Best Friends

My friend, Ann, ran in her first ever marathon on Sunday!!! She finished the Marine Corps Marathon and is still walking to tell about it! While she and her husband were off traveling, running, and traveling some more; Pattie and I had the pleasure of keeping their 5 month old Chloe. We have decided that Pattie and Chloe are best friends! They played nonstop from 5:30 Friday afternoon until 7:30 Monday night! If they were awake, they were playing! There was only one accident in the house all weekend which is pretty good for two distracted puppies! These two girls had to play inside Friday night because of the rain, but Saturday afternoon had the whole yard to run and play! After breakfast with Becca Saturday, I stopped to pick up a few pansies, mums, and a pumpkin. I had an extra garden flag stand so I purchased an inexpensive Fall garden flag. The girls ran around in the yard while I did some gardening. I love coming home now to extra Fall colors! We taught Chloe all about the chuckit and the word "drop". Sunday afternoon and again that evening they enjoyed chasing each other. By Sunday night, they were both curled up together! Pattie was sad to see her friend go, but knows she'll be seeing her again.

Fall Fest

Sunday was a beautiful Fall day and was beautifully spent with friends! After church and letting the dogs out to play, I headed over to Crystal's house. Once everyone was awake and ready, we headed to Panera Bread for lunch. The sun was shining, there was a slight breeze, and the company was great making for a wonderful day to enjoy lunch outside on the patio. After eating, we went to a local church for their pumpkin patch/Fall festival. We met up with Maggie, Miles, and Liam. The boys had a blast! Kids were set in every "posed" position possible making for cute pictures! There was live music, games, hayrides, face painting, and a baby goat to pet. It was a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

Breakfast with Becca

Friday afternoon my friends Becca, Gabe, and their son Waver came "back home" for a wedding. They moved back to Florida this summer and I have certainly been missing them! I told her I would drive where ever needed to see them even if it's for 10 minutes! We were originally thinking that we would meet up sometime around lunch but she called me at 8:30 and said to come meet them for breakfast around 9:00. So, I jumped in the shower and headed that way! We ate at Sunny Point Cafe and man was it tasty! This was my first time there and hopefully will not be my last! This was another breakfast that ranks high on the list...right up there with the one that Gabe made us after the Hot Chocolate Race last year! So good to see them and express my happiness as they found out they are pregnant again!!! Another cutie pie is on the way!
The rest of the day I spent in the yard. I planted some mums and pansies, put up my new fall garden flag, pulled weeds, and finally mowed the tall grass! The yard looks great! Pattie and Chloe ran around the yard while I was playing in the dirt. I put them up while I mowed so afterwards I threw the chuckit for them. We introduced Chloe to running, fetching, and drop!

I'm Alive

Last weekend while I was enjoying a glass of wine and gabbing at Kathryn's house, this song came on. Kathryn told me about it, but I didn't really listen to the words then. However, I heard it a few times as I've been burning up the highway since last weekend. It has such wonderful lyrics that were too good not to share.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfuMecxRfFo&feature=related

Breakfast

After arriving home around 1 in the morning, we let out a very energetic Pattie! I ran around in the house with her for a bit before getting ready for bed. I know she was ready to play, but we were all worn out! So, we finally turned out the lights a little after 1:30 and I don't think moved until 7:25 this morning when I got a text from my brother. I thought it was my alarm going off at my house! That's how tired I was! It worked out great because Laura and Grant had come into town to see Grant's parents. Laura asked if anyone was able to meet for breakfast. I had forgotten to set an alarm so the message worked out great. Mom, Kyle, Laura, and I met up at Panera Bread for some muffins, coffee, and lots of catching up. Kyle had to head back to work, but the three of us stayed at least another hour just chatting away. What a great way to start the day! It just made me that much more ready to relax with family at Thanksgiving.

