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Marathon Training: Week 11

This week is going to be good. I can feel it.

Monday- Run 4 (it went very well) :)
Wednesday- 8
Thursday-4
Saturday-17 (OMG)

It's gonna be good. Really. It is.

Marathon Training: Weeks 9 and 10

I will go ahead and say week 9 was cancelled. We were in Boston on vacation and had high hopes to run, but we didn't. We ran 11 miles total for the week and probably walked 45. Needless to say we were tired, and traffic was craziness, so we took a vacation from running. It was fabulous. Though I felt very lazy.

On that note, week 10 sucked. Seriously. Worst running week ever. The schedule was 4,7,4,11. The fours were okay, not easy, but ok. The 7 was hard. I even walked once during which is not like me. But it was the 11 that had me almost in tears when I got home. I stopped every two miles- not because I was hurting, but because I wanted to! I know. I suck.

It took me a long frickin' time to run/ walk those 11 miles, when two weeks ago I ran 15 no problem.
Hopefully I am still recovering from vacation. Good news is it can only go up.

I did know this week would come. The week I hated training and honestly regretted my decision to run the marathon. Hopefully next week I will look like this when I run:

And not like this:



Mockingjay

I finally finished the Hunger Games series. It is definitely my new favorite. I recommend it to everyone- boys, girls, young, old. I think that's one of the amazing things about these books- they can be enjoyed by everyone. Read it. Seriously.

One thing I really love are the character's. Collins does such an amazing job of describing them and especially their relationships with each other. The reader gets the love story (thought many people did not like the end), battles, themes. Ya' know- the good stuff. It's easy to read but not a waste of time type book.

I could talk all day about it. But I won't. I need to read Frankenstein for class. 

Favorite quotes:

"But collective thinking is usually short lived. We're fickle, stupid beings with poor memories and a great gift for self-destruction" Page 379

"What I needed is the dandelion in the spring. The bright yellow that means rebirth instead of destruction. The promise that life can go on, no matter how bad our losses. That it can be good again." Page 388

"I'll tell them how I survive it. I'll tell them that on bad mornings, it feels impossible to take pleasure in anything because I'm afraid it could be taken away. That's when I make a list in my head of every act of goodness I've seen someone do. It's like a game. Repetitive. Even a little tedious after more than twenty years. But there are much worse games to play." Page 390

Here Goes Nothing: A Year Without Clothes

Not exactly "without clothes". I just thought it sounded better.

I have decided to go ONE whole year without buying any new clothes. The Rules:

1) I am starting a new school, so I can buy school attire (t-shirts, polos) etc. I cannot go overboard because I get buy happy. Maybe 1 general shirt and then depending on if I coach/ sponsor anything, I will buy what is needed.

2) If I lose weight, I can buy clothes I need to replace what no longer fits. I will try to buy used first.

3) If I desperately am in need of something (and even my uber cheap  husband thinks so) I may buy it. Unfortunately I don't think this will happen. Chris informed me that "need" means I have no more shoes, jeans, shirts, etc. Considering I have multiple of each, I think I'm set.

4) We run our first marathon in October. This is a big deal. If the shirt we get is ugly, and they have other options for sale, I may buy something.

5) If we move somewhere with a totally different climate, I can buy what I need.

6) I can buy used clothing- but only if I need it. Not the desperate "Chris has to approve" need, but not buying things because I can.

7) Gloves/ Hats for winter don't count. Why? because I need (and yes, need is a great word to use here) new gloves. Mine have holes.

8) I think that's it for rules/ exceptions. Oh! If I get a gift card as a gift I can buy new.

Reasons to do this:

• I have too many clothing items. I really do. Some would say I don't have that much, and compared to many, I probably don't, but I still don't need all I have.
• I want to push myself. I like a good challenge.
• I really like a good challenge when people don't think I can do it. :)
• I am wasting money buy buying things that I don't need.
• It's kind of dumb to buy new when there are so many old pieces floating around.

The Help

I bought this book a while back, but it kept getting pushed to the bottom of the pile. A few people borrowed it and read it before I had time. But finally, I was able to finish it.

It was fabulous. I loved the dialect, the organization, and the depiction of the historical setting. Stockett did a great job! The plot kept me intrigued and the pages a flippin'. I loved the characters that narrated the story and the different point of views the story was told through. The relationship between the characters was impressive too. Stockett illustrated the tension filled friendship between the narrators in a way that made the reader understand the tension of the time and the struggles even those who looked past color had to face. And of course, what the story was trying to show, I was mesmerized by the relationship between whites and their help. It showed me just how horrible things were at that time. I had never heard it described that way.

What I didn't love was the ending. And for that, you will have to read it yourself. You should do that soon too; so, you can see the movie. :)

My favorite quote from the book: "Wasn't that the point of the book? For women to realize, We are just two people. Not that much separates us. Not nearly as much as I'd thought."

And one more: "All I'm saying is, kindness don't have no boundaries."

June Books

I actually listened to this book on tape while I ran (which is my new favorite thing). 

Overall, I really enjoyed it. Its overall message is that everything we do has an affect on someone- good or bad.  Ultimately, how we treat others can profoundly influence his life. It reminded me a little of "Hate List"- the meaning, not the plot. Great book. I recommend it. Not my favorite.

Here's a short synopsis of the novel: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1217100.Thirteen_Reasons_Why

BTW- this book is going to be a movie at some point. I believe it is going to star Selena Gomez as the lead.

