Did you know that's a William Shakespeare quote? One of the most commonly used phrases, and I bet you didn't realize that was good ole Billy. Well now you know :-)
It's only appropriate that I use that as the title to this entry since it is currently 5:30 on December 31st of 2010. Yep. It's New Years Eve. WOOT. And I say that in all seriousness. I'm pretty done with this year so thankgoodness it's over in a few short hours. That's not to say that there hasn't been some awesome times this year. I mean....I definitely have some memorable moments (read: all of the summer). But, overall, I'd say that 2010 would not rank up there with one of the best years of my life. Which is okay - you know why? Because I'm on the cusp of starting my 30th year of life - which means, based on the way the life spans of women are lengthening - I've got a good 70 more years to have plenty of good ones :) (see what I did there?)
But I thought it'd be fun to look at what I had down for my 2K10 resolutions and see if I accomplished them.....and yes, I have some for 2K11 - and a nice post to come - but that's not what I'm doing here.....so....without further adieu...
2K10 Resolutions
1. Visit friends more/Be better at Keeping in Touch
I do believe I got better at keeping in touch. I visited Florida a few times this year. I reconnected with a friend from Albright that I hadn't talked to in nearly 7 years....I'd say I did above average in this department. Grade: B-
2. Take a big trip to Europe
We all know this didn't happen. I was supposed to go visit Paul in October and due to some complications - it didn't happen. HOWEVER, I do have plans for an April visit :-) YAY! Current Grade: BIG FAT F - soon to be A.
3. Finish Grad School
Turns out this wasn't so easy. Money was tight this year and since I got a new job, it took up more of my time. I did, however, set my sights on a finish line and when I'll be student teaching. Grade: B
4. Get a head coaching job
We all know this is my BIGGEST accomplishment of the year :-) YAY! I love my girls at LMHS. I'm so grateful for this job and can't wait to continue it for MANY years to come. Grade: A+
5. Read more often
I have read quite a bit, unfortunately I didn't keep track of how much I actually read. I think this year I'll actually keep a tally. Grade: B-
6. Help/Volunteer/Donate my time more
Yeaaaaa, with the exception of RTF stuff....didn't have a ton of time for this...but I would say that a lot of my extra effort was put into the time I spent at PSC this summer. Still a goal of mine for 2011. Grade: C
7. Make RTF Golf Outing awesome!
And it was! It was EXTREMELY successful! Looking forward to another one this year. Grade: A
8. Write more
Complete fail. Grade: F. Just don't have time.
(Exercise goals)
1. Eat Clean - Better but not good - Grade: D
2. Eliminate Sugar - hahaha - who am I kidding? - Never going to happen. Grade: F
3. Run a Marathon - Not this year, but on the list for 2011 and another list which I'll unveil soon.
4. Get Six Pack Abs (haha) - not. even. close. Grade: F
5. Get my Spinning Certification - see other list.
6. Get my training Certification - see other list.
7. Work with a trainer - fail.
8. Ride with a Team - Didn't do this BUT am working on this for 2011. Have a few leads.
So - Idk. I'm not disappointed because honestly, the biggest thing I wanted this year was a head coaching job and I GOT IT! So, I'd say I'm pretty happy.
I did accomplish a lot of personal records. I broke 2 hours in my half marathons and and I continue to better my time each race. I'm trying to de-clutter my life. I'm also trying to get better at dealing with guys. Still not super good with that. Eh, I'm a work in progress....right? Aren't we all....
Friday, December 31, 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
'Tis the season to be jolly and joyous....
With a burst of pleasure, we feel it all right
It's the season when the saints can employ us
To spread the news about peace and to keep love alive~A Muppets Christmas Carol
Yep - I went there.
MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS! I hope all is well with everyone on this Christmas Day!
No snow here - although there's a possibility it will tomorrow night for the Eagles game!
It's also the season to be thankful and grateful for the things that have happened or (in my case) not happened this year. But that's for a different post.
For now - enjoy my pengie :-)
It's the season when the saints can employ us
To spread the news about peace and to keep love alive~A Muppets Christmas Carol
Yep - I went there.
MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS! I hope all is well with everyone on this Christmas Day!
No snow here - although there's a possibility it will tomorrow night for the Eagles game!
It's also the season to be thankful and grateful for the things that have happened or (in my case) not happened this year. But that's for a different post.
For now - enjoy my pengie :-)
Monday, December 20, 2010
"Have a seat on this.....chassey....."
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Ahhh memories :-) Some reminiscing was done on Saturday night with my sister and her friends (who I suppose are my friends too - although they're technically my sister's first). And we were talking about old PW musicals. Both of my sister's friends have younger brothers, and I distinctly remember one of our musical auditions where Laura's brother, Tim, was doing a scene and he recited the EXACT quote I have in my subject line. Now, if you don't know....what I'm talking about...it's supposed to be a Chaise.....yup. HAHAHA - maybe you just had to be there. I was on my 3rd Stoli and Soda at that point of the night after all - and we all know when you're drinking, some things are a LOT funnier than they actually are :-)
Oh good times!
One more week til Christmas! I have half of my shopping done. I still need to get pressies for my Sister, Dad and Stepdad. I suppose I'll find time to do that on Wednesday. Thankgoodness no Cabrini this week - definitely gives me more time.
This weekend was busier than I expected. Friday, we had a meet - we lost - but the girls were still in good spirits. I've now had two different league officials tell me that it's a joy to officiate our team. Apparently my girls are treats! They are splendid to say the least. Boy-crazy and all :-) It was a slow pool - so none of them swam their fastest times. I think it might have discouraged them a lot - but I told them not to worry - we'll be swimming Haverford on Tuesday - it'll give them the opportunity to get some of their best times so far. I have two girls that are () this close (that's me holding my fingers as if they were pinching), to qualifying for districts in the 100 fly. I think they might be able to do it at the next meet.
Saturday I coached at Baldwin in the morning and then went shopping for some Christmas presents at KOP. [[On a related note, Kelly and I went into the Lucky Brand Jeans Store and I tried on a pair of Zoe Bootleg Jeans. Ah May Zing! They srsly made my legs look killer! But. They were $119 and since I was only there to buy presents for people and not myself...no dice. But at least I know what kind of Lucky's to buy myself.]] Met up with Kelly's friends at Bahama Breeze where I started my dinner with a nice appetizer of Raspberry Stoli and Soda :-) Delicious. I think the waiter liked me too because when I ordered my third, he brought me a double - even though I only ordered a single. How kind of him! Lots of laughs and good times on Saturday.
Sunday I went to spin class and then met up with one of my swimmers' parents. We a LONG chat about her daughter and the season. It was an important meeting and I'm glad we did it. Just long. After that I was so mentally exhausted. I had to turn Jeremy down for soccer stuff. We're going to get together tomorrow (Tuesday) to work on some things. The rest of the afternoon I spent putting my meet stuff in from Friday, emailing my girls, tweaking a few things for the week....talking to Paul on skype :-) HE COMES HOME IN FIVE DAYS! YEAH!!!!!
The Eagles had AN AMAZING COME FROM BEHIND WIN YESTERDAY. It's official. The city of Philly's sports teams - pwned NYC yesterday. PWNED!
Oh yeah, and Cliff Lee is STILL a phillie :-) hehehehehehe.
This week - well although it's technically less busy, it's still jam packed.
Today:
-Running
-Call Montco about my class
-Make tomorrow's meet lineup
-Practice from 2-5
-Possible Spirit Dinner
Tuesday:
-Spin Class
-Soccer w/ Jeremy
-Swim Meet
Wednesday:
-Running
-Shopping
-Drop off cookies at Cabrini
-Drop off cookies at Baldwin
-Practice 2-4:30, team Secret Santa
-Dinner with Brian?
Thursday:
-Morning Practice 5:30 - 7
-Gym 7:30-9
-Shopping (if not finished on Wednesday)
-Practice 2-5
-Coach Baldwin 5:30-8
Friday:
Christmas Eve
-Spin Class
-Over to Dad's for the afternoon/evening festivities
Leave it to me to turn my latest post into a series of lists....hey, it's what I do :-)
Hope everyone has a splendid week! (wow, that's twice I've pulled that one out....geez, how old am I? 87?)
It's gonna be a whirlwind week!
P.S. If You're bored...my new favorite website to waste time with is When Parents Text. Trust me - you'll laugh.
Oh good times!
One more week til Christmas! I have half of my shopping done. I still need to get pressies for my Sister, Dad and Stepdad. I suppose I'll find time to do that on Wednesday. Thankgoodness no Cabrini this week - definitely gives me more time.
This weekend was busier than I expected. Friday, we had a meet - we lost - but the girls were still in good spirits. I've now had two different league officials tell me that it's a joy to officiate our team. Apparently my girls are treats! They are splendid to say the least. Boy-crazy and all :-) It was a slow pool - so none of them swam their fastest times. I think it might have discouraged them a lot - but I told them not to worry - we'll be swimming Haverford on Tuesday - it'll give them the opportunity to get some of their best times so far. I have two girls that are () this close (that's me holding my fingers as if they were pinching), to qualifying for districts in the 100 fly. I think they might be able to do it at the next meet.
Saturday I coached at Baldwin in the morning and then went shopping for some Christmas presents at KOP. [[On a related note, Kelly and I went into the Lucky Brand Jeans Store and I tried on a pair of Zoe Bootleg Jeans. Ah May Zing! They srsly made my legs look killer! But. They were $119 and since I was only there to buy presents for people and not myself...no dice. But at least I know what kind of Lucky's to buy myself.]] Met up with Kelly's friends at Bahama Breeze where I started my dinner with a nice appetizer of Raspberry Stoli and Soda :-) Delicious. I think the waiter liked me too because when I ordered my third, he brought me a double - even though I only ordered a single. How kind of him! Lots of laughs and good times on Saturday.
Sunday I went to spin class and then met up with one of my swimmers' parents. We a LONG chat about her daughter and the season. It was an important meeting and I'm glad we did it. Just long. After that I was so mentally exhausted. I had to turn Jeremy down for soccer stuff. We're going to get together tomorrow (Tuesday) to work on some things. The rest of the afternoon I spent putting my meet stuff in from Friday, emailing my girls, tweaking a few things for the week....talking to Paul on skype :-) HE COMES HOME IN FIVE DAYS! YEAH!!!!!
The Eagles had AN AMAZING COME FROM BEHIND WIN YESTERDAY. It's official. The city of Philly's sports teams - pwned NYC yesterday. PWNED!
Oh yeah, and Cliff Lee is STILL a phillie :-) hehehehehehe.
This week - well although it's technically less busy, it's still jam packed.
Today:
-Running
-Call Montco about my class
-Make tomorrow's meet lineup
-Practice from 2-5
-Possible Spirit Dinner
Tuesday:
-Spin Class
-Soccer w/ Jeremy
-Swim Meet
Wednesday:
-Running
-Shopping
-Drop off cookies at Cabrini
-Drop off cookies at Baldwin
-Practice 2-4:30, team Secret Santa
-Dinner with Brian?
Thursday:
-Morning Practice 5:30 - 7
-Gym 7:30-9
-Shopping (if not finished on Wednesday)
-Practice 2-5
-Coach Baldwin 5:30-8
Friday:
Christmas Eve
-Spin Class
-Over to Dad's for the afternoon/evening festivities
Leave it to me to turn my latest post into a series of lists....hey, it's what I do :-)
Hope everyone has a splendid week! (wow, that's twice I've pulled that one out....geez, how old am I? 87?)
It's gonna be a whirlwind week!
P.S. If You're bored...my new favorite website to waste time with is When Parents Text. Trust me - you'll laugh.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
I make lists...it's what I do.
A little while ago, I wrote this post about things of which I am certain.
Yesterday as I was getting my five miles in on the treadmill, I started to think about the things I believe:
I believe you can will yourself happy or sad....same goes for being healthy and sick.
I believe, sometimes, life is a lot less complicated than we think it is.
Sometimes, I really believe, I'm adopted.
Despite not being super religious - I truly believe God only gives us obstacles in which he knows we can overcome. He knows a strength in us that no one else does.
I believe in people...and their faith in each other. Despite how many people do bad things to each other - I still genuinely believe people can be good at heart.
As another mental thought I've been having in the last few weeks - since I've started coaching - I'm learning a LOT about myself and the girls. To name a few:
-I thought I was outgoing in high school....these girls I have on my team put me to shame.
-My swimmers are definitely NOT afraid to be themselves - no matter where they are.
-Being myself goes a long way with them.
-Having them understand that they should be proud of themselves is actually happening! I'm so excited about this.
-They want to gossip with me about everything, including boys....and why I am single or what kind of guy I want to marry. ha!
[[Sidenote: Yesterday, one of my girls actually asked me if I was related to the Harriton Head Coach. I told her, um, no...why? do we look alike? And she said,...no, I was just wondering. And she then proceeded to say, Are you dating him? You should date him? Do you like him? We'll work on that for you? - all in one fair swoop. I was like...ummm, no we're not dating...and if you think you can do that...go for it. I just couldn't help but laugh. Apparently she thinks we'd be cute together. Haha]]
-Swimming in high school is a BLAST!
-All my girls are top notch ladies - I'm so lucky to have them!
So there's a few lists this morning - nothing huge...but wanted to share them. I'm sure they'll continue to grow as the weeks/months/years go on...but I'll be sure to update the Swim Team List :-)
Yesterday as I was getting my five miles in on the treadmill, I started to think about the things I believe:
I believe you can will yourself happy or sad....same goes for being healthy and sick.
I believe, sometimes, life is a lot less complicated than we think it is.
Sometimes, I really believe, I'm adopted.
Despite not being super religious - I truly believe God only gives us obstacles in which he knows we can overcome. He knows a strength in us that no one else does.
I believe in people...and their faith in each other. Despite how many people do bad things to each other - I still genuinely believe people can be good at heart.
As another mental thought I've been having in the last few weeks - since I've started coaching - I'm learning a LOT about myself and the girls. To name a few:
-I thought I was outgoing in high school....these girls I have on my team put me to shame.
-My swimmers are definitely NOT afraid to be themselves - no matter where they are.