Free Game

Last Thursday, a parent said he had 4 free tickets to the Carolina game. I have had the pleasure of teaching all three of their kids now that their youngest is in my room. So, throughout the years they have learned that I am a big Carolina fan. When he first asked, I said to let me think about it because I would have to take off work. However, I made it down the hallway before turning around and telling him how stupid would I be to pass up free tickets!!! So, he made a few calls and the tickets were in my hand Tuesday morning!
I took a half day Thursday afternoon, swung back by the house to get Pattie then headed to my parents house. There was a wreck on the interstate, so we ended up sitting in traffic for an hour. I don't think I've ever turned off my car and gotten out before. I walked Pattie around letting her explore and potty before we were able to take off again. We finally made it to Rural Hall, unloaded Pattie, mom played with her in the backyard, put her in the crate, then we took off for Chapel Hill!!!
These tickets came with a parking pass which turned out to be a pretty good location for getting in and out of the game. After arriving and finding a spot, we met up with some people that dad works with who have been tailgating at Carolina games for many years now. They had the setup complete with food and beer. They had Carolina tent, chairs, rugs, napkins, salt/pepper shakers, hand sanitizer, etc.., etc. This was perfect because I hadn't eaten since 10:50 that morning! We did a little walking to the game and practically jogged to the car on the way back. Unfortunately, the game took a turn for the worse, so we ended up leaving with about 4 minutes to go. Since it was fast approaching 11:30 and we had about an hour and a half drive back we wanted to beat the traffic if possible. Which we were able to do!
The seats were pretty awesome and it didn't really hit me until this morning why I looked like a true tourist or paparazzi if you will. As soon as we found our seats, I broke out my camera and my phone to take pictures and send them out! I kept wondering why no one else was being this crazy until I realized we were sitting in the season ticket holders area. People that have had the pleasure of attending many a Carolina games for many a year. The excitement of picture taking just wasn't there for them! That's okay, I made up for them! Even though the outcome wasn't how I had hoped, what a great experience. Getting the tickets for free just made it that much better. Just another perk of being a teacher I suppose.

"It's All Good"

Saturday, October 17th my mom and I woke up around 4:30ish to start getting ready for THE race! We left the house around 5:15 and began making our way to Cornelius, NC for the LungStrong 15K that I would be running in that morning. The race was to start at 7:45 and packet pickup opened at 6:45. Not knowing exactly where we would be going, we left a little early leaving plenty of time for traveling, bathroom breaks, and finding parking. Good thing we left that early, because the parking was already filling up and we arrived around 6:50.
It had been raining off and on along the drive and the temperature was not rising like I thought it was going to be. I originally thought it would be warmer since, you know, it's still early October. I was not really prepared for 47, wind, and rain.
I asked Julia Page to print a special shirt for the race in memory of Marty. You can see the shirt in the pictures. During those last few months of Marty's battle, he and Jane just kept saying "It's Good. It's All Good". So, I had Running for Ridge printed on the front and "It's All Good" with Marty's name on the back. Since I had it printed on a short sleeve shirt, I HAD to wear it! They always say when you run to add 20 degrees, so I figured I would be hot in shorts and a t-shirt. I left my long sleeve shirt on until the horn blew at which time I threw it to mom. I was sweating for sure during the race, but I never felt hot! I actually remember feeling cold a few times when the wind would blow.
I didn't walk quite as much as I thought I would, but defiantly did some walking through the water stations and around mile 7. I would say mile 6 was my best mile and then I lost momentum until that last .3 of the race! Either way I finished and raised money with lots of help for a great cause!
After the race, I grabbed some free water, Powerade, food, and a beer. Mom asked if I wanted to stick around but at this point I was freezing and ready to get warm! Plus, I knew that I would be ready to eat very soon! Needless to say, we didn't eat fast enough and I ended up getting sick in the car. Which is strange because it usually takes a lot to make me sick. Either way, we stopped at the next exit to throw away the bag and there it was. Bojangles..my lifesaver! Yup, that's right folks. I got sick and less than 5 minutes later I was eating a chicken filet biscuit combo! It was mighty tasty! After getting back to mom and dad's, I showered, stretched, filled up on some water, then took about a 3-4 hour nap! I woke up refreshed, a bit sore, and ready to eat again! Thanks to everyone who supported me through encouragement and donations. A special thanks to mom for taking time to go with me to the race. I couldn't have made it without you!

