tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38871826021799849182024-02-19T11:10:00.652-06:00red barns and bicyclesactive. healthy. balanced.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11440209329041761822noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887182602179984918.post-85675667430651693362015-01-09T15:34:00.000-06:002015-01-09T15:34:03.309-06:00Bring on 2015"The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just <i>make</i> the best of everything."<br />
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I'm truly excited about 2015. I have the typical goals, resolutions, etc. Quite honestly, I have a great life, a wonderful husband, an awesome mother, incredible friends, and a puppy Gary and I just adore. I want this year to be about focusing on and appreciating the people in my life, and not concerning myself with what people who are on the outskirts think about me. I'm done with that. I am incredibly fortunate to have so many fabulous people in my life that get me, love me, and I couldn't be more grateful for that. My goal is to recognize them in some way every day in 2015.<br />
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In 2015, I resolve to buy less, waste less, and live more.<br />
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I will love more, laugh more, give more, ask more, share more.<br />
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In 2015, I will savor life.<br />
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(story of stuff)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11440209329041761822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887182602179984918.post-88705700475064755942014-01-05T16:41:00.001-06:002014-01-05T16:41:42.895-06:00ready for 2014Ok- try number two-<br />
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2013 brought along some obstacles that I always welcome. You pick yourself up by your bootstraps and move on.<br />
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2014- read more, I'm already ahead of that game. I've already ready a book, I know impressive. I love to read, but the only place I seem to sit and read is on an airplane. I don't know what it is, I can't sit and read. Anyway, on my 'list' is to hike the Appalachian (in full), so I decided to read Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods. Somewhat entertaining, but disappointing that they set out for this feat, decided to write a book, and don't complete it. I felt as though, Bryson was filling pages writing about the history of the trail just to write something because he wasn't hiking and had to write a book. Don't get me wrong, I love history, but if I wanted to read a book about the history of the trail, I would've read that. Going in, I thought the entirety would be about hiking the trail in full. Oh well, I read a book<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I READ A BOOK!<br /><br /></td></tr>
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2014 has a lot on the docket- the 30 for 30 challenge starting tomorrow, guitar lessons (love them so far.) I will keep you posted. I've got a couple chords down.:) A lot of tennis, a lot of working out, yoga, balance... it's going to be a great year!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11440209329041761822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887182602179984918.post-4401511476789527872013-07-08T13:04:00.001-05:002013-07-08T13:04:11.376-05:00vacation, rest, I don't think so...Part 1<div>
airPlane, cAr, ferrY, sEa plAne, biKe, fEet, traIn- the modes of transportation we used on our yearly active vacation. This year we decided to explore Washington State- when I say explore, we never stopped! As usual from the get go, we were on the GO! I think that's how we like it!</div>
Our first stop (and my obsession), Mt. Ranier- a bit chilly, but absolutely spectacular!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdLTl78G0nYuPDnKakuy0bTWoBdDXy-zrhrzajPfcTVZofct_qBPKPZ5Ku4Zur8tTFy-bSvGBbI3QY8GFwcghVBg2g-Fru2aom347Iyv6p-PxIq05XKjfSRZ7U9ElVjms91KuNWjbpxm4/s1600/IMG_0860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdLTl78G0nYuPDnKakuy0bTWoBdDXy-zrhrzajPfcTVZofct_qBPKPZ5Ku4Zur8tTFy-bSvGBbI3QY8GFwcghVBg2g-Fru2aom347Iyv6p-PxIq05XKjfSRZ7U9ElVjms91KuNWjbpxm4/s200/IMG_0860.JPG" width="200" /></a>Time to head to the coast- our journey up the Washington Coast will begin in a quaint town, Ocean Shores. Not a lot going on there, but we had a beautiful view of the ocean. </div>
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Our drive up the coast begins promptly at 7am driving the Olympic Peninsula all the way to Hurricane Ridge. It's going to be a long day, but we were able to stop and see some amazing sights- Quinalt Rain forest featuring the largest spruce tree, Lake Crescent Lake and Lodge, spectacular views of Olympic mountain range, wildlife- a bear from afar, black tail deer that seemed very comfortable around people! Such a wide variety of sights, an amazing experience!</div>
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We are about half way through our trip- the best is yet to come- San Juan Island, Orcas Island, and Seattle...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0YxC6cZ4NUaoCBHL0i35TvPHT7YwQCxEYFORGBFh96XDGMse2_NLLDAFKIF7Y60HfTc04DWN_2-miptQxKd74ADRC_sC9nvrbbRywbRBFIzwuOGgJiZOuGDrQvYhth2SnO_7UYh5jLjHr/s1600/IMG_0861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0YxC6cZ4NUaoCBHL0i35TvPHT7YwQCxEYFORGBFh96XDGMse2_NLLDAFKIF7Y60HfTc04DWN_2-miptQxKd74ADRC_sC9nvrbbRywbRBFIzwuOGgJiZOuGDrQvYhth2SnO_7UYh5jLjHr/s320/IMG_0861.JPG" width="320" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11440209329041761822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887182602179984918.post-292515386239199822013-06-06T12:20:00.003-05:002013-06-06T12:20:40.283-05:0025 <i>"Your imagination is your preview of life's coming attractions."</i> -Albert Einstein<br />
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It's unfathomable to me that I am 4 days into my 25th summer break, which technically means I just completed my 25th year of teaching. I feel 25, it's incomprehensible that I have been teaching for 25 years. It's been an interesting ride and that ride will continue come August, but until then I'm going to enjoy every moment!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">25 years- seriously??</td></tr>
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Summer break is certainly a perk for teachers, but I truly have to say we do need time to reflect and rejuvenate. I also love the fact that we get a fresh start each school year, it's a new beginning, not everyone has that opportunity. It's something I'm very thankful for. It's amazing how many former students have found me on facebook or have tracked me down somehow. I love hearing from them and what they are doing, (I don't like necessarily hearing how old they are:) But it is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job- I realized early in my career I couldn't change the world and fix everything, but if I could make a positive impact on as many students as possible, my career would be meaningful. That's all I really ever wanted.<br />