-Being myself goes a long way with them.
-Having them understand that they should be proud of themselves is actually happening! I'm so excited about this.
-They want to gossip with me about everything, including boys....and why I am single or what kind of guy I want to marry. ha!
[[Sidenote: Yesterday, one of my girls actually asked me if I was related to the Harriton Head Coach. I told her, um, no...why? do we look alike? And she said,...no, I was just wondering. And she then proceeded to say, Are you dating him? You should date him? Do you like him? We'll work on that for you? - all in one fair swoop. I was like...ummm, no we're not dating...and if you think you can do that...go for it. I just couldn't help but laugh. Apparently she thinks we'd be cute together. Haha]]
-Swimming in high school is a BLAST!
-All my girls are top notch ladies - I'm so lucky to have them!
So there's a few lists this morning - nothing huge...but wanted to share them. I'm sure they'll continue to grow as the weeks/months/years go on...but I'll be sure to update the Swim Team List :-)
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
I find, sometimes it's easy to be myself.....
Sometimes, I find it's better to be somebody else ~ Dave
So....MAYBE I jumped the gun on the whole guy thing - but...despite the hiccup I seemed to have experienced this past weekend, all is well :-)
But that is not what this post will be about.
It's coming up on that time of year....Christmas, New Years....Kwanzaa. And that means it's about time for a 'Year in Review'! Awesomeness.
Seriously you guys - this is where my OCDedness is perfection. Because I write EVERYTHING down that happens in my schedule I have a legit way of looking back on my year and telling you all how the month/week/day went. Yup. I am THAT OCD. Oh well, you love me.
SIDE NOTE I JUST FOUND OUT CLIFF LEE IS A PHILLIE AGAIN! OMGOMGOMGOMOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG! :-D I'm SO PUMPED! HAHAHAHA - now, I have to work on tickets for opening day and night!
anyway - just a brief update.
We had our first meet yesterday. It was kind of a cluster ef. BUT we made it through, the girls seemed to have a good time regardless of the loss. They swam their hearts out and I am/was so proud of them! There were a bunch of technical difficulties and some minor DQ's but overall, it was alright. It's all a learning process, yes? Our very first relay, however, NEARLY qualified for districts with the very first race - just .5 off....so here's hoping they do it on Friday because THEY ARE SO CLOSE! I was seriously so pumped when I thought they got it. I have two more people who are VERY close to qualifying in district times for individual events. I think I'll have a half dozen girls make it this year and possibly one state qualifier....that is, if they listen to me :-) haha
Our next meet is away at Conestoga on Friday - apparently they're MUCH better than Radnor - so - I guess we'll go Oh-fer for the first three meets - but after the holidays we should pick it back up - so here's hoping - regardless - the other teams in our league are killer so I think the girls did amazing yesterday regardless of the loss. I just hope they realize it.
Anywho - I'm off to read EVERYTHING ABOUT CLIFF LEE AND THE 2011 PHILLIES! SO EXCITED!
So....MAYBE I jumped the gun on the whole guy thing - but...despite the hiccup I seemed to have experienced this past weekend, all is well :-)
But that is not what this post will be about.
It's coming up on that time of year....Christmas, New Years....Kwanzaa. And that means it's about time for a 'Year in Review'! Awesomeness.
Seriously you guys - this is where my OCDedness is perfection. Because I write EVERYTHING down that happens in my schedule I have a legit way of looking back on my year and telling you all how the month/week/day went. Yup. I am THAT OCD. Oh well, you love me.
SIDE NOTE I JUST FOUND OUT CLIFF LEE IS A PHILLIE AGAIN! OMGOMGOMGOMOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG! :-D I'm SO PUMPED! HAHAHAHA - now, I have to work on tickets for opening day and night!
anyway - just a brief update.
We had our first meet yesterday. It was kind of a cluster ef. BUT we made it through, the girls seemed to have a good time regardless of the loss. They swam their hearts out and I am/was so proud of them! There were a bunch of technical difficulties and some minor DQ's but overall, it was alright. It's all a learning process, yes? Our very first relay, however, NEARLY qualified for districts with the very first race - just .5 off....so here's hoping they do it on Friday because THEY ARE SO CLOSE! I was seriously so pumped when I thought they got it. I have two more people who are VERY close to qualifying in district times for individual events. I think I'll have a half dozen girls make it this year and possibly one state qualifier....that is, if they listen to me :-) haha
Our next meet is away at Conestoga on Friday - apparently they're MUCH better than Radnor - so - I guess we'll go Oh-fer for the first three meets - but after the holidays we should pick it back up - so here's hoping - regardless - the other teams in our league are killer so I think the girls did amazing yesterday regardless of the loss. I just hope they realize it.
Anywho - I'm off to read EVERYTHING ABOUT CLIFF LEE AND THE 2011 PHILLIES! SO EXCITED!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
There you go making my heart beat again,
Heart beat again,
Heart beat again
There you go making me feel like a kid
Won't you do it and do it one time?
There you go pulling me right back in,
Right back in,
Right back in
And I know-oo I'm never letting this go-ooo
I'm stuck on you
Whutooo whutooo
Stuck like glue
You and me baby we're stuck like glue
Whutooo whutooo
Stuck like glue
You and me baby we're stuck like glue
~Sugarland
It's been a bit of time since I've updated so I supposed now would be a good time since it's pretty much the only free time I have until the weekend (eek!)
So some of you might be wondering what the lyrics to the Sugarland song mean? :-) Hehe....well....it's VERY new....but...there's a guy:-) and let's just say those lyrics are very representative of how I feel and I'm pretty sure of how he feels too. And the biggest difference between this one and all the others is that it just feels right. It's so hard to explain that but, when you know - you know. That's all I'm going to say about that...but just know...I'm VERY happy these days and not just because of him :-) (but he plays a part in it).
SCHEDULES
My schedule for the new few months is going to be crazy - if the first half of this week is an evidence to that - this is how every week will look until the end of March:
Monday
-Gym
-Cabrini 11-2
-Coach 3-5:30
-Class 7:15 (starting in January)
Tuesday
-Morning Practice 5:30-7am
-Gym
-Cabrini 11-2
-Coach 3-5:30
-Baldwin Coaching 5:30-8
Wednesday
-Gym
-Coach 3-5:30
Thursday
-Morning Practice 5:30-7am
-Gym
-Cabrini 11-2
-Coach 3-5:30
-Baldwin Coach 5:30-8
Friday
-Gym
-Coach 3-5
-Baldwin Coach 5:30-8
Saturday (sometimes)
Coach 8:30-11
Private Lessons 11-12
Sundays
Nothing (aka school work)
In addition to this schedule - there are days when I'll have meets. I'm also taking an online class at Montco (that is, if they didn't mess up my payment).
Yes, I'm busy. It's wonderful though. This swim season is going to go FAST! I still can't believe it's December already!
SWIM TEAM
The girls are great. There have been some snafu's, as there will be in anything new...but for the most part, I'm still loving it! No matter how terrible my day is going, whenever I see them, it just makes me so much happier. I seriously heart them. They're all wonderful people. They make me miss high school swimming!
Our first meet is Monday against a big rival team - Radnor. I've been telling the girls we can win this meet and I genuinely think we can, but they have to "show up" for the meet. Of course, that being said, it's on a Monday, so hopefully we'll be able to start our week off right. Wish us luck!
RUNNING
Lately, despite colder weather and wind, I've been running outside - it's kind of refreshing to do it. I honestly don't mind the cold once I start running because I get hot so quickly. If only I have cold weather riding clothes, I'd probably take my bike out every other day. Next year maybe.....
I've lessened my miles for the month already BUT I'm about 70ish miles away from reaching my goal for the year - 1000 miles on foot. If I do the right miles for the next four weeks, I'll reach it! Yeah! I'd say next year I'll go for 2000 but that's a LOT more running...maybe just increase it by 200 miles a year...I think I could do that. I just like setting goals for myself.
Speaking of setting goals...running goals for next year...just one...complete a marathon. The rest is just gravy. I really want to be in that less than 1% of American's who've completed a Marathon. Yep. That's it. I'd like to be in that elite group.
Heart beat again
There you go making me feel like a kid
Won't you do it and do it one time?
There you go pulling me right back in,
Right back in,
Right back in
And I know-oo I'm never letting this go-ooo
I'm stuck on you
Whutooo whutooo
Stuck like glue
You and me baby we're stuck like glue
Whutooo whutooo
Stuck like glue
You and me baby we're stuck like glue
~Sugarland
It's been a bit of time since I've updated so I supposed now would be a good time since it's pretty much the only free time I have until the weekend (eek!)
So some of you might be wondering what the lyrics to the Sugarland song mean? :-) Hehe....well....it's VERY new....but...there's a guy:-) and let's just say those lyrics are very representative of how I feel and I'm pretty sure of how he feels too. And the biggest difference between this one and all the others is that it just feels right. It's so hard to explain that but, when you know - you know. That's all I'm going to say about that...but just know...I'm VERY happy these days and not just because of him :-) (but he plays a part in it).
SCHEDULES
My schedule for the new few months is going to be crazy - if the first half of this week is an evidence to that - this is how every week will look until the end of March:
Monday
-Gym
-Cabrini 11-2
-Coach 3-5:30
-Class 7:15 (starting in January)
Tuesday
-Morning Practice 5:30-7am
-Gym
-Cabrini 11-2
-Coach 3-5:30
-Baldwin Coaching 5:30-8
Wednesday
-Gym
-Coach 3-5:30
Thursday
-Morning Practice 5:30-7am
-Gym
-Cabrini 11-2
-Coach 3-5:30
-Baldwin Coach 5:30-8
Friday
-Gym
-Coach 3-5
-Baldwin Coach 5:30-8
Saturday (sometimes)
Coach 8:30-11
Private Lessons 11-12
Sundays
Nothing (aka school work)
In addition to this schedule - there are days when I'll have meets. I'm also taking an online class at Montco (that is, if they didn't mess up my payment).
Yes, I'm busy. It's wonderful though. This swim season is going to go FAST! I still can't believe it's December already!
SWIM TEAM
The girls are great. There have been some snafu's, as there will be in anything new...but for the most part, I'm still loving it! No matter how terrible my day is going, whenever I see them, it just makes me so much happier. I seriously heart them. They're all wonderful people. They make me miss high school swimming!
Our first meet is Monday against a big rival team - Radnor. I've been telling the girls we can win this meet and I genuinely think we can, but they have to "show up" for the meet. Of course, that being said, it's on a Monday, so hopefully we'll be able to start our week off right. Wish us luck!
RUNNING
Lately, despite colder weather and wind, I've been running outside - it's kind of refreshing to do it. I honestly don't mind the cold once I start running because I get hot so quickly. If only I have cold weather riding clothes, I'd probably take my bike out every other day. Next year maybe.....
I've lessened my miles for the month already BUT I'm about 70ish miles away from reaching my goal for the year - 1000 miles on foot. If I do the right miles for the next four weeks, I'll reach it! Yeah! I'd say next year I'll go for 2000 but that's a LOT more running...maybe just increase it by 200 miles a year...I think I could do that. I just like setting goals for myself.
Speaking of setting goals...running goals for next year...just one...complete a marathon. The rest is just gravy. I really want to be in that less than 1% of American's who've completed a Marathon. Yep. That's it. I'd like to be in that elite group.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Just the way you are.....
Anyone like that Bruno Mars song? It's one of my favorite jams at the moment. Yes, I just said "jams" and no, I'm not apologizing for it. I work with high school/middle schoolers.....I have to have the lingo down! :-)
It got me to thinking....that song....stick with me here....Lately, I've definitely come more into my own. By this I mean I'm more confident in the person I am - Just the way I am. I don't make excuses for the things I like or dislike. I don't feel the need to justify to people why I want to do things or not do things. I'm liking this version of myself. Maybe it's the Katie that I always was, just took me awhile to find it. I think it takes all of your 20's to realize that.
Speaking of all of my 20's...I have been very lackadaisical about finishing my 30 in 30. Suggestions? Keep them coming....I need at least 12 more....
I was thinking the other day - as I was driving - how different November was compared to September (remember that month? It was a terrible one for me)....and yes, I skipped over October...that still wasn't the greatest month either. But November. November is by far the best of the Fall months (so far). Weird that we're on the cusp of December - TOMORROW! Can you believe it?! 2010 is almost over. I feel like I haven't even accomplished nearly half of the things I wanted to. Cest la vie, right? It happens. Life gets in the way...or as John Lennon said, "Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans."
Some updates before I head out for a nice SLOW run (outside, in the cold...eek!):
COACHING
-I still heart it....I'm slowly getting the girls to come around to me. Granted, I have since allowed them to start practicing with their aquatic clubs - hopefully this'll change as the season progresses. You have no idea how difficulty it is for me to compromise on this. I know I shouldn't take it personally but I don't really feel as though in just a week and a half they've given me a chance. But, it is what it is....and maybe in a few weeks time they'll prefer to be at my practices instead of the others...
-It's forcing me to remain more vigilant in my organization. I'm generally pretty organized, but every so often I kind of let it fall by the way-side. I think this'll be good for me in the long run.
-Some of the girls (and the boys) are really receptive to my suggestions in and out of the pool. It's kind of nice....I don't know how else to describe that :-)
SCHOOL
-Had my last class of the semester for Cabrini last night. I was a little displeased since I had to leave coaching early just to go to this class that ended up being about 30 mins. All we ended up doing was handing in a project. Bleh.
-Next semester I have class again on Mondays but it's at 7:15 which is great because then I won't have to worry about leaving practices early.
-I've managed to switch my GPS schedule so I'll be working during the day from 11-2 and then not have to worry about going back there or leaving practice early. This is awesome news! I start this schedule today.
HOME
-My mother has been on a rampage in the last few weeks. She's basically yelling at my sister and I like it's her job. And honestly, right now, it kind of is. She doesn't go back to school until January (OMG kill me now) and so shes bored. She doesn't have anything else going on in her life. I can understand it. I just think she should take her frustrations out on something else....I'm so tired of it. Kelly takes it much harder than I do....I just kind of hand it back to her in a rational way - which makes her realize shes overreacting to a lot of stuff and it's not really us she's mad at. Kelly just kind of gets upset and starts to cry. And I'm not gonna say it's easy to have your mom speak to you the way she does to either of us...but in reality, it's not personal. We just have to kind of realize it.
