6 posts tagged “3-day”

Woman hanging out legs

Sitting at my computer this morning, procrastinating a little because I don't want to finish picking up before I leave :-)  Heading up to NC to pick up J, and we start the actual trip tomorrow morning.  I'll have to fit a 3-miler in there, since I'm being forced to take today off.  Training for the Breast Cancer 3-Day is starting to pick up, so I really don't want to miss much. 

I'm experimenting with carting a small cooler along so that I don't have to eat McDonalds all week long.  We'll see if I actually use it or if it just takes up space in the trunk.  All right, must finish so I can get out the door.  I'm hoping it will be a little bit cooler 12 hours north.  People have been trying to crush it, but I will persevere.  :-) 

I get to knock out quite a few states in the next few days....I'm kinda psyched!!

Lakeside

Today is my first day of summer vacation!!  It's a little hard to wrap my head around all this free time (where a doctor appointment makes my life hectic - lol), but I'm getting excited! 

I just walked 5 miles at the park for the Breast Cancer 3-Day training, and found that it really is beginning to get easier.  I've got 4 miles tomorrow and then back down for the week.  It's time to start adding some cross-training, too, so I'll be going back to spin classes.  Now that I am temporarily unemployed (yay) for the summer, I can make the times. 

Also been working on choosing a bike.  I think I must want to be Mario because I've started swimming again, too.  Before you know it I'll be trying to beat his triathalon times - or not.  Never been a big racer as I don't have that competitive spirit.  But hey, they are two activities I've never had much inclination to try.  REI's Bike Your Drive campaign is what really started me up on that, so I think I've finally decided what type of bike I want (hybrid - as I have some dirt roads to travel as well) and now need to start test-riding individual models.  I have a price limit (around $450 - absolutely no more) so that helps to narrow down my choice considerably.  Since I want to begin riding my bike to work next year and to the stores and the like around here, I need soemthing pretty comfy but that has great stability.  We'll see how it goes, as I am putting that purchase off, I think, until I get back from my trip in July. 

Off to go take care of some chores for the day, then...hmmm.  I don't know, maybe a movie or something.   

Mon 5-11-09

I have failed at Project 365.  I was able to keep it going for more than 20 days, but then the end of the school year happened and sapped all of my energy and will to even pick up my camera, let alone upload all the photos from the drama banquet that the kids want me to do soon.  Like three days ago.  *sigh*

This is the end of my second year as a high school English teacher - or at least it will be after next week.  I keep saying "I wish that the school year would end", "I can't wait for summer", and "can I go home yet?"  But as I learn new stuff all the time about how to do my job better, I just realized that all I really want is a new crop of kids.  Not that I don't love my present crop (mostly.  okay, sometimes.), but they are a rough crowd.  Next year I get freshman honors, which carries its own challenges, biggest problem is that they have parents who care - sometimes too much.  But wouldn't it be great to see kids who actually want to do well, even if they aren't thrilled with the material?  My lower level kids couldn't even be bothered with trying for a C or a D, let alone a B or an A.  And with 30 or more absences for the year - how can they expect to do any better than a failing mark anyhow?  But they do.  *arg*  And I feel like I failed them because I couldn't make them see the importance of ninth grade and attendance and grades and language arts, and then I feel guilty because I feel better when I think that at least I'm not the only teacher who hasn't been able to reach them. 

But summer will be fun!  Two road trips, one to Oklahoma and Texas at the end of June with my cousin - my first "fun" road trip with someone - and then to NY with my mom in late July for my other cousin's wedding.  I'll visit with people as I can and try to give you fair warning before I crash :-)  On top of that, I am kayaking and walking for the Breast Cancer 3 Day in October, and am planning on trying the indoor rock climbing gym sometime in the next 2-3 weeks.  This, right here, is half of the reason teaching is worth the trauma I suffer.  *lawl*

Mon 5-4-09
Originally uploaded by smokymtnkayaker

I have jumped on this bandwagon with full force. In fact, Keri, our field manager for this area, has inspired me to take my interest to the next step. I went to one of the initial meetings today, and her enthusiasm for the project even as a supporter and not a survivor herself, was inspiring to see.

I volunteered to be a team leader. In truth, while I feel like I should be shaking my head at myself for taking something like this on, I am excited. Maybe it's at feeling useful, maybe it's the whole cause, I don't know. But between the video (a tearjerker) and the excitement about fundraising, I am just enthused (even as I feel a bit of trepidation).

Wish us luck....and I still need to come up with a team name!