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<b>Now as far as summer 25- 2013... </b><br />
Obviously, I plan on playing a lot of tennis!!! That is a given! I keep to my daily schedule, and get up bright and early to play and get my workout in. The rest of the day is mine...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love chasing this ball around!</td></tr>
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<i><b>Our big Trip-</b> </i>My husband and I have (what else would you expect) an active vacation planned to Seattle- hiking in national parks, biking on the islands, running the Seattle rock and roll half, attending a mariners game (I'm a huge baseball fan), driving the coast, taking a ferry, etc. (It will be a whirlwind.) Although I am obsessed with Mt. Ranier, which is on the agenda, but what we are looking most forward to is the 5 days we will be spending in San Juan Islands (no, not Puerto Rico.) The San Juan Islands are north of Seattle. We are taking a water plane- a little scary, but neither one of us have other flown in one, and we like to try new things. Once on the island, our mode of transportation will be bikes. We plan on biking all over San Juan and Orcas Island, and making to the top of Mt. Constitution. We will be doing some sea kayaking and going on a whale watching tour. Of course one of our favorite pastimes will be discovering local craft beers and eating a lot of halibut. We are looking forward to a fabulous vacation! I will keep you posted.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was in Alaska, but I'm sure we will have<br />a similar picture in Washington State. :)</td></tr>
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<b><i>My Creative Challenge-</i></b><br />
My personal creative challenge/goal this summer is to learn more about photography. I can take a decent picture, but I have always wanted to be more creative, and I'm finally going to take the time and commit to learning all of the settings on my camera besides 'auto.' <br />
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My husband and I have a several other physical challenges on our list for 2013- I'm looking forward to a couple mountain bike races, trail runs, and whatever other challenge comes our way.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">nothing like an endurance hike<br /><br /><br />Before I know it, August will be here and I will be getting ready for another school year, which I know will be good one, but not until I love every moment of summer 25- 2013!</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11440209329041761822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887182602179984918.post-69505593287915035862013-03-09T18:52:00.001-06:002013-03-09T18:52:35.657-06:002.38.47austin half marathon-<br />
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was interesting. first event of 2013- didn't necessarily train, but i can go out and do just about anything i set my mind to, and i did as expected.<br />
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austin is an interesting city, i actually thought i would fall in love with it, but i didn't. places open too late- i'm sorry, i like to eat lunch at noon, not 1:00, i'm just sayin'. i couldn't fully grasp austin, even though it's a college town, and I really tried. The worst part was I couldn't find a craft beer to save my life, until I walked into a place called The Ginger Man, a nice joint- great beer, good food, and a comfortable atmosphere, but other than the ginger man, i never felt at home. I've done a lot of traveling, and i know what home feels like, and it isn't austin. This is what it's all about, finding a place that you can finally settle into, and that is why we travel, to find the spot that will be our last stop.<br />
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We made the best of it, and certainly had a good time, other than the last 3 miles of the half marathon that I'm pretty sure were straight uphill. :) I now know, I will never be a Texan. One thing for sure, when I love a place, i take a lot of pictures- I think i took 5 pictures the entire 4 days- none of the half marathon, that says a lot. Signing off from austin-<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lady bird lake-which is actually a river.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11440209329041761822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887182602179984918.post-42609280763543756102013-01-12T17:41:00.001-06:002013-01-12T17:41:16.643-06:002013Twelve days in, and off to a great start! Gary and I have several active vacations already planned and looking forward to more getaways!<br />
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February- austin livestrong half...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixlaT54f_AuhXqzuWU3wj_ja3fCL0UVv9Ya1QjoIM6DjVOBB-WSdujl2BlTWoIAR0fod70gK_UlSegnw29VN7cMLEWPh8JkARLSoOKeYtiIrDnO3bQ5Hjb5BJ6xn4IJe3xb3AKglub0aj/s1600/lsam_2013_logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixlaT54f_AuhXqzuWU3wj_ja3fCL0UVv9Ya1QjoIM6DjVOBB-WSdujl2BlTWoIAR0fod70gK_UlSegnw29VN7cMLEWPh8JkARLSoOKeYtiIrDnO3bQ5Hjb5BJ6xn4IJe3xb3AKglub0aj/s1600/lsam_2013_logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixlaT54f_AuhXqzuWU3wj_ja3fCL0UVv9Ya1QjoIM6DjVOBB-WSdujl2BlTWoIAR0fod70gK_UlSegnw29VN7cMLEWPh8JkARLSoOKeYtiIrDnO3bQ5Hjb5BJ6xn4IJe3xb3AKglub0aj/s1600/lsam_2013_logo.png" /></a></div>
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In March we will be heading to Lexington for the Bluegrass Half Marathon, and then the fun begins...</div>
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the Great Lakes Trail Series and the WORS races begin. The Great Lakes is a series of trail runs in Wisconsin and Michigan, and the WORS is the mountain bike race series in Wisconsin. They are both long seasons, we are not sure which races we will do, but at least two of each!</div>
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Our SPECTACULAR active vacation is set for June...</div>
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Yes, you guessed it, Seattle, however, not just Seattle. It will be a whirlwind trip around Washington State of mountains, national parks, adventure, a half marathon, a baseball game, the Pacific Coast, probably some craft beer and wine, boutique hotels, exploring cities and towns... </div>
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I am obsessed with Mt. Ranier, however, I believe the highlight of the trip will be what we have planned in the San Juan Islands (yes, look up the San Juan Islands, Washington.) Kayaking, hiking, biking, whale watching, inns... I haven't been there yet, but I already love the quaintness...<br />
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The summer continues... we will be getting into cyclocross- (we have to because we bought two really nice cyclocross bikes.:) It's a 'cross' between mountain biking and cross country, hence, running and biking off road, but not as intense as mountain biking, something we can do in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">One of the most important aspects of 2013 is for me to get back into competitive tennis. I'm playing all of the time, but I really miss the competitive aspect... </span></div>
