.
And my heart has been doing strange extra beat or skipping beat type things.
I don't think I am dying... I think that life is just a little bit too much for little old me to handle right now.
After my two school concerts last week, I deserved a chance to relax. To reflect.... to take a break before the crazy end of year madness.
Nope. No relaxing for this Mama! Pack, pack, pack.... Schlep, Schlep, Schlep...
(We are so grateful that we have been able to bring things over to the new place whenever we want to.
It is making the packing much easier.)
And now the end of a beautiful chapter in our lives is ending.... The last three years in this town, in this house, making lifelong friends is drawing to a close.
We are beyond excited about what lies ahead.
And in the meantime, you can often find me singing "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming."
See you when the dust settles . . .
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Our future home!
We brought our first load over to the house today, and we showed Soccer Boy. He was pretty excited!
Moving! in T - 18 Days!
We are MOVING!
We found a place that we loved, that we had to crunch the numbers (just a little bit) and commit to really, actually buckling down on our finances in order to make it work, and we met with the landlord yesterday, and we got it!!
It is a two bedroom house attached to a dentist office right in the heart of town!
The paint is new, the layout is great, and we fell in love with it when we walked into the kitchen-- and that isn't even the best part of the house!
The bedrooms have built in drawers -- so cool, and lots of closets.
The bathrooms are TINY -- we have been very spoiled by our bathrooms in our previous places, but it's okay. Bathrooms are not a deal-breaker. :)
So-- Saturday, May 28th is MOVING day!
And then on Monday, I will be with my band kiddos for the Memorial Day Parades. But I won't have to go far!!
Things that are falling into place?
-- We can start moving things in now. Basically-- every single day, I could load up the van/car and take stuff to the house.
-- Internet and electric are all set up, and we are getting a great deal on just internet! Woo! (Which reminds me..... need to call hubs and double check that)
-- My parents are sending us $$ to pay for the U-Haul truck!! Wow! We so weren't expecting it, but really, really appreciate it!
-- Our pastor is going to round up some guys from our church to help us on Moving Day!
-- My husband is taking the Friday before AND the Tuesday after Memorial Day off for packing/unpacking purposes.
SO yeah.
That's what's going on in MY 'hood.
Peace out, Yo.
We found a place that we loved, that we had to crunch the numbers (just a little bit) and commit to really, actually buckling down on our finances in order to make it work, and we met with the landlord yesterday, and we got it!!
It is a two bedroom house attached to a dentist office right in the heart of town!
The paint is new, the layout is great, and we fell in love with it when we walked into the kitchen-- and that isn't even the best part of the house!
The bedrooms have built in drawers -- so cool, and lots of closets.
The bathrooms are TINY -- we have been very spoiled by our bathrooms in our previous places, but it's okay. Bathrooms are not a deal-breaker. :)
So-- Saturday, May 28th is MOVING day!
And then on Monday, I will be with my band kiddos for the Memorial Day Parades. But I won't have to go far!!
Things that are falling into place?
-- We can start moving things in now. Basically-- every single day, I could load up the van/car and take stuff to the house.
-- Internet and electric are all set up, and we are getting a great deal on just internet! Woo! (Which reminds me..... need to call hubs and double check that)
-- My parents are sending us $$ to pay for the U-Haul truck!! Wow! We so weren't expecting it, but really, really appreciate it!
-- Our pastor is going to round up some guys from our church to help us on Moving Day!
-- My husband is taking the Friday before AND the Tuesday after Memorial Day off for packing/unpacking purposes.
SO yeah.
That's what's going on in MY 'hood.
Peace out, Yo.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Quiet moments
As I relax on the couch after getting home from church, Cuddle Bug is entertaining himself with his still new birthday toys. Soccer Boy is playing upstairs with tractors and trains, and not whining.
I don't ever not feel grateful for my boys and my beautiful life, but it was just really special today.
Such a community sense of support and gratitude of mothers from all walks of life, and of all shapes and sizes. Maybe a year of being a mother of two has made me more accepting of what I always referred to as a greeting card holiday. Maybe the increased connection that I feel with my own mother makes the holiday more meaningful this year.
I don't know. But what I do know is this. When you are trying really hard to raise your children in a way that gives them boundaries and expectations, it is sometimes a rough road. A pat on the back, a hug, and a carnation in church on sunday end up meaning more than you could imagine.
