Storm Stories

 I will start with Justin, I, and the dogs are all in perfect condition. My nerves are the worst off right now but we are ok.
Yesterday morning I woke up before my alarm when the tornado siren blew. I got up and checked the weather on TV, the morning weather girl clearly did not get her sensationalize all thunderstorm class. She was pretty calm talked about the "squal line" that was 60 miles away from us. I thought ok 60 miles that means I can get at least 30 more minutes of sleep before I need to check again. I went back to bed. For those of you in Oklahoma, and maybe other places... Tornado sirens here blow through the entire county when any part of the county is put under warning. It is very frustrating for me coming from a place where that means you should be able to see a tornado if the siren blows. I tend to disregard them since they are a spring constant, and I will not comment on the sensationalization of any possible rotation in a thunderstorm. These weather men need to get out more often.
So I went to bed, but I pulled the curtain to the side so I could see out and drifted in and out of sleep. It was raining but not hard and not constantly. About 30 minutes later the power went off, another common occurance. That woke Justin up and went to the bathroom. (bedroom in front of house, bathroom in back0 I was considering getting up and deciding on getting in the shower to go to work. The birds had been chirping for a while and the had suddenly stopped so I looked out the window again and there was an all of a sudden weird feeling. The trees were straight up, and then they were sideways blowing in the wind. I grabbed one dog under each arm and was yelling for Justin to go to the basement. I did not know that Justin had the same weird look out the window feeling I had, and he was yelling at me to get the dogs and get to the basement. Our house is not so big that we can't hear each other but we couldn't. So we ran down and he opened the walk out door while I looked out the window. In the time it took us to run 8 feel from the bedroom to the basement we had a backyard full of tree. Very luckily it missed the house completely. Another tree lost its top limbs and some of them hit the gutters and deck, causing minor damage. Another tree on the other side lost a very large branch that also missed the house by less than 5 feet.
Since it seemed that the worst part was over we went back upstairs and in a stunned moment walked around the house like a normal morning. Funny part of the morning: I went to the bathroom to get my glasses, so all these previous details have been in fuzzy vision plus groggy morning brain. When I walked into the kitchen Justin was pouting water into the coffee maker. I said oh are you making coffee, waiting on his respnse of oh yeah the power is out. Instead he turned around and said yeah what else would I be doing. He had already plugged in the coffee maker and was turning it on when he looked at me and started laughing, oh that was a joke, funny you are this early in the morning.
We walked outside, just as the whole neighborhood was coming out for a moment. It was still sprinkling a little so we all yelled we were ok. Our neighbor up the hill had 2 huge trees blocking her house completely from view. Buddy went to check on them and she and her children were all ok. The man from the next house over was ok, and then it started to rain a little harder. I went in to figure out what I was going to do about the day, I was still in get out and go to work mode. Justin was convinced my car would not make it out of the neighborhood so he went to see if he could get out. he didnt make it over the hill (literally less than .1 miles away) and there was the first of many trees blocking the road.
I got my friend Kate on the phone, and luckily she was able to cancel my job for me. Little did I know the reason I could not get anyone at the High School was they had no power either.
Once it stopped raining we went on a trek. Amazing how many neighbors became lumberjacks in a matter of hours yesterday. We went just to explore for a little bit, and ended up all the way at the bottom of the neighborhood just amazed at the devastation. With roads nearly completely blocked it was a constant battle to find the clearest route out or around and obstacle. Many of our neighbors with little children were leaving due to no power. So baby being held, bags and blanket tied everywhere, and just about everyone has dogs so dragging dogs along as well. Insanity is the only way I can think to describe the first 5 hours. At one point there were so many power lines just strewn about that a couple with 2 dogs and a baby had no choice but to let the dogs off leash to get through. We were holding bags and passing babies back and forth over trees and lines for about 30 minutes through one of the harder hit areas the dogs were testing all the power lines making sure they were not live.
