Letter

A Day Off

It's Friday and I'm not at work. Ahh! So refreshing. Parent-teacher conferences were held this week. That means that we teach our normal schedule and then hold conferences in the evenings and before school when we can fit them in. We do get the today off as a trade-off day. I'm so thankful for that. If I had to teach today, there's a pretty good chance it would have been movie day . . . all day. So my plans for my day off are as follows: no plans whatsoever. I am sitting here typing this procrastinating a run with Winter, but after that, nothing. I'm lovin' it!

Follow Up

Since this blog has taken a back seat to Facebook, I rarely ever look at it. But this afternoon, I took a peak and realized that we haven't posted a thing since the summer.

Just 2 posts ago, I wrote about running. I'm glad to report that I am still running and actually finished the "Run the Bridge" race again with my friend Malayna. I also have worked back up to running 10 miles, so I'm on my way to running a half marathon, hopefully by next spring. Winter keeps me motivated too, as she's started running with me. She's a great companion.

The Year of Fun continues. Since the last post, we took a Disney vacation with my parents, sister and her family. Walked miles and miles and sweltered in the heat and humidity, but have a marvelous time. We took another trip out to California to visit Sean's brother's family. As always, we had a ball! Sean purchased a Triumph motorcycle in August, upgrading from the Ninja. He's been on several rides with a group from church. Loving every minute of it. Just 2 weekends ago Sean and I took another weekend trip to NYC and saw "Promises, Promises" and took in the sights of New York. Always a good time.

So, you can see we are still enjoying ourselves. I asked Sean what happens when the Year of Fun ends. He said we just move into version 2.0. :)

Running

I hate to exercise. Really, I do. I'd rather sit on my bum and read a good book. However, I force myself to exercise in the name of Health. Back in college (quite a few years ago now) I had to run regularly for a Life Fitness class we were required to take, and thus began the on again, off again relationship I've had with exercise. I ran throughout college, avoiding the freshmen 15. After college, I didn't run as much but would go for a jog here and there. As time went on, I didn't do much of any kind of exercise and if I did, the exercise was sporadic. I hit my later 20s and realized fitting into those jeans wasn't so easy. The metabolism was starting to change. Hate that switch we women go through in life! So I picked up the running thing again and threw in some Pilates. I started seeing results and stuck with it through my wedding at age 29. But soon after wedded bliss wore off, I got lazy again. About 3 years ago, we joined the gym and with my pal Aimee by my side, I regularly visited the gym, mixing in cardio and weight training. I felt good and although there were times I truly slacked off the work out regimen, I made the effort. Along the line, my other friend Jodi asked me if I wanted to start running with her, to train for a 5k. Sure, why not?! So we began training and I got myself up to running a 5k (that would be 3.1 miles if you weren't so sure of the conversion). But I never did run an actual race. But thanks to Jodi, I was at least running and moving, burning those calories. This fall, my old friend (meaning we have been friends forever, not that she's old) Malayna asked me to run a 10k (again that's 6.2 miles). Not realizing what I was doing, I agreed. So I began training and in November ran the bridge from Camden, NJ to Philly and back again. And I lived to tell about it. Without a goal though, I didn't do much until February when another friend (what is with my friends and the running!?) Erin asked if I wanted to run the Philadelphia Broad Street 10 Miler. Again, I readily agreed to the crazyness and began training. This took some serious effort. I had never run that far EVER! Well, I'm pleased to report that this past Sunday, Erin and I (and that old friend, Malayna, even though this was nothing for her since she's already mastered the half marathon at 13 miles. She rocks!) ran 10 miles! It was 90 degrees and humid. Thankfully the race organizers had arranged to have the fire hydrants turned on as sprinklers. What a relief from the heat! But we did it. We finished well! Now here's the dilemma. I've finished the race. I have no new goal. Will I continue to run?