To the elders and deacons at churches everywhere: Thank you for making a point to appreciate the mothers out there!
To my boys: I love you with all of my heart, a big as the ocean and the sky.
To my mother: Thank you for having high standards and expectations, and for filling our lives with love. I love you so much. I have an excellent example to follow!
To mothers everywhere: Don't grow weary in doing good! Enjoy your day, and kiss your babies, even if they are taller than you now!
I don't ever not feel grateful for my boys and my beautiful life, but it was just really special today.
Such a community sense of support and gratitude of mothers from all walks of life, and of all shapes and sizes. Maybe a year of being a mother of two has made me more accepting of what I always referred to as a greeting card holiday. Maybe the increased connection that I feel with my own mother makes the holiday more meaningful this year.
I don't know. But what I do know is this. When you are trying really hard to raise your children in a way that gives them boundaries and expectations, it is sometimes a rough road. A pat on the back, a hug, and a carnation in church on sunday end up meaning more than you could imagine.
To the elders and deacons at churches everywhere: Thank you for making a point to appreciate the mothers out there!
To my boys: I love you with all of my heart, a big as the ocean and the sky.
To my mother: Thank you for having high standards and expectations, and for filling our lives with love. I love you so much. I have an excellent example to follow!
To mothers everywhere: Don't grow weary in doing good! Enjoy your day, and kiss your babies, even if they are taller than you now!
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Friday, April 29, 2011
Gah!
By all accounts, this should have been an amazing week.
My parents gave me my birthday Garmin on Saturday, and I was all set and scheduled to start rocking my C25K workouts like NObody's business.
(cue violins)
Somehow, while standing and teaching, or walking, or doing something equally NOT STRENUOUS, I wrenched a muscle in my back.
There has been some serious discomfort.
And then, while I know we have nothing to complain about, the weather has been rainy, rainy, dreary yucky, until this morning.
Well, hello, Mr. Sun! I had forgotten what you looked like.
Oh, of course there is the coldfrom h that has decided that it will NEVER. LEAVE. ME.
Add in leftover desserts, easter candy, and a general feeling of malaise or angst, and you have the recipe for a seriously overwhelmed mama.
Oh.... I forgot to mention that the real root of the STRESS is that I have scheduled the concerts for my school bands and now I am freaking out because... it's what I do. *shrug*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
I need to do something.
I have been toying with the idea of eliminating sugar from my diet.
I won't lie - that idea scares me to pieces.
(Which is part of the reason that I think I might have to do it.)
It will take planning.
Serious sweet tooth? check.
Must have an alternative on hand at all times.
Oh goodness.
Hmmm.....
There are other options:
Counting calories at http://www.myfitnesspal.com again.
Eating intuitively.
Portion control. (more like Portion POLICING)
There have to be other options....
Cutting white flour? (oh no..... that is one that I SHOULD do, but.... how do I even begin???)
ACK!
-
I have no idea what to do, or where to start.
I have to go organize something.
My parents gave me my birthday Garmin on Saturday, and I was all set and scheduled to start rocking my C25K workouts like NObody's business.
(cue violins)
Somehow, while standing and teaching, or walking, or doing something equally NOT STRENUOUS, I wrenched a muscle in my back.
There has been some serious discomfort.
And then, while I know we have nothing to complain about, the weather has been rainy, rainy, dreary yucky, until this morning.
Well, hello, Mr. Sun! I had forgotten what you looked like.
Oh, of course there is the cold
Add in leftover desserts, easter candy, and a general feeling of malaise or angst, and you have the recipe for a seriously overwhelmed mama.
Oh.... I forgot to mention that the real root of the STRESS is that I have scheduled the concerts for my school bands and now I am freaking out because... it's what I do. *shrug*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
I need to do something.
I have been toying with the idea of eliminating sugar from my diet.
I won't lie - that idea scares me to pieces.
(Which is part of the reason that I think I might have to do it.)
It will take planning.
Serious sweet tooth? check.
Must have an alternative on hand at all times.
Oh goodness.
Hmmm.....
There are other options:
Counting calories at http://www.myfitnesspal.com again.
Eating intuitively.
Portion control. (more like Portion POLICING)
There have to be other options....
Cutting white flour? (oh no..... that is one that I SHOULD do, but.... how do I even begin???)
ACK!
-
I have no idea what to do, or where to start.
I have to go organize something.
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