Summer in Wisconsin is so crazy. Last week we were living in the air conditioning and sweating like crazy outside. with heat indexes in the upper 90s and low 100s. Today I have the house closed up and the air off because it is only in the 60s...what's up with the weather??
Thursday we are leaving on a family camping trip to Northern Wisconsin ( like 6 hours north of where I live). I am trying to pack for the trip and I look like I am going for weeks and we are going for 4 days!! I checked the weather and 70s during the day and low 50s even upper 40s at night. I am packing for 2 seasons. It's crazy! Does anyone else overpack? I even pack extra outfits just in case.
Less than 2 weeks to the Trek Women's Triathlon...I am so excited and have been driving my hubby crazy with my nutty training schedule. I am sure he will love it when I get done with that. However, I've been putting in longer runs for the Chicago Half Marathon in Sept. When I ran this morning, I can only hope it is in the 60s with no sun. I had a great 5.2 mile run today. This weekend will be 6 miles and every week increasingly more. I am so ready to ROCK it!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Time to Shine
After this weekend I decided to start a wall of shame if you will.
I ran a 5K race on Saturday. It was an awesome race. I had a PR of 26:30 and came in second place in my age group. WooHoo! I would always tell my track kids that I ran with this school year, that a good race is if you finish strong and puke. ( I was joking about the puke thing, but guess what...I puked). I am a puker when I push hard. Hubby ran the race too. He did great. He did a PR of 23 minutes something seconds. However, he placed 6th in his age group. It's a tough group. You have to run like 19 minutes to place in a Men's age group.
So I thought, instead of just putting my number in a box with the medal, I would now be hanging these things up for everyone to see. I will choose a wall in my garage. I hope it keeps on growing. Hubby can hang his numbers up too. It will be so cool. I'll have to take some pics when it is up and running if you will.
In 2 weeks I will be doing another sprint tri. I am excited for it. I even did a mock tri today to practice. I am usually not afraid of open water swimming until today when we got to the lake and OMG there were like 50 or more HUGE carp swimming along the beach front in inches of water. We were told they were spawning. It was so gross. It took a lot of convincing from my BF to get in the water. I dove in and just closed my eyes. I pretty much freaked out. It was an okay swim, but I know it could of been better.
The bike ride was a real challenge today. I think the winds were gusting between 30 or more mph. I got off the bike and ran. It was a tough work out because of how hard I pushed myself yesterday.
Time to rest this evening. Tomorrow begins a new week of training before our big 4th of July weekend plans. There will be lots of fishing, camping, hiking, canoeing, and maybe even a black or brown bear. I am hoping to see it so I can take a photo.
I ran a 5K race on Saturday. It was an awesome race. I had a PR of 26:30 and came in second place in my age group. WooHoo! I would always tell my track kids that I ran with this school year, that a good race is if you finish strong and puke. ( I was joking about the puke thing, but guess what...I puked). I am a puker when I push hard. Hubby ran the race too. He did great. He did a PR of 23 minutes something seconds. However, he placed 6th in his age group. It's a tough group. You have to run like 19 minutes to place in a Men's age group.
So I thought, instead of just putting my number in a box with the medal, I would now be hanging these things up for everyone to see. I will choose a wall in my garage. I hope it keeps on growing. Hubby can hang his numbers up too. It will be so cool. I'll have to take some pics when it is up and running if you will.
In 2 weeks I will be doing another sprint tri. I am excited for it. I even did a mock tri today to practice. I am usually not afraid of open water swimming until today when we got to the lake and OMG there were like 50 or more HUGE carp swimming along the beach front in inches of water. We were told they were spawning. It was so gross. It took a lot of convincing from my BF to get in the water. I dove in and just closed my eyes. I pretty much freaked out. It was an okay swim, but I know it could of been better.
The bike ride was a real challenge today. I think the winds were gusting between 30 or more mph. I got off the bike and ran. It was a tough work out because of how hard I pushed myself yesterday.