The Girls

This weekend was the annual roommate reunion weekend (minus one. We missed Kristin this weekend). This year we headed to New York City. Holly and I were looking forward to our first journey on the train from Lancaster to NYC. We all met up at Penn Station and the talking and giggling began. Right away we went to find our hotel and check in. Lunch was on the agenda immediately after that. Following lunch at PJ Clarke's we headed over to The Met (mostly to get warm, the weather was colder than cold). After meandering and warming, we took a stroll through Central Park on our way back to our hotel. There was a bit of complaining about the frigid temperature, but Kelli . . . and the rest of us survived. For dinner, we met up with Jen's friend Heather at 5 Napkin Burger, where we saw a "famous guy," at least that's what we kept calling him until we figured out that it was Victor Garber (played on Alias, Titanic and now has had a few appearances on Glee). Dinner was delicious and the company was, as always, spectacular. We did go to bed fairly early. We're no spring chickens anymore. Sunday dawned icy cold, but clear. Jen ventured out in her PJs to bring us back some hot coffee and cocoa from Starbucks. Thanks, Jen! Then the four of us made our way to the Empire State Building. Tip to travelers: go to all the tourist sites when it's freezing outside. You won't have to wait in line! We took the elevator to the 86th floor observatory. In spite of the wind and cold, the view was spectacular. Crystal clear skies and views. When we could take the cold no longer we checked out the sights from inside. It was time to say goodbye to Kelli after that. She had to go home and we had some more time on our hands. So Jen, Holly and I jumped on the subway and headed over to catch the ferry to the Statue of Liberty. I had never been there and it was beautiful. Though I was wishing for warmer shoes. I had some concern that my toes would be frostbitten. We couldn't go up the Statue on Sunday, so we just took some photos and looked around. After that, it was time to part with Jen and we said goodbye to her at Penn Station before Holly and I made our way to our train. I'm already looking forward to next year's reunion. I love my friends and am so thankful that we just pick up where we last left off. True friends are a beautiful thing! Love you girls!

Photo Link

Letter

Organization

For those of you who know me well, know that I'm the queen of organization. I can't help myself. It's the only way I function. So, this weekend I completed a new organization project. My closet. I've been wanting some sort of system since we moved in two years ago. Finally, I found a nice little DIY system at Lowe's. It's nothing fancy, just Rubbermaid. But it had all of the little components that I wanted and a low price tag. Sean helped me hang the hang rails and uprights and I finished it off with the shelving, rods, drawers and bins. I have to say I'm pretty pleased with the final result.

Now if only I could get Sean to let me organize his closet!

Assortment

We have been so busy these past weeks. Sean has been recording another CD and has spent some evenings in the studio and work has kept him moving as well. We keep finding projects to do around the house and end up decorating, organizing, and fixing way too often instead of just relaxing. And I started school this past week. Whew! What a whirlwind! In addition to the normally crazy start to a school year, it seems I have "that" class. You know, the one that makes you re-evaluate your career choice. I've heard the rumors since they were in Kindergarten and now it's my turn to teach them. It looks like I have my work cut out for me.

So, this long weekend was a welcome respite from the fast pace of life that we got ourselves into. Saturday was spent celebrating with our friends, Brian and Melissa, at their beautiful wedding. What fun! Yesterday, after sleeping in (a rare event) because Winter was at the kennel while we were away at the wedding, Sean and I fit in our old tradition of brunch together. He still fit in some household maintenance (touch up painting, hanging shelves and mirrors) at home and I spent some time at school getting things in order. Last evening, we were able to relax with his family. Today we were again able to sleep late because Winter was exhausted from her fun at the kennel (thank goodness!). Later, the three of us drove out to Mount Gretna and hiked the rails to trails. Winter loved it! She got to sniff to her heart's content, and many people stopped to say hello to her while receiving a few sloppy kisses for their friendliness. She was exhausted when we came home, so the three of us too a long afternoon nap. Ahhh! What a wonderful weekend! I feel refreshed . . . although not ready to go back to work.

Enjoy these few photos of our fluffy friend from today.

Ready to go on our excursion

Too tired from our hike to even stand up to drink

Ahh, refreshed!

Twas the Night Before

'Twas the night before school . . . and I'm feeling a bit blue. It's funny, but I get like this every year. I really like my job and I like to think that I'm a good teacher. Yet every year I get those "post vacation blues." So, here I am again at 8:40 pm on the night before the first day of school and I'm feeling a sadness come over me. Okay, I've been feeling it all day (ask Sean, I'm pretty sure he's been tip toeing around most of today). But I need to be thankful. Sean reminded me that I have a job and there are those in this country who have been out of work for some time. I also am reminded that this year I start out with a smaller class size than the past few years. Of course, I work with a fabulous bunch of teachers in a wonderful school. So, on this night before school, I am changing my tune and counting my blessings. Go away blues!