[[Sidenote: In fact - most of the times when people yell at each other, it's not always because they're mad at YOU, they're mad a the situation they're in. I can 100% say this is the case with my mom. Something else is bothering her and the fact that she has the time to think about everything makes it THAT much more difficult for her to get past the fact that in a year's time, pretty much everything she's yelling about won't matter. It's all about perspective.]]
-My goal is to find a job over the summer so I can finally earn enough money and move out - I don't want to still be there this time next year. I need my own place. Preferably somewhere around the mainline so my commute to LMHS, Baldwin and Cabrini isn't as bad. We'll see how that goes.
MONEY
-yup, still don't have much. And with the holiday's coming up - I'm nervous about being able to buy things for my family. That's all I'm going to say about that.
PAUL COMES HOME ON DECEMBER 24th! YAY! :-D
It got me to thinking....that song....stick with me here....Lately, I've definitely come more into my own. By this I mean I'm more confident in the person I am - Just the way I am. I don't make excuses for the things I like or dislike. I don't feel the need to justify to people why I want to do things or not do things. I'm liking this version of myself. Maybe it's the Katie that I always was, just took me awhile to find it. I think it takes all of your 20's to realize that.
Speaking of all of my 20's...I have been very lackadaisical about finishing my 30 in 30. Suggestions? Keep them coming....I need at least 12 more....
I was thinking the other day - as I was driving - how different November was compared to September (remember that month? It was a terrible one for me)....and yes, I skipped over October...that still wasn't the greatest month either. But November. November is by far the best of the Fall months (so far). Weird that we're on the cusp of December - TOMORROW! Can you believe it?! 2010 is almost over. I feel like I haven't even accomplished nearly half of the things I wanted to. Cest la vie, right? It happens. Life gets in the way...or as John Lennon said, "Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans."
Some updates before I head out for a nice SLOW run (outside, in the cold...eek!):
COACHING
-I still heart it....I'm slowly getting the girls to come around to me. Granted, I have since allowed them to start practicing with their aquatic clubs - hopefully this'll change as the season progresses. You have no idea how difficulty it is for me to compromise on this. I know I shouldn't take it personally but I don't really feel as though in just a week and a half they've given me a chance. But, it is what it is....and maybe in a few weeks time they'll prefer to be at my practices instead of the others...
-It's forcing me to remain more vigilant in my organization. I'm generally pretty organized, but every so often I kind of let it fall by the way-side. I think this'll be good for me in the long run.
-Some of the girls (and the boys) are really receptive to my suggestions in and out of the pool. It's kind of nice....I don't know how else to describe that :-)
SCHOOL
-Had my last class of the semester for Cabrini last night. I was a little displeased since I had to leave coaching early just to go to this class that ended up being about 30 mins. All we ended up doing was handing in a project. Bleh.
-Next semester I have class again on Mondays but it's at 7:15 which is great because then I won't have to worry about leaving practices early.
-I've managed to switch my GPS schedule so I'll be working during the day from 11-2 and then not have to worry about going back there or leaving practice early. This is awesome news! I start this schedule today.
HOME
-My mother has been on a rampage in the last few weeks. She's basically yelling at my sister and I like it's her job. And honestly, right now, it kind of is. She doesn't go back to school until January (OMG kill me now) and so shes bored. She doesn't have anything else going on in her life. I can understand it. I just think she should take her frustrations out on something else....I'm so tired of it. Kelly takes it much harder than I do....I just kind of hand it back to her in a rational way - which makes her realize shes overreacting to a lot of stuff and it's not really us she's mad at. Kelly just kind of gets upset and starts to cry. And I'm not gonna say it's easy to have your mom speak to you the way she does to either of us...but in reality, it's not personal. We just have to kind of realize it.
[[Sidenote: In fact - most of the times when people yell at each other, it's not always because they're mad at YOU, they're mad a the situation they're in. I can 100% say this is the case with my mom. Something else is bothering her and the fact that she has the time to think about everything makes it THAT much more difficult for her to get past the fact that in a year's time, pretty much everything she's yelling about won't matter. It's all about perspective.]]
-My goal is to find a job over the summer so I can finally earn enough money and move out - I don't want to still be there this time next year. I need my own place. Preferably somewhere around the mainline so my commute to LMHS, Baldwin and Cabrini isn't as bad. We'll see how that goes.
MONEY
-yup, still don't have much. And with the holiday's coming up - I'm nervous about being able to buy things for my family. That's all I'm going to say about that.
PAUL COMES HOME ON DECEMBER 24th! YAY! :-D
Friday, November 26, 2010
Let us never forget to count our blessings....
I'm a day late. I know. YESTERDAY was Thanksgiving. I'm aware. But who says Thanksgiving is the ONLY day you can count or recall your blessings? Not me, that's for darn sure:-)
So in no particular order, here is what I am thankful for this year:
-My friends (that includes my bestest's - Jacks, Netty, and Paul)
-My family - so much of this year has been with re-learning how to handle them. It's given me a new found appreciation for them and for myself....even if they drive me nuts.
-My health - *knocks wood* I haven't had any major illnesses this year. Of course, there is still one more month in the year but you know....
-My running - honestly, as much as I can complain about it, running has kept me SANE this year. Regardless of whether or not I feel as though I can't run, I always feel better after one. Hopefully I'll get to do that today.
-Music - music is a HUGE part of my life and I am SO thankful for having grown up with such a huge appreciation for it. As you know, most of my blog titles/subjects are either titles of a song or lyrics to a song....cause I'm cool like that
-Forgiveness and Forgetfulness - haha - seems odd but in a way, I'm so glad to have both of these qualities....maybe not when remembering is SUPER important but with respect to people and the past. Moving forward is the only way we can go - so why not just forgive and forget?
-Plymouth Swim Club: This past summer was....well it was a nice breath of fresh air. Something entirely different for me, making entirely new friends...having a blast with my lifeguards...ultimate frisbee....manhunt...the guard party. Just an all around good time. Guess that's the last time it'll happen since they've eliminated my position at PSC - time to start looking for a new job!
-Lower Merion High School - for giving me the head coaching job! Its definitely a dream come true and it's something I'm looking to continue for years to come. I heart swimming so much :-)
-The Baldwin Swim Club and Dave Hart - for whom without I wouldn't be where I am today. Truly.
-GPS at Cabrini for whom without I wouldn't able to make all of these things possible. They're simply the best:-)
and last but not least....Starbucks....because I'm about to go get my first holiday latte of the season:-) Woot!
What're y'all thankful for this year?
So in no particular order, here is what I am thankful for this year:
-My friends (that includes my bestest's - Jacks, Netty, and Paul)
-My family - so much of this year has been with re-learning how to handle them. It's given me a new found appreciation for them and for myself....even if they drive me nuts.
-My health - *knocks wood* I haven't had any major illnesses this year. Of course, there is still one more month in the year but you know....
-My running - honestly, as much as I can complain about it, running has kept me SANE this year. Regardless of whether or not I feel as though I can't run, I always feel better after one. Hopefully I'll get to do that today.
-Music - music is a HUGE part of my life and I am SO thankful for having grown up with such a huge appreciation for it. As you know, most of my blog titles/subjects are either titles of a song or lyrics to a song....cause I'm cool like that
-Forgiveness and Forgetfulness - haha - seems odd but in a way, I'm so glad to have both of these qualities....maybe not when remembering is SUPER important but with respect to people and the past. Moving forward is the only way we can go - so why not just forgive and forget?
-Plymouth Swim Club: This past summer was....well it was a nice breath of fresh air. Something entirely different for me, making entirely new friends...having a blast with my lifeguards...ultimate frisbee....manhunt...the guard party. Just an all around good time. Guess that's the last time it'll happen since they've eliminated my position at PSC - time to start looking for a new job!
-Lower Merion High School - for giving me the head coaching job! Its definitely a dream come true and it's something I'm looking to continue for years to come. I heart swimming so much :-)
-The Baldwin Swim Club and Dave Hart - for whom without I wouldn't be where I am today. Truly.
-GPS at Cabrini for whom without I wouldn't able to make all of these things possible. They're simply the best:-)
and last but not least....Starbucks....because I'm about to go get my first holiday latte of the season:-) Woot!
What're y'all thankful for this year?
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
You Say It's Your Birthday.....
A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BESTEST FRIEND JACKIE!!! May the day be full of awesomeness (like yourself) and a grand preview of the amazing things ahead for the year! Last year in our 20's babe! Woohoo!
And this being a day before Thanksgiving - I'm so grateful for a friend like you Jacks:-)
LOVE!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
"Running is a mental sport.....and we are ALL insane" :-)
Haha! I saw that quote on a T-shirt at the race expo on Saturday. I should've bought it when I was there. Next time......
Anyway - a race re-cap - with pictures!!!
Firstly, it was - by far - the TOUGHEST race for me to get through. Not because it was a difficult course or because I wasn't prepared for it, I just kind of hit a wall around mile 8 - at which point I walked a few times. I did, however, still PR - 1:53.17 - which surprised me - made me think how fast I would've gone had I not walked - but oh well, that's what the next one is for! :-) May 22! But anywho - on to this race....
At the start, it was about 40 degrees at start time - so we came prepared in sweats that we could leave there to donate to shelters and organizations that help people. But before the start we took some pics :-) Of course...none during the race....I never bring a camera but thankfully Bethany brings hers otherwise I wouldn't have anything to show y'all!
I started out really well - felt good but honestly after mile 5 I needed to get into a rhythm and I just never did. I think that's why I sort of bonked at mile 8. At mile 7, the PW XCer's were handing out water and gatorade. I saw one of my lifeguards, Kyra, which gave me a boost of energy but I realized I took gatorade at this station instead of water which ended up giving me cramps in my side. Yuck. That was the first obstacle. Of course - me being the stubborn person I am - I just sucked it up and ran through them. Eventually they went away and at the next station I made the mental note to GRAB WATER instead of Gatorade.
Shortly after mile 7 - the hills started. At this point in the run we were in University City and I don't know why I didn't remember this hill - probably becauce I blocked it out - and for good reason. It's one of those gradual hills that laugh at you with every step you take up it. I didn't walk yet because I knew there was a downhill portion coming and the Zoo was up next so I was determined to keep going...but it was just after the Zoo and entering Fairmount Park where I walked. Around mile 9 I was like - ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! HOW RUDE! Now, I definitely remembered THIS hill. In fact, I told Bethany about it when we signed up for it. This hill is killer because it's about a half a mile and it's all UP. UGH. I started going up it - aaaaaaaaaaaaand then I walked.....and then I tried to run again....but I knew it wasn't worth it - I walked for about 2 minutes (what felt like 10) and then picked it back up for the last water/gatorade station on the course. The rest of the run was relatively flat and/or downhill (with the exception of the last little bit infront of the art museum.....but it was at this point where I was literally saying out loud "I don't even care if I go over 2 hours, just finish this." I was seriously ready to collapse at this point and the whole last two miles I thought I was going to throw up. My legs felt like lead. No lie.
Eventually I finished - thank the lord - and even PRed - who knew? Bethany finished up a few minutes behind me. It was a tough one but glad I pushed through.
And now - the Pièce de résistance :-) The pictures:
Anyway - a race re-cap - with pictures!!!
Firstly, it was - by far - the TOUGHEST race for me to get through. Not because it was a difficult course or because I wasn't prepared for it, I just kind of hit a wall around mile 8 - at which point I walked a few times. I did, however, still PR - 1:53.17 - which surprised me - made me think how fast I would've gone had I not walked - but oh well, that's what the next one is for! :-) May 22! But anywho - on to this race....
At the start, it was about 40 degrees at start time - so we came prepared in sweats that we could leave there to donate to shelters and organizations that help people. But before the start we took some pics :-) Of course...none during the race....I never bring a camera but thankfully Bethany brings hers otherwise I wouldn't have anything to show y'all!
I started out really well - felt good but honestly after mile 5 I needed to get into a rhythm and I just never did. I think that's why I sort of bonked at mile 8. At mile 7, the PW XCer's were handing out water and gatorade. I saw one of my lifeguards, Kyra, which gave me a boost of energy but I realized I took gatorade at this station instead of water which ended up giving me cramps in my side. Yuck. That was the first obstacle. Of course - me being the stubborn person I am - I just sucked it up and ran through them. Eventually they went away and at the next station I made the mental note to GRAB WATER instead of Gatorade.
Shortly after mile 7 - the hills started. At this point in the run we were in University City and I don't know why I didn't remember this hill - probably becauce I blocked it out - and for good reason. It's one of those gradual hills that laugh at you with every step you take up it. I didn't walk yet because I knew there was a downhill portion coming and the Zoo was up next so I was determined to keep going...but it was just after the Zoo and entering Fairmount Park where I walked. Around mile 9 I was like - ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! HOW RUDE! Now, I definitely remembered THIS hill. In fact, I told Bethany about it when we signed up for it. This hill is killer because it's about a half a mile and it's all UP. UGH. I started going up it - aaaaaaaaaaaaand then I walked.....and then I tried to run again....but I knew it wasn't worth it - I walked for about 2 minutes (what felt like 10) and then picked it back up for the last water/gatorade station on the course. The rest of the run was relatively flat and/or downhill (with the exception of the last little bit infront of the art museum.....but it was at this point where I was literally saying out loud "I don't even care if I go over 2 hours, just finish this." I was seriously ready to collapse at this point and the whole last two miles I thought I was going to throw up. My legs felt like lead. No lie.
Eventually I finished - thank the lord - and even PRed - who knew? Bethany finished up a few minutes behind me. It was a tough one but glad I pushed through.