My first running book. And one of the few non fiction books I have read (I am forcing my students to read one as their summer reading so I figured I should too).

I love it! It's funny, well written, and extremely intriguing- even if you don't run. It made me rethink all the running clothes, shoes, socks, etc that I spend too much money on. Maybe the barefoot running thing works? But I am too much of a whiner to figure it out. :)

Here is the link to a review (other people do a much better job than me): http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/19/AR2009061901078.html

Stuff

Chris and I are enjoying our last night of a week long vacation in Boston. Of course, I am feeling social media deprived, so I am catching up.

We have absolutely LOVED Boston and I can't wait to share photos; however, there's one thing I have noticed that I don't like. It's not something that only happens in Boston. I have noticed it before. I think I just needed a "big city" to really see it. I am tired of the obsession with "stuff". More importantly, I am tired of my obsession.

Our country is not doing too well when it comes to our financial situation. The nationalal debt increases all the time. The average family has $8,000 of credit card debt, according to DaveRamsey.com. This of course doesn't include student loans, mortgage, car loans, etc. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in June of this year was 9.2%.  And yet, our malls are packed. People shop ALL THE TIME. Designer jeans and purses seem to be a "must have" by consumers. It's no problem to drop $100 on a pair of shoes.

And, why? because they're "comfortable" and "fit better than others". Or my most used, "They'll last forever."

Lies. I know this because I use them. The fit thing- I get. I agree. But no- they won't last forever (usually). Why? Because you will get tired of them, or spill something, or gain/ loose weight. Most of my clothes don't last too long at my house- even if they were made well. So why do I feel the need to buy new things often?

For me: I love to shop. I like to have new things. I like the feeling of wearing a new outfit for the first time. I love to shop. Clothes make me feel good about myself- a little confidence boost.

So again- why? I don't need most of the things I buy (truly need, not just need- you know the difference).  I have plenty of clothes. I am confident-ish. I have plenty of things to wear. In fact, I need to get rid of tons of stuff.

Let me be clear- I don't spend tons of money on clothes. The most I have paid for a pair of jeans was 40 bucks. I go to the sale rack at stores. I buy second hand. My purses come from Kohls (1/2 off). I do spend money on shoes- but they're practical. Not just cute. I am cheap.

But still, I don't need this stuff. It's just adding to my collection of stuff. But I love stuff. But I don't need it. I really don't. Stuff complicates life.

So, in conclusion to my rant, I have an idea. And it's only an idea right now. Not my original because apparently people around the country are doing it. In fact look here: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/527947/the_compact_movement_asks_can_you_go.html
There's lots of other information too. Much of which I have not read, because I don't plan to do everything they do. But I am considering not buying clothes/ shoes new- and really only used when I actually do need something. And this need will be decided with the help of my Idon'tliketobuyanything husband.

I haven't decided yet, but I am seriously considering it. Any takers?

Marathon Training: Week 8

We did 14 miles! Yay! And it actually wasn't bad-at-all. partly because I decided to listen to a book rather than music and it totally made me lose track of time. We were also lucky enough to enjoy a downtown run in Chicago.

This week brings on another "longest run yet" for Chris and I. Fifteen miles!

Monday- Rest
Tuesday- 4 Miles
Wednesday- 7 Miles
Thursday- Rest
Friday- 4 Miles
Saturday- Walk
Sunday- 15 Miles :)

A Few Classics

I received a stack of about 10 books that I would be teaching this school year, so I have been slowly, and I mean slowly, working my way through them.

The first one is the ever popular "To Kill a Mockingbird"

 

I read part of this book in college but never got interested, so I didn't finish it. I used Spark Notes for the test.... judge if you wish. I'm not ashamed.

I enjoyed it much more the second time around and can't wait to teach it! So many great quotes to be discussed. A couple of my favorite are:

"They're certainly entitled to think that, and they're entitled to full respect for their opinions... but before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself.  The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience."

"I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand.  It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.  You rarely win, but sometimes you do."

The second book is "Of Mice and Men"



I am not a huge fan. Definitely will be great for teaching imagery, so that's what will be done. And maybe a good Euthanasia debate to spice things up?

New Years Resolution Update

For those of you who missed it, here are my new years resolutions: Bring it on, 2011

1. Making my own bread- check. I make 2 loaves of wheat bread every two weeks. I have finally found the "perfect" recipe which has become our staple. I also make our pizza crust, which is SO much cheaper than buying pizza. I am also able to keep some frozen, so when we are ready to eat it we pull it out, put our toppings on, and bake it! Super easy! Resolution #1 is so far an excuse!

2. Run 2 half marathons and a 10k before Christmas- checkish. I am running 3 half marathons and a full marathon. Not the exact goal, but definitely more of an accomplishment than the previous. Hopefully it all goes smoothly!

3. Menu's for the week- checkish. I did this during the school year, but not the summer. So far so good!

4. Go a year without cable- check.

5. Read the Bible more- uh-oh. This is not going well. It was, but then softball season hit and it went downhill from there. Hopefully I can get back on track.

6. Go through all the recipes on the frugalgirl- I give up. There's only two of us to eat lots of baked goods, and I don't want to get fat. It's for health reasons that I say no more of this goal.

I am definitely happy with the goals so far. Hopefully I can keep it up. :)

Marathon Training: Week 7

A little late. Whoops.

Last week went great! It was hot and humid which I have decided I do not enjoy. It's amazing how much the heat takes out of you while running. But overall the runs were very good.