School's Out

Yes, another year complete! We said goodbye to the kiddos on Thursday and yesterday was a teacher day to finish packing up our rooms for the summer and tying up all of those loose ends. Now the summer is before me and I can't wait. I know it will go fast. It always does.

9 Days

9 days left of this school year! It's the last day of May and I'm wondering where time has gone. I remember as a child thinking that time tended to stand still and adults were silly when they said "time flies by." I must be getting older, because time does fly by. For me, at least, it seems to be going at rapid speed. So welcome, June and summer. I'm so very ready for you!

Life

Life is crazy, isn’t it? It never stops and one just has to hold on for the ride. I have been reminded of this over the past few days. My dear, little Grandma, who is almost 84 years old, took a spill this week. The result of which has been some severe injuries to her aging body. I have had to think about how I take my youth for granted. I wish for slimmer hips and a tighter stomach, better defined muscles in my arms (you know, Hollywood leading lady arms), smoother skin and better hair. Yet, I have health and youth and energy. I am able to run 5k and probably still go for more (but am too lazy to push it). I have also been reminded about faith. My aunt and great aunt who were with Grandma most of the day in the hospital said that as she was in pain and all of the “stuff” of medicine was going on around her, Grandma still prayed with faith. I think I would have been laying there asking, “Why me? Why can’t I get a break?” She is such a good example of calm surrender, but active faith. I often think of her (and my mom) when I think of the kind of woman I really wish I could be. So, now I take her example and see if maybe, with God’s help, I can learn to have that peace and faith that Grandma has. Content in letting life take me on a ride, but knowing that God is there all along.

Roommates

A house full of ladies. PJs. Glasses of wine. Mexican food. Laughter. Shopping. A lot of talking. Snacks. More talking. Laughter again. This describes this past weekend with my college roommates. It has been a few years since the 5 of us were together and finally we managed to pin down a weekend to do it again. The gals came to Lancaster this time. One by train from New York. Another from DC and one more from Virginia. Two of us live here, so the group was complete. It's funny how we don't see each other all that often, and yet we just pick up where we left off and it's the way it always has been. I wish the weekend could have lasted longer because we truly had a lovely time. I love you girls! And Sean thanks you for the Captain. He thought that was a nice touch.

Due to my inability to take proper pictures, I'm using the ones Kristin sent to me. Thanks, Kris!
Photo Link

Winter - ugh!

I woke up this morning to a layer of snow over everything. It continued to lightly snow for most of the morning. Then there was a blizzard when it was time for the drive home. You'd think the fact that I live in PA and have lived here my entire life would have helped me like winter. Not so much. I appreciate the beauty and briskness of snow. I appreciate a walk after the snow has muffled all sound around me. But I'm not ready for it just yet. This is what I came home to . . .


Yes, those are pumpkins on the porch and some petunias and mums in the garden. I thought it was still November and not even quite Thanksgiving. Oh well, winter has arrived.

School

School is back in session. All 25 of my kiddos arrived on Tuesday morning. Some looked scared. Some looked lost. Some looked tired. And then there were the few who came barreling into the room and haven't stopped since. I've received the usual question of "how did your first week go?" To be honest, it was one of the better first weeks that I've had in a few years. As I said, there are the few little stinkers who never stop talking or moving. I do have an aide in my classroom this year. She is assigned to a student who has some behavior needs. He's not a screamer (like one I had 2 years ago) or a true ADHD child (I have 4 last year). At this point, he's been fine. We're still figuring out what his exact needs are. My aide is fabulous. Very calm and unobtrusive. Sometimes I forget she's in the room. But overall I don't have the major overt behavior problems that I've had for the past 2 years. I think most of the issues this year will be more along the academic lines. I have a few children who are quite low in their reading and math abilities. But with the help of quite a few support staff, I think we can move them along. The first week sped by and I came away with a sore throat from talking all day and sore feet from standing all day, but I felt good. So, let's hope and pray that this is a sign for a good year.

New Do

Well, I finally did it. I got it chopped off. What a relief! I am actually happy with the results. Less hair and no more gray. What do you think? Only nice comments please. If you don't like it, lie!

A day in the life...