Time to rest this evening. Tomorrow begins a new week of training before our big 4th of July weekend plans. There will be lots of fishing, camping, hiking, canoeing, and maybe even a black or brown bear. I am hoping to see it so I can take a photo.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Youth Gone Wild or So I Feel
If you feel offended by my obnoxious youthful behavior, please go no further. This is how the adult campers really act when their children are not with them.
We shotgunned beer, drank tequilia,( I drank the tequilia) more beer, wine, mixers, and more beer. Shotgunning beer is not as easy as it use to be. I gagged and spit a few times! Good times.
So, if you are my family, my friends, or my wonderful co-workers, please don't judge...I may be 41 on paper, but hell I felt like a 20 something this past weekend. Cheers to making this an annual adult event.
We shotgunned beer, drank tequilia,( I drank the tequilia) more beer, wine, mixers, and more beer. Shotgunning beer is not as easy as it use to be. I gagged and spit a few times! Good times.
So, if you are my family, my friends, or my wonderful co-workers, please don't judge...I may be 41 on paper, but hell I felt like a 20 something this past weekend. Cheers to making this an annual adult event.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
This is How Sunday Went
Just got back from a great weekend of fun with friends and family. This event had no kids. It was our first and hopefully annual adult only camping weekend. We went to a beautiful State Park right on the Mississippi River in Trempealeau, WI. This was how we spent our Father's Day.
We hiked up this bluff (to me it felt like a mountain.. I am not a height person, I get a bit freaked out). BTW, my a$$ is still hurting from the work out I got hiking up this thing! And I was sweating like crazy...the weather was HUMID!!
Hubby and me...we reached the top where this little shelter thing was. Very cool!
Hubby fishing. He loves doing this.
Me, my friend Heidi, and my sister Tricia.
It was a bit foggy that morning we hiked, but it was so beautiful.
Randy, my BIL Tom, and Hubby.
We hiked up this bluff (to me it felt like a mountain.. I am not a height person, I get a bit freaked out). BTW, my a$$ is still hurting from the work out I got hiking up this thing! And I was sweating like crazy...the weather was HUMID!!
Hubby and me...we reached the top where this little shelter thing was. Very cool!
Hubby fishing. He loves doing this.
Me, my friend Heidi, and my sister Tricia.
It was a bit foggy that morning we hiked, but it was so beautiful.
Randy, my BIL Tom, and Hubby.
This is the low key day. I will post the crazy day, when thank goodness my children did NOT see like the wild 20 something I thought I was.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Good Times
This is E on her last day of First Grade. I can't believe she will be in second grade. 
Right after the half day of school we headed out for a weekend of camping. It was a great time.
This is Zena. She had a wonderful time too!
E waving at me on the "Hey" Ride at the campground. She has been wearing my sunglasses lately. She is so funny.
This is what I call camping instyle. When that thing pulled up Friday night...it was awesome. This thing had all kinds of lights that glowed and flickered. We pick up our new camper on Wednesday and no it won't look anything like this.
Right after the half day of school we headed out for a weekend of camping. It was a great time.
This is Zena. She had a wonderful time too!
E waving at me on the "Hey" Ride at the campground. She has been wearing my sunglasses lately. She is so funny.
This is what I call camping instyle. When that thing pulled up Friday night...it was awesome. This thing had all kinds of lights that glowed and flickered. We pick up our new camper on Wednesday and no it won't look anything like this. Cheers to a summer full of fun and good times.
If you click on the pictures they will be much bigger.
If you click on the pictures they will be much bigger.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Final Wish
Mom receives her final wish.
Check out the link to the newspaper article about my students Mom. It is touching and heartbreaking. I went to the wake this evening, hugged my little student, told him he looked handsome with his new haircut and suit on, said a prayer for the family, and talked with friends.
Check out the link to the newspaper article about my students Mom. It is touching and heartbreaking. I went to the wake this evening, hugged my little student, told him he looked handsome with his new haircut and suit on, said a prayer for the family, and talked with friends.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Chatty or Just Friendly
It is officially summer vacation and off to go camping this weekend. I am excited!
Yesterday a huge group of us met out for lunch after school and had some good food ( took 2 hours to get our food) and a couple cocktails. We had an inaugural awards ceremony. The categories were from Most Punctual, Most Organized, Most Dramatic, Cleanest and Messiest Desk, Athlete, and Social Butterfly and many more.
There were about 30 people present for the voting and I won an award. The award I was voted for was Social Butterfly! I guess I do talk to much :) Wondering though...is that a good thing or bad thing? Oh well, at least I am outgoing and talking to everyone. At least I didn't win most dramatic or messiest desk!
Cheers to a great weekend ahead.
Yesterday a huge group of us met out for lunch after school and had some good food ( took 2 hours to get our food) and a couple cocktails. We had an inaugural awards ceremony. The categories were from Most Punctual, Most Organized, Most Dramatic, Cleanest and Messiest Desk, Athlete, and Social Butterfly and many more.
There were about 30 people present for the voting and I won an award. The award I was voted for was Social Butterfly! I guess I do talk to much :) Wondering though...is that a good thing or bad thing? Oh well, at least I am outgoing and talking to everyone. At least I didn't win most dramatic or messiest desk!
Cheers to a great weekend ahead.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Passed Away
This afternoon was somber...my student lost his Mom today to ALS. She passed away this afternoon. He was called out of class early to leave immediately. Right then and there I knew what was going on. I didn't want him to know. He was confused as why he was leaving in such a hurry. I just want to give him a big hug.
Tomorrow is our official last day of school. We only attend for 90 minutes. It is usually filled with laughter, autographs, good food, and maybe a short movie.
This year I will have donuts and juice and sharing, but one of our kids will be missing. Not because he is off on a Disney Cruise or a trip to Paris, France. ( Yes, I have 2 students that are doing that). He will be with his siblings, Dad, and family and friends remembering what a great Mom he had. How her final wish was to see her oldest child graduate high school on Sunday. She was wheeled in on a hospital bed so she could hear her son's name being called across the stage and then wheeled back out.
I will let my students know what happened to their friend and why he is not there. We will make him cards and send him our prayers. I hope I am strong.
Tomorrow is our official last day of school. We only attend for 90 minutes. It is usually filled with laughter, autographs, good food, and maybe a short movie.
This year I will have donuts and juice and sharing, but one of our kids will be missing. Not because he is off on a Disney Cruise or a trip to Paris, France. ( Yes, I have 2 students that are doing that). He will be with his siblings, Dad, and family and friends remembering what a great Mom he had. How her final wish was to see her oldest child graduate high school on Sunday. She was wheeled in on a hospital bed so she could hear her son's name being called across the stage and then wheeled back out.
I will let my students know what happened to their friend and why he is not there. We will make him cards and send him our prayers. I hope I am strong.
The End is Here
This is it. The final day of school before we can all shout "School's Out For Summer!!"
I am ready for a break. I am looking forward to lazy days on the patio reading books, getting some sun, and having some iced tea.
I am looking forward to training for the triathlon, races, and half-marathon when it is conveinent for me.
I will not stress over laundry, household chores, and errands, because I will have plenty of time to get things done.
I am looking forward to all of the camping trips we have planned and the new camper we are most likely getting next week if all goes well!!
I am going to miss my class. They are an awesome bunch of kids. I started to get choked up when I was reading an end of the year story to them. I know the tears will flow when I have to say good-bye to them.
I am ready for a break. I am looking forward to lazy days on the patio reading books, getting some sun, and having some iced tea.
I am looking forward to training for the triathlon, races, and half-marathon when it is conveinent for me.
I will not stress over laundry, household chores, and errands, because I will have plenty of time to get things done.
I am looking forward to all of the camping trips we have planned and the new camper we are most likely getting next week if all goes well!!
I am going to miss my class. They are an awesome bunch of kids. I started to get choked up when I was reading an end of the year story to them. I know the tears will flow when I have to say good-bye to them.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Please Mother Nature
This was 2 weeks ago...Memorial Day Weekend.