This weeks schedule is a little different, but at least this time around I am being more flexible- so that's good.

Monday- 4
Tuesday-7
Wednesday- biking (apparently 25 miles....)
Thursday- rest
Friday- 14 (AHHHHH! This will be my longest distance. I feel like I should get a medal and T-Shirt after I finish)
Saturday- I may do 4. We shall see.
Sunday- either rest or do 4

We are definitely getting up there in miles now. I'm actually quite nervous about 14 but I know I can do it! Bring it on!

Things My Husband Learns

I may keep this as a regular. Maybe not. We'll see.

The hubbs has been working a lot lately. He comes home for dinner and leaves right after to head back to the lab. His thesis is due next week and I don't think I have seen him so stressed before.

He told me he would be home about 5 and I said I would try to have dinner close to being done so he could eat quickly and head back to school. He walks in about 4:45 and immediately says, "Why isn't dinner done?"

Ah-hem. This was not a good moment. Needless to say, I don't think he will ask that question again.

(BTW, he swears he was joking.)

The Marathon Kicks

Aren't they gorgeous? -- in a "I have to run 26 miles in these shoes" gorgeous? Yep- we're getting pretty close. There's nothing like the bond between a runner and her shoes. Sad thing is, this is my third pair of the same shoe. I guess I am not a fan of change. :)

Marathon Training: Week 6

Not to brag, but we rocked the 12 miles this week. Even in the Arkansas heat and humidity (impromptu trip). It definitely left me a tad sore, but I will take that over not being able to finish any day. We did miss a three mile run because of the ridiculous amount of things we had going on. I plan (because I am obsessive) to make up for it this week.

Monday: Nothing :)
Tuesday: 3 Miles
Wednesday: 6 Miles
Thursday: 3 Miles
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 9 Miles
Sunday: 3 Miles

We are rearranging this week due to a camping trip this weekend.

One interesting thing I have noticed while training: I don't do well with carbonation. If I have too many cokes I feel like I have a hangover. It's sad.

Catching Fire and Bet Me

As with the first book of the series, Hunger Games, I loved this book! A-MAZ-ING! Collins has great character development as well as plot set-up. She provides all sorts of twists which had me hooked from page one. I can't say enough good things about these novels. I think everyone should read them. I don't really feel like summarizing this one; you should just read it!

And for the not so fun book:

This book was very entertaining to read. It made me laugh. It was "cute". It was also annoying and not quite original.

The main character is always complaining about how fat she is. Her mom is controlling and won't allow her to eat carbs or butter. Ya know- the typical rich, pretty mom/ chubby daughter relationship. Min (the main character) gets dumped by her boyfriend and then is taken to dinner by the sweet, charming, hott guy who swoops in to save her from herself.

The have a tumultuous courtship because they are both overcoming their relational demons. They have a weird food/ weight obsessed relationship, and a few weird moments that ruined Krispy Kreme donuts for me forever. Cal (the hunk) calls Min "full" many times. Which made me chuckle. I can see Chris coming home and saying, "Hey babe, you're looking mighty full in that dress." He'd be sleeping on the couch.

Anywho, despite family, ex's, and insecurities they fall in love and live happily ever after.

Marathon Training: Week 5

Week 4 recap- great week! The short week runs were great as well as the long run. I feel much more encouraged than I did last week at this time. Definitely ready to keep this training up. I have realized my speed has decreased, but I will take that over a miserable run.

Week 5: Monday- Ab workout
              Tuesday- 3 Miles
              Wednesday- 6 Miles
              Thursday- Bike Ride
              Friday- 3 Miles
              Saturday- Rest
              Sunday- 12 Miles

Indiana State Pie

Indiana has a state pie (is that normal?), which since I am a pretend Hoosier, I will be making the famous sugar cream pie this weekend. Any excuse for a pie is a good excuse.



Photo credit: Frank Espich



Startling Fact

I'm an introvert. Yup. And it only took me 24 years to learn this.
And my shy, socially awkward, sweet husband is an extrovert.
Crazy, huh?

I always assumed I was an extrovert, but I have come to realize that without quiet time to energize my soul- I'm done for. That's why fall break, Thanksgiving break, Christmas break, spring break, and summer break are necessary for me.
And Chris, who doesn't like make new friends, is energized by being with people.
Hmmm. The things you learn.

The following two pictures are from my birthday winery trip in Tulsa. It was awesome! I even tried apple pie topped with cheddar cheese...

Marathon Training: Week 4

I can't believe we are on week four already. Crazy how time flies.

Monday- Rest. Because I have run three days in a row and my legs need a break.
Tuesday- 3 Miles
Wednesday- Cross Train.
Thursday- 6 Miles
Friday- 3 Miles
Saturday- Rest
Sunday- 11 Miles- Gross.

I am praying the eleven miles goes much better than the 8 and 9 have. This last week was nice because even my short runs felt better, which leaves me hopeful. It's just weird to think that when we trained for our half the longest we ran was 12, and here we are, on week four running 11. It took me 10 weeks to get to that last time.

Hunger Games

Awesome. Stinkin' fantastic. Amazing. Wonderful. 

No wonder it's a New York Times Best Seller, USA Today Best Seller, ALA Top Ten Book for Young Adult Literature, and so on. It's a long list. Why? Because it's awesome. stinking fantastic. amazing. and wonderful.