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2013 will all come together as it should... who knows what will happen, but I'm happy we have so many activities to look forward to already. I have other endeavors on the list: learning how to play the guitar, taking a photography class, possibly an art class... who knows. I'm just looking forward to a happy, healthy, and exploratory new year!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11440209329041761822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887182602179984918.post-70129682442028757322012-12-31T19:03:00.000-06:002012-12-31T19:03:35.497-06:002012, a wrap<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">nashville rock and roll n roll<br /></td></tr>
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Interesting year. I have a wonderful life with my husband, Gary, and I certainly look forward to our goals and our plans for 2013. Sometimes everything is just a blur...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kohler, wi beautiful<br /></td></tr>
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and great fun! 2013 will be even better!<br />
JP<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11440209329041761822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887182602179984918.post-19229917563434601052012-11-22T17:30:00.001-06:002012-11-22T17:30:56.189-06:00best day of the yearFor some reason, I have always absolutely loved Thanksgiving! It could be the turkey, the stuffing, the mashed potatoes, or it could be the relaxed feeling of the day and football!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDV-L4460BSFeoqwsd0dKrlUz6c1JduVnNPwmLwRKGJslKwGT2DCuis7kZEVQHmZrjBt4d76K9PmMDO0z9TLQhoHudQsnzRK5yilVERops7j8E0dR4g1X07vDRU4PlE0CosEAG21HJs_1/s1600/IMG_0399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDV-L4460BSFeoqwsd0dKrlUz6c1JduVnNPwmLwRKGJslKwGT2DCuis7kZEVQHmZrjBt4d76K9PmMDO0z9TLQhoHudQsnzRK5yilVERops7j8E0dR4g1X07vDRU4PlE0CosEAG21HJs_1/s320/IMG_0399.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the gurecki girls and me. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZbqjk5SdPwErPJ3q-OZbZQcZEiplTsFba6XVR5SmcreBR-Mm65Wb0Gwqt9uYlsFp3rAUoIkfDTahkoFRXqa5qRB63FYubzuF7W0cdnFHKxdgAIuNrlK_J6XgY9qdtblXSlsFtAnDSJQZ/s1600/IMG_0395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZbqjk5SdPwErPJ3q-OZbZQcZEiplTsFba6XVR5SmcreBR-Mm65Wb0Gwqt9uYlsFp3rAUoIkfDTahkoFRXqa5qRB63FYubzuF7W0cdnFHKxdgAIuNrlK_J6XgY9qdtblXSlsFtAnDSJQZ/s320/IMG_0395.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">enjoying the day!<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwvj1-axHumf8-pBT_-LzAbUJOQNg2z3b40QkANvWoQUCghe96kF_tDDYnwWy87M0BI1oxdetH9WNmbHQ9RLZ13-WZtYT4Xdaltq1RBGVk6CFmCm3IWybDhr-p0kvvvgg103iF36p9aq-/s1600/IMG_0411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwvj1-axHumf8-pBT_-LzAbUJOQNg2z3b40QkANvWoQUCghe96kF_tDDYnwWy87M0BI1oxdetH9WNmbHQ9RLZ13-WZtYT4Xdaltq1RBGVk6CFmCm3IWybDhr-p0kvvvgg103iF36p9aq-/s200/IMG_0411.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">that is one good looking bird<br /><br /></td></tr>
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Finally, we get to eat, and I have to say it was delicious! I love the basics, turkey, stuffing, and a giant glass of milk. I am officially stuffed!<div>
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Happy Thanksgiving!<br /><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11440209329041761822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887182602179984918.post-86798386712379873282012-10-26T19:20:00.002-05:002012-10-26T19:20:37.852-05:00Perserverence The Day, October 20, 2012... HIKE 30 miles in one day for CureSearch-research for children's cancer, has finally arrived. Getting the hikers to accomplish their goal was my main concern at this point...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazcXZOZdM-cUMaKAc1wO55uYKn1Czm6YZ1ByDZGNWaxNk84onKOf-ufTXMmZrRx7YEqXQzBm3yY475iDwtFkgN3x2r5Dyzx74FDe1VEzv54P3CP4jn5dDZrcnvz_Ue8iiJ8ONjV8b5liu/s1600/598800_156594181153577_2017066290_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazcXZOZdM-cUMaKAc1wO55uYKn1Czm6YZ1ByDZGNWaxNk84onKOf-ufTXMmZrRx7YEqXQzBm3yY475iDwtFkgN3x2r5Dyzx74FDe1VEzv54P3CP4jn5dDZrcnvz_Ue8iiJ8ONjV8b5liu/s320/598800_156594181153577_2017066290_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5:00 am the beginning<br /></td></tr>
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8:00 am- 5 miles in, the sun finally rose, and we have only lost two people at this point. Luckily, we found them, otherwise, it would've been a lot of paperwork for Ellie and Erin. Hello, buddy system.<div>
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We trek on...another 5 miles, more snacks, and then pouring RAIN for the next 6.1 miles. I have to admit, I thoroughly enjoyed the rain. Proper gear does wonders, and rain is peaceful. While trying to cross a a broken bridge, I admit there was a "tree dance." the hiking version of a pole dance. Luckily, there are no pictures. I landed it, but it wasn't pretty.</div>
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After the rain...15 mile marker.</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYXYTAkLkoVBxHKV5WNi0UwzEVg4HXv2DJWZw9OYcPIsZwWzIR0FjJ5APuW4xq9NYaKOTy61GkKsSkgK2Okqm9LEncnlbb6O1ukpfAXG8vLPo0z-3QFF2lnc3bKqPkbFUfOH95TdCvhjl/s1600/IMG_0363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYXYTAkLkoVBxHKV5WNi0UwzEVg4HXv2DJWZw9OYcPIsZwWzIR0FjJ5APuW4xq9NYaKOTy61GkKsSkgK2Okqm9LEncnlbb6O1ukpfAXG8vLPo0z-3QFF2lnc3bKqPkbFUfOH95TdCvhjl/s200/IMG_0363.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"> Ahhh..mile 15 half way there. <br />Oh wait, a 27 story incline in waiting for us...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoAfCdcVNQgow_L0Q6P_0JhTnOqCK0FXloJSpn1dsa6mBq58583Wu5bBCXcbW_7tCQJKqNqSj2aPmFw1vKt43pLeg3gwLXQS5kPhVGSWbsVlHpAjM0NksLlJ4LON46naqBTrC4c2Aouq6/s1600/530785_4133202845936_1495428703_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoAfCdcVNQgow_L0Q6P_0JhTnOqCK0FXloJSpn1dsa6mBq58583Wu5bBCXcbW_7tCQJKqNqSj2aPmFw1vKt43pLeg3gwLXQS5kPhVGSWbsVlHpAjM0NksLlJ4LON46naqBTrC4c2Aouq6/s200/530785_4133202845936_1495428703_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">just hungry at mile 15<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1ZO_CidSeKwsAbdbzBSS7rrF_-Yj0QWkpBtq1KVI2dmXZ7RAITs6Q-w4ai76Ya88mlRj5a36uyYEi9yqU-ewz0szuBW_3KP4YGOjleiF85ijaB3hT844o-ZvVb6YZMvcaKzBF3CTX-ZE/s1600/9082_155221284624200_1699469392_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1ZO_CidSeKwsAbdbzBSS7rrF_-Yj0QWkpBtq1KVI2dmXZ7RAITs6Q-w4ai76Ya88mlRj5a36uyYEi9yqU-ewz0szuBW_3KP4YGOjleiF85ijaB3hT844o-ZvVb6YZMvcaKzBF3CTX-ZE/s200/9082_155221284624200_1699469392_n.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beauty<br /></td></tr>
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And we move on... all I know at this point, I was a true motivational speaker... "This sucks" and "This really needs to be over." I think it's good, and I'm taking it on the road, because apparently it worked, and it was the reality, let's face it.</div>