Marci and I took a little road trip yesterday. Not because we wanted to, but because I had to see a customer, 4 hours away from home. I knew it was going to be a long day in the car by myself (This happens a lot in my job) so I asked her if she wanted to come along for the ride. Originally, she turned me down, as the prospect of sitting in the car for that amount of time I'm sure wasn't that appealing, I could hardly blame her. We woke up the next day, and she told me that she had thought about it and decided she wanted to go.
Great! I was glad, we get to spend the day together, and I don't have to be all alone.

A funny thing happens to Marci when she goes for a long ride in the car. We usually start out chatting, listening to the radio. Then after about half an hour, she gets really quiet, and this straight ahead stare seems to creep its way onto her face. As I glance over occasionally, I can see that her long eyelashes are starting to slowly bob up and down, getting gradually lower and lower. I smile to myself. I know what is happening, I've seen this before time and again.
Then I offer the usual "Are you getting sleepy sweetheart?"
I always get the same response: " I'm getting sleepy, I think I need a nap"

Then, she pushes her seat back, folds her arms, takes a deep breath and lights out.
Invariably, her head falls to the right side and she's fast asleep.

This past trip yesterday, was a true testament to the power of the "sleeping car"
We left at 8 AM, and she was out by 8:30.
I took a picture.


Do you fall victim to this phenomenon?
She woke up around 35 mins. later, and told me I had to pull the car over at the nearest rest stop for a potty break. (That is another event that seems to happen on all our road trips)

Anyway, we had a great time. I helped fix a customers 140 ton crane, and 2 hours later we turned around made the trip home.

What If . . .

This is not the first time I’ve been tagged but it’s the first time that I’m actually responding to a tag (Sorry, Rachelle, for never answering your request). But since I’m on summer vacation, I have some time on my hands. So, thanks to Robyn, I have some questions to answer. Here we go:

1. If you could inherit a comfortable home in any city in the world that you could use but not sell, where would you want it to be?

• Can I have 2 choices? Paris and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

2. If you could be instantly fluent in one other language that you currently do not read or speak, which would it be? Why?

• Spanish . . . it has become such a predominant language, it’s beautiful and I could sure use it to communicate with many of my students’ parents.

3. If you were given an hour to spend an unlimited amount of money in any store in the world where would it be?

• Banana Republic . . . I just really like their clothes.

4. If you had to give your children to the care of someone famous, whom would you pick?

• I’d give my hypothetical children to Kirk Cameron (remember him from Growing Pains). Hey, he’s not as famous these days but I know we share similar values and he's already doing the father thing.
  

5. If you could cast an actor now alive to play you in a new film, what kind of film would it be and whom would you choose?

• It would have to be some sort of comedy (hey, I live with Sean and life gets a little comedic around here), with a little romance thrown in to satisfy my girlie side. I think I’d like Sandra Bullock to play me. I’ve always liked her. But I really like Julia Roberts too. I’m so undecided about these things.

6. If you could have an elegant dinner alone with anyone presently alive, whether you know them or not, who would you want it to be?

• My favorite guy, Sean!

7. If you could resolve any single dispute, anywhere in the world what would you solve?

• Child abuse and neglect

8. If you were instantly able to play one musical instrument perfectly that you have never played before, what would it be?

• The guitar! I love when Sean plays the guitar and have talked about having him teach me (think that may put a strain on the marriage?).

Now I get to tag some folks, something I’ve never done. Take a crack at it friends . . Glen or Amy, Rachelle (feel free to blow this one off like I did for you), Chelle, and Katie.

(And feel free to reply to this post with your own answers!)

Back to School

Reality is setting in as I type this. Tomorrow is the first day of school. My full class of 25 students will arrive in the morning. I'm ready for them physically, but mentally, I'm not so sure. With just moving into our house and all of the busy-ness that comes with that, I feel that I could use a bit more time off. We spent the entire Labor Day weekend either at Home Deport or painting. The word labor fits quite well this year. Welcome to home ownership! There is always something to be done. But I love it and am so thankful to have this home of ours. And yes, in spite of the lack of enthusiasm I feel about going back to school, I am very thankful for a rewarding and great career that I have. So, off to bed I go, for a good night's sleep to be ready for the first day of school.

p.s. We've had requests for some photos of the interior of the house. We'll get some of those up here soon.