And now - the Pièce de résistance :-) The pictures:
Thursday, November 18, 2010
“The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving.”~Oliver Wendell Holmes
I've kind of been a recluse this week. Honestly - I've had a lot of things going on. Swim season starts TOMORROW! Yeah baby! And I have some major projects to accomplish. One of them being my Unit Plan for my Education class. The list is as follows:
1. Unit Plan for ENG/COM 489 - I started this awhile ago but stopped because the teacher kind of changed around the project - so I started to revamp it Monday - got "so" far, and then stopped - today is my day to try and tackle as much as I can. It's due on the 29th but with Thanksgiving next week and a birthday (YEAH JACKS!) in there - I want to not have to worry about it.
2. Meetings - meetings - meetings! Eeek. There have been a lot of these lately - and that's mainly because of swimming. Last week I had five meetings (alone) for swimming. This week I met with the Harriton coach to look at what equipment we needed (Monday), met with Don and Paul (yesterday) about Friday and the things for the season (ie. morning and weekend practices), I have a meeting tonight at 7 to learn meet manager for the season (should be a blast - not), and tomorrow is the start of swim season!
3. A change to my Cabrini schedule - I believe they're going to allow me to do this BUT it's not official yet. Hopefully I'll know by today. Since swim practices are in the afternoon - it makes it difficult for me to get to Cabrini on time and even at all - so I've asked to do my grad asst. stuff during the day, three times a week (like 11-2, tuesday, wed, and thurs). So far, everyone seems to be cool with it...as am I because then I won't have to worry about leaving the girls early from practice.
4. Reviewing Gary's Thesis paper - he's asked me to take a look at his upcoming PhD paper and make any changes on it. I'm very honored that he values my opinion so highly. I just hope the additions and/or changes I make don't send him for a loop. It's a great topic so I think it'll be easy for him to see why I made some additions or changes.
5. Baldwin coaching - yup - I'm still doing this. And additionally, I'm giving private lessons (yes, extra money!) so it's keeping me busy on the weekends too. I think with the addition of this and weekend practices, I'll be booked out the wazoo(sp) on my weekends - I guess I'll have no life for a few months - hahah, who are we kidding, I don't have a life now! :-)
6. Last week I house/babysat for gus and will again. It was nice to make a little bit of extra cash - which went directly to buying a brand new battery for my computer because the old one was dead (RIP). It's amazing though, it was the original battery that came with the computer four or so years ago. But I digress.....I'll be house/babysitting for them again on the 29th/30th because their mom is having some kind of surgery so I'll be hangin with them at the house.
7. Speaking of house sitting - I'll be watching my aunt and uncle's dog while they're in Conn. over thanksgiving from Thursday night til Saturday Morning. A nice little bit of extra money there too. And I'll be hangin with Zack for a week in January (again, more moolah). It actually works out really well because they live (literally) down the road from Baldwin and SO MUCH CLOSER to LM so that'll save me some gas that week.
8. Speaking of gas - I realized last week how great it would've been to have a hybrid. I used SO much gas because I did SO much driving. Crazy.
9. I have to figure out what/how I'm going to handle my swim team this year. Right now I have something like 35 girls signed up....I have three lanes....yeah. That's a terrible number. I've asked all of the girls (even the ones who swim for aquatic clubs) to come to my practices for the time being). I don't know how we're going to do this...but...hopefully a lot of them decide not to come back after the first few practices (I'm planning on making them pretty tough). We'll see.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Obviously, trying to relate to the subject quote - I'm moving forward....in every area of my life.
I mentioned in my first paragraph that I've been kind of a recluse.....I've been trying to keep busy. Not necessarily to keep my mind from wandering but I feel the most productive this way.
To be honest - it's been a fantastic week! I've had a few guys ask me out - no deets on that yet because I said no since I'm so busy. I've also had fantastic weeks in class and at work (I got an A on my research paper and lots of good things coming from school for swimming - minus some crazy parents). Just lots of good things happening this week. It's great!
Just keep moving forward. While looking back and nostalgia can be nice (some times) - that's what it is...looking back. I don't want to do that. I have so many awesome things waiting for me! Speaking of which - I'm stuck on ideas for my 30 in 30.....anyone have any suggestions?
1. Unit Plan for ENG/COM 489 - I started this awhile ago but stopped because the teacher kind of changed around the project - so I started to revamp it Monday - got "so" far, and then stopped - today is my day to try and tackle as much as I can. It's due on the 29th but with Thanksgiving next week and a birthday (YEAH JACKS!) in there - I want to not have to worry about it.
2. Meetings - meetings - meetings! Eeek. There have been a lot of these lately - and that's mainly because of swimming. Last week I had five meetings (alone) for swimming. This week I met with the Harriton coach to look at what equipment we needed (Monday), met with Don and Paul (yesterday) about Friday and the things for the season (ie. morning and weekend practices), I have a meeting tonight at 7 to learn meet manager for the season (should be a blast - not), and tomorrow is the start of swim season!
3. A change to my Cabrini schedule - I believe they're going to allow me to do this BUT it's not official yet. Hopefully I'll know by today. Since swim practices are in the afternoon - it makes it difficult for me to get to Cabrini on time and even at all - so I've asked to do my grad asst. stuff during the day, three times a week (like 11-2, tuesday, wed, and thurs). So far, everyone seems to be cool with it...as am I because then I won't have to worry about leaving the girls early from practice.
4. Reviewing Gary's Thesis paper - he's asked me to take a look at his upcoming PhD paper and make any changes on it. I'm very honored that he values my opinion so highly. I just hope the additions and/or changes I make don't send him for a loop. It's a great topic so I think it'll be easy for him to see why I made some additions or changes.
5. Baldwin coaching - yup - I'm still doing this. And additionally, I'm giving private lessons (yes, extra money!) so it's keeping me busy on the weekends too. I think with the addition of this and weekend practices, I'll be booked out the wazoo(sp) on my weekends - I guess I'll have no life for a few months - hahah, who are we kidding, I don't have a life now! :-)
6. Last week I house/babysat for gus and will again. It was nice to make a little bit of extra cash - which went directly to buying a brand new battery for my computer because the old one was dead (RIP). It's amazing though, it was the original battery that came with the computer four or so years ago. But I digress.....I'll be house/babysitting for them again on the 29th/30th because their mom is having some kind of surgery so I'll be hangin with them at the house.
7. Speaking of house sitting - I'll be watching my aunt and uncle's dog while they're in Conn. over thanksgiving from Thursday night til Saturday Morning. A nice little bit of extra money there too. And I'll be hangin with Zack for a week in January (again, more moolah). It actually works out really well because they live (literally) down the road from Baldwin and SO MUCH CLOSER to LM so that'll save me some gas that week.
8. Speaking of gas - I realized last week how great it would've been to have a hybrid. I used SO much gas because I did SO much driving. Crazy.
9. I have to figure out what/how I'm going to handle my swim team this year. Right now I have something like 35 girls signed up....I have three lanes....yeah. That's a terrible number. I've asked all of the girls (even the ones who swim for aquatic clubs) to come to my practices for the time being). I don't know how we're going to do this...but...hopefully a lot of them decide not to come back after the first few practices (I'm planning on making them pretty tough). We'll see.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Obviously, trying to relate to the subject quote - I'm moving forward....in every area of my life.
I mentioned in my first paragraph that I've been kind of a recluse.....I've been trying to keep busy. Not necessarily to keep my mind from wandering but I feel the most productive this way.
To be honest - it's been a fantastic week! I've had a few guys ask me out - no deets on that yet because I said no since I'm so busy. I've also had fantastic weeks in class and at work (I got an A on my research paper and lots of good things coming from school for swimming - minus some crazy parents). Just lots of good things happening this week. It's great!
Just keep moving forward. While looking back and nostalgia can be nice (some times) - that's what it is...looking back. I don't want to do that. I have so many awesome things waiting for me! Speaking of which - I'm stuck on ideas for my 30 in 30.....anyone have any suggestions?
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
"Yesterday's lazy, cures today's crazy" ~Cam, Modern Family
Ok, I love that show. If you aren't watching it - do it. You will thank me later. Just trust me on this one.
Also, I love this: (Trust me, you will love this too!)
When I lived in Orlando with Trish, Maya (her dog) ALWAYS did this as a puppy. I saw this commercial last night as I was watching TBL (the biggest loser) and just nearly died laughing. So cute!
Lots to update y'all on and a few side thoughts for me to think about:
"If you want to learn to swim jump into the water. On dry land no frame of mind is ever going to help you." ~Bruce Lee
I GOT THE JOB! I am officially the Head Swim Coach for the Girls Team at Lower Merion High School! GO ACES! Woot! But shhhhh, don't tell me cousins, they're Harriton Alum...I don't think they'd be pleased :-) But I'm SUPER PSYCHED! I met a few of the girls this afternoon but I set up a meeting for them (and hopefully more) for tomorrow. I'm stoked to take this on. I think they're pumped for it too. Obviously I'll be updating on the season's progress as it goes along. Lots of upcoming meetings - lots of things to look forward to. YAY!
“The difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson.”~Tom Bodett
School is going alright. I think I've figured everything out, as far as when and how much longer I'll be doing it. I have three more classes before my certification and just two more, beyond those three, for the Masters. I'm just bored. I really can't wait to teach! I'm so much more of a do-er than a reader/listener. I learn much better when I have to make mistakes and actually DO the teaching instead of just talking about it. I have a research paper and a presentation due for class on Monday and just a Unit Plan due at the end of the month but I'd like to get that taken care of asap.
Elsewhere - I got my official GRE scores back. Um...yeah. I don't think I'd be accepted to ANY graduate schools. I guess I need to take them again if I ever want to be a PhD candidate. Ha. For now though, I'm going to focus on the teaching thing. It's really what I want to do anyway. But boy do I love research....sigh.
"Who needs a social life with friends like these?"
Haha! Obviously that's ironic since I have THE BEST FRIENDS IN THE WORLD! I got to see Drew twice while he was home from Hawaii for a few weeks. It was REALLY great to catch up with him and a few other friends from high school. I honestly didn't think I'd enjoy it but I had a great time both times. So interesting how much we all change in 10+ years.
This weekend I'm going to the Dave Matthews Concert on Saturday night. With Brian. Yep. But he bought the tickets before I told him I was just more comfortable with us being friends.
Sunday is a Cancer Walk down in the City. My neighbor, Timmy, started having seizures about a year ago and his doctors found a tumor in his brain. You can read his blog at Me and My Brain Tumor. It's really amazing to see how much has changed in his life. It's really inspiring. But I digress.....I'll be walking with most of my neighborhood and some of his mom's church friends. We're known as "Tim's Noodle Team". It's just a mile walk but I'm wanting to more and more things like this to raise money for important things.
The 2nd Annual Rachel and Troy Beef and Beer went well. We didn't have as many people as last year and didn't raise as much money but we came out on top and had a good evening. I think we're going to maybe do something a little different next year. I'd like to start a Run/Walk. I'd like to head up that task. I think it might be easier to get people involved to do it. Either way, we won't have another meeting until January (when we start working on the golf outing again).
I have an all league coaches meeting next Wednesday with all the Central League coaches. I'm pumped! I hear some of the guy coaches are young and single too :-) hehe. Who knows, maybe I'll meet my future husband?! HAHA.
"Real athletes run others just play games"
I'm still running. The plan was to start P90X after the Distance Run but alas, I'm running one more Half Marathon before the year is through. The Philly Half this month. THEN! I will start P90X. I really want to do it for a few reasons but mainly to see if I can do it and to see if I can actually get a six pack. Of course with the Holiday Season approaching, we'll see if I can ward off the food, drinks, and festivities. Ha. Good luck!
Also, I love this: (Trust me, you will love this too!)
When I lived in Orlando with Trish, Maya (her dog) ALWAYS did this as a puppy. I saw this commercial last night as I was watching TBL (the biggest loser) and just nearly died laughing. So cute!
Lots to update y'all on and a few side thoughts for me to think about:
"If you want to learn to swim jump into the water. On dry land no frame of mind is ever going to help you." ~Bruce Lee
I GOT THE JOB! I am officially the Head Swim Coach for the Girls Team at Lower Merion High School! GO ACES! Woot! But shhhhh, don't tell me cousins, they're Harriton Alum...I don't think they'd be pleased :-) But I'm SUPER PSYCHED! I met a few of the girls this afternoon but I set up a meeting for them (and hopefully more) for tomorrow. I'm stoked to take this on. I think they're pumped for it too. Obviously I'll be updating on the season's progress as it goes along. Lots of upcoming meetings - lots of things to look forward to. YAY!
“The difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson.”~Tom Bodett
School is going alright. I think I've figured everything out, as far as when and how much longer I'll be doing it. I have three more classes before my certification and just two more, beyond those three, for the Masters. I'm just bored. I really can't wait to teach! I'm so much more of a do-er than a reader/listener. I learn much better when I have to make mistakes and actually DO the teaching instead of just talking about it. I have a research paper and a presentation due for class on Monday and just a Unit Plan due at the end of the month but I'd like to get that taken care of asap.
Elsewhere - I got my official GRE scores back. Um...yeah. I don't think I'd be accepted to ANY graduate schools. I guess I need to take them again if I ever want to be a PhD candidate. Ha. For now though, I'm going to focus on the teaching thing. It's really what I want to do anyway. But boy do I love research....sigh.
"Who needs a social life with friends like these?"
Haha! Obviously that's ironic since I have THE BEST FRIENDS IN THE WORLD! I got to see Drew twice while he was home from Hawaii for a few weeks. It was REALLY great to catch up with him and a few other friends from high school. I honestly didn't think I'd enjoy it but I had a great time both times. So interesting how much we all change in 10+ years.
This weekend I'm going to the Dave Matthews Concert on Saturday night. With Brian. Yep. But he bought the tickets before I told him I was just more comfortable with us being friends.
Sunday is a Cancer Walk down in the City. My neighbor, Timmy, started having seizures about a year ago and his doctors found a tumor in his brain. You can read his blog at Me and My Brain Tumor. It's really amazing to see how much has changed in his life. It's really inspiring. But I digress.....I'll be walking with most of my neighborhood and some of his mom's church friends. We're known as "Tim's Noodle Team". It's just a mile walk but I'm wanting to more and more things like this to raise money for important things.
The 2nd Annual Rachel and Troy Beef and Beer went well. We didn't have as many people as last year and didn't raise as much money but we came out on top and had a good evening. I think we're going to maybe do something a little different next year. I'd like to start a Run/Walk. I'd like to head up that task. I think it might be easier to get people involved to do it. Either way, we won't have another meeting until January (when we start working on the golf outing again).
I have an all league coaches meeting next Wednesday with all the Central League coaches. I'm pumped! I hear some of the guy coaches are young and single too :-) hehe. Who knows, maybe I'll meet my future husband?! HAHA.
"Real athletes run others just play games"
I'm still running. The plan was to start P90X after the Distance Run but alas, I'm running one more Half Marathon before the year is through. The Philly Half this month. THEN! I will start P90X. I really want to do it for a few reasons but mainly to see if I can do it and to see if I can actually get a six pack. Of course with the Holiday Season approaching, we'll see if I can ward off the food, drinks, and festivities. Ha. Good luck!
Monday, October 25, 2010
I guess that's why they call it the blues....
I'm a swimmer. Always have been (even when I wasn't competitively swimming). Always will be. I love the pool. I love the water. I love everything about coaching and working with people who want to become swimmers.
Anyone that knows me, knows how dedicated I am to the sport. I will watch swimming whenever it's on. I even got my old roommate, Trish, to actually like watching swimming during the Olympics. It's a thrilling sport and one that is not easy. If you're really lucky, you're good at it and you excel. Obviously it's not for everyone, which is made evident by the fact that there are a select few that can actually make/qualify for the US Olympic teams.
Growing up in this area (the philly burbs), as a swimmer...if you didn't know the Crippen family, you didn't really know swimming. They're like swimming royalty. All four of their kids are amazing swimmers. Maddie swam in the Sydney Games. Fran was a world class swimmer. Teresa and Clare both swim in colleges (Florida and UVA, respectively) that are known for their swim programs. That being said, I was saddened to learn about Fran Crippen on Saturday morning.
He was 26, competing in what would probably be considered a "trial" event for him since his main goal was the 2012 Olympics. He was swimming in a 10K open water event in the United Arab Emirates. The water was at nearly 86 degrees. Even if you're not a swimmer, you know that's warm for the ocean. He was about 1700 meters from the finish when he just stopped. Swimmers found him 2 hours later and was pronounced dead at the hospital. His body just gave out. Whether it was the heat, the exhaustion, the lack of water....he died. A world class athlete died.
CBS 3 has the best story on it (IMO):
http://video.philadelphia.cbslocal.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=5226320&at1=News&h1=USA Swimmer, Fran Crippen, Dies During Race In United Arab Emirates&flvUri=&partnerclipid=
Honestly, I didn't know Fran. I know the Crippen Family because, like I said, if you were a swimmer in our area...you just knew who they were. But the thing is....this is really upsetting me. I'm not entirely sure why. I think it's probably because he was a swimmer....because he's from the area...because he died doing something he loves and I love. But that's just it. He died from swimming. He died from exhaustion. He died from "over-doing-it". I can't begin to tell you how many times I can think back to swim practices where I thought I'd "die" from overdoingit. I can't even tell you how many times I felt overworked and dehydrated in those workouts. And to know that he, a world class athlete who was no doubt in shape, died from it....just baffles me.
I suppose we can take away a few things from this:
-He died doing what he loved.
-He will always be remembered among US Swimming as one of the best.
-He will be a lesson for FINA and all of us.
They've started an investigation about the whole thing - if it were my family - I'd be suing FINA. There is NO REASON that the people who got him out of the water should've been other swimmers. Where were the lifeguards that they claim are all around? Why didn't they listen to Fran when he said he was struggling and wasn't feeling well? When do we learn to listen to our athletes? And when do we stop pushing?
Some say he never would've given up had they told him to stop...and although that might be true...I think there's a lot to be said for the situation that we now have.
It's a tragic loss for the swimming community - not just in the suburbs of Philadelphia but in all of the United States. My heart goes out to the Crippen family.
Anyone that knows me, knows how dedicated I am to the sport. I will watch swimming whenever it's on. I even got my old roommate, Trish, to actually like watching swimming during the Olympics. It's a thrilling sport and one that is not easy. If you're really lucky, you're good at it and you excel. Obviously it's not for everyone, which is made evident by the fact that there are a select few that can actually make/qualify for the US Olympic teams.
Growing up in this area (the philly burbs), as a swimmer...if you didn't know the Crippen family, you didn't really know swimming. They're like swimming royalty. All four of their kids are amazing swimmers. Maddie swam in the Sydney Games. Fran was a world class swimmer. Teresa and Clare both swim in colleges (Florida and UVA, respectively) that are known for their swim programs. That being said, I was saddened to learn about Fran Crippen on Saturday morning.
He was 26, competing in what would probably be considered a "trial" event for him since his main goal was the 2012 Olympics. He was swimming in a 10K open water event in the United Arab Emirates. The water was at nearly 86 degrees. Even if you're not a swimmer, you know that's warm for the ocean. He was about 1700 meters from the finish when he just stopped. Swimmers found him 2 hours later and was pronounced dead at the hospital. His body just gave out. Whether it was the heat, the exhaustion, the lack of water....he died. A world class athlete died.
CBS 3 has the best story on it (IMO):
http://video.philadelphia.cbslocal.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=5226320&at1=News&h1=USA Swimmer, Fran Crippen, Dies During Race In United Arab Emirates&flvUri=&partnerclipid=
Honestly, I didn't know Fran. I know the Crippen Family because, like I said, if you were a swimmer in our area...you just knew who they were. But the thing is....this is really upsetting me. I'm not entirely sure why. I think it's probably because he was a swimmer....because he's from the area...because he died doing something he loves and I love. But that's just it. He died from swimming. He died from exhaustion. He died from "over-doing-it". I can't begin to tell you how many times I can think back to swim practices where I thought I'd "die" from overdoingit. I can't even tell you how many times I felt overworked and dehydrated in those workouts. And to know that he, a world class athlete who was no doubt in shape, died from it....just baffles me.
I suppose we can take away a few things from this:
-He died doing what he loved.
-He will always be remembered among US Swimming as one of the best.
-He will be a lesson for FINA and all of us.
They've started an investigation about the whole thing - if it were my family - I'd be suing FINA. There is NO REASON that the people who got him out of the water should've been other swimmers. Where were the lifeguards that they claim are all around? Why didn't they listen to Fran when he said he was struggling and wasn't feeling well? When do we learn to listen to our athletes? And when do we stop pushing?
Some say he never would've given up had they told him to stop...and although that might be true...I think there's a lot to be said for the situation that we now have.
It's a tragic loss for the swimming community - not just in the suburbs of Philadelphia but in all of the United States. My heart goes out to the Crippen family.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Nothing Fancy
Ok ok - I couldn't think of a fancy schmancy blog title - plus my mind is utterly blank right now. Not sure if that's a good thing or what just yet since I'm taking the GRE's tomorrow morning - p.s. I'm doing terribly on the practice tests. Ha.
Updates in life:
1. As we know, I went to the Phillies game last Wednesday (Yeah doc!). It was...a date. Yes. It was. An awesome one at that. Tough to top. With Brian. A friend from high school. I really like hanging out with him. He's a nice guy. We're going to the NLCS Game 1 this Saturday. Yep. It's another date. We'll see how it goes.
2. I am, as I mentioned at the beginning, taking the GRE's tomorrow morning. 8AM. Bright and Early. Why? Well. It creates another option for me. Should I be doing this? Who knows. But I am. Honestly, part of me thinks I should just postpone it....but oh well. I basically have to get better than 600 on both the verbal and quantitative sections (read: english and math) and an essay score of 4 or better (out of 6). Oh yeah and the verbal and quantitative sections are out of 800. Eek! I didn't even get that high on my SAT's. A good standardized test taker I am not. So. We'll see. I'm just gonna bite the bullet and do it. Then...we start the application process.
3. Elsewhere - although I am taking the GRE's tomorrow - I think I am just going to hunker down and finish the content courses I need and suck it up. As much as I despise living at home - this is what has to be done right now. It's not forever. I will get out of there. Maybe I'll win the lottery in the mean time? :-)
4. I am still up for the Girls Head Coaching Job at LMHS. Thinks good thoughts for me! I'm supposed to go in for an interview some time soon - so here's hoping!
5. I have no money like woah. yeah. awesomeness.
6. The RTFoundation Beef and Beer is tomorrow night. It's our second one. I think we'll have a good showing. I honestly feel badly because I feel as though I haven't done much in preparing for it....but I HAVE been busy. It's a lame excuse. I'm a terrible person. Bleh.
7. I have this research paper I have to write for my Education class. I've decided to write about the stress and stressors that secondary students deal with today. So many kids have so much more than just school to worry about. I think it's only fair, as teachers, that we acknowledge that.
8. I am working on a 30 in 30 list. If you didn't see the explanation in the last post, this list will consist of 30 things for me to do/accomplish in my 30th year. Luckily I have a little while before that happens, but I have one year to do all of it - which basically means I have to do a little more than 2 things each month in order to finish the list by the time I hit 31. Eek! Can you believe this? I'm nearly 30!? Where does the time go?
So there ya go. Nothing Fancy. Just the facts.
Updates in life:
1. As we know, I went to the Phillies game last Wednesday (Yeah doc!). It was...a date. Yes. It was. An awesome one at that. Tough to top. With Brian. A friend from high school. I really like hanging out with him. He's a nice guy. We're going to the NLCS Game 1 this Saturday. Yep. It's another date. We'll see how it goes.
2. I am, as I mentioned at the beginning, taking the GRE's tomorrow morning. 8AM. Bright and Early. Why? Well. It creates another option for me. Should I be doing this? Who knows. But I am. Honestly, part of me thinks I should just postpone it....but oh well. I basically have to get better than 600 on both the verbal and quantitative sections (read: english and math) and an essay score of 4 or better (out of 6). Oh yeah and the verbal and quantitative sections are out of 800. Eek! I didn't even get that high on my SAT's. A good standardized test taker I am not. So. We'll see. I'm just gonna bite the bullet and do it. Then...we start the application process.
3. Elsewhere - although I am taking the GRE's tomorrow - I think I am just going to hunker down and finish the content courses I need and suck it up. As much as I despise living at home - this is what has to be done right now. It's not forever. I will get out of there. Maybe I'll win the lottery in the mean time? :-)
4. I am still up for the Girls Head Coaching Job at LMHS. Thinks good thoughts for me! I'm supposed to go in for an interview some time soon - so here's hoping!
5. I have no money like woah. yeah. awesomeness.
6. The RTFoundation Beef and Beer is tomorrow night. It's our second one. I think we'll have a good showing. I honestly feel badly because I feel as though I haven't done much in preparing for it....but I HAVE been busy. It's a lame excuse. I'm a terrible person. Bleh.
7. I have this research paper I have to write for my Education class. I've decided to write about the stress and stressors that secondary students deal with today. So many kids have so much more than just school to worry about. I think it's only fair, as teachers, that we acknowledge that.
8. I am working on a 30 in 30 list. If you didn't see the explanation in the last post, this list will consist of 30 things for me to do/accomplish in my 30th year. Luckily I have a little while before that happens, but I have one year to do all of it - which basically means I have to do a little more than 2 things each month in order to finish the list by the time I hit 31. Eek! Can you believe this? I'm nearly 30!? Where does the time go?
So there ya go. Nothing Fancy. Just the facts.
O-bla-di O-bla-da, Life Goes On....
And so it goes.
Life is a funny thing. So fleeting. So - here one day, gone the next. So - odd.
We had to say goodbye to our beloved dog last night. My dad and Joanne had to sadly take her to the vet this morning. Losing a person is one of the hardest things you ever have to do.....especially when it's sudden. And even when it's not, and you know they're older and nearing the time for "the big sleep", it's still difficult to say goodbye. Now, think about how much harder it is to say goodbye to a pet. And not just any pet, but a pet that's SO loyal and loving in the most unconditional way. It's hearbreaking.
I'm not saying losing a person is in any way the same as losing a pet. In some ways it's harder and in others it easier (in both respects).
I had to say goodbye to two friends yesterday. The first, was Jessie. Our beloved doggie. The pup. My dog:-) I picked Jessie out. I came up with the idea for her name. She looked like a jessie, whatdya want? And so it was. And for 11 years, we had the BEST dog ever. She was the most spoiled being on the planet. Trust me. She was. She was ALWAYS there when I was sad; licking away the tears and pawing at me to remind me that even though I was sad, it wasn't about me...it was her turn and she needed to be touched:-) Oh that dog. Ha. She was a character. She'll always be the best.
I've lost two other dogs, that were vicariously mine - really they were Trish's (Deuce and Syndey) - but it was just as sad. I never got to say goodbye to them. In some ways I think it's harder to say goodbye than to miss out on it. Similar to Rachel. I never got to say goodbye...and although it was such a shocking experience with Rachel, I still think saying goodbye would've been MUCH harder.
The other person I had to say goodbye to yesterday was at the opposite end of the spectrum. Although I hardly saw him, Ephraim Rigefvsky was a great man. He was Allan's grandfather. I had met him a handful of times and every time he and his wife, Minerva (Allan's Grandmom), welcomed me into their home. Such caring and giving people. Allan texted me on Monday telling me the sad news. He flew in Tuesday and the Funeral/Service was Wednesday morning. I told him I wanted to be there for him. I knew he would need someone too. It's difficult to always be the one that has to be strong - Allan is that kind of person. I didn't get to see Allan much but with a few hugs, I think that was more helpful than any amount of time I could've spent with him. His grandfather was a great man and an honorable one too (he had an honorable memorial from the army - flag folding, taps playing and all.
There weren't a ton of people in the funeral service but I guess when you get older, all your friends are either there or waiting for you on the other side....
Death is a funny thing. It gets you thinking - am I doing things right? Am I living my life to the fullest? What if I'm gone tomorrow...when I look back on my life to this point, am I proud of the choices I've made? What would I change? Am I doing enough? What am I missing?
I've decided - in the next year and a half - until I turn 31 - so now through my 30th year of life - I will have a list. A list of things I want to do and/or accomplish. 30 in 30 (not the ESPN show).
30 things in my 30th year. I've started the list - I only have four things on it - but I'm working on it. I figure I have until next July to have the list completed - and until the following one to actually do everything. I actually got the idea from my friend Laurie who did 34 things for her 34th birthday. She did some pretty awesome things! Hopefully I can think of some good ones, otherwise I'm stealin' em from laurie :-)
Life is a funny thing. So fleeting. So - here one day, gone the next. So - odd.
We had to say goodbye to our beloved dog last night. My dad and Joanne had to sadly take her to the vet this morning. Losing a person is one of the hardest things you ever have to do.....especially when it's sudden. And even when it's not, and you know they're older and nearing the time for "the big sleep", it's still difficult to say goodbye. Now, think about how much harder it is to say goodbye to a pet. And not just any pet, but a pet that's SO loyal and loving in the most unconditional way. It's hearbreaking.
I'm not saying losing a person is in any way the same as losing a pet. In some ways it's harder and in others it easier (in both respects).
I had to say goodbye to two friends yesterday. The first, was Jessie. Our beloved doggie. The pup. My dog:-) I picked Jessie out. I came up with the idea for her name. She looked like a jessie, whatdya want? And so it was. And for 11 years, we had the BEST dog ever. She was the most spoiled being on the planet. Trust me. She was. She was ALWAYS there when I was sad; licking away the tears and pawing at me to remind me that even though I was sad, it wasn't about me...it was her turn and she needed to be touched:-) Oh that dog. Ha. She was a character. She'll always be the best.
I've lost two other dogs, that were vicariously mine - really they were Trish's (Deuce and Syndey) - but it was just as sad. I never got to say goodbye to them. In some ways I think it's harder to say goodbye than to miss out on it. Similar to Rachel. I never got to say goodbye...and although it was such a shocking experience with Rachel, I still think saying goodbye would've been MUCH harder.
The other person I had to say goodbye to yesterday was at the opposite end of the spectrum. Although I hardly saw him, Ephraim Rigefvsky was a great man. He was Allan's grandfather. I had met him a handful of times and every time he and his wife, Minerva (Allan's Grandmom), welcomed me into their home. Such caring and giving people. Allan texted me on Monday telling me the sad news. He flew in Tuesday and the Funeral/Service was Wednesday morning. I told him I wanted to be there for him. I knew he would need someone too. It's difficult to always be the one that has to be strong - Allan is that kind of person. I didn't get to see Allan much but with a few hugs, I think that was more helpful than any amount of time I could've spent with him. His grandfather was a great man and an honorable one too (he had an honorable memorial from the army - flag folding, taps playing and all.
There weren't a ton of people in the funeral service but I guess when you get older, all your friends are either there or waiting for you on the other side....
Death is a funny thing. It gets you thinking - am I doing things right? Am I living my life to the fullest? What if I'm gone tomorrow...when I look back on my life to this point, am I proud of the choices I've made? What would I change? Am I doing enough? What am I missing?
I've decided - in the next year and a half - until I turn 31 - so now through my 30th year of life - I will have a list. A list of things I want to do and/or accomplish. 30 in 30 (not the ESPN show).
30 things in my 30th year. I've started the list - I only have four things on it - but I'm working on it. I figure I have until next July to have the list completed - and until the following one to actually do everything. I actually got the idea from my friend Laurie who did 34 things for her 34th birthday. She did some pretty awesome things! Hopefully I can think of some good ones, otherwise I'm stealin' em from laurie :-)
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Doctober has begun....
Yup! I was there! I was at Roy Halladay's No Hitter! Game 1 NLDS! AMAZING! It definitely ranks up there with one of the best moments of my life! :-)
And last night was no different. Although I wasn't at the game...the phils crawled back from a 4-0 deficit. This team is ready! And did I mention I'm going to game 1 of the NLCS? Oh yeah, I am :-D heheheh
In the mean time, I feel like I've been going full force. I'm actually trying to fight off a cold/flu at the moment. Not sure what it is but what I do know is this:
-My eyes are like "woah": I've put drops in them, I'm taking allergy meds, I'm taking regular OTC meds - they're swollen and all like, "we don't like you katie" - hence, I am wearing my glasses today.
-I am having slight issues breathing: normally I'd be worried about this but it hasn't effected my ability to workout - I know I'm really sick when I can't breathe and I'm running/spinning
-My nose/chest is congested (which probably is why I'm having trouble breathing) - it's sucky but I guess that's part of being sick.
-I'm pretty tired: I woke up yesterday with pain in my upper neck (like I had slept funny) only it's muscle pain. I'm hoping this isn't too serious. I should probably make an appt with the doctor?
A few things I have to do this week:
-I MUST MUST MUST write a research paper. It's due next Monday (18th). I just don't have any idea what I want to write it on. I thought about writing about Charter Schools but someone else already did that, and then I thought I could write about NCLB(No Child Left Behind) but it's all bleh. Nothing is catching my interest.
-MUST study for the GRE's - who knew October 15th would come so quickly? Yeah, I'm taking them this coming Friday morning at 8am. The only good thing is that it'll be over but the bad thing is that I don't think I'm going to do that well.
-Email some Montco professors about possibly teaching some courses this Spring.
-Contact LMHS about the coaching position and if they've made any decisions on it.
For the most part, with the exception of being sick :-(, I'm doing alright. October is, so far, a good month! Let's hope it keeps going!
Friday, October 1, 2010
“We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves; otherwise we harden” ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
So lately...wait for it....I've been watching Season 3 of Dawson's Creek. Remember that show? Anyone that says they don't - you're too young. GO WATCH IT! It is the One Tree Hill of my generation :-) And I LOVE OTH. If you don't remember, Season 3 is the Season where Joey and Pacey get together......yeah. I LOVED/LOVE Pacey. I still watch him in everything he's been in. What can I say, Josh Jackson has a place in my heart forever. Why do you think I watch Fringe :-)? But I digress......so I'm watching S3 of DC. It's funny when I think about how much I've changed since high school. I used to think my life was JUST like Joey Potter's. Of course, minus the whole love triangle's and such. I completely identified with the show. I always wished for my very own Pacey. But rather I was the one that waited for my very own Joey, just in guy form.
All that being said, my quote/subject is relevant. Change, as you can tell by the blog, is a good thing. It's often scary....but I think it's supposed to be scary. I think that's how you know it's good. I think if it isn't scary, you're doing something wrong.
It's been no secret that September was a far from spectacular month for me. I can not even begin to explain how grateful I am that it is now October 1st. I think with a new month comes a change - a renew - a rejuvenation. Some might argue that this comes on a weekly or even daily basis. Unfortunately, I tried to have it be a daily/weekly thing and it just didn't happen. But that's okay because if September is the worst it's going to get for 2010, I'm doin' pretty darn good.
October has a lot to offer:
-I'm going to Game 1 of the NLDS!
-Possibly going to the home opener for the Flyers!
-Taking the GRE's
-Possibly finding out about a coaching job
-Applying for Grad School
-Busillo's Halloween Party (which reminds me, I need to find a costume!)
Those are just a few of the (hopefully) many things to come in October. Also - I'm just getting closer and closer to getting out of here. I'd like to set a time/date on when I will get out of here, but there's that saying, "The best way to make God laugh, is to make plans" :-) So we'll see where the month goes......
All that being said, my quote/subject is relevant. Change, as you can tell by the blog, is a good thing. It's often scary....but I think it's supposed to be scary. I think that's how you know it's good. I think if it isn't scary, you're doing something wrong.
It's been no secret that September was a far from spectacular month for me. I can not even begin to explain how grateful I am that it is now October 1st. I think with a new month comes a change - a renew - a rejuvenation. Some might argue that this comes on a weekly or even daily basis. Unfortunately, I tried to have it be a daily/weekly thing and it just didn't happen. But that's okay because if September is the worst it's going to get for 2010, I'm doin' pretty darn good.
October has a lot to offer:
-I'm going to Game 1 of the NLDS!
-Possibly going to the home opener for the Flyers!
-Taking the GRE's
-Possibly finding out about a coaching job
-Applying for Grad School
-Busillo's Halloween Party (which reminds me, I need to find a costume!)
Those are just a few of the (hopefully) many things to come in October. Also - I'm just getting closer and closer to getting out of here. I'd like to set a time/date on when I will get out of here, but there's that saying, "The best way to make God laugh, is to make plans" :-) So we'll see where the month goes......
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Not all who wander are lost....
Unfortunately, I feel a little lost right now. This post isn't going to be a "woe is me post" but rather a clear assessment of "what's good", "what's okay" and "what needs to come around".
I've mentioned in a few prior posts that I feel kind of stagnant....kind of....misplaced in a way. I have so many options and yet none at all. So...without further adieu:
"What's Good"
-September is almost over - this is especially good because this has not been the most spectacular month for me. With the beginning of the month starting the way it did...I'm ready for October.
-Coaching - always a good thing. I still love it just as much and even though the red group doesn't listen to me, the blues wish I was there every day - "so I got that goin' for me"
-School - is remarkably easy this semester (hope I'm not jinxing myself with that)
-The Phillies are in the Playoffs AGAIN!!! YEAH BABY! Hoping to get to a few games this post season.
"What's Okay"
-I'm taking the GRE's in about two weeks - so I can apply to Graduate school at UPenn and Temple. I've studied a bit for them - still need to do more.
-Social life - or lack there of. I can't totally complain about this because I don't have a job, so not doing anything is beneficial because I'm not spending money but there are some things that I'd really like to do in order to change this.
-Dating - I haven't been on any real dates since the Spring and once Summer started I decided to just put that all on hold because I wanted to just have a good time. I think I went on a date last Tuesday...to the Phillies game. It was fun. But. I don't know if I'm that into him. He's already asked me out again....twice. I'm not sure. Jackie says, go for it.....I mean, I'll definitely go out with him again.
"What needs to come around" aka "change"
-Living at home - if this seriously doesn't change, I don't know what I'm going to do. My sanity is not thriving at all. It's negative negative negative. Nothing but complaints. Which begs me to ask.....can't you find ANYTHING good to say? I'm not against venting but when you're in a situation that you KNOW you can change....DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! I'm so tired of people saying they're stuck. WE ALL HAVE CHOICES. You might not like the choices you have, but you have them.
-My financial/job situation - I've got the word out to MANY people about this. They all know I'm looking and need money. Right now.....I am spending money I don't really have. I hateses money. And I despise the fact that it runs the way I have to do things. I'm working to change this but I know it's tough out there for everyone - so I'm definitely realistic.
-Dealing with my anxiety/anger - lately I've had a lot of this. Working out seems like the logical release but since I do this every day - it doesn't really have the same effect on me as it would someone else. Suggestions?
I'd like to put this one in with the "change" category - but it doesn't involve everyone. I don't know WHAT is up with some of my guy friends lately but WTF. And I truly mean...WTF. I understand being busy. I even understand plans changing. But seriously - just be honest with me. I'm so tired of people thinking "oh katie will be ok with it...she'll forgive me." I'm just so tired of it. I'm pretty tired with, what seems like, always being the last to know. I'm so over with making the attempts to be the one that bridges the distance. OVER IT.
How do you stop caring? Because inevitably, I just do. I feel lost. I wish I knew which direction to go. I wish I knew the right course of action (which I suppose is the beauty and curse of life with choices).
I've mentioned in a few prior posts that I feel kind of stagnant....kind of....misplaced in a way. I have so many options and yet none at all. So...without further adieu:
"What's Good"
-September is almost over - this is especially good because this has not been the most spectacular month for me. With the beginning of the month starting the way it did...I'm ready for October.
-Coaching - always a good thing. I still love it just as much and even though the red group doesn't listen to me, the blues wish I was there every day - "so I got that goin' for me"
-School - is remarkably easy this semester (hope I'm not jinxing myself with that)
-The Phillies are in the Playoffs AGAIN!!! YEAH BABY! Hoping to get to a few games this post season.
"What's Okay"
-I'm taking the GRE's in about two weeks - so I can apply to Graduate school at UPenn and Temple. I've studied a bit for them - still need to do more.
-Social life - or lack there of. I can't totally complain about this because I don't have a job, so not doing anything is beneficial because I'm not spending money but there are some things that I'd really like to do in order to change this.
-Dating - I haven't been on any real dates since the Spring and once Summer started I decided to just put that all on hold because I wanted to just have a good time. I think I went on a date last Tuesday...to the Phillies game. It was fun. But. I don't know if I'm that into him. He's already asked me out again....twice. I'm not sure. Jackie says, go for it.....I mean, I'll definitely go out with him again.
"What needs to come around" aka "change"
-Living at home - if this seriously doesn't change, I don't know what I'm going to do. My sanity is not thriving at all. It's negative negative negative. Nothing but complaints. Which begs me to ask.....can't you find ANYTHING good to say? I'm not against venting but when you're in a situation that you KNOW you can change....DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! I'm so tired of people saying they're stuck. WE ALL HAVE CHOICES. You might not like the choices you have, but you have them.
-My financial/job situation - I've got the word out to MANY people about this. They all know I'm looking and need money. Right now.....I am spending money I don't really have. I hateses money. And I despise the fact that it runs the way I have to do things. I'm working to change this but I know it's tough out there for everyone - so I'm definitely realistic.
-Dealing with my anxiety/anger - lately I've had a lot of this. Working out seems like the logical release but since I do this every day - it doesn't really have the same effect on me as it would someone else. Suggestions?
I'd like to put this one in with the "change" category - but it doesn't involve everyone. I don't know WHAT is up with some of my guy friends lately but WTF. And I truly mean...WTF. I understand being busy. I even understand plans changing. But seriously - just be honest with me. I'm so tired of people thinking "oh katie will be ok with it...she'll forgive me." I'm just so tired of it. I'm pretty tired with, what seems like, always being the last to know. I'm so over with making the attempts to be the one that bridges the distance. OVER IT.
How do you stop caring? Because inevitably, I just do. I feel lost. I wish I knew which direction to go. I wish I knew the right course of action (which I suppose is the beauty and curse of life with choices).
Saturday, September 25, 2010
If I Had Eyes in The Back of My Head....
Lot of people spend their time just floating
We were victims together but lonely
You got hungry eyes that just can't look forward
Can't give them enough but we just can't start over
Building with bent nails we're
falling but holding, I don't wanna take up anymore of your time
Time time time
Sometimes time doesn't heal
No not all
Just stand still
While we fall
In or out of love again I doubt I'm gonna win you back
When you got eyes like that
It won't let me in
Always looking out
Always lookin
~Jack Johnson
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was looking back on a bunch of my old posts and stumbled upon the list of "100 Things About Me". It was interesting to read it now, two years later. So much has changed....particularly the one thing I wrote "I have never had someone close to me die" and "I've only been to one funeral". In the last year...we all know this as changed. But I don't want to make this a bummy post.
As you can imagine...the subject is a Jack Johnson song...but in reality the main concept of the song is essentially the saying, "hindsight is 20/20". We all have a tendency to "look back" on the past and often times dwell on it too much. I'm working on this. As I work on a lot of things in my life....regrets have never been a big aspect in my life. Somewhere there is another saying, "I do not regret the things I have done, but those I did not do." I'm hoping to do some of the things in my life I really WANT to do.
Some of the other things on all my "lists" that seemingly come back time and time again are: Backpacking Europe, Getting my PhD, having a family, getting married, etc....in no particular order. These are all things I know I can do. I'm going to work hard to do them!
In the last few weeks I've noticed how much my family complains. Complaining about what they don't have. Complaining about the circumstances their in. Complaining about pretty much everything. It is unnerving to hear people who are so "well off" (and I obviously mean this in a way in which they are not desolate or living in africa with no food), complain. Where is there perspective? Why am I the only one in my family that seems to get that it could always be a lot worse?
Perspective. It's possibly an idealistic concept yet completely based in reality. Without perspective, how are we to know where we stand? Rational people tend to be able to put things into perspective more readily (read: easily). Irrational people tend to jump to extremes in ALL situations. And I realize irrationality is brought about by stress. But then, which do you attempt to do first? Create a less stressful environment or put things into perspective in order to create a less stressful thought process? Or...are they simultaneous?
It's funny - you'd think that perspetive and patience would go hand in hand. I wish they would for me. I have trouble with my patience but have complete perspective on the events of my life. Why can't I just have a little bit of patience with the lack of perspective that some people have?
We were victims together but lonely
You got hungry eyes that just can't look forward
Can't give them enough but we just can't start over
Building with bent nails we're
falling but holding, I don't wanna take up anymore of your time
Time time time
Sometimes time doesn't heal
No not all
Just stand still
While we fall
In or out of love again I doubt I'm gonna win you back
When you got eyes like that
It won't let me in
Always looking out
Always lookin
~Jack Johnson
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was looking back on a bunch of my old posts and stumbled upon the list of "100 Things About Me". It was interesting to read it now, two years later. So much has changed....particularly the one thing I wrote "I have never had someone close to me die" and "I've only been to one funeral". In the last year...we all know this as changed. But I don't want to make this a bummy post.
As you can imagine...the subject is a Jack Johnson song...but in reality the main concept of the song is essentially the saying, "hindsight is 20/20". We all have a tendency to "look back" on the past and often times dwell on it too much. I'm working on this. As I work on a lot of things in my life....regrets have never been a big aspect in my life. Somewhere there is another saying, "I do not regret the things I have done, but those I did not do." I'm hoping to do some of the things in my life I really WANT to do.
Some of the other things on all my "lists" that seemingly come back time and time again are: Backpacking Europe, Getting my PhD, having a family, getting married, etc....in no particular order. These are all things I know I can do. I'm going to work hard to do them!
In the last few weeks I've noticed how much my family complains. Complaining about what they don't have. Complaining about the circumstances their in. Complaining about pretty much everything. It is unnerving to hear people who are so "well off" (and I obviously mean this in a way in which they are not desolate or living in africa with no food), complain. Where is there perspective? Why am I the only one in my family that seems to get that it could always be a lot worse?
Perspective. It's possibly an idealistic concept yet completely based in reality. Without perspective, how are we to know where we stand? Rational people tend to be able to put things into perspective more readily (read: easily). Irrational people tend to jump to extremes in ALL situations. And I realize irrationality is brought about by stress. But then, which do you attempt to do first? Create a less stressful environment or put things into perspective in order to create a less stressful thought process? Or...are they simultaneous?
It's funny - you'd think that perspetive and patience would go hand in hand. I wish they would for me. I have trouble with my patience but have complete perspective on the events of my life. Why can't I just have a little bit of patience with the lack of perspective that some people have?
Thursday, September 23, 2010
It is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities. ~ J.K. Rowling
The Things of Which I am Certain:
- I will always want to exercise, even on days I CHOOSE to take off.
- If there is a cloud in the sky, my mother will undoubtedly say, “It looks like it’s going to rain”
- The office will always be my favorite tv show (yes, even when it’s over).
- My theory – People who do not like The Office are not smart to get the humor.
- Music will always have the ability to affect my mood.
- I have a strong desire to leave it all behind and travel. Forget the consequences and just GO.
- Good Music should evoke some kind of emotion.
- Don’t make plans for your life, they will just go topsy-turvy the minute you attempt to put those plans in action.
- Life has a funny way of balancing things out.
- The friends you had when you were younger are the ones you need to hold on to for your future. They’re the ones that will ground you when you’ve gone too far above the clouds.
- The friends you make when you’re older will undoubtedly be the ones you will know the best because you’ll know yourself the best at this time.
- College is a time for fun and freedom – regardless of whether it feels like you’re held back. Just go. Do. Be. Live.
- Kindness is a fashion trend that never goes out of style.
- I will ALWAYS have to work on my patience.
- I will work continuously to NOT be like my mother.
- I will work continuously to be like my mother.
- I will work continuously to be my own person.
- You know that saying, “do your best” – some days, I know I don’t.
- I like sex.
- I love kissing. But hugs are the epitome of affection. The proper hug can make you rejoice and/or well up tears of sadness in milliseconds.
- It is never a bad idea to reflect on your life to try to figure out who you are and what you want.
- Two glasses of wine gets me drunk (even if I have eaten).
- Three beers gets me buzzed. If I haven’t eaten, it gets me drunk.
- If I am drinking mixed drinks and one of them has tequila and the others don’t, I will not remember the rest of the night.
- I will always look back on my time in Orlando with some of the best memories.
- Rachel and Troy’s Death will always affect the way I think about things and people. I miss them.
- I constantly worry that I am not on the right path.....but what is the right path anyway?
- Regardless of what I say, I DO look for validation (not always) of my appearance from men (awful I know).
- I will always want: The house. The family. The lifestyle many people dream of when they're little......
- My recovery from the ED is a blessing and a curse all at the same - helping others who struggle show's me that I was strong enough to overcome and how far I've come.
- I will always know the caloric amount in almost all of the food I eat.
- I have a type (read: kind of guy I am attracted to).
- I will always believe that human beings are innately good - despite the harm and evil that corrupt our world.
- I will always want to exercise, even on days I CHOOSE to take off.
- If there is a cloud in the sky, my mother will undoubtedly say, “It looks like it’s going to rain”
- The office will always be my favorite tv show (yes, even when it’s over).
- My theory – People who do not like The Office are not smart to get the humor.
- Music will always have the ability to affect my mood.
- I have a strong desire to leave it all behind and travel. Forget the consequences and just GO.
- Good Music should evoke some kind of emotion.
- Don’t make plans for your life, they will just go topsy-turvy the minute you attempt to put those plans in action.
- Life has a funny way of balancing things out.
- The friends you had when you were younger are the ones you need to hold on to for your future. They’re the ones that will ground you when you’ve gone too far above the clouds.
- The friends you make when you’re older will undoubtedly be the ones you will know the best because you’ll know yourself the best at this time.
- College is a time for fun and freedom – regardless of whether it feels like you’re held back. Just go. Do. Be. Live.
- Kindness is a fashion trend that never goes out of style.
- I will ALWAYS have to work on my patience.
- I will work continuously to NOT be like my mother.
- I will work continuously to be like my mother.
- I will work continuously to be my own person.
- You know that saying, “do your best” – some days, I know I don’t.
- I like sex.
- I love kissing. But hugs are the epitome of affection. The proper hug can make you rejoice and/or well up tears of sadness in milliseconds.
- It is never a bad idea to reflect on your life to try to figure out who you are and what you want.
- Two glasses of wine gets me drunk (even if I have eaten).
- Three beers gets me buzzed. If I haven’t eaten, it gets me drunk.
- If I am drinking mixed drinks and one of them has tequila and the others don’t, I will not remember the rest of the night.
- I will always look back on my time in Orlando with some of the best memories.
- Rachel and Troy’s Death will always affect the way I think about things and people. I miss them.
- I constantly worry that I am not on the right path.....but what is the right path anyway?
- Regardless of what I say, I DO look for validation (not always) of my appearance from men (awful I know).
- I will always want: The house. The family. The lifestyle many people dream of when they're little......
- My recovery from the ED is a blessing and a curse all at the same - helping others who struggle show's me that I was strong enough to overcome and how far I've come.
- I will always know the caloric amount in almost all of the food I eat.
- I have a type (read: kind of guy I am attracted to).
- I will always believe that human beings are innately good - despite the harm and evil that corrupt our world.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Philadelphia Rock n' Roll Half Marathon!
A few signs I saw on my run yesterday that I absolutely loved!.....
"I'm proud of you complete stranger!"
"What if the Hokey Pokey IS what it's all about?"
"There's beer at the end....I promise" (and there was! haha)
"13.1 miles = 5.5 donuts"
Haha....love it.....
Anyway...on to the pictures and update.
Honestly, it was seriously the BEST run I've had ever. Great Weather. Great Company. Awesome Atmosphere. Just everything was great from the start of the day. I even got a good night sleep. Earlier in the week I was worried I would have trouble breathing because of being sick but I woke up refreshed from a solid 7.5 hours. I had my coffee and english muffin with peanut butter. Bruce dropped Bethany and I off at the race around 7 and we had an hour to get things sussed out.
I dropped off a bag at the bag check (of things I didn't even use later). We then proceeded to stretch and use the portapotty's....twice! Haha. Here's a few pics.
So the race went off without a hitch! I averaged about an 8:30 pace. I couldn't believe it myself! My Garmin said we actually ran about 13.45 miles - more than the 13.1. My final time was around 1:54.29. I smashed my last time of 2 hours flat by nearly 5 and 1/2 minutes! yessssss. I was pretty pleased. Bethany came in seriously 30 seconds behind me. It was perfect! We decided we'd run other ones together since we're so close in pace time. I'm so happy and it was a great day. Here's a few from after the race :-)
So overall great race!
This week is another slightly busy week. Today I'm gonna go for an EASY 5 or 6 miler. I have class tonight. I'll probably do some GRE studying. I signed up for them for October 15th. I'd really like to get a good score on them.
Tomorrow I am going to the Phillies Game! Yeah!
The rest of the week is the usual. More to update later.
"I'm proud of you complete stranger!"
"What if the Hokey Pokey IS what it's all about?"
"There's beer at the end....I promise" (and there was! haha)
"13.1 miles = 5.5 donuts"
Haha....love it.....
Anyway...on to the pictures and update.
Honestly, it was seriously the BEST run I've had ever. Great Weather. Great Company. Awesome Atmosphere. Just everything was great from the start of the day. I even got a good night sleep. Earlier in the week I was worried I would have trouble breathing because of being sick but I woke up refreshed from a solid 7.5 hours. I had my coffee and english muffin with peanut butter. Bruce dropped Bethany and I off at the race around 7 and we had an hour to get things sussed out.
I dropped off a bag at the bag check (of things I didn't even use later). We then proceeded to stretch and use the portapotty's....twice! Haha. Here's a few pics.
So the race went off without a hitch! I averaged about an 8:30 pace. I couldn't believe it myself! My Garmin said we actually ran about 13.45 miles - more than the 13.1. My final time was around 1:54.29. I smashed my last time of 2 hours flat by nearly 5 and 1/2 minutes! yessssss. I was pretty pleased. Bethany came in seriously 30 seconds behind me. It was perfect! We decided we'd run other ones together since we're so close in pace time. I'm so happy and it was a great day. Here's a few from after the race :-)
So overall great race!
This week is another slightly busy week. Today I'm gonna go for an EASY 5 or 6 miler. I have class tonight. I'll probably do some GRE studying. I signed up for them for October 15th. I'd really like to get a good score on them.
Tomorrow I am going to the Phillies Game! Yeah!
The rest of the week is the usual. More to update later.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
A quickie....
Haha :-)
I'm stuck at Cabrini this morning (saturday) but I'm going to slip out in about 15 minutes so I can go pick up Bethany and head down to the Rock n' Roll Expo. I'm excited for the race tomorrow. It's her first and although it's technically "old hat" for me, I haven't done a long race like this since last year so I'm looking forward to it:-)
In the mean time...the rest of the week went really quickly. I'm (crosses fingers) over this cold...just a bit of coughing here and there...I'll most likely take medicine tomorrow morning when I wake up before the race just for good measure. Stayed at my aunt and uncles on Monday and Tuesday night's to hang out with Zack for a bit while they were dropping off Tori and Allison at Northwestern. Wednesday was back to the norm...gym...Cabrini...all that jazz. Thursday much of the same. I did have a meeting with the woman who runs the Student Teaching stuff at Cabrini. She gave me a letter of intent for any employers that want to hire me and help me get an emergency cert. But I think I've decided.....I'm undoubtedly applying to the PhD programs at UPenn and Temple. If I get accepted to either of them, I'd start next fall. Both programs provide tuition remission and a stipend (no, I don't know how much) plus medical coverage. I figured that if I don't go for it now, I might never go back for the PhD...and I definitely want it. Teaching is still there...and will always be the first option...these are just additional options for me to think about. If I DO get into either of these programs...I can finish the M.Ed. at Cabrini next semester and kind of waylay the certification stuff and/or take all that over the summer. This way, I'd have two Masters going into the program for next fall. Of course, this is all tentative on getting accepted.