At the bottom of the neighborhood we got news of our first fatality. A man cutting a branch off the car of his next door neighbor had a loose branch fall and kill him. The stories we had gathered on the way down of people being trapped in their house that was split in half by a tree, and trees impaling the middle of houses and so far everyone had been safe. But for the death we hear of to be a man helping out was a hard blow.
We walked back up the other side of the circle, and this direction the fire department had started clearing. So although there were trees everywhere and sawdust all over the road we were coming from the direction of civilization so it seemed a little less totally destroyed. The fire department met up with some of our neighbors who were cutting the other direction at about 3:30 in the afternoon and we knew that we could get out. Our next door had started her grill and was cooking everything she had that would possibly go bad and everyone was trying to get enough stuff together for a little block grill party. We were HUNGRY at this point. So with our ability to get out of the neighborhood and our gossip that Publix had a generator we drove down. Luckily they had just gotten a shipment of ice so we grabbed some and some hamburger buns. Since they techincally did not have power they could not sell anything refrigerated. We went back and had our little cook out.
The next big event was the cutting of the 2 trees off the house up the hill. We all stood at the end of the cul-de-sac while 3 men cut and hauled down 2 massive trees. When I say that you could not see the house I literally mean that. It is a typical ranch style 50's home with a carport at the end and flowerbeds out front. From the street all you  could see was tree. When the tree was down her little boy said it looked much better with the tree blocking it. Insightful, but they were lucky as well. The carport was severly damaged, but the car only had the back window broken out. The house will get a new roof, but she said no water got in the house!
As this was winding down the tornado was tormenting Tuscaloosa and Buddy had his weather radio out. When Buddy said head to the basements the family from up the hill came with us, they only have a little basement the little boy told me. He meant the crawl space.
Our basement being the little boy haven that it is about 15 minutes into our dark rainy sit in the basement he looked at me and said this has been the best day ever. I said what do you mean? here were his reasons. First we didn't have to go to school even though mommy said we have to tomorrow if it is open. Then we got to climb on that HUGE tree for a while. And eat burgers for lunch outside. Then we found that snakeskin (yes he found about a 5 foot long snake skin and tormented us with it for at least an hour, but when I told him there were drums in the basement he literally threw it over his shoulder and started walking to the house) and now I get to play drums and throw sticks. I guess for a 7 year old boy that is a pretty fun day!
We went back inside, and this is about the time that phone number one went battery dead. I had an old phone that had a little charge left so I hooked that up and with it dark and really boring we went to bed. It was HOT and quiet and the sky toward the west (Tuskaloosa and downtown B-ham) was red and really eerie. I have seen lots of storms in my life and this was eerie.
This morning was much better I was able to get Justin coffee before he woke from the generator powered grocery store. We did some clearing and some more walking around. yesterday I had noticed some pretty big cracks in the ground surround one of our larger trees. This morning they were bigger. This tree sits very close to the septic tank that we just had replaced and lines replaced on. It smells over there now. So Justin went out looking for people to give an estimate on getting the tree out of the yard, and getting this tree down. Since the septic tank has been compromised insurance should pay for it so that is helpful. The tree in the yard he thinks is more questionable. It does have a branch on the deck, but has not caused any damage there so depending on the adjustor they may or most likely may not pay.
Justin's parents got power on at their house today so we made the short trip over to return to civilization. I need my Royal Wedding fix for sure. Estimates for our power to return are around 3 weeks. We will have to see how this all goes...
I don't know what happened in our neighborhood, but all the stories I heard were of last second (literally) getting out of the way before the trees fell on beds and cribs. There are a few homes in our part of the neighborhood with pretty severe damage, but just down the next step of the hill there is more than one house split in 2 peices to the ground.
So many things to be thankful about today, and so many to be thoughful about.

One week away from my goal

Well BirthMonth is on the downhill slide, and my 20's are seriously lacking the longevity I always knew they would present. All I can do is say wow what a decade!
Lets see if I can hit some high points...
The day I turned 20 I had a serious breakdown. Really, I am taking the whole end of the 20's better than I did the end of my teenage years. When I turned 20 I thought it was time to grow up and be responsible, if you knew me then you know I needed a few more years before I could say I obtained a sense of responsibility.

My first trip abroad in the last decade was when I studied abroad at Harlaxton College. (again with the responsibility, or lack there of) I met some of my very best friends there and got to know some friends better. Nothing like a study abroad experience to make for life long friendships. I cannot imagine my life without those experiences in class, school, and life. Oh the places you will go: England, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Holland, Lichtenstein, and Greece but listing the countries does not begin to explain the places I experienced along the way.
Quickly upon my arrival back in the states, well 3 days later, I had my 21st birthday. A milestone in any young American's life, with the exception that I had lived in England for the past 4 months. I did go ahead and partake as any student on their 21st birthday though.
That summer was a doozie back in Checotah, then off to start my senior year at Baker U. What a good time and not just saying this but lots of studying. The was the year the library opened back up on campus and we sure did enjoy the "view". I had a few friends who just hung out there and while there were still people coming in and out spent our time socializing, only after everyone else was sleeping did we begin our homework.
Begin 2003: Over spring break I made another trip to London and this time went alone. I did go to visit some friends in Grantham and at Harlaxton as well as make new friends in London. I did some research at Lords Cricket Grounds for my capstone paper and really learned a lot about my topic, no matter what my overall grade reflected.
That summer was a very relaxing time, from the pool to baseball games with my friend John. We ended with a cross country road trip to California, and what a journey.
Fall back to school (everyone needs that little extra bit of time in college to wrap things up) it was different with half of my class gone and working. I lucked out and had a great place to live and friends who were willing to keep me company off campus. This last semester is filled with so many memories of good times weekend afternoons with Jimi, the Halloween parties, and football games.
2003 is most famous in family for the people we lost, and what a journey that became. The end of a generation on both the Hey and Meador side of my family left in same year, only Aunt Ivy made it to 2004.
So 2004 brought even more exciting travel and new friends. I was honored to have the opportunity to live and work at Pax Lodge in London. For those of you who do not know what this is a brief synopsis is that the World Association of Girl Guide and Girl Scouts have 4 World Centers, Our Chalet in Switzerland, Our Cabana in Mexico, Sangam in India, and finally Pax Lodge in London. Each different center provides a different experience for young ladies to come and partake in. London serves as the urban experience that is closely related to Lord and Lady Baden Powell and the beginnings of scouting. As an 18 year old girl I came for a week and learned a lot from the volunteers that kept the Lodge running. I could not believe I was going to be a part of providing the same experience for other young ladies across the world.

While here I worked and played among some of the most amazing women I will ever meet. The dedication and motivation I have taken from these women have changed my life. Today in church our pastor mentioned having as few as 5 life changing moments per person. Most people mention things like falling in love, getting married and having children. Spending time at Pax Lodge and forming life long friendships with women from every corner of the globe ranks above anything to this point in my life. I knew it would be fun, but I had no idea I would develop an affinity for Springbok rugby, Japanese culture, Canadian weather, Swedish animal sounds, and Russian-well Russians. The ways I changed are innumerable and I wish I could thank the people who made it possible more often.

It had to end and upon my return to the states I quickly gathered my things for the next big move to Dallas. My friend Jimi and I were ready to start a new life and move around in a new environment. The 1.5 years in the apartment saw much and participated in much including the takeover from Hurricane Katrina, we even had our own FEMA refugee in the form of friend Andrea.  (She was not really a Katrina refugee)
I was able to spend tons of time with my nephew Jenson and be in the same city when little brother Ian cam along 2 years later. Tuesdays with the boys became a regular thing and I really enjoyed the time with family in Dallas.
I was soon transferred to Oklahoma and closer to my hometown. My brother and sister-in-law soon returned north with the boys so I still was able to spend time with them and enjoy the boys growing up. I added a new member to my family when I got Cricket from the Claremore Animal Shelter. She was so sweet in her kennel just looking up at me, she fit most of the requirements I had for my new dog and she has enriched my life in ways I could not imagine.
On a routine business trip to Dallas my life would change again, this time in a way I could never have expected. More on the second half of this decade in life tomorrow!

April 19, 1995

There are not many things I remember about 8th grade. I remember that I was really into playing trombone, and was pretty good if I may pat myself on the back. I can name my teachers, but that is not unique, I am pretty sure that I can name all my teachers from kindergarten on up. I have pictures that remind me of who my friends were throughout the year, and I had those friends who were around always. We got to go to the Omniplex one day, was that in May? I wore a skort to 8th grade graduation, but I may only remember that because of all the pictures.
Hmmmm, well April 19, 1995 has lots of details, details not related to any other day of the year.
Second Period, Coach Tanner, in the portable room outside Longfellow Junior High. He was my first teacher crush, and may I say good taste for an 8th grader. Who knows what we were learning after all it was a coach/teacher and this was not the "advanced class" with Mrs. Slinkard, they had a research paper, we didn't. An announcement was made that a bombing had happened in OKC at the federal building. We didn't get many details and being in the portable we didn't have a television hooked up. We had to pull in one of the TV carts and get it set up before learning any details.
I remember Dawna was in this class, a young lady known for drama. She immediately began hysterical crying. Before I say the next thing I want to be clear: I grew up in Checotah, OK population 3,500 on a good day in summer. Most people who raise children in Checotah do so because they were raised in Checotah. The people in my kindergarten class are for the most part the same people I graduated with 12 years later. Not a whole lot of population shifting in so people who moved in were rare. Dawna was one of those students. She had family in town, through marriage, so they moved from the OKC area to Checotah. When Dawna started crying I could not understand the problem, once she got herself under control we realized she had family members who worked in different federal agencies. And the announcement only said that there had been a bombing in a federal building.

Once Coach Tanner got a TV set up, and Dawna sent to the counselor's office, we began to see the tragedy unfold.
It was when the TV prompted people to think about the families that are in areas of OKC surrounding the blast that I realized my brother was there. He had gone to OKC for TSA state conference and who knows where the event he is participating in is located. As the details of how strong the blast was, and all the glass that had broken in buildings for blocks around, panic began to set in. In 8th grade I was so self centered I had forgotten to think about my own brother.
I now felt so bad about even starting to laugh about Dawna's immediate hysterics. Again, 8th grade provides me some excuse for my behavior.
My brother was in his hotel room, 7 miles from the explosion. To be more specific he was in the bathroom (I always thought that was funny, again 8th grader funny) and they were not sure what had happened at first. The hotel thought maybe a car had hit the building, it registered a 3 on the Richter scale so no small earthquake for Oklahoma.
I also remember the Daily Oklahoman on the anniversary providing updates of the injured children. Even as an 8th grader and 9th grader I knew that I did not want to have hundreds of surgeries to reconstruct my body, skin, and life.
Through tragedy comes hope: or something like that. It seems so senseless that things like this have to happen to bring hope, it really feels like we as human beings could extract hope from life in ways that does not require so much death, destruction, and devastation.
I don't remember the specific lesson plan Coach Tanner was going to teach that day, or and lesson plan from 8th grade in specific. I know that I learned things from my teachers, and that their well planned lesson plans provided me the building blocks for 9th grade and beyond. The one lesson I took from 8th grade is to find hope from everyday life, not to require wake up moments to remind me of hope and the joy of everyday.
Despite this I do recommend visiting this website: Interactive OKC info it has really great interactive stuff to look at and shows a lot of stuff (for lack of a better word, sorry for the vague nature of stuff). The intro is really cool to watch, and worth the 30 seconds or whatever it takes.

The Survivor Tree

I know this if really off topic from my usual I had a great run today posts, but I asked every class today if they knew what happened on this day in 1995. They know this is what I do, I ask this day in history questions. Usually someone gets it pretty fast, or at least guesses well. I gave them that it happened in my home state of Oklahoma, the date, and to some classes I mentioned it was the worst terrorist attack on US soil before 2001. Not a single class knew this. The closest was a girl who said it was the Oklahoma City shooting, I asked "Shooting?" and she busied herself doing homework. When I said "Bombing?" she gave the teenage answer, "that is what I meant." I was devastated. This is their lifetime, and although it was very early lifetime for them still in their lifetime. Devastated actually does not describe how I felt and needed an outlet, thanks for making it to the end.

12 miles down, 13.1 to go

Well yesterday I did it, my final long training run. And I can't express how great it felt, I kept a pretty good pace and enjoyed running, don't worry I still have plenty of miles to put in before this half but this is the last time I increase mileage until the 30th. The only thing I can say for myself is I hope this girl shows up in 2 weeks for the real race.
This past week was a great week, the weather cooperated with my running needs, although we had rain I managed to run on the dry days. It has been nice outside without getting as hot as a few weeks ago.  On Tuesday I was running along and a man came up and said I was running a good pace and just ran along with me for a while. It was helpful in a few ways, first he has run the same half I am running and had some advice on that. He also had running advice in general always welcome. Next, he kept me running that the pace I was going. I won't say there is no way I would have kept that up for sure, but there is a really good chance I was about to slow down and he really kept me going. Finally, he was an interesting person. Currently planning a trip to India for some mission work there, and has been all over for mission trips. Just when I was about to get bored with the conversation he turned around and went back. I have to admit Saturday I was hoping someone would save me again but managed to keep myself entertained.
In other life news: We have been preparing for a garage sale next weekend. YES I am aware that it is the day before Easter, but who knows maybe you will find you newer Easter dress! If you live in B-ham you should make an appearance. There will be tons of good stuff, and well while I am saying that I might as well drop the next bomb. I don't want to get ahead of myself again but it looks like there is a move underway from Far Hill Circle in the very near future. Details soon, but I am really excited about the possibilities that this presents to us and to growing up and creating a great future. So really come by this garage sale, it will be good (hopefully)

Cricket and Zimmie have been enjoying the weather in turns on the front porch. One dog goes out at a time, and I will compare this to small children who do not want a toy until their friend is playing with it. We stay close to the door to let one in while the other catches some rays and about 5 minutes later switch. I should start going out with them since my skin is still a very winter white. Despite all the time I spend outside running I am neither any thinner nor any tanner. It is a serious concern. (hand goes to mouth to eat more) Oh right that appetite of mine is out of control no wonder I am not losing any inches.

There are not tons of list items left with pictures to take so for fun here are a few randoms just for fun! I am off to write some graduation cards and a birthday card for a special friend.

Dad with the bride, Cousin Melissa

This is a great shot of me, Aunt Kathy (who said make a face) and Scott (seriously why do I make faces for pictures?)

Ian on his special day. These kids wear their Auburn stuff around me all the time!

 

Jenson and his baby sister Maren Jane in August

Cricket with her rawhide lollipop

Zimmie sitting pretty

Jenson this summer hanging out

Graduation cards: DONE!

Well I find myself halfway through birthmonth, just to catch up on the list.

22. Make a summer decision about work

21. Figure out a budget to get through the summer

18. Complete a puzzle

17. Wish an old friend Happy Birthday

15. Remind myself why I am doing these things.

14. Get the sewing machine out of the basement

12. Spend the better part of a day cyber stalking all things Royal Wedding and prepare DVR

11. Call Scott

9. Start riding for Free Wheel

8. Start graduation cards

7. Clear out and organize basement closet

6. Donate unwanted clothes/shoes

5. Enjoy Easter and celebrate the life I am living

4. Write rec letters for Tri Delta girls

2. Reflect on accomplishments in my first 30 years.

1. FINISH THE ROCK N ROLL HALF MARATHON


There is more than half of the list to complete, holy cow and I thought I had really been working hard on getting stuff done. As my previous posts indicate I did get a little sidetracked with the porch clean up, I guess I need to delegate some of that off on The BF.
More to come later today!

April 8? WHAT?

Find a penny, pick it up, the rest of the day you'll have good luck.

My new mascot

Well I have a query for you dear reader: if I found a quarter does that mean I have good luck for the next 25 days? Well I guess I am not really asking that question... I often stop while running and pick up pennies, put them in my shoe, and use the rest of my run to think what I want to test my new found good luck on. Today when I spotted a quarter I was beside myself, well not really I find it hard to be beside myself and in the same spot at the same time. Anyway. I got to thinking, if you get one days worth of luck for a penny I bet I can get 25 days of luck for a quarter, and that means not only do I have a good run today (actually it is a little muggy out) but for the rest of the month including; you guessed it, the end goal half marathon! Hurrah! My little mascot will get me though, now to find a place where he will not be spent. He looks like he has had a rough life, being a homeless quarter for some time out on the streets he has taken a beating so he should stand out amid the other quarters to be spent. More on his status later!

Anyway: How does time get away from me so fast? I have tried to busy myself, and had no shortage of things to do, but dear readers (reader as I am sure there is only one of you) this has made writing about the goings on harder.As you can tell from the intro here my mind does not need much to get going on a distraction, and distractions abound when you are at home all day with incomplete to do lists!
I will start at the top of the week, Monday. I subbed that day for the golf coach. It is getting really fun to sub for him as I am getting to know the kids and class dynamics better. He also entrusts in me a lesson or at least something to do instead of stare at kids who are staring at a movie. Don't get me wrong I like an easy day as much as the next sub, but the last easy day I had I got to watch the second half of a movie five times which is great and all but I have not seen the first half at all. Anyway, Monday we reviewed for a test on the Cold War, one of my favorite historical events. I think I like the Cold War so much because I used to be obsessed with Austin Powers and when I was in college doing my first presentation for Oral Comm class I presented on the Cold War using a clip from Austin Powers to get the class interested. That teacher later invited me to join her Toastmasters group; she loved me! I thank the Cold War, and strangely Austin Powers (she called it a good hook, pats self of back). Needless to say it was fun to review all that stuff with the classes and I hope they did well on their test. Monday I also went on a run on a new trail! Lakeshore trail was fun and best of all FLAT! We are going back tomorrow for the 11 miler (these numbers are getting scary).

Tuesday morning, no sub jobs. Plenty of work to take care of around the house! First thing was to get my taxes in the mail. I am used to not getting my K-1 from the family farm until late, but for some reason this year I had everything together and when I got the K-1 I just spaced out on getting it sent in. So finally completed the taxes and got them sent to the accountant. I vow every year to do better and sooner next year maybe I should just let go and do it when I get time instead of making a big deal, I will let you know how that goes next year.
Next to do-Since I had powerwashed the front of the house the windows needed some TLC. So the BF and I jumped in the car and headed to the local hardware store. I love this place and if you click on that link you can see some pictures of it innocently sitting on the corner just below The Summit, talk about worlds collide! Anyway we went in and our helper informed me that I do not want to caulk windows but glaze them. I did not know what this meant, but I figured he is the expert (again I love this place) so home again with a tub of window glaze and a chisel head scraper thing.

Love the half re-painted archway!  Love my PowerWasher more!

Reminder to the reader-this is a part of the spruce up the front porch project gone MAD! I powerwashed the paint off the windows in places, semi accidentally, and then realized that in fact the window glass did not have a water tight seal around the frame. I thought-caulk gun and go- but learned something here. Glazing is actually not all that hard just clean out the space, fill with glaze on scraper so no water can sit on ledge, let dry for a while, come back and smooth with finger, done. Well then paint. Sounds like work but I love being outside and accomplishing. The first window I was warned would take some time to get used to the process so it can look a little bit bad while you work out the kinks. My first window might look the best of any of the windows-It should do-That first window took me at least an hour to just get all settled in.

Pre-glaze removal

Post-glaze removal

Again with post you can see a little of the old glaze left. This is what this window looked like after washing, not water tight!

The set of windows, mucho work-o!

From the street you can almost not notice any of the goings on. The irises are so pretty this year they catch the eye first.

Tuesday and Wednesday were both consumed with my window project. When I finished the big can of glaze (again good advice on getting the big can instead of the smaller one) I was on the last of the front windows. After that I went in and filled some of the spots where the powerwasher has powered a little to close and blasted the wood a little bit. This may have been the best part of the project in all. The sun was shining and the dogs were barking (the real dogs, not my feet) I am sure there were birds chirping anyway it was nice outside and I just got to enjoy. Wednesday I went for a run after taking the girls to the park. The BF and I walked for a while and he left to go home with the dogs and I ran back! I like running home from places as long as it is not to far and I don't die of thirst first (rhyme time).

Thursday I was excited to get to paint and see the culmination of all the work I had done on the way to completion. No matter what shabby things I notice in the front of the house I am done with this project (I think) completion is the goal. I went to the basement and located the trim paint, went outside and checked on my glaze only to find out it is not dry yet. Never fear I did manage to take care of one more thing (OK one more part of the project).  Our storm door is now a matching trim color instead of being a dingy bright white. I know that no one even noticed our mismatched door but as a wise friend told me that once you fix one thing it makes you notice how shabby everything else looks in comparison. Life's lessons learned the hard way, oh well it has kept be occupied. Hopefully after this weekend I can update these pictures (again I know) with the FINAL final front porch spruce up pictures!

Friday is back to school! Today is fun the kids are taking a quiz and then playing scrabble (English class) it is fun to watch them play and choose words! I think I could take some of the in words with friends (if I played words with friends) due to a full board of 3 letter words with a token 4 letter winner! It is fun to see some of the students I had last year, and earlier this year in AP Psychology, again and see them in different environments. It can and does totally change some of the kids personality to have a different friend in class with them!

Well I guess that is all for this week! Goodness I feel like I have been so much busier than this seems, but then again maybe not! I am constantly working on the same list item and not getting to the new ones, I need to get focused as this month is getting away from me faster than I can handle. Puzzle time must come soon, maybe a rainy day in my future?

April 3rd

Countdown to birthday: 27
Therefore I am running a half marathon in 27 days. I have some work to do before the day gets here! Both running and to complete my list items, man I don't even want to think about it!

So better to re-cap the day than mull on the things to do! It started like almost all Sundays: CBS Sunday Morning. I know it may be lame but I love that show! "Until then I will see you on the radio." That is just great TV. Then, turn to Disaster DIY, again I love this show but of course for different reasons. This is also the time Cricket and I bond on the couch (OK not the only time of the week but this is our special time together) she cuddles under the blanket and I only get up if I have to refill my tea mug.

My little cuddle buddy obviously not on Sunday mornings!

Then up and ready for church. Of my ladies who sit behind me only one was there this week, but she is the one who always says how nice I look in some way. She makes me feel so good about myself, I kind of wish I could bring her home sometimes! I really do love those ladies!

When I got home our 4 year old neighbor was out in the front yard hitting golf balls (of the plastic variety). We played outside for a while and then he followed me and and we hung out inside. He is so funny! Makes me miss my niece and nephews to hang out with a fun little one. We left him on our way to get the new powerwasher. Then my day really began!

The BF commented, 3 hours into my powerwashing, that I was just like a kid with a new toy. DUH! It was really fun, and it gives such immediate results that it is somehow addictive to just keep washing stuff. The idea at first was the front of the house: gutters, windows, porch, and facade. I had a feeling the windows were going to need painting but I was hoping that there would not be to much caulking to do. Unfortunately it has become clear that I (we) need to caulk the windows before it gets to hot.
All in all it has been a fun day. Tomorrow, a good longer run and teaching.

Have a good day!

New Idea

So as my 14 year old neighbor and I are hanging out watching the Final Four game she kept asking me questions about life, I kept telling her to just read my blog. Then I read her the list and she made me laugh out loud with the perfect logic. She commented on the fact that I should be able to accomplish all the stuff on the list. I mean, I wrote the list I hope that I can accomplish them before I turn 30.
Then she came up with the best idea ever, well, she says, I mean some of the stuff like enjoy the rain if it didn't rain then you couldn't turn 30. (I subtracted the "like" that follows every other word so reading that sentence does not make sense but read it with as many likes as you need to turn the sentence into a 14 year old comment.)
So what shes telling me is if I don't complete all the list items then I will not have to get to my birthday, interesting concept. Shame I put things on the list that I actually want to accomplish.

Moving forward in the conversation she told me I am welcome to quote her, and while I am at it have some Belvedere Vodka. To much Chelsea Handler for this young one. She has not listed all the alcoholic drinks she has had or wants to have... Interesting conversation I am participating in. "So like, yeah just put that."

Day 2 of Birth Month

Flipping through the April calendar, on to day two and wow what a morning!
It all started with an 8K through downtown Birmingham. Amazingly fun, and seriously I learned a lot about downtown. I love downtown areas, right across the street from a homeless mission is a huge re-furbed warehouse with office space. Then some really cute little parks, the original Levy's and Brombergs, the Museum of Art, McWane Center, and of course the finish at Railroad Park.
With a few exceptions for my running buddy's blisters we ran the course. Afterward I took a few laps at the park to get a few more miles in, but soon was woo-ed by the promise of snacks and just went to the finish line and hung out while the winners got awards.
It was a great morning in all, well until I got home to shower. I had a little incident getting the shower and  now have a huge swollen bruise on my left leg. Way to go get a fall in at some point today. I have also had a death in my kitchen, I have been addicted to smoothies lately and today, after washing the blender I cracked the bottom part. When I was putting in my ingredients they just started pouring out the bottom. I got one more delicious smoothie and soon I will need another blender. 

While the 1 mile fun run was waiting to begin, they had music for the kids to dance to and one little boy caught my eye. He was wearing a boot on one foot and was still dancing around, then I noticed he was wearing a race number. I commented that kid earned his boot, and there is reason he is there about to run a mile! Smart parents!

This afternoon has been way more relaxed and now time for Final Four games. The BF's parents came over to watch with us and brought deepdish pizza for the boys and some delicious more thin crust for the girls. Off to dinner and games!

BIRTH MONTH

To all my people born in April, Happy Birth Month!

I hope you are all ready and excited to celebrate all month with me!

Random Fact: I always compalined as a kid that the April birthstone was the diamond. I always said how boring, it is clear. Why can't I have something pretty like a ruby, garnet, or jade? After my time at DDD I always wanted pearls and now think that they are my favorite. Thinking back maybe the real reason I didn't like my birthstone is they are not something that you typically get as a 10 year old for your birthday: At least not in Checotah. I had never owned a diamond and therefore thought they were boring and for boring people. Today I am wearing my pearl earings with the little diamond sidecar and I must say they really jazz up a pearl!


Quick April joke for you: If April Showers bring May Flowers, what do May Flowers bring?


Hint:

It has been a while!

30. Start a blog (about the list that this task is on)

29. Visit the Rocket Center in Hunstville

28. Substitute every day possible, including half days.

27. Plant flowers and clean up front porch area
Well despite all the setbacks and extras the front porch has finally made it to spring! I am going to purchase a power washer and then post new pics! The original goal has been accomplished!

26. Enjoy the rain, remind yourself that you love spring! (not only because it is the season of your birth)
This one has been really tough this week. I have been couped up in the house trying to get my runs in and the rain has really messed with my mojo. Yesterday for example it was so cold I ran 5 miles and was shivering it was so cold and cloudy. Boo cold, come on spring rains!

25. Choose a Lenten offering and really consider the meaning of Lent.

24. Update my facebook status more often
As much as I try I go through phases on this one. I am trying though I promise!

23. Re-format my resume and send to Mr. Hulin. Make this a weekly email!
News in a week or so may make this obsolete, but I am going to send the email again just to keep my options open for next year.

22. Make a summer decision about work
Wow! I never knew this was going to be so hard. If only it consisted of choosing a job to do this summer and doing it I would feel accomplished. Life has a way of making hard things that should not be.

21. Figure out a budget to get through the summer

20. Visit with family at Melissa's wedding, take lots of pictures
Wedding attended. It was really fun and Melissa looked great. The pictures got a little out of hand. Once one person pulled out a camera 10 came out and since our family so rarely sees each other I did not come home with a ton of pics but I do feel accomplished in being in a ton! Maybe I will get some copies of them. BTW there are only 2 of me. In one I am making a face, thanks Aunt Kathy for suggesting faces and then not makeing one yourself. The other is a good one of me and Aunt Jill.

19. Run a new trail or park
I feel like I am always running new trails, adding miles on the the ones I have been doing. BUT the purpose of this was to go to a new place and run for the first time. I have been going to Spain Park and running there and that could count since the only time I had been there before was to walk. This weekend though my training partner and I are running an 8K downtown and then I will feel like I can officially mark this off!

18. Complete a puzzle
I really should get started on this one! I love doing puzzles and have purchased a few at Goodwill to do at the beach lately. I always have to come home before they get done so I am anxious to do one at home so I don't have to pack it up as soon as I begin.

17. Wish an old friend Happy Birthday

16. Clean the "office"
I felt so accomplished after this I kind of forgot that I needed to keep going on other list items indoors. More to come, this is the room my sewing machine will come to!

15. Remind myself why I am doing these things.
This one is really important this week. I have struggled with running this week mentally. Like I mentioned earlier the weather was bad, and I have just been out of the mood. I have not gotten much accomplished in the evenings or during the day on my days off and I need to remember that these things are all things I want to finish and be able to say I have done by my birthday. Keep on pushing, I will keep this list item in my mind while running tomorrow.

14. Get the sewing machine out of the basement
Oh complications of life. Well I was planning on cleaning out the basement closet and the being able to bring the sewing machine upstairs. BUT before I will get to clean out the closet I will have to clean up the mess created by our septic tank flooding! (No worries I know this is really gross) So no details on that, but maybe a delay on this one and #7.

13. Write letters to my friends letting them know how important they are to me.

12. Spend the better part of a day cyber stalking all things Royal Wedding and prepare DVR
Well I have managed to get less excited about Royal Wedding so I am giving myself a little time off to get re-excited. Give me a week!

11. Call Scott and Jeff just to chat
I was so lucky I go to see Scott at the wedding so I will call later this month. I have to save something til the last minute.

10. Have a really hard conversation

9. Start riding for Free Wheel
I got some new shorts, go padded butt shorts. So awkward when not on a bicycle.

8. Start graduation cards

7. Clear out and organize basement closet
See above (#14)

6. Donate unwanted clothes/shoes
Or plan a clothing exchange followed by garage sale. Must begin planning for this, this weekend.

5. Enjoy Easter and celebrate the life I am living

4. Write rec letters for Tri Delta girls
I have started to collect resume and info sheets. Good luck girls.
On a side note yesterday after my shivering cold run I put on my DDD sweatshirt and went to the grocery store. While there this lady kept walking past and smiling at me. Finally when she was behind us in line she said I was a Tri Delt at Auburn. I love it!

3. Keep applying for positions with foundations that support my values
This is an ongoing goal and I have continued this so I will mark it all the way off, but will stay honest to the ongoing part.

2. Reflect on accomplishments in my first 30 years.
Talk about your last minute need.

1. FINISH THE ROCK N ROLL HALF MARATHON
Who can say, SCARED about this now. After my less than stellar run yesterday I am really stressed about finishing. Hopefully the 8K this weekend gets my mojo back. and by mojo I mean confidence.