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I'm not even going to get into the inclines etc. It was an intense hike, and anyone who completed the 30 miles has an incredible accomplishment under their belt. No question... The Tecumseh Trail is beautiful, challenging, and a monster at some points, but we did it... and you guys are awesome. :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lEgiKUnyAEVtI0ybNQpwuBOxfqXm4FlUa-JZt58yrs05LrbxaWdkobREL2p3rEQfa-PxWc7kbvEhznxU-X4904_Q_oO9oscLZdooEVuYYQex1I6J37udHR6RRZpbEsqcKVebgbSJtE-7/s1600/404678_4133212526178_328643464_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lEgiKUnyAEVtI0ybNQpwuBOxfqXm4FlUa-JZt58yrs05LrbxaWdkobREL2p3rEQfa-PxWc7kbvEhznxU-X4904_Q_oO9oscLZdooEVuYYQex1I6J37udHR6RRZpbEsqcKVebgbSJtE-7/s320/404678_4133212526178_328643464_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The End.<br /><br /></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11440209329041761822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887182602179984918.post-19433746172130387082012-09-29T09:29:00.002-05:002012-09-29T09:29:26.288-05:0030 in 1<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In case you didn't know, I am coaching a Hiking team to complete 30 miles in one day. I'm sure you are asking yourself, <i>why is she doing that? </i>Well, I will tell you....</span><div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I have run several marathons for charity, but to be honest running 26.2 miles on pavement gets to be a little old. I saw this poster for the Ultimate Hike (at Panera) (I have a history with Panera that I won't get into right now.) The Ultimate Hike is a fundraising effort for <b><i>CureSearch for Children's Cancer.</i></b></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.curesearch.org/">www.curesearch.org</a> I love to hike, I love raising money for charities, so I figured right up my alley.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Ellie, the midwest regional manager was in a bind because the coach for the team had to back our for medical reasons. We started talking and there was no way I could turn her down when she needed a volunteer coach, and I am so thankful I didn't turn her down. I have met some wonderful, caring people who are committed to raising money for <b>CureSearch</b> and completing the <b><i>Ultimate Hike, 30 miles in one day on October 20th at Tecumseh Trail in Southern Indiana.</i></b> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I have to admit, it has been a challenge living in the Chicagoland area finding hikes that have terrain similar to what we will encounter at Tecumseh, but we are getting the miles in- <b>Blisters and All!!</b> Next Saturday, we have the big one, 22 miles. We are heading out to Waterfall Glen in Darien to get her done. The following week, short hike and some team building, the week after that we head out for Tecumseh Trail for the really big one!! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I couldn't be more excited and passionate to help our team of 17 hikers to get through this challenge. I am incredibly proud of each and every member of Team BBC-Blisters Battling Cancer!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3C1_0eloRQ6N_POmg2ynNDWSfYxKz-IcY-Vhk9nkYL1G41xSRpMZHsdjRzuzTxQ6sO0nRotKWRm-EkPz3Uos99w2_vTseBeKa-KPkwQKVSSh_I39aHq3Dm2uldVzHnnZHmSY0kVw4K7K/s1600/IMG_0331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3C1_0eloRQ6N_POmg2ynNDWSfYxKz-IcY-Vhk9nkYL1G41xSRpMZHsdjRzuzTxQ6sO0nRotKWRm-EkPz3Uos99w2_vTseBeKa-KPkwQKVSSh_I39aHq3Dm2uldVzHnnZHmSY0kVw4K7K/s320/IMG_0331.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starved Rockers!!-Some of our team Rocking It at Starved Rock!!<br /></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11440209329041761822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887182602179984918.post-82865103199082314032012-09-07T20:03:00.002-05:002012-09-07T20:05:14.393-05:00not the typical<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8riOoJd1mQ3q2xbk89baNC2No3vnNlfd_4fXz8i4VqYprEGbDiauA_QdjO_Yt7Pi7LpXD21kD6AyvYG8eGpMETjH6HKPgffyTYxvFH7w9wTRT0_Ap5mLdVwyUQeauV9kM4BpOiC65uVuH/s1600/IMG_0638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8riOoJd1mQ3q2xbk89baNC2No3vnNlfd_4fXz8i4VqYprEGbDiauA_QdjO_Yt7Pi7LpXD21kD6AyvYG8eGpMETjH6HKPgffyTYxvFH7w9wTRT0_Ap5mLdVwyUQeauV9kM4BpOiC65uVuH/s200/IMG_0638.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">check camden yards</td></tr>
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My husband and I normally take an adventurous and active vacation in the summer i.e. intense bike rides, treacherous white water rafting trips, glacial hikes, marathons, you get the picture. This summer, we decided to something a little different, an active-urban vacation. We both love the DC area, however, we had never been there together. So that's what we did...<br />
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My challenge was to make this trip as active as possible. My first active activity was to bike from downtown DC to Mt. Vernon and back (38-40 round trip.) The hardest part of that was finding the bike rental place in DC. I think we walked that distance finding the place, but eventually we did. I have to admit, the bike ride was a beautiful path along the Potomac, wooded, very nice.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_qGy146dG_im31vwK2O7q68xOtp6i56_vAljR_53NkvZsWA0lpSedBiP6leM1tKVgI6mrwlkrbtMgbimv872U0Gn_cPj6b_0F4to4Ty3EW2YoNXpOb_-AuPAFp04BE97JrhGEpgG3c5n/s1600/IMG_0664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_qGy146dG_im31vwK2O7q68xOtp6i56_vAljR_53NkvZsWA0lpSedBiP6leM1tKVgI6mrwlkrbtMgbimv872U0Gn_cPj6b_0F4to4Ty3EW2YoNXpOb_-AuPAFp04BE97JrhGEpgG3c5n/s200/IMG_0664.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">destination: mt. vernon<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Our next adventure was a 4 hour guided kayak trip in Potomac and seeing the memorials from behind. The Potomac has a lot of large boats and a lot of trash. It was kind of cool to see the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument from a different perspective, however, I had much higher expectations of this guided trip based on the website and talking to the tour guides on the phone. It is irritating when there's always one person who can keep up and holds everything up. And then, on the way back we took a detour through an area that seemed murky like the Amazon river and polluted like a chemical company has been dumping waste in for years. I kicked it into high gear to hell out of there and finish the trip.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXsOThPMmS5QL3GXRwPxvnVC5VVGj5xmZD7XZvDdbJjft0JtwS7gQKItzieuOfHWgdQbIXC7Qf7lLF-VZS_qwEusm3tYzO63F29pMM2bxSsWbgI_YOqsiMF4Z7b1sHZDQtg7mhkpYRGPsW/s1600/IMG_0655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXsOThPMmS5QL3GXRwPxvnVC5VVGj5xmZD7XZvDdbJjft0JtwS7gQKItzieuOfHWgdQbIXC7Qf7lLF-VZS_qwEusm3tYzO63F29pMM2bxSsWbgI_YOqsiMF4Z7b1sHZDQtg7mhkpYRGPsW/s320/IMG_0655.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I know it sounds like I'm not enjoy this trip, but I actually am. :)<br />