Someone recommend this book to me a few weeks ago and I kind of pushed it off. That didn't last long because from then on this book was everywhere. I was working on summer reading lists and it was on many I looked at. It was recommended by friends and friends of friends. It wouldn't go away, so I made a trip to Barnes and Noble and bought it. Even though I knew I wouldn't like it because it's not "my type" of book. Whatever that may be.

So here's the summary as told by Lev Grossman in "Catching Fire: Suzanne Collins' Hit Young-Adult Novels" which appeared in TIME.

"The Hunger Games is set in an unspecified future time when things have gone pretty spectacularly badly for humanity. The world, or the bit of it we can see, is dominated by a ruling caste who live in luxury in a city called the Capitol. The rest of us live like peasants in 12 districts that are strictly cordoned off from the Capitol and one another. Life in the districts sucks: it's mostly hard labor--mining coal and farming and working in factories--in dismal conditions.
To make things even dismaler, once a year each district is required to give up two of its children, chosen by lottery, and enter them in the Hunger Games. The kids are dropped into an enormous arena strewn with traps and hazards, with a heap of weapons and supplies in the middle. The last child alive wins a lifetime of luxury and celebrity. The action is filmed and broadcast to the entire world.
We experience this ordeal through the eyes of Katniss, a resident of District 12, a harsh, cold region mostly given over to coal-mining. She is a passionate 16-year-old who hates the Capitol and is devoted to her family; she volunteers for the Games to take the place of her sister, whose name came up in the lottery. Katniss is a skilled hunter and sheer death with a bow and arrow. She doesn't like to kill. But she doesn't want to die either.
Whereas Katniss kills with finesse, Collins writes with raw power. After a life spent in freezing poverty, Katniss experiences pleasure--warmth, food, pretty clothes--with almost unbearable intensity, and that's where Collins' writing comes alive. (Not sex, though. The Hunger Games isn't just chaste, like Twilight; it's oddly non-erotic.) Likewise, Collins brings a cold, furious clarity to her accounts of physical violence. You might not think it would be possible, or desirable, for a young-adult writer to describe, slowly and in full focus, a teenage girl getting stung to death by a swarm of mutant hornets. It wasn't, until Collins did it. But rather than being repellent, the violence is strangely hypnotic. It's fairy-tale violence, Brothers Grimm violence--not a cheap thrill but a symbol of something deeper. (One of the paradoxes of the book is that it condemns the action in the arena while also inviting us to enjoy it, sting by sting. Despite ourselves, we do.)"

Read more: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1919156,00.html#ixzz1P5maqbJx

Marathon Training: Week 3

Recap of week 2: Hard, Horrible, I hated it. My 9 mile run took all I had, and unfortunately I walked for about half a mile somewhere in the middle. I need a serious mental makeover.

Week 3 (better late than never):
              Tuesday- 3 miles
              Friday- 5 miles
              Saturday- 3 miles
              Sunday- 6 miles

These past two weeks have been hard because we are traveling. With traveling comes poor eating habits. I am hoping we can get back on track.

Jon and Kristin got hitched!

Chris's younger brother and his new wife, Kristin, got married last week in Tulsa. It was a beautiful, sweet wedding. Chris and I were both honored to have been a part of the wedding party!

Chris, Me, Sandi, Michael

My handsome husband and me

The happy couple!

The sisters-in-law

The crew at the rehearsal

We enjoyed a few days of family and fun! It was so nice being able to spend time relaxing and catching up with everyone.

Before I Fall

I'm not sure how I feel about this book. I finished it yesterday on the ride home from Tulsa and have been thinking about it ever since, but I didn't really like it. I mean, it was entertaining and I couldn't stop reading it, but I wasn't a huge fan of the ending.

*Spoiler alert*

The reader knows at the beginning how the book will end. Samantha begins by dying which means that's  how it will end(though I kept hoping something miraculous would happen).  She's a popular girl who is characterized as the mean popular girl everyone is familiar with from other books and movies. She dies in a car accident- which of course involves drinking. She then wakes up the next morning like nothing has happened, but it's still the same day. She relives the day 7 times- perfecting it each day. She changes her actions, and by doing so, changes fate. She still dies at the end, but she dies saving a life.

My issues with the book: 1.) She dies in a drunk driving accident. A problem in high schools all over the country. And it's not addressed. I mean, when she finally perfects her day she isn't drinking- but still. It's not a big deal. For something that causes so many deaths it should have been addressed more in this book that is targeted at young adults. 2.) Drinking is a way of high school life. And yes, I know it is in real life, but in this book it was ridiculous- and it was  portrayed as okay. 3.) She falls in love on the 6th and 7th day knowing she is still going to end the day by dying. This was just me being a romantic. I wanted her to live so she didn't break her new beau's heart. But she does anyway. She does knowingly, which irritates me. 4.) When Sam finally does actually die, she dies differently. She is killed while saving the life of a girl whom she had picked on and was about to commit suicide. This is all fine and dandy, but I think the girl would have more to live with after the incident. I don't feel it would help her, knowing that someone died saving her life. And really, wouldn't the whole "mean girl crew" just be mad at the person who caused their friend's death.

Overall, I don't think I liked  it.

Empty

As I type this, I am sitting in an empty classroom. Except for the boxes of course.

It's been a much harder day than I anticipated. None of the ridiculous tears that I normally share with all, or the overwhelming amount of emotions; this time it's different. It's a feeling that I don't like, but realize I will probably feel many more times. I will probably not see or really talk to these kids again.

There's not a, "I'll see you guys next year." And yes, I know I will move on. And I am sure they already have, but I miss them- like miss them, miss them.