Teenager!

Well, today my world changes. Today, I begin living with a "teenager"! Pattie is 9 months old today and it shows! I could tell last week that she seemed more energetic and wasn't calming down around 9:00 or 9:30 like usual. Usually around that time she would curl up and sleep where ever I was until I went into the bedroom to sleep. Actually, she sometimes curled up as early as 8:30 for her resting time. When we threw the chuck-it after school, she seemed to be able to go forever! So, this morning I realized that today she was 9 months old and I looked it up online for some hints. Here is what I should expect from her:
* she is 80% of her adult size (she is filling out more in the chest)
* she should have all of her permanent teeth now..it's time to start brushing!
* she will be awake more and have more energy (oh yeah! this one is true!)
* she will be more curious about things; possibly eating things she hasn't eaten before. (I think she's killed and tried to eat 6 bugs just in the past 3 days...good for my house though!)
* she will shed her puppy coat and gain hair more distinctive to her breed. (I thought something was wrong with her b/c she was losing tons of hair!)
* puberty has set in and unplanned pregnancies can happen (took care of that in July!)
Either way, my Pattie is wonderful! I wouldn't trade her for any other dog!

On another note, Happy Birthday to my friend Anna! Pattie and I stopped by today with lunch on the back deck while the puppies played in the yard! Here's to a great year for you!

Football, Friends, and Fall

Yesterday afternoon, I decided to take a drive up to Sapphire to visit with some old friends. I met Byron and Meredith a few years ago and and have enjoyed my time spent with them over the years. Unfortunately, I have not seen them in about a year so it was long overdue! In the past, I have met up at their house in Highlands to hang out for the night. They have a now 5 year old son that is an awesome kid. Since they will be moving down to GA in about 2 weeks, he was spending the night with a friend so I missed seeing him.
So, early afternoon I hooked up the GPS and prayed that it wouldn't lose signal while I climbed the mountain! I met up with them at one of their friends' family mountain house. Hello gorgeous views and gorgeous house! It was like something you see in a magazine. For just a second I pretended the house was mine! It was some windy narrow roads to make it up to the top, but all worth it once I stepped out of the car! All the people there were big Auburn fans but they didn't seem to mind my Tarheel shirt! We enjoyed some wings, snacky foods, drinks, views, football, and chatting for a few hours. I left just before dark so I could make my way down the mountain safely and to return home to my now 9 month old puppy! Good times!

Turning 30

My friend Maggie (the other red head girl) joined the club yesterday. She celebrated her 30th birthday! I rode with Crystal, Danny, and their boys to meet Maggie, Justin, and their boys along with Maggie's brother and girlfriend for dinner. We met up at Brixx pizza- yum! Crystal had the great idea to stop and get balloons to do a little decorating. It was the perfect Fall night to hang outside while waiting for the table. Owen and Miles enjoyed "jumping" and "throwing" leaves they found in a small pile.
After dinner, Maggie, Justin, and I headed out to hear some music. Railroad Earth was playing at the Orange Peel. I haven't been to hear music in awhile. The last music I probably heard was at the Earth Day festival back in April. I haven't been to a show at night in awhile either. It was actually great to see some old college friends, enjoy some music, and be proud that I can still hang! It was interesting watching the whippersnappers knowing that used to be me back in the day! Either way, we left the show around 1:30 and I finally got home around 2:15. I hit the pillow about 2:30 and didn't move until 6:00. Yup, that's right. 6 a.m. Luckily I was able to go back to sleep until 8ish, but I bet there will be some napping going on during football watching!

Spider

I was in the front yard one afternoon this week throwing the ball to Pattie. I happened to look up towards my bedroom window and saw this spider hanging out there. I got closer and saw it's massive size! I'm usually okay if I see spiders; meaning I can handle them by getting rid of them. However, this one took me by surprise and sent a shiver down my spine. When I stepped closer for a look, I did notice it was pretty interesting looking. It actually has some yellow markings on the front, but you can't see them from the picture. I went inside, sat on my bed, lifted the blinds, and took the picture. Either way, as long as it stays outside we're good!

New Version

Every morning, the principal comes on to welcome the kids, make announcements, then we all stand for the pledge and star spangled banner. Well, today pretty much summed up Kindergarten. You never know when you are teaching what they will say and many times you are left wondering "where did that come from?!" Here's a classic example:
Pledge is complete
Song begins and one of my girls starts singing pretty loudly. (Singing her own words of course because how many 5 year olds really know the words?!)
"Oh say does that star spangled, turns head from flag to girl near her and says I really like your shirt, turns back to flag and keeps singing: yet wave..."
Too funny! I had to share!

Sunday, Sunday

I woke Sunday morning to beautiful blue skies and a bit cooler weather. The puppies began playing the moment my foot hit the floor at 7:15! After a late breakfast, I met Maggie, Crystal, Owen, and Ben at the REI garage sale. (these pictures are from waiting in line for about an hour!) We left there empty handed and headed up to the She Trade consignment sale. It was the last day, so everything was half off. I got a pair of cords and 3 shirts for a great price! I left the girls, headed home for a quick lunch and outside time with the pups. Then, it was off to attempt a 7ish mile run with Ann and one of her friends. We met up, jogged the loop, then celebrated with a beer at the Wedge. Great place. Never been, but certainly would like to go back! After getting back to my car at Ann's, I raced home to let the dogs out to run one last time before meeting Renee to return Lucy. I took Pattie along because I just knew she would be sad at home! So, both girls loaded up in the back of my car and enjoyed the ride! After meeting with Renee, Pattie and I headed over to Anna's house to take her some dresses. She has a wedding to attend in Hilton Head this weekend. She now has one dress for going around the town during the day, one dress for the rehearsal dinner, and 2 options for the wedding. See mom, all those dresses I think I needed before someone's wedding paid off! Anna offered me dinner while Pattie and Clemson played. I finally made it home after 8 to shower, enjoy my internet that was finally back on after 4 days of being messed up, and time to recover from the run! Whew!

Sisters

This past weekend I kept Lucy, Pattie's sister. I picked up Lucy after school Friday and brought her home. From the moment Pattie got out of her crate until the moment we met Renee in the parking lot to return Lucy, the girls did not stop playing! They ate at the same time, laid down at the same time, chewed on the same toys at the same time...you get the idea. However, since it was raining again all day Saturday I had to stop letting them go to the bathroom at the same time. When they would finish, they would start running around the yard in the rain. I didn't mind drying them off Friday afternoon when the rain had already passed, but I wasn't real keen on wet dogs coming in the house. So, I held one at the door while the other one went outside then switched. It was easy dog sitting. All I had to do was make sure there was food and water available. They entertained themselves!

watermelon

Apparently last year, someone spit out some watermelon seeds in my courtyard at school. We currently have 4 of them growing, and we picked this one about a week ago! I have quite the green thumb even though I haven't done a thing to them!

1st birthdays

Liam, Maggie and Justin's youngest son, turned one on September 20th. His party was originally planned for The Nature Center, but due to the rain it was moved to their house. It ended up being a great afternoon. Maggie got a delicious fall cake. I can't remember the name now, but Crystal and I went back to sneak a half a piece while presents were getting ready!

Carolina Camping

Saturday started out great, took a slight turn in the wrong direction, then ended up heading back to the right path. After coffee and a little breakfast, Pattie and I headed out for a morning jog. Just as the fog was lifting, we hit the park running. Halfway through, the heat kicked in and I began to struggle. I kept telling myself at least I was not running the half marathon that morning like some of my friends were! After jogging and a quick trip to the grocery store for the evenings festivities, I showered and headed out to meet up with Ann and Brad to watch the Carolina game! Not only was there friends and football; there was fried pickles and a Hoptober! Good thing I went running huh?!
So, it was decided we would go ahead and head into the mountains for our evening camping trip!
On Friday, Brad (and Chloe) took out the tarp, tent, and chairs to claim the spot. They found this great spot a few weeks back when his parents came into town. It was going to be perfect for the puppies too! So, we met up at the entrance and drove up to the campsite. Once there, we discovered someone had stolen everything! The cut the ropes and took the bungee cords which makes us think it was all done in a hurry and not some park ranger. Just sad that there are people out there that do these type of things. After sitting on the log watching the dogs play and letting the steam settle from our ears, we decided to call their friend Michael who was going to join us. He and his wife live on lots of acreage nearby. So, we headed his way to figure out our next step. Once there, we began relaxing, the dogs were going crazy, and we were laughing again. We were determined to go camping. So, Michael got out his two tents and we set them up on his land. He opted to sleep inside since his bed was there. He offered the bed in the loft and the couch to us, but we happily declined. I was excited about taking Pattie camping for the 1st time!
I went to the tent around 10ish and slept like a log until about 1:30. This is when I began tossing and turning; going in and out of sleep. Every time I checked my watch or moved, Pattie was looking right at me. I'm not sure she slept at all! From about 4:30ish until we got up around 7, Pattie was restless. Which is crazy since she was going full force from 3:00 until 10:00! Plus, she and Chloe were at it again this morning! Needless to say, she crashed once we got home and didn't seem too upset when I left for an afternoon walk. After a yummy breakfast, church, a walk with the girls, and some lunch I crashed out for a good two hours. Plus, I'm looking at an early bed time! Overall, there was a silver lining in our camping cloud this weekend!

Labor Day Weekend

Friday I was not feeling all that great. Nothing major, just sort of out of it. The school day didn't start out to well and it dragged on. So, I was glad to see 2:55 finally come! This was the first real week of school and my stamina is just not quite up to par yet I suppose. Either way, I just chilled out Friday evening. Saturday morning I went jogging with Maggie then did a few things around the house before taking Pattie to play with here sister Lucy. That evening, Pattie and I went over to Ann and Brad's house to watch football and let the puppies play. So, Pattie was certainly worn out that night and the next morning. I was supposed to meet Maggie that morning to go running, but luckily the time got switched to the afternoon. I woke up Sunday morning just not feeling quite right. So, I laid back down for about 30 minutes around 9:30; then decided to get up for church. After church and a little lunch, I laid back in the bed and slept for 2 hours! I haven't done that in I don't know when! Now I just felt like I had slept too long! I met Maggie for an afternoon jog then Ann brought Chloe over here to play that evening.
Monday morning, the two of us headed over to Anna's house for breakfast and play time! We enjoyed breakfast and morning coffee on her back deck while the puppies played in the backyard. I ended up taking her crate over there, so after breakfast we hit up some sales. After lunch back on the deck, Pattie and I came home so I could mow the grass before it rained. That evening we just chilled out. I think Pattie was one tired pup!
Going back to work today wasn't too tough, but I certainly could have stayed in the bed much longer. The stuffy nose/cough/sneezing was certainly trying to come back again this morning. I made it through a pretty uneventful day with the kids and am finally home to relax. I met Crystal and Maggie for what was supposed to be a walk. However, it was raining once we all got there, so it ended up being a fast jog! They continued on once we got back to the cars since the rain had stopped. I decided a warm bath would do me some good; after bathing the gray pup first! (I think she had fun though!)

Birthday!

Monday, August 31st was Uncle Kyle's birthday, my college friend Lisa's birthday, and my friend Mandi's birthday! Mandi had grad school that night, so we went out after school on Wednesday to celebrate. We gathered at El Paso for beers, too many chips, and an early dinner. Since I eat lunch at 10:50 these days, I was ready to eat at 4:30! We're hoping to go out tonight to celebrate again and enjoy the long weekend. So, Uncle Kyle I'm still celebrating for you!!!

Night sky

I let Pattie out one evening last week and this is what I saw when I opened the door. I know that the picture doesn't do it justice, but I'm still amazed at the beautiful skies I see living up here in the mountains.