A few things that have to happen - while I have the connections for both Temple and UPenn - I need to take the GRE's again. It's a test. I'm already studying for it. I've scheduled a test day for October 15th at 8am. This gives me three weeks to get things in order. I'd also like to find a job to pay some of my bills and eventually find my own place to move into. I just need my own space again.
Other stuff - (I'm all discombobulated today) - I've applied for a head coaching job at LMHS. Please think good thoughts for me. I SO want to coach my own team. Plus, I have a few in's there. The current AD is Don Walsh - aka former PWHS boys head coach my senior year of high school and summer coach prior to heading to college. I also have a recommendation from the boys head coach at LMHS because I coach with him at Baldwin. Here's hoping no one else applys for the job :-) haha yeah right.
What else.....did I mention I'm going to SPAIN!? :-D October is looking to be a pretty slammin' month. Hopefully that'll just make the rest of the year rock out.
Can anyone else not believe that September is halfway over?! So much work for this Education class I have right now....Zomg thank goodness most of the work is due before Thanksgiving...which creates for a crazy October and November but ah well. Such is life.....Lemons....right?
I'm stuck at Cabrini this morning (saturday) but I'm going to slip out in about 15 minutes so I can go pick up Bethany and head down to the Rock n' Roll Expo. I'm excited for the race tomorrow. It's her first and although it's technically "old hat" for me, I haven't done a long race like this since last year so I'm looking forward to it:-)
In the mean time...the rest of the week went really quickly. I'm (crosses fingers) over this cold...just a bit of coughing here and there...I'll most likely take medicine tomorrow morning when I wake up before the race just for good measure. Stayed at my aunt and uncles on Monday and Tuesday night's to hang out with Zack for a bit while they were dropping off Tori and Allison at Northwestern. Wednesday was back to the norm...gym...Cabrini...all that jazz. Thursday much of the same. I did have a meeting with the woman who runs the Student Teaching stuff at Cabrini. She gave me a letter of intent for any employers that want to hire me and help me get an emergency cert. But I think I've decided.....I'm undoubtedly applying to the PhD programs at UPenn and Temple. If I get accepted to either of them, I'd start next fall. Both programs provide tuition remission and a stipend (no, I don't know how much) plus medical coverage. I figured that if I don't go for it now, I might never go back for the PhD...and I definitely want it. Teaching is still there...and will always be the first option...these are just additional options for me to think about. If I DO get into either of these programs...I can finish the M.Ed. at Cabrini next semester and kind of waylay the certification stuff and/or take all that over the summer. This way, I'd have two Masters going into the program for next fall. Of course, this is all tentative on getting accepted.
A few things that have to happen - while I have the connections for both Temple and UPenn - I need to take the GRE's again. It's a test. I'm already studying for it. I've scheduled a test day for October 15th at 8am. This gives me three weeks to get things in order. I'd also like to find a job to pay some of my bills and eventually find my own place to move into. I just need my own space again.
Other stuff - (I'm all discombobulated today) - I've applied for a head coaching job at LMHS. Please think good thoughts for me. I SO want to coach my own team. Plus, I have a few in's there. The current AD is Don Walsh - aka former PWHS boys head coach my senior year of high school and summer coach prior to heading to college. I also have a recommendation from the boys head coach at LMHS because I coach with him at Baldwin. Here's hoping no one else applys for the job :-) haha yeah right.
What else.....did I mention I'm going to SPAIN!? :-D October is looking to be a pretty slammin' month. Hopefully that'll just make the rest of the year rock out.
Can anyone else not believe that September is halfway over?! So much work for this Education class I have right now....Zomg thank goodness most of the work is due before Thanksgiving...which creates for a crazy October and November but ah well. Such is life.....Lemons....right?
Thursday, September 16, 2010
I'm looking to the sky to save me
Looking for a sign of life
Looking for something to help me burn out bright ~ Foo Fighters
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I say this every time it's been awhile but....It's been awhile!
A few things I've done since my last post:
Swim Club Closed at PSC - Summer is officially over and it felt weird to say the least. I miss my guards. I had a BLAST this summer. A few things have ended but some are still going strong. Here's hoping that it'll last!
I went to Florida and am now back. My trip was just kind of blasé. Nothing super huge to report on. It really just felt like I was living back there and had a few days off. It was GREAT to see Trish since she had been sick and I did get to see Joey and Nick. I started feeling a bit under the weather later in the week so I didn't venture out that much. I felt badly that I didn't get to see everyone but I was so tired - I even went to bed a few nights at 9PM. I know! Crazy.
While I was in Florida, I booked my trip to Spain to visit Paul :-) I am looking forward to that. I go from October 26th (arrive the morning of the 27th) and come back November 1st. It's a short trip but it'll be worth it :-) I'm excited for it!
The morning I got back from Florida - I had a bunch of stuff to go do. I had class that night too and then right after I headed to my cousins house to stay the night. My aunt and uncle took my cousins (Allison and Tori) to school at Northwestern so they asked if I could stay with Zack for a night or two. He's old enough to take care of himself but they just felt better having someone there overnight. No biggie.
Tuesday was the first night (for me) of coaching at Baldwin this year! It was...a struggle with the Red group (ages 8,9,10,11). It seems that they ALL forgot how to swim. Ha. Hopefully that is just a first day thing. I had the Blue group later (12-18) and it was great. I remembered why I missed them so much! Of course, the shouting didn't help my voice at all.
Oh yeah, I came back from FLA with a bit of a coldy cold. Not a huge one - but enough to make me take medicine. Which is not really all that great since I'm running the Philly Rock n' Roll Half Marathon on Sunday! I think I'll be okay by then. I'm not planning on doing anything on Friday or Saturday (workout wise) so that should help. Today I might just do Yoga.
This morning - I have a meeting with the lady who runs the Student Teaching stuff at Cabrini. It's a new person other than Dr. Arp (she got demoted, yikes). So hopefully this will go well - otherwise - I've got a huge elaborate plan for what comes next in the life of Katie....constant change, right? :-) Just gotta roll with the punches as they say.
I have to work at Cabrini later today and tomorrow I've got coaching again in the afternoon. I am supposed to go to Josh's for dinner - I feel badly I'll be late - but he assures me that I should come after work...so I will. We STILL haven't celebrated our Birthday yet. HAHA. Just like us...:-) I'm looking forward to seeing him though.
Saturday I have to work at Cabrini til Noon and then Bethany and I are hitting up the Expo for the race. She isn't that familiar with Philly so I offered to drive and whatnot. And since the expo is at the convention center, I told her we'd go into Reading Terminal Market afterwards to grab some lunch! Should be a good day. Look for pics :-)
Adieu, hasta luego :-)
Looking for something to help me burn out bright ~ Foo Fighters
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I say this every time it's been awhile but....It's been awhile!
A few things I've done since my last post:
Swim Club Closed at PSC - Summer is officially over and it felt weird to say the least. I miss my guards. I had a BLAST this summer. A few things have ended but some are still going strong. Here's hoping that it'll last!
I went to Florida and am now back. My trip was just kind of blasé. Nothing super huge to report on. It really just felt like I was living back there and had a few days off. It was GREAT to see Trish since she had been sick and I did get to see Joey and Nick. I started feeling a bit under the weather later in the week so I didn't venture out that much. I felt badly that I didn't get to see everyone but I was so tired - I even went to bed a few nights at 9PM. I know! Crazy.
While I was in Florida, I booked my trip to Spain to visit Paul :-) I am looking forward to that. I go from October 26th (arrive the morning of the 27th) and come back November 1st. It's a short trip but it'll be worth it :-) I'm excited for it!
The morning I got back from Florida - I had a bunch of stuff to go do. I had class that night too and then right after I headed to my cousins house to stay the night. My aunt and uncle took my cousins (Allison and Tori) to school at Northwestern so they asked if I could stay with Zack for a night or two. He's old enough to take care of himself but they just felt better having someone there overnight. No biggie.
Tuesday was the first night (for me) of coaching at Baldwin this year! It was...a struggle with the Red group (ages 8,9,10,11). It seems that they ALL forgot how to swim. Ha. Hopefully that is just a first day thing. I had the Blue group later (12-18) and it was great. I remembered why I missed them so much! Of course, the shouting didn't help my voice at all.
Oh yeah, I came back from FLA with a bit of a coldy cold. Not a huge one - but enough to make me take medicine. Which is not really all that great since I'm running the Philly Rock n' Roll Half Marathon on Sunday! I think I'll be okay by then. I'm not planning on doing anything on Friday or Saturday (workout wise) so that should help. Today I might just do Yoga.
This morning - I have a meeting with the lady who runs the Student Teaching stuff at Cabrini. It's a new person other than Dr. Arp (she got demoted, yikes). So hopefully this will go well - otherwise - I've got a huge elaborate plan for what comes next in the life of Katie....constant change, right? :-) Just gotta roll with the punches as they say.
I have to work at Cabrini later today and tomorrow I've got coaching again in the afternoon. I am supposed to go to Josh's for dinner - I feel badly I'll be late - but he assures me that I should come after work...so I will. We STILL haven't celebrated our Birthday yet. HAHA. Just like us...:-) I'm looking forward to seeing him though.
Saturday I have to work at Cabrini til Noon and then Bethany and I are hitting up the Expo for the race. She isn't that familiar with Philly so I offered to drive and whatnot. And since the expo is at the convention center, I told her we'd go into Reading Terminal Market afterwards to grab some lunch! Should be a good day. Look for pics :-)
Adieu, hasta luego :-)
Thursday, September 2, 2010
"Life is hard......
it's harder when you're stupid." ~ John Wayne
[[Sidenote: I started writing this post last Thursday...it is now Tuesday Morning and I am finishing the update. Yup. I've been THAT busy]]
I think that quote is so appropriate for me these days. I have just been plain stupid. Not with EVERYTHING...but....enough for it to set me back a few months.
I found out yesterday that I will not be student teaching this spring.
I also found out that I have to take at least FOUR more content area classes before I can attempt said student teaching.
So you can imagine the kinds of things going through my mind last night:
Where will I get the money for this?
How could I have been so stupid to not ask for help when I needed it?
Why must I insist on doing everything myself?
I'm going to have to find a job!
I'll NEVER get to teach! (this was said several times)
WHY ANOTHER SET BACK
I should've stayed in Orlando - so many job opportunities....
Why do I keep making the wrong decisions?
Why did I do this?
Ok, ok, you get the idea. Basically, I was beating myself up. Luckily, Joyce was with me last night (one of the ladies who works in the Grad Office) and she not only calmed me down but helped me to put things into perspective.
It is possible that this is a good thing. I was/am so gung-ho about teaching, I wasn't even really taking the time to enjoy the ride. I just have such a hard time accepting this.
I'm nearly 30 years old. Shouldn't I "have all my ducks in a row" so to speak? I feel so very far behind in my life. No wonder I've resorted to so many adolescent activities this summer. I'm doing my damnest to not grow up....and while some might say you should never grow up....growing up has its advantages.
The things I feel as though I should have by now:
A real job
My own home
I should be paying for ALL of my bills
As much as I'd like to add to this list "having a boyfriend and/or potential spouse", I simply can't. There's really no reason I HAVE to have one. I just want one :-)
Tuesday Morning Post:
So since all the fiasco above, I've calmed down a bit. I've rethought what I might do for the next year and I think I'm pretty happy with it.
I'm heading out to Orlando this afternoon - I can't wait to do nothing for five whole days. I might try to see if some of my friends want to venture to Universal with me...but we'll see how that goes. I really want to see the new Harry Potter. Maybe some of them will play hooky with me.
I'm going to do some major talking with Trish and have a wonderful time with friends for the next five days. Much deserved if you ask me.
I'll be updating more throughout the week...and I need to write a post on the final days at PSC for this summer....so look for that too.
Toodles!
[[Sidenote: I started writing this post last Thursday...it is now Tuesday Morning and I am finishing the update. Yup. I've been THAT busy]]
I think that quote is so appropriate for me these days. I have just been plain stupid. Not with EVERYTHING...but....enough for it to set me back a few months.
I found out yesterday that I will not be student teaching this spring.
I also found out that I have to take at least FOUR more content area classes before I can attempt said student teaching.
So you can imagine the kinds of things going through my mind last night:
Where will I get the money for this?
How could I have been so stupid to not ask for help when I needed it?
Why must I insist on doing everything myself?
I'm going to have to find a job!
I'll NEVER get to teach! (this was said several times)
WHY ANOTHER SET BACK
I should've stayed in Orlando - so many job opportunities....
Why do I keep making the wrong decisions?
Why did I do this?
Ok, ok, you get the idea. Basically, I was beating myself up. Luckily, Joyce was with me last night (one of the ladies who works in the Grad Office) and she not only calmed me down but helped me to put things into perspective.
It is possible that this is a good thing. I was/am so gung-ho about teaching, I wasn't even really taking the time to enjoy the ride. I just have such a hard time accepting this.
I'm nearly 30 years old. Shouldn't I "have all my ducks in a row" so to speak? I feel so very far behind in my life. No wonder I've resorted to so many adolescent activities this summer. I'm doing my damnest to not grow up....and while some might say you should never grow up....growing up has its advantages.
The things I feel as though I should have by now:
A real job
My own home
I should be paying for ALL of my bills
As much as I'd like to add to this list "having a boyfriend and/or potential spouse", I simply can't. There's really no reason I HAVE to have one. I just want one :-)
Tuesday Morning Post:
So since all the fiasco above, I've calmed down a bit. I've rethought what I might do for the next year and I think I'm pretty happy with it.
I'm heading out to Orlando this afternoon - I can't wait to do nothing for five whole days. I might try to see if some of my friends want to venture to Universal with me...but we'll see how that goes. I really want to see the new Harry Potter. Maybe some of them will play hooky with me.
I'm going to do some major talking with Trish and have a wonderful time with friends for the next five days. Much deserved if you ask me.
I'll be updating more throughout the week...and I need to write a post on the final days at PSC for this summer....so look for that too.
Toodles!
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