My sophomores have been exceptional this year. Overall they are probably my favorite class. Last years class will always be my first class, and this one (overall) probably my favorite.

Some of this probably comes from my nerves of switching schools. And the fear that the next class won't live up. Which isn't fair- but I'm human.

And the tears are coming.... so adios!

Marathon Training: Week 2

Week one was fairly easy- except for the 8 mile yesterday. I thought I was going to fall over. Not quite sure why because 6 miles was "easy" last week. Maybe I underestimated the extra two.

This weeks training includes:

Monday- Cross
Tuesday- 3
Wednesday- I will be in a car all day... so no running for me.
Thursday- Hopefully I will have time for 5 (We will be in Tulsa for a wedding, so the wedding festivities will have started :) )
Friday-3
Saturday- Rest
Sunday- Will be driving, so rest again
Monday- 9

Not quite "on schedule" but we will get it done!

Something Blue

This is the sequel to Something Borrowed. At the beginning, I struggled to enjoy the books because the main character was someone I extremely disliked in the first novel- which I believe is what the author was going for. However, I quickly learned to like her and thoroughly enjoyed the book. It's about heartache, friendship, love, and being the best person you can be.

I really like this author because she creates interesting, well developed characters. She also created endings that are not as predictable as other chic lit authors. I highly recommend her. Her books are good for summer time reading! :)

Humbled

This is my new toy. And boy do I love it.

You know what I love even more? My students bought it for me. Not all of them- 6 of them. It was my going away/ birthday present.

This was my reaction:

I was seriously shocked. Like had no idea what they were up to.

The also bought me this:

 and this:

I'm not quite sure why they did, but I have never been so humbled by something. Ever. It was the first true surprise I have had in years- maybe ever. I have never felt so undeserving. I still feel that way, but I'm loving my nook.

Something Borrowed

Loved this book! It is well written, funny, and not as predictable as many "chick lit" books.

It's about a girl realizing that life's too short to follow all the rules. About learning to stand up for herself. And about being okay with who she is.

It's also the first book I read on my new Nook. But that's another post.

Rewind

4 Nalgenes is too much. I only have a few chances to escape my children for bathroom breaks.

I will reset my goal to 2 nalgenes, at least for now.

Marathon Training: Week 1

Monday: Cross Training
Tuesday: 3 Miles
Wednesday: 5 Miles
Thursday: Strength
Friday: 3 Miles
Saturday: Off
Sunday: 8 Miles

Nutrition Goals: 4 Nalgenes of water daily, no more than 1 fun size candy bar a day :)
                        

The Plans

Well, it's official. Almost official to be completely honest. We are here for another year. Not a bad thing- just not what we had planned.

Chris is accepting a job at Purdue as a tech (which is what we thought he would do...we just thought we would have to move). So that's awesome. And I just accepted a job at a new high school- which was not planned, but is such a blessing. Better school, better pay- but I will miss the posse and my students. Overall, it's obvious God had a plan. I just think about the changes and worries of the past year and see that God was working on our hearts in preparation of this decision. It's humbling.

The new school is a rival of the one I am at now, so that's going to be weird for a bit. But oh well. I will get over it. And I like the colors. Blue makes my eyes stand-out- because that's important when looking for a job. ;)

So, with that news, I am feeling excited yet uncomfortable. This, as I have said before, was not the plan. It doesn't matter, but it just isn't what I prepared myself for. I like plans and I like to know them in advance. But God's working on that.

I feel like I am putting life on hold. I am ready to settle, to buy a house, to talk about babies, to get comfortable somewhere. I feel like I am waiting for life to start- which is kind of depressing. It's something I struggle with for a bit and then get excited about and then struggle again. Today, I am struggling. Tomorrow I will probably love the uncertainty.

On that note, I do love it here. And I absolutely love our life here. So much that I don't want to move, which is why it's hard. I am not good with goodbye, and I am ready to be somewhere that I won't have the attitude of  "Wewillbemovingsoon,sodon'tgettoocomfortable."

When this song played on the radio this morning I knew God was speaking to me. And I am listening, because he's been awesome so far. Waiting for life to begin or not attitude- I am blessed.

I'm waiting

I'm waiting on You, Lord

And I am hopeful

I'm waiting on You, Lord

Though it is painful

But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident

Taking every step in obedience

While I'm waiting

I will serve You

While I'm waiting

I will worship

While I'm waiting

I will not faint

I'll be running the race

Even while I wait

I'm waiting

I'm waiting on You, Lord

And I am peaceful

I'm waiting on You, Lord

Though it's not easy

But faithfully, I will wait

Yes, I will wait

I will serve You while I'm waiting

I will worship while I'm waiting

I will serve You while I'm waiting

I will worship while I'm waiting

I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

-John Waller



My New Classroom Quote

A truly good book teaches me better than to read it. I must soon lay it down, and commence living on its hint. What I began by reading, I must finish by acting.

-Henry David Thoreau

Hate List

I haven't been "wowed" by a book in a while, until yesterday. A friend recommended this novel, which was recommended to her by her students.

It. Is. Awesome.

It not only entertained me from page one, it made me think, it made me laugh, and it made me cry. It made me rethink my classroom set-up, my interaction with students, my interaction with teachers, and quite honestly opened my eyes to a world of bullying that I know goes on between my students, but I choose to ignore on many occasions.

It's a book everyone needs to read.

Water for Elephants

I finally finished! Woohoo. It only took a few months.