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Annapolis, the sailing capital of the world, has to be one of our favorite cities. We just love it there! Between the crab cake sandwiches and the craft beer, it's one of the best towns. Not to mention one of our favorite stores, Helly Hansen. Helly Hansen sucked us in in Portland, Oregon, and it sucked us in again in Annapolis. The strangest thing, Gary and I always pick out the same exact expensive coat, and we aren't even sailors, but we now each own matching rain jackets. So we are ready. So many awesome restaurants, but the one that stands out is the water taxi ride to the Boatyard! I almost forget to mention in annapolis we stayed at one of the historic hotels on the circle. (Wonderful.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzV421mR1qi6E1WXNJO8gexioph-lAsWO5rdnZpKD9jGAtfTDL7PwD5oFEg4sUcTVjGolr96G4BfPsPLxBNClKbQwxnl9VU61hozXe2o8SMif5-921RXJb26HfHjIExZwAoVVsXSGqUqp/s1600/IMG_0669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzV421mR1qi6E1WXNJO8gexioph-lAsWO5rdnZpKD9jGAtfTDL7PwD5oFEg4sUcTVjGolr96G4BfPsPLxBNClKbQwxnl9VU61hozXe2o8SMif5-921RXJb26HfHjIExZwAoVVsXSGqUqp/s320/IMG_0669.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Trust me, we are getting exercise without risking our lives. We put on many, many miles walking from store to bar to store to bar.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfus5zMCg0ei49DdClJP_K7JL894X9Pdil4cGg8Qyhvz0te4ANExagusLry-THpq6mArEGKgoU3WvJWLIsI8wypd3dG3wrgEbhWJ3ObLm1zLHeSUinlrCFHwNR_2uqbHfCuowhsPeiL7s/s1600/IMG_0666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfus5zMCg0ei49DdClJP_K7JL894X9Pdil4cGg8Qyhvz0te4ANExagusLry-THpq6mArEGKgoU3WvJWLIsI8wypd3dG3wrgEbhWJ3ObLm1zLHeSUinlrCFHwNR_2uqbHfCuowhsPeiL7s/s200/IMG_0666.JPG" width="200" /></a>So now we are in Alexandria, another incredible city. We are staying at a great location, and we are about to learn to the DC metro system, I admit a challenge. I'm a country girl. The very kind and patient employees, as well as, a kind citizen, guided us in the right direction so we ended up in DC and not Philadelphia. We are still novices, but realize why people use these systems, they do work. Thank you to the kind people who told us when it was time to get on and then get off the train.<br />
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Alexandria is full of outstanding restaurants, shops, hotels, etc. and our hotel was great until the 2 am drill. Apparently, someone called in a "threat" and the entire hotel had to evacuate. We followed the instructions and were one of the first people out. People came sauntering out for 45 minutes. The police were there searching the building, however no one was giving us any information. People were getting extremely agitated, and I felt very sorry for the people with small children. (nightmare) All in all we were outside for an hour and half, and when they finally let us back in they couldn't figure out how to turn the alarm off, which blares in your suite. I took matters into my own hands, and decided to get my pillow and sleep in the hall. It's not silent, but much quieter. Sometimes you just have to succumb. The most annoying part we never received an explanation, or an apology from the hotel. I did expect a letter under my door the next morning, but NOTHING. I will never stay in an Embassy Suites again.<br />
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Highlights of the trip:<br />
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<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUGAachjaHh9TxFSLnWFSVt4QdRD73HoO51_w6W5HW-dAflnC5f0n4WyQ1769jvYHPkGIMIK8hSUJQX90E8-trmcHpQc2nG6tjYb2bUdi2PmfFcZelkFfwrVxJQ5VfdIiZ97R_3Mr56o6/s1600/IMG_0726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUGAachjaHh9TxFSLnWFSVt4QdRD73HoO51_w6W5HW-dAflnC5f0n4WyQ1769jvYHPkGIMIK8hSUJQX90E8-trmcHpQc2nG6tjYb2bUdi2PmfFcZelkFfwrVxJQ5VfdIiZ97R_3Mr56o6/s200/IMG_0726.jpg" width="150" /></a>
<li>went to an Orioles game.</li>
<li>we survived.</li>
<li>indulged in incredible food- mostly, oysters and crab</li>
<li>spent some great time with my aunt and uncle in Baltimore</li>
<li>experienced our nation's capital with the best guy in the world</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TBDj9kfO8TflUDjE7Vi0hGA5564ai2RKjMS8Wgm0buv5xtFS6oVjS_RF4Dhxae_hymkKM3SUJ5JBsD2YmgfXTypptvuR_iL1JWdvvDr34vYRs8kOuzqpW0euR0EeI-itK9qasu6tnvnV/s1600/IMG_0753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TBDj9kfO8TflUDjE7Vi0hGA5564ai2RKjMS8Wgm0buv5xtFS6oVjS_RF4Dhxae_hymkKM3SUJ5JBsD2YmgfXTypptvuR_iL1JWdvvDr34vYRs8kOuzqpW0euR0EeI-itK9qasu6tnvnV/s200/IMG_0753.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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I did LOVE THE MOMENT!</div>
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Next year, more remote and adventurous........</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11440209329041761822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887182602179984918.post-33781099907649350202012-08-04T16:45:00.000-05:002012-08-04T16:45:45.581-05:00One Night Stand<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpE-v5OQUObKIA1GydQO1DPE0Ftlhxez9UOx0k8-YeyNvmpLZ3P2UnVuXL9tWCNVgu2r1Pl7Admab3vsf5NyMfvWj10DsL8yi1IWHcX1Qj8SFNFv7Lo7mg9I8WvnzCFTrGl_CGuMS4v29/s1600/IMG_0582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpE-v5OQUObKIA1GydQO1DPE0Ftlhxez9UOx0k8-YeyNvmpLZ3P2UnVuXL9tWCNVgu2r1Pl7Admab3vsf5NyMfvWj10DsL8yi1IWHcX1Qj8SFNFv7Lo7mg9I8WvnzCFTrGl_CGuMS4v29/s200/IMG_0582.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">not the four seasons, but awesome!</td></tr>
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I'm an outdoorsy girl, I'm an outdoorsy girl, this is the mantra I told myself as Gary and I went on our first mountain bike/camping trip. I mean don't get me wrong, I LOVE the outdoors... hiking, mountain biking, trail running, but CAMPING? It was my idea for us to get in more in touch with the outdoors. I don't want to live a double standard, meaning, hike, bike, etc. and then head to the Four Seasons. It's just not right. So, I encouraged this endeavor. <br />
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The outcome...I absolutely loved camping, but at this point I'm really just a one night girl. I think two nights would put me over the edge. As far as the mountain biking (I mean true technical mountain biking), I am totally hooked. Minus the bruises, I had so much fun! It was a tough course, but I did come in 1st place in my division, the first timers! (Ok, I was the only entry, but still proud.)<br />
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All in all, this is something we will absolutely continue to do! (But again, one night only.) It was absolutely wonderful sleeping in nature!<br />