The weather was great! I was just reminiscing because today it is not even at all nice out. The temperature is 51 degrees and raining. It is June 6th and I am feeling frustrated! I want to have warm weather. Patients are running thin and so is my sanity!!
Having fun on the jumping pillow!
Tubing down the river.
The weather was great! I was just reminiscing because today it is not even at all nice out. The temperature is 51 degrees and raining. It is June 6th and I am feeling frustrated! I want to have warm weather. Patients are running thin and so is my sanity!!
Having fun on the jumping pillow!
Tubing down the river.Ahhh...hopefully soon...PLEASE for my SANITY!!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
5 more days....
I can tell there are 5 more days left of this year at school.
1. Trying to get them to do ANY quality work takes ALOT of bribery. :)
2. I think we need a refresher in the school rules. ( They like to forget there are rules)
3. The lunchroom is like a HUGE sporting event with A LOT of drunks. (LOUD!!!!)
4. The tattling is OUT OF CONTROL!! They are like brother/sisters at this point.
5. I am usually VERY patient at school. I am NOT a yeller...and I SEEM to be RAISING my VOICE a LOT more LATELY!
Thank Goodness it is Thursday....I am so in the mood for Thirsty Thursday. Summer Shandy is calling my name.
I am starting the book The Tenth Circle By Jody Picoult. I love summer and all of the reading I can do!!
1. Trying to get them to do ANY quality work takes ALOT of bribery. :)
2. I think we need a refresher in the school rules. ( They like to forget there are rules)
3. The lunchroom is like a HUGE sporting event with A LOT of drunks. (LOUD!!!!)
4. The tattling is OUT OF CONTROL!! They are like brother/sisters at this point.
5. I am usually VERY patient at school. I am NOT a yeller...and I SEEM to be RAISING my VOICE a LOT more LATELY!
Thank Goodness it is Thursday....I am so in the mood for Thirsty Thursday. Summer Shandy is calling my name.
I am starting the book The Tenth Circle By Jody Picoult. I love summer and all of the reading I can do!!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Tears Flowing
Over Mother's Day weekend my sister's and I went to see the movie Ghosts of Girlfriends Past. While in the theater we saw a preview of the movie My Sister's Keeper. Within minutes of that preview we were all sobbing. So, I decided I would like to read the book before the movie came out.
I picked up a copy of the book and finished it last night. I SOBBED liked crazy. There was a twist in the ending that I NEVER saw coming. For those of you that don't know what it is about, it is about a family whose middle child has a form of leukemia. There youngest daughter was conceived for the purpose of donating her cord blood, but over the years, her sister needed to help her with bone marrow and other types of treatments. The youngest daughter is feeling like she can't live her life because of what their family is going through. The oldest child who is a boy is a rebel and is always getting into trouble. This book had me hooked all the way through. I never thought it would end the way it did. I don't want to spoil it for people who haven't read it. But this book is AMAZING and I hugged and kissed all of my kids last night and will make sure to do so everynight. It makes you appreciate what you have and how quickly things can change.
I can't wait for the movie. I am going to read some more of Jody Picoult's books. I am a HUGE fan of reading, especially during the summer when I have more time. Any suggestions?
I picked up a copy of the book and finished it last night. I SOBBED liked crazy. There was a twist in the ending that I NEVER saw coming. For those of you that don't know what it is about, it is about a family whose middle child has a form of leukemia. There youngest daughter was conceived for the purpose of donating her cord blood, but over the years, her sister needed to help her with bone marrow and other types of treatments. The youngest daughter is feeling like she can't live her life because of what their family is going through. The oldest child who is a boy is a rebel and is always getting into trouble. This book had me hooked all the way through. I never thought it would end the way it did. I don't want to spoil it for people who haven't read it. But this book is AMAZING and I hugged and kissed all of my kids last night and will make sure to do so everynight. It makes you appreciate what you have and how quickly things can change.
I can't wait for the movie. I am going to read some more of Jody Picoult's books. I am a HUGE fan of reading, especially during the summer when I have more time. Any suggestions?
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