Unfortunately, it was not one of my favorite books. It was hard to get into and seemed to end abruptly. I think I set very high standards since it was so popular. It was very well written book with excellent character development. Overall it was a good book, just not my favorite. I would definitely recommend it. 

I'm Not One to be Political

but this article is awesome:


The High Cost of Low Teacher Salaries

By DAVE EGGERS and NÍNIVE CLEMENTS CALEGARI

Published: April 30, 2011

Op-Ed Contributor: A New Measure for Classroom Quality (May 1, 2011) WHEN we don’t get the results we want in our military endeavors, we don’t blame the soldiers. We don’t say, “It’s these lazy soldiers and their bloated benefits plans! That’s why we haven’t done better in Afghanistan!” No, if the results aren’t there, we blame the planners. We blame the generals, the secretary of defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff. No one contemplates blaming the men and women fighting every day in the trenches for little pay and scant recognition.
And yet in education we do just that. When we don’t like the way our students score on international standardized tests, we blame the teachers. When we don’t like the way particular schools perform, we blame the teachers and restrict their resources.
Compare this with our approach to our military: when results on the ground are not what we hoped, we think of ways to better support soldiers. We try to give them better tools, better weapons, better protection, better training. And when recruiting is down, we offer incentives.
We have a rare chance now, with many teachers near retirement, to prove we’re serious about education. The first step is to make the teaching profession more attractive to college graduates. This will take some doing.
At the moment, the average teacher’s pay is on par with that of a toll taker or bartender. Teachers make 14 percent less than professionals in other occupations that require similar levels of education. In real terms, teachers’ salaries have declined for 30 years. The average starting salary is $39,000; the average ending salary — after 25 years in the profession — is $67,000. This prices teachers out of home ownership in 32 metropolitan areas, and makes raising a family on one salary near impossible.
So how do teachers cope? Sixty-two percent work outside the classroom to make ends meet. For Erik Benner, an award-winning history teacher in Keller, Tex., money has been a constant struggle. He has two children, and for 15 years has been unable to support them on his salary. Every weekday, he goes directly from Trinity Springs Middle School to drive a forklift at Floor and Décor. He works until 11 every night, then gets up and starts all over again. Does this look like “A Plan,” either on the state or federal level?

We’ve been working with public school teachers for 10 years; every spring, we see many of the best teachers leave the profession. They’re mowed down by the long hours, low pay, the lack of support and respect.

Imagine a novice teacher, thrown into an urban school, told to teach five classes a day, with up to 40 students each. At the year’s end, if test scores haven’t risen enough, he or she is called a bad teacher. For college graduates who have other options, this kind of pressure, for such low pay, doesn’t make much sense. So every year 20 percent of teachers in urban districts quit. Nationwide, 46 percent of teachers quit before their fifth year. The turnover costs the United States $7.34 billion yearly. The effect within schools — especially those in urban communities where turnover is highest — is devastating.

But we can reverse course. In the next 10 years, over half of the nation’s nearly 3.2 million public school teachers will become eligible for retirement. Who will replace them? How do we attract and keep the best minds in the profession?

People talk about accountability, measurements, tenure, test scores and pay for performance. These questions are worthy of debate, but are secondary to recruiting and training teachers and treating them fairly. There is no silver bullet that will fix every last school in America, but until we solve the problem of teacher turnover, we don’t have a chance.

Can we do better? Can we generate “A Plan”? Of course.

The consulting firm McKinsey recently examined how we might attract and retain a talented teaching force. The study compared the treatment of teachers here and in the three countries that perform best on standardized tests: Finland, Singapore and South Korea.

Turns out these countries have an entirely different approach to the profession. First, the governments in these countries recruit top graduates to the profession. (We don’t.) In Finland and Singapore they pay for training. (We don’t.) In terms of purchasing power, South Korea pays teachers on average 250 percent of what we do.

And most of all, they trust their teachers. They are rightly seen as the solution, not the problem, and when improvement is needed, the school receives support and development, not punishment. Accordingly, turnover in these countries is startlingly low: In South Korea, it’s 1 percent per year. In Finland, it’s 2 percent. In Singapore, 3 percent.

McKinsey polled 900 top-tier American college students and found that 68 percent would consider teaching if salaries started at $65,000 and rose to a minimum of $150,000. Could we do this? If we’re committed to “winning the future,” we should. If any administration is capable of tackling this, it’s the current one. President Obama and Education Secretary Arne Duncan understand the centrality of teachers and have said that improving our education system begins and ends with great teachers. But world-class education costs money.

For those who say, “How do we pay for this?” — well, how are we paying for three concurrent wars? How did we pay for the interstate highway system? Or the bailout of the savings and loans in 1989 and that of the investment banks in 2008? How did we pay for the equally ambitious project of sending Americans to the moon? We had the vision and we had the will and we found a way.

Dave Eggers and Nínive Clements Calegari are founders of the 826 National tutoring centers and producers of the documentary “American Teacher.”

A version of this op-ed appeared in print on May 1, 2011, on page WK12 of the New York edition with the headline: The High Cost of Low Teacher Salaries.

13.1, 26.2, 13.1

I have gone off the deep end.

In September, I will be running the Indianapolis Women's Half Marathon.

In October, I will be running the Twin Cities MARATHON. Yep, you heard right.

In November, I will be running the Monumental Half Marathon in Indianapolis.


The halfs don't scare me. It's the full that has me freaking out.

More to come later.

IMM

Signed up for the Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon in Indy in November!

This is the same race we did last November. Can't wait to do it again!

Holy Moly

Student: Mrs. Middaugh, we need help.
Me: Ok, what’s the question?

Student: This essay prompt is really stumping us. We can’t figure it out.

Me: Ok, what specifically are you struggling with?

Student: The end. You know, where it says, “explain how these relations are important to the work of literature?”

Me: You are going to have to be more specific as to what is confusing you.

Student: The literature part. It’s really stumping me. What’s literature?


And we have the state end of course next week. Which will effect my pay soon enough. OMG.

Side note: Just so you don’t think I am a horrible teacher. I promise I use the word literature all the time.

I need to go shopping.

Seriously.

I haven't been in ages.
Okay, maybe weeks.

I want a dress. No, I need a new dress.
I need a new purse. All of  mine are old.
I need a new billfold to hold the money I need to spend.

Yep. That's all.

Feets of Hope

On Saturday one of my students, with help from others, put on a 5K to raise money for a camp that helps abused children. I was so proud of her, and we had a great time running it. The course was a cross country course rather than a road race, so that was interesting. I realized I am glad I didn't run cross country in high school. :)

The posse.

Me pretending to be a real runner by stopping my time.

Chris almost winning first place. Long story. He's too nice.

Not Your Typical Fruit Salad

I called to find out what we could bring to the Easter dinner we were invited to... and fruit salad was the answer. Suuurrreee, let me head to the kitchen and whip up some good ole fruit salad.

Yeah right. Fruit salad? I have no idea how to make fruit salad.

In fact, I don't even eat fruit salad.

So, this is my idea of a  fruit salad (adapted from all recipes).

It's more of a dessert.

Layered Fruit Salad

Ingredients:

About a cup or two of your 5 or 6 favorite fruits--> it depends on how big your bowl is as to how much fruit you want to use (we used frozen blueberries and peaches, but the rest were fresh)

1 eight ounce package of low fat cream cheese

1 eight ounce tub of whipped cream

1/2 cup of powdered sugar

1/4 cup pecans or almonds

Cute glass bowl :)

Cut up your fruit

Layer in the glass dish

Mix the sugar and cream cheese until smooth

Fold in powdered sugar

Spoon over the fruit

Add nuts

Like I said, this is not your typical fruit salad.

It's better.

Seriously.

And prettier.

Not an Easter Post.

I know it's Easter. I know I am suppose to be celebrating the Resurrection of our Savior, and I am, I promise. I have never been so excited for Easter. I feel like I finally realize everything Jesus did for me.

But that's not what is on my heart right now.

It's more of the problems with the church. Why today seemed like the day I wanted to share how I feel, I'm not sure. But that's okay.

Chris and I were drinking coffee and spending time in the word while listening to the Casting Crowns station on Pandora when this song came on:

If you haven't heard it, you really should pay attention. These are the lyrics that stopped me in my tracks as I was having my quiet time this morning. And apparently Chris too.

"Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?

Or does anybody even know she's going down today

Under the shadow of our steeple

With all the lost and lonely people

Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me

Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?

If judgment looms under every steeple

If lofty glances from lofty people

Can't see past her scarlet letter

And we've never even met her"

Chris and I are in the process of switching churches. We both grew up Lutheran, so when we moved, we stayed Lutheran. It was easy. We loved the church we found and we made instant friends who have become more like family. It has been such a blessing. But we soon realized there was no one our age, and that wasn't going to change. We needed fellowship with peers. We also weren't being pushed spiritually. And...well... we saw the ugly side of the church. And yes, I know there is an ugly side to every church.

Like so many churches, it was the presentation that was important. It was the flowers on the altar, the organ, the parking lot, etc. Church became about the potlucks, the dinners, the cakes, the trips- the social part in general. Church family judged rather than loved. A hoodie and jeans became unworthy to wear to church. Gossip consumed conversation. Gossip about other members kept us from loving.  I say us because I took part, and still find it a struggle not to. There was no room, or time left to worship. We saw ourselves and others becoming Marthas. I do not want to be a Martha. And worse, we saw the typical "Christian" by the worlds standards. We were letting ourselves become comfortable with going and doing, rather than bowing and praising.

We began to forget the people. The suffering. The stories. The service. The worship. The repentance.

The church has become side tracked.

I could go on with things I noticed, but that's not important. What's important is that we worship in a place where the girl in the song would not go unnoticed. That we worship in a place that she would be accepted. Where each member reaches out and loves. Where we serve because we want to love on others. Where Christ is the absolute center of worship. Where the goal of the church is to bring others to know Christ. Where we are pushed. Where we are held accountable.

I want to make it clear that I am not upset with our old church. I am grateful for everything we learned, and especially the people. Many of whom we will be celebrating Easter with. They became family. It was our first church as a married couple. There are wonderful people there, many of whom are ready and willing to serve.

But I want more. I want to serve constantly. I want to make it a mission to bring others to Christ. I want to "Go and make disciples". And I want my church family to come along.

Matthew 22: 37 Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

Prom.

I chaperoned prom last Saturday. Two of my colleagues and I got dressed up, went to dinner, and then headed to the dance.

It was...ummm.... awkward. There's no better word. Maybe eye-opening? I'll go with both.

After saying hi to our lovely students, who truly did look great (I loved seeing how dresses have changed since my prom 6 years ago), we found seats near the dance floor and made ourselves comfortable.