Oh, I almost forgot to mention our baby:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZkLjWKmkvZWmnSGUdxIysmxIyEyExq2UEmdcZvGQMoq3AiH9dIzWrlZSkmLUolc-qK4AFFizj12tbo-US6-aA-Jaqb3_zDIbkQW6qtBjCyCPVeQNliPrGUr9MP6khQonnh2Zgn6FIrA3/s1600/IMG_0595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZkLjWKmkvZWmnSGUdxIysmxIyEyExq2UEmdcZvGQMoq3AiH9dIzWrlZSkmLUolc-qK4AFFizj12tbo-US6-aA-Jaqb3_zDIbkQW6qtBjCyCPVeQNliPrGUr9MP6khQonnh2Zgn6FIrA3/s320/IMG_0595.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ruby...our adventure must have!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3b7RbR2q94K8w6PritFLg0MHLvnEtkNA-ADuF1kMvuWqk6oCSmg9x-INwGrS1VFD8iY1G13Pf3iT3nT9drkr93uKQSovHjjRWCm3QjLctxXAodaOo8B4BYbN0HncTJgOWhkXeaXy0WhD/s1600/IMG_0585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3b7RbR2q94K8w6PritFLg0MHLvnEtkNA-ADuF1kMvuWqk6oCSmg9x-INwGrS1VFD8iY1G13Pf3iT3nT9drkr93uKQSovHjjRWCm3QjLctxXAodaOo8B4BYbN0HncTJgOWhkXeaXy0WhD/s320/IMG_0585.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">finish line, with team becky shirt on!<br />
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</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11440209329041761822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887182602179984918.post-39431794370237782062012-07-19T12:24:00.000-05:002012-07-19T12:24:10.114-05:00summer 2012According to the regular calendar, summer will not end until the end of September, however, for a teacher it's pretty much over by now. Each year I wonder where it goes. At the beginning of this summer I made a long list of things I was going to commit to. I've been pretty good, but there are a few things I have been lax on. I'm not making excuses, but the entire month of June I was taking two classes, don't ask me why, that's a entirely different story. Before I knew it, June was over! As you can tell from previous posts, I am an extremely active person. Rest assured, I have been very active this summer! Keeping my "normal" or "abnormal" schedule to some, I have been getting up at my typical 4:30 a.m. out the door by 5 and on the tennis court by 6 a.m. I play for a couple of hours, mostly singles and then my workout begins. It might be a run or bike, but what I have really been getting into this summer are these killer WODs that I learned when I was in crossfit. WOD stands for workout of the day. It is craziness!! For example, today (after two hours of singles) my WOD partner and I did 3 rounds of 800 meter sprint, 40 push ups, 50 squat thrusters, and 150 sit ups, yes, we did that 3 times. Then to conclude we get on the rotating stairmaster for 20 minutes. There was not a dry spot on me, and I loved it! Needless to say, tennis and training have not gone by the wayside. What has gone by the wayside is my summer commitment to read for 30 minutes a day for enjoyment. Don't get me wrong, I do like to read, it's just I can't seem to sit down long enough to do it or I think about things I should be doing in my house. Again, June was really tough because I had a ton of work for these two crazy classes I was taking (I did get two As.) :) But now it is July 19th and I still haven't started reading every day! I have a plan....<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Qs28Ba8OQEf4gB3I0Lfdpjpa9_PZMzPCvYOvYJtw4okCckkWGvuExHbLZM5Hdym9UHVFXTevfGyBLo9URE4rbDHdT-f12Qp4-hCN0d7XqggZqHGC5iHBBqzcIqPGL5X9eHzTZtkBJvej/s1600/IMG_0234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Qs28Ba8OQEf4gB3I0Lfdpjpa9_PZMzPCvYOvYJtw4okCckkWGvuExHbLZM5Hdym9UHVFXTevfGyBLo9URE4rbDHdT-f12Qp4-hCN0d7XqggZqHGC5iHBBqzcIqPGL5X9eHzTZtkBJvej/s200/IMG_0234.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now that's a long hike!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1MAVeqDkDofGcbb7lRKn-8N0ZOs7F80mCsslQKFFmW6Majke8S8rFCeBrNTYSN6JjLTRUZC2tfQBmgrCeSlsYmjaebu7fzqf5sh6MFfGkbBKhyphenhyphenc1ppk2HyZF2Is2A8UmOZX_2xA4_ERZ/s1600/IMG_0233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1MAVeqDkDofGcbb7lRKn-8N0ZOs7F80mCsslQKFFmW6Majke8S8rFCeBrNTYSN6JjLTRUZC2tfQBmgrCeSlsYmjaebu7fzqf5sh6MFfGkbBKhyphenhyphenc1ppk2HyZF2Is2A8UmOZX_2xA4_ERZ/s320/IMG_0233.jpg" width="240" /></a>I found a great book the other day that is right up my alley. It is titled <u>wild.</u> It is a true story about a women who had never been active in her life, but had a "calling" if you will to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, where she encounters just about everything possible, and during her journey "finds" herself. I'm starting today, and I'm going to sit long enough to get into the book, and hopefully, I won't want to put it down!</div>
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I have also really been getting into my mod podging, collaging, and scrapbooking. I'm pretty sure the employees at the local craft store are concerned about me, I'm there constantly. They may even pretend to be busy when they see me coming. I'm going to keep learning more and continue to get better at it. I will post some of my creations soon!! :)</div>
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I really went out on a limb... my husband and I have been to several National Parks. I got this idea to purchase posters of the parks we have been to from an artist online. They are beautiful, however, I have been putting off getting them framed because it is sooooo expensive. Well, I decided to give it a try on my own. Mind you, the posters are not the typical size of frames you can buy with matting and put them in and your done. So I went back to the craft store and asked someone for help. (She was very helpful.) All I really had to do was purchase acid free paper backing to mount the posters on, cut the paper to fit the glass, and put the frame back together. I was a little nervous about this, but thought I'd go for it. I purchased rustic barnwood frames, and the rest of the necessary materials and I was on my way. Here are the finished products, and I have to say I was very happy and somewhat surprised as to how they came out...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicivCPlSh8VK7hZ6AegNcMqKADKaY-1GvSC-oOH5NuquMpkBC9zT0StSkRuNe1qakIM93fDrF3ez-00cw51-MWtM9rNnqH30PU8Xhq8rFDKyPEu200m0-XSzMfhnHxcPPyB_DPHud97fRl/s1600/IMG_0241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicivCPlSh8VK7hZ6AegNcMqKADKaY-1GvSC-oOH5NuquMpkBC9zT0StSkRuNe1qakIM93fDrF3ez-00cw51-MWtM9rNnqH30PU8Xhq8rFDKyPEu200m0-XSzMfhnHxcPPyB_DPHud97fRl/s320/IMG_0241.jpg" width="240" /></a><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUICoOyl3y2amydbaiadKnuoAY_VeYTyvC5mQ1Dh2ukQiT2-jSKP5OijwafcX935Xt3rBqvsJslpEkiIVt9z7_f0SZdEcWTcuzwIvVQhzIdC-TTa1IVenp8k8fY4iuqkgQsSOk7rZxh2xx/s1600/IMG_0244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUICoOyl3y2amydbaiadKnuoAY_VeYTyvC5mQ1Dh2ukQiT2-jSKP5OijwafcX935Xt3rBqvsJslpEkiIVt9z7_f0SZdEcWTcuzwIvVQhzIdC-TTa1IVenp8k8fY4iuqkgQsSOk7rZxh2xx/s320/IMG_0244.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ran the marathon here</td></tr>
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Well, according to my calculations I am 1,350 minutes behind in my reading for the summer so I best get going and begin my book! There are a few other things that I want to accomplish this summer that is rapidly coming to an end. </div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11440209329041761822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887182602179984918.post-5340418045383366832012-05-02T19:56:00.000-05:002012-05-02T19:56:30.799-05:00Just Finish5 marathons, at least 10- 1/2 marathons, numerous 5ks, 10ks, etc. and I can honestly say I can't stand running! I know it sounds crazy, but it's true. I dread it and as soon as I start, I want it over. I have NEVER experienced "runner's high, only runner's low. Why do I keep doing this to myself, you ask?? I ask myself that question a lot, and the only answer I come up with is to continually challenge myself mentally, because I absolutely refuse to QUIT! It's just in my nature. If I have to drag myself to the finish line, I will finish.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsweklKLYaKtgR3u5jni9Uh9DQdHsAjfys9KZ33MBQxF-8aKqEyeNEohzjxq3ijNnBCCznpQQ0pdOLhIFvCSN2Qo4cyhM5J1Nl9s1OzXwXpMoUfiGKlIFvlSwTLlgjUbBpZadaZmGhEsX3/s1600/IMG_0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsweklKLYaKtgR3u5jni9Uh9DQdHsAjfys9KZ33MBQxF-8aKqEyeNEohzjxq3ijNnBCCznpQQ0pdOLhIFvCSN2Qo4cyhM5J1Nl9s1OzXwXpMoUfiGKlIFvlSwTLlgjUbBpZadaZmGhEsX3/s200/IMG_0150.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">13.1 done</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qqltcpb9vRqUYbNuXABgV3Ja3zu3aLFVwicXenTMnSeaVokN17MwyRhPW4JCSaeFLNHBFXdv0IY3sFIujmUJhYi1E2sROv0l61LcmBAyChr0YD6HpOovXWnzBLogBaGhCijepOGTm_fq/s1600/IMG_0159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qqltcpb9vRqUYbNuXABgV3Ja3zu3aLFVwicXenTMnSeaVokN17MwyRhPW4JCSaeFLNHBFXdv0IY3sFIujmUJhYi1E2sROv0l61LcmBAyChr0YD6HpOovXWnzBLogBaGhCijepOGTm_fq/s200/IMG_0159.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">love these shoes!</td></tr>
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I was a tomboy growing up. I loved playing baseball, football, and soccer. I have always loved playing sports, actual sports that is. I have played competitive soccer and tennis and will chase a ball around for hours, I just can't seem to muster an enjoyment for running on pavement for no reason. I promise I really try to enjoy it, and I envy those people that can go out and just run and love it. (Chances are, they don't play a <b><i>sport</i></b> with a ball or another instrument to control.) I won't go there...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtyEuiqj-FOyLI0bxRQKHH4uDxCYQmpwKmetFcVU0xvG4G41hyphenhyphenjMEToBzuPCoQA9jf805q67B20gX1021oFDrchzy-g4AADlIjYprGENYlaIkHg9TpITn5TFuU7HbjwT0YTEeGgv0rOIs9/s1600/IMG_0142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtyEuiqj-FOyLI0bxRQKHH4uDxCYQmpwKmetFcVU0xvG4G41hyphenhyphenjMEToBzuPCoQA9jf805q67B20gX1021oFDrchzy-g4AADlIjYprGENYlaIkHg9TpITn5TFuU7HbjwT0YTEeGgv0rOIs9/s320/IMG_0142.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My latest 1/2 marathon... my husband (who happens to be an All American collegiate runner) and I traveled to Nashville to do the rock n roll this past weekend. I realized this past weekend the main reason why I do these races I dread, is to take long weekends with my wonderful husband in cool cities and relax. (After the run that is.) And then, we have an excuse to explore, to eat whatever we want, and relax with a few cocktails. I have to admit, the 2+ hours I'm out there plodding along makes the quality time with my favorite person in the world worth every minute. So I will continue to do these races. The plan is for us to do 2 rock and roll 1/2 marathons a year. But, what I am really excited about are the trail runs and mountain bike races we are going to do this summer. (I'm slightly ADHD):) and I just find running on pavement incredibly boring (nothing against anyone who likes it, and remember why I do it...mental challenge), but I do believe I have found my answer with trail running/hiking and mountain biking. Both are technical, (you are forced to pay attention, or you will get injured), and they are challenging. Most importantly, they keep my interest!! I believe this is the way to go. <br />
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I'm excited about the events we have planned for the summer... several mountain bike races and trail runs through September and conclude 2012 with the San Antonio Rock and Roll Half in November! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCUApdpfxlV4qW07wlT_QR_5cDmJuE-7zTSXHW1MmjHIisIOMDRkTUPSStt7E8rhf47XUlvXTZZ-l5cr5Z2nKYHUkwVqnQvh333sOCgmSMX0QP_GNHd7Z0RuK0Saj5QIoI-y_6vHdoXwd/s1600/IMG_0156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCUApdpfxlV4qW07wlT_QR_5cDmJuE-7zTSXHW1MmjHIisIOMDRkTUPSStt7E8rhf47XUlvXTZZ-l5cr5Z2nKYHUkwVqnQvh333sOCgmSMX0QP_GNHd7Z0RuK0Saj5QIoI-y_6vHdoXwd/s200/IMG_0156.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">time to enjoy some wine and pizza!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWw2kafpHB2eQ_aG_ObDlAktvrhzEwdSB4fmvl8OPR56EBS1r_soExH-ZySIu_FdB62bmmk1tEE5kZm6D9Qq6ol1_DcvzJYKRxEyIRyy_xsR1L35QZ3Ofa3ccEGE8C6bGksHL-MhvqZbQ/s1600/IMG_0157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWw2kafpHB2eQ_aG_ObDlAktvrhzEwdSB4fmvl8OPR56EBS1r_soExH-ZySIu_FdB62bmmk1tEE5kZm6D9Qq6ol1_DcvzJYKRxEyIRyy_xsR1L35QZ3Ofa3ccEGE8C6bGksHL-MhvqZbQ/s320/IMG_0157.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my favorite guy in the world!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1dxYP_xQsckVBarsZm3MTpXCUOc05ctwHJstJ4XplPxBeIOq79B5vtWSxWx38h7a3z0q9kzyCqnw43frHksxH3RoDfFySgG3LRg8VMX3J8VJ7UsiS8mqpt0oimVa8IzZ0kI48EInnfjN/s1600/IMG_0158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1dxYP_xQsckVBarsZm3MTpXCUOc05ctwHJstJ4XplPxBeIOq79B5vtWSxWx38h7a3z0q9kzyCqnw43frHksxH3RoDfFySgG3LRg8VMX3J8VJ7UsiS8mqpt0oimVa8IzZ0kI48EInnfjN/s320/IMG_0158.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">i admit, i couldn't wait... :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Vk_Qcbo8YGm1ZlxIY9rHceXMdSFEUWWsCTQ9dEAGZHZUdUy7FyWWtRUD2Yi2czy1ABrhpHY7xNLYJeEu-s8aKqN9tPK8yGNLlng2c2xBWGsi4F9oglfCLpovAPF4FNA17JZp6FGGFI2R/s1600/IMG_0138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Vk_Qcbo8YGm1ZlxIY9rHceXMdSFEUWWsCTQ9dEAGZHZUdUy7FyWWtRUD2Yi2czy1ABrhpHY7xNLYJeEu-s8aKqN9tPK8yGNLlng2c2xBWGsi4F9oglfCLpovAPF4FNA17JZp6FGGFI2R/s320/IMG_0138.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hobbling around nashville</td></tr>
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I'll be sure to keep you posted to how things are going this summer, but rest assured I will never quit!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11440209329041761822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887182602179984918.post-66384112920132645832012-04-08T16:07:00.000-05:002012-04-08T16:08:13.664-05:0023, but who's counting<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAje_x4oIHEW8WAGJPSQxKlczusihJnPs57HXA2Z-dOEqmyrRK4bEoI-8HTi-9NtcmGA9UwMM9Bsp05Se8otJkS73OWwNwKk8i3B39KkdB0rzsqKFH5bAPB0dCAf7Ecghk5ENHFuyBkA0/s1600/IMG_0104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAje_x4oIHEW8WAGJPSQxKlczusihJnPs57HXA2Z-dOEqmyrRK4bEoI-8HTi-9NtcmGA9UwMM9Bsp05Se8otJkS73OWwNwKk8i3B39KkdB0rzsqKFH5bAPB0dCAf7Ecghk5ENHFuyBkA0/s200/IMG_0104.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we did get out once or twice:)</td></tr>
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Last week was my 23rd spring break and could probably go down as one of the worst! Don't get me wrong, I have a very good life, but sometimes I wonder...<br />
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I know my 4 followers, that spring break is supposed to be a time to relax, go someplace warm, and be silly. Instead, this is what I did: wrote a research paper, went to the gynecologist, got a root canal, continued to get up at 4:30 a.m. to play tennis and workout. I know it sounds like a lot of fun!<br />
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For the record, I am totally fine with staying home and doing things I enjoy, but trust me writing a research paper is not something I enjoy. There's really no reason why I am getting another endorsement. I have 2 master's degrees and I'm maxed out on the pay scale, but I do love to learn! I am in the field of education and if I were learning something new, that would be great! Anyone that has been in education for more than 10 years knows there is nothing new coming out. Nothing has changed, reading and math are still the same. The last time I checked, we read the same words we always have, and they still mean the same things that they have meant <i>forever, </i>and I'm pretty sure we still add and subtract the same way too. People in education used to call it "cyclical", it's not cyclical because nothing leaves and comes back. It's just the same stuff over and over again. Here are a few innovative ideas I've learned in my two classes: cooperative grouping, KWLs, use visuals, hands-on activities, use literature to teach content areas. Hmmm...I've only been doing all of those innovative ideas for 23 years! Just one new idea...<br />
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Anyway, next year I am definitely going someplace to relax and not get a root canal. Oh, did I mention I needed a crown too and it cost $2000.00. :(<br />
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It wasn't all bad, I did play a lot of tennis, worked out like crazy, and got some organizing done at home. All in all, it was nice to have a mental break from work.<br />
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This is what I should've been doing:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZX7xJ2lNWvtIQoD68enjKoMRwulfSwgc3fwDMiKn3cm53MhSlTxsEZguiudx0qTmu9pmLgJWhBK2b2pRmAqTSKlBfjg082Z9f46mCq5QrfBfutaU0MipAg9ouzj2GzcY3Dxa8nd3HkS4/s1600/R1-02222-001A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZX7xJ2lNWvtIQoD68enjKoMRwulfSwgc3fwDMiKn3cm53MhSlTxsEZguiudx0qTmu9pmLgJWhBK2b2pRmAqTSKlBfjg082Z9f46mCq5QrfBfutaU0MipAg9ouzj2GzcY3Dxa8nd3HkS4/s200/R1-02222-001A.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">taking a road trip with my husband to hike and bike</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYsxDRrNYXCtpyBIvUN-g0ddhSlKzpW4kqPiR2WWcqcf6XfAfquIlTwg55seITiv2SQtQts0k9gJJmTRdfGOZUI88g6wWe4UabdL-jvQKueCGRR5hQbsP-RaQ9wO3HTQ244qrExeWyNiF/s1600/R1-02222-002A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYsxDRrNYXCtpyBIvUN-g0ddhSlKzpW4kqPiR2WWcqcf6XfAfquIlTwg55seITiv2SQtQts0k9gJJmTRdfGOZUI88g6wWe4UabdL-jvQKueCGRR5hQbsP-RaQ9wO3HTQ244qrExeWyNiF/s320/R1-02222-002A.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11440209329041761822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887182602179984918.post-43398175111373738592012-02-20T17:47:00.000-06:002012-02-20T17:47:42.231-06:00a treacherous tripMy husband and I have taken some amazing and adventurous trips, but nothing compares to our death defying white water rafting trip in Colorado.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsyxD0JKqWw-_p287xTqGK0IjDsgVz1eS5NTK_LwK5DqJ3tdDFwbXalu4oEdmn6Miz7jn39iyK2JAn7pdFt94HJeOcDVqz6eCjeK1JyWnn021vLeXzrnc3rX7cVCbckyW67Wciw_U5PsF/s1600/IMG_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsyxD0JKqWw-_p287xTqGK0IjDsgVz1eS5NTK_LwK5DqJ3tdDFwbXalu4oEdmn6Miz7jn39iyK2JAn7pdFt94HJeOcDVqz6eCjeK1JyWnn021vLeXzrnc3rX7cVCbckyW67Wciw_U5PsF/s200/IMG_0014.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tipping!</td></tr>
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I would consider us (or at least me) moderate in the adventure category. (I have no interest in sky diving or bungie jumping, but I'm open to a lot.) All of our trips are planned around activity and adventure, whether it's biking, hiking, kayaking, etc. We are always up for something exciting. My bucket list consists of summiting Mt. Ranier. I thrive for a challenge and love adventure!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkEkln0glBSZfLoSdvWWy9GFxOtmow9zzxAeMO2t_yWqol8zC6TAAAJXV5RNCXyKYvQ-gFlgyALeYyFWpWxT4lJYdw9kQtYVVTNHGxx-x4opb4sm0E_aCmDMwLHLWwnHU7EgxwQ_lnPhJ/s1600/IMG_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkEkln0glBSZfLoSdvWWy9GFxOtmow9zzxAeMO2t_yWqol8zC6TAAAJXV5RNCXyKYvQ-gFlgyALeYyFWpWxT4lJYdw9kQtYVVTNHGxx-x4opb4sm0E_aCmDMwLHLWwnHU7EgxwQ_lnPhJ/s200/IMG_0018.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">trying to get back on board</td></tr>
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Anyway, I planned (what I thought), a wonderful trip to Colorado. We ran the half marathon in Steamboat, went to a Rockies game, hiked in boulder, did some biking, explored in Estes Park, etc. I also included a white water rafting trip, that turned treacherous (class IV). By far, the scariest moment of my life. I was in the boat with my husband, 3 guys on a bachelor party, and the guide. The river was running would be an understatement. We are flying down the river and all of sudden we literally get stuck in a giant water hole. The boat is at about a 75 degree angle at a standstill. Everyone is yelling... I get thrown from the boat, I'm under the water. I pop up, and my first thought is, I'm alive and I have all of my limbs. But now what? I'm flying down this river which at any moment, I could be sucked under or crash into a rock, etc. Somehow, I get back over to the boat and I will never forget the bachelor guy's look on his face. He grabbed me with one arm and flung me back onto the boat. We are spinning and flying down the river. I don't have time to have any sigh of relief, where is Gary?? All I hear is, "get him, get him." They end up getting him back on the boat along with our guide. The boat is completely out of control, and they end up throwing out a rope to pull us to the side. Now on land, we reconvene and we all get back in the boat and head down the river. The rest of the trip was amazing! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKB_-sSablMO-7Uftukf-QYpJXPKxiodszbLVbxIXfibeQP3tEelFliCwW_EiEfoa5AXJZTeK43hi35l7TXnWeJI-k-wztje1FCn2xBLDHkCEREOPsSd9rqHu4olD1nkUVoR80lYE5rgcH/s1600/IMG_0319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKB_-sSablMO-7Uftukf-QYpJXPKxiodszbLVbxIXfibeQP3tEelFliCwW_EiEfoa5AXJZTeK43hi35l7TXnWeJI-k-wztje1FCn2xBLDHkCEREOPsSd9rqHu4olD1nkUVoR80lYE5rgcH/s200/IMG_0319.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">back on land... a</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEOaP235QchLoKb0CAswZ-zW72NCcOowLJ2LbWw_vHyrLhP3Qi13QehnzJQFpUIhCtjoC53WnjNsQipBsw-KRFoxsPU_RdKmQNoQ3r2awzOKiV2ZGnHX80Mkj0E7SPBgnNEK4JwDVjz6J/s1600/IMG_0350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEOaP235QchLoKb0CAswZ-zW72NCcOowLJ2LbWw_vHyrLhP3Qi13QehnzJQFpUIhCtjoC53WnjNsQipBsw-KRFoxsPU_RdKmQNoQ3r2awzOKiV2ZGnHX80Mkj0E7SPBgