Cousin

Helped shower my cousin Maggie as she will welcome a baby girl in February.

Tree

Remembering

Did a little decorating today. Christmas canon came on while I was stringing these bells to use as garland as did the tears.

 MeMe made these years ago; missing her and Pa. 

Words to say

http://youtu.be/m5yCOSHeYn4

Finding Fall

Found Fall on a run tonight. Love, love! 

Fall

Finding Fall on a walk with Pattie. I don't usually take my phones on walks, just on runs. Thankfully I took it tonight. 

Tazapawlooza

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!!!

Good Read

http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/10/12/3277055/one-nc-husband-whos-happy-his.html

Quote

"Control what you can by doing your best and don't spend time concerning yourselves with those things that you can not control." 

-good for me to read

Peace

I sit out here in my "sunroom" listening to the birds chirp and watching Pattie run from one window to the next thinking she's going to catch a squirrel this time. This was sort of the junk room once I moved in and realized part of the roof leaked. I still have high hopes for this space though. Right now I sit in a camping chair with my cup of coffee and a feeling of peace. It's a makeshift sitting area but it works. I'm right where I'm supposed to be. 

Still Time

There's two weeks left to vote. Remember you can vote once a week. Thanks again for your support. 

http://givewith.target.com/school/57722

Bargain

I bought a brand new dress at Gap. It was 80% off and I had a $20 coupon. I ended up paying $0.31 for it! That beats anything I've ever found at goodwill or thrift stores! 

Massage?

A sweet parent wrote me a note and gave me some money on the 1st day of  school.  She said to spend on the classroom or even on myself ie dinner. I'm thinking towards a massage. Isn't that a nice way to spend it on my classroom? I'm relaxed and happy so they will be happy right?! 

Grateful for the unexpected gifts like the money but more importantly a smooth first day with my kids. They were sweet especially when one mom walked out of the room. The little boy started crying and I walked him to his space. I asked if he needed another hug and he put his arms around my neck and squeezed. 

I almost cried with him. 

Help My School

Wondering how you can help out the schools?
Click the link to vote for my school. Thanks! (It's Cary Elementary)
http://givewith.target.com/school/57722?voted=1&ts=1376845622027

here's what you need to know

Help us give up to $5 million to schools all over the country through Give With Target.                        

Simply select a K–12 school from our list of eligible schools and vote for it weekly until September 21 or until $5 million has been awarded, whichever occurs first. It takes just 25 votes to start. After that, Target will donate $25 to your selected school. Upon receiving 25 votes, each additional vote equals $1 more for up to $10,000 per school. If your favorite school is not on our list, please choose another school.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Voting ends on 9/21/13 at 11:59:59 p.m. CT or when $5 million has been awarded, whichever comes first. Max of $10,000 awarded per school. Voting is limited to legal residents of the 50 US/DC, 13 years of age and older. Limit one vote per person per week. See Terms and Conditions and eligible schools in the Give With Target app on Facebook.com/Target for details.

Another one

I know I haven't posted in awhile and now I keep posting about teaching. Guess it's due to the recent beat down we have received to the teaching field; especially here in NC.
http://femaleintel.com/blogs/view/why-teaching-is-harder-than-it-looks

Oh NC...sigh

Maybe it will help? http://www.nchousedems.com/petition/petition-opposition-2014-education-budget

Education

What is happening to our state? 

http://dianeravitch.net/2013/07/21/a-tragic-day-for-public-education-in-north-carolina/

Highlights

Took a trip to Maryland for my cousin's wedding, went to the mountains to help give a baby shower, celebrated my dad's 65th birthday, and spent a weekend at Merlefest.

Sweet Baby Girl

Anna and Blair had to deliver their baby girl at 33 weeks. Through all the confusion, worry, and unknown a beautiful baby was born. Emma Kate was born weighing 3 lbs and 14 ozs. I had the pleasure of spending the weekend attending the previously scheduled baby shower and holding that baby girl! She was able to come home last Tuesday and now weights 4 lbs 13 ozs! All are doing well and figuring this family thing out a little earlier than expected. Anna and Blair waited for such a long time to be blessed with her that she just couldn't wait any longer to meet her wonderful parents!

Another Half

I began training back in January for a half I would run on March 17th. This being my 3rd race I thought I knew what I was doing. Well, it will go in my books as "worst race" so far. I had knee trouble on my left leg the last week and half. This caused me to change my gait, which in turn caused terrible chaffing especially on my left leg. I had no trouble during training and was typically the one leading the pack (maybe thanks to Pattie). The 2 girls I was training with finished 10 minutes and 16 minutes ahead of me. Awesome for them as it was their first half! I also tried getting in the St. Patrick's Day spirit by wearing my green headband instead of my normal one, long green socks which were ridiculously hot, and I even changed my energy chews. Rookie mistakes all around!
So, I took myself to the doctor Monday after work; which is not something I generally do. My attitude is usually wait it out, it'll get better. Lucky for me I was able to practice my cowgirl walk for a week while having gauze, tape, and destin (yes, you read that right. I was sticking baby butt ointment on my legs) stuck to my legs. I'm almost back to normal and hoping for a good run tomorrow after work. What a mess! I might be done with long distances...maybe! ;) At least this race is finished and the crazy part is I really want to go running again.

Heading out at 5:30 Sunday morning:

 Finally finished and ready to get warm. I didn't even stick around for the free beer!