Without realizing it, we all crossed our arms, developed glares, and were intently watching our students. We looked like teachers.

For the first time, I felt like a teacher. I turned and looked at my posse (as my Principal calls us), and just started laughing. How did it take me two years to realize I was a teacher? And why at prom did I suddenly come to this realization? Probably from quotes like this:

"Are they really dancing like that?"
"They don't know what dancing is."
"They aren't even facing each other."
"Where are his hands? Can you see his hands? We need to see his hands."
"Why would her mother let her walk out in that?"
"They must have no discipline at their house."
"These kids need to realize there is more to life than fitting in."
"They are a couple? Why in the world?"
"Why are they not facing each other? Is it because they are being so inappropriate that they can't make eye contact?"
"Do we need to let her parents know what she's doing?"
"He better move his hands right now...."
"That's the same move they've done all night. Even I can dance better than that."
"Do we need to show them how to dance."
"I can't see in the middle of the floor. Do we need to go make sure they're ok?"

That's all I can remember right now. It was odd. But hey, at least now I know I'm a teacher.

A picture of my senior prom. Just for kicks. I don't even know who some of these people are...

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

We won! We won!

For the first time in 10 years, the high school I teach at won 1st place in the writing competition! Woohoo!

Way to kick butt!

"God told her anything is possible, so she lived her life believing it with all her heart."

So true. And such a good reminder when it seems nothing is going as I had hoped. :)

From the calendar: It's been a while.

"Sit quietly. Breathe deeply. Hope steadily. God is working on your behalf this very moment."

A Little Thankfulness

I recently started the "Reading the Bible in One Year" program, which consists of an Old testament, New Testament, and Psalm every day. I had planned on doing a 90 day reading plan this summer, but I need something now, so I decided on this. Chris is doing the 90 day plan- which is intense.

This is today's Psalm. I read it after reading a few of the miracles Jesus performs in Luke. It is such a wonderful reminder to be thankful for all that God has given us, and to praise his name. The bolded parts are the ones that jumped out at me. We have such an amazing Heavenly Father who would put the world in our hands. How awesome!

Psalm 8:1-9
1 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.

2 From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.

3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,

4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?

5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.

6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet:

7 all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field,

8 the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.

9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Crossroads of Indiana Half Marathon

Whelp, half marathon #2 is DONE! Yay! Here are some pics:

I was ridiculously excited. It was a bit sad.

Chris was not so excited. In fact, before the race he asked, "How did I let you talk me into this again?"

Not flattering, but I had to show you what this course was like. It was filled with hills. It was miserable.

2:11 Finish Time

:) I am so grateful for a husband who will run with me.

Overall, we had a blast! Chris beat his time from the first half marathon by about 4 minutes. I was well on my way to beating mine, but I was worn out by running against the wind (25MPH wind to be exact) and up hill. I couldn't mentally push myself to keep running that pace, so I slowed down. Maybe next time, right? I have my next half marathon picked out, but I can't tell you until Chris tells me where I am living next year... :) But I guarantee it will have no hills.

What's for Supper Sunday

Sunday: Spinach Quiche
Monday: Spaghetti
Tuesday: Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Wednesday: First softball game! Which means Chris is on his own for dinner
Thursday: Tilapia, Brown Rice, Green Beans
Friday: Cheese, sausage, crackers, snacky foods
Saturday: I think we are doing a pre-run dinner with our half marathon buddies- so probably out for pasta!

7 days until the half! Not so sure I am going to beat my last time. It's been a cold and busy few weeks, meaning less running. And a bum knee doesn't help either. And I slacked on my final long run today. Whoops. I am splitting it into two short runs. That's okay right?

Life Without Cable

Best. Decision. Ever.

For Real.

I previously posted about how much I got done the weekish we got rid of cable. I was so productive, but I had a few worries about how much I would miss it over spring break and the summer when I was home by myself.

I do need to add that Chris and I did get Netflix, so we aren't completely unreliant on television. We are able to watch movies and select TV Shows on demand, which is nice when the weather is cold. Like 10 months out of the year. :(

This past week was my spring break; the first time to put my no-cable-is-awesome attitude to the test. Surprisingly, I still feel that having no cable is awesome. I know, I was shocked too. I baked, read, ran, visited, blogged, etc, instead of filling the silence with mindless TV. Not that I have anything against it, in fact, I love it. That's the problem.

It was actually very refreshing to have the TV off ALL week. Except of course when Chris and I watched an episode of Monk. I don't think I have ever experienced that much silence. I feel like sometimes if TV is an option I choose it over other things. But with TV not being an option, I do other, "more productive" things- which makes me feel better about my time away from school. Don't get me wrong though, I do enjoy a good movie to relax!

The best thing about no cable is when my students ask me if I saw an episode of a show, and I tell them we don't have cable so I didn't see it. They look at me like I am a weirdo. It's pretty awesome. But it goes to show how reliant Americans are on TV. People ask us how we do it, or why would we ever want to not have cable. They also recommend cheaper places for cable, because obviously the only reason someone wouldn't have cable is if they couldn't afford it. It would never be by choice.

Chris and I have agreed that there will not be cable back on at the Middaughs' for a long while. It really has been refreshing to have the TV off 99% of the time. The only thing we have missed are the sports. Which we can get over. ;)

Good Friends and Good Times

This past week, one of my best friends and her boyfriend came to visit. It was soooo good to see her and get to catch up. Here are a few pics:

I love the pictures, but hate how the date is at the bottom. I need to figure that out....