As 2009 comes to a close

What a year!

There have certainly been some major ups and downs this year, but when I look back on them, they have all made me a better person.

I definitely went through a slump with training, but have picked it back up x10! I've started building a training plan for Eagleman 70.3 in June and am getting really excited. I think what excites me the most is being able to dedicate as much time as possible because it's just me. I don't have a significant other to split my time up with, or anyone to report to at my house. It's just me. And for the first time in my life, this is a huge positive. I think I'm going to learn the most about myself in the next 6 months. I can't wait.

We just had a HUGE snow here in Baltimore and I can't even remember the last time this much was dumped on us. Us teachers all have our fingers crossed for a day off tomorrow. It would be great. Being trapped in my house yesterday and today have been the most well needed days off from the real world, it couldn't have come at a better time. I've cooked, cleaned, put in 30 miles a day on my bike in the trainer, shoveled, dug my car out, listened to music and just laid around. Perfect.

Christmas is this week and for all those out there that celebrate - Merry Christmas! For my Jewish friends, Happy Hanukkah.

I believe I'm going to watch Life is Beautiful now.

Photo of the Week

I've decided I'm getting back into Photography. To encourage myself, I'm going to post a "photo of the week" each week. This week, my subject is Oliver. This photo was taken in the dark, with a digital SLR camera. The flash was bounced off the ceiling.

The power of words.

It's amazing how words can affect your entire day.

One of my students has had a life I can't even begin to imagine. He's in a safe space now, but struggles with flashbacks and other behavioral issues. After having a rough bus ride in, the morning continued to be hard. When he finally was consequenced with going to a quiet environment within the building for a few periods, he was not a happy person.

After yelling he didn't do anything wrong, he came within 5 inches of my face and screamed "I hate you!" then pulled his glasses off and crushed them into the carpet. I could feel my heart just sink. It was a personal attack against my soul. I was crushed, but had to maintain a flat affect the entire time and not show it.

I adore this kid. I love him to pieces and try to do what I can daily to help him battle what he emotionally deals with. So do the staff in my classroom. But to replay the scene in my head over and over again, just makes me sad. Another day in the life of Post Traumatic Stress.

KT review

Alright... here it goes. 10 miles. ZERO pain! It worked! I can't believe it. Attached is a photo of how I taped it. I found it on YouTube. I couldn't believe how it eliminated my pain. After I taped it, I could tell it was doing something. I felt slight warmth on the area right on the side of my knee cap. This is where the tape was stretched to create blood flow in the area.


PS - I did have running shorts on!! = )

KT tape

Tomorrow I'm going to try something new. KT tape for my IT band flare up. Should be an interesting experiment....

I've also started my Runner's Core Routine workout again. Hopefully that'll help with my hip strength and IT band strength.

Review to be posted soon!

Meet Oliver

Today at work, I did a fantastic job of baiting several baby mice in my room. While I've only successfully caught one, hopefully the rest will be waiting tomorrow. Welcome to Fall, Maryland.

I also picked up a new friend today. When I got home from work, I decided to take a little trip to the SPCA. Wow, is it hard to be in there.

Needless to say, I found a friend... and after spending time with him... I decided I'd like to add this little guy to my household. This is Oliver. He's 3 months old.... and already fitting in like man of the house.

It's been a long time...

Almost a month to be exact from my last post. A ton has happened since then. Work has been going smoothly, as a matter of fact in January, I will be moving from teaching Writing to Art. I can't wait. Along with teaching Art 3 days a week, I'll run the Artisans program where the students make trivets, soaps and lotions to sell in small local stores in Baltimore. I'm really looking forward to it.

Settlement was last Friday - therefore I am officially a home owner!!!!!! I spent all day Saturday picking out some furniture, then Sunday finished packing up my stuff. Monday morning we were all set to move. It's been great. For now, it's just Artie and I. (the rabbit) I'm seriously missing Abby and have decided I will wait until January to evaluate the dog situation. I've had a dog my entire life... I really miss it and it's only been 4 days! Thankfully one of the best shelters around happens to be up the street! I may see an adoption in my future.

I also picked up a new part time job. I gave up family training (although the money was great, it wasn't worth the hassle) and was hired by one of Baltimore BEST running stores. Falls Road Running Store. I've worked one shift, met Bart Yasso and am scheduled to work the Expo next Thursday and Friday for the Baltimore Marathon. Being in the city, I've discovered there are lots of running groups down here - more for the social aspect, so I'm really looking forward to that too. Can't wait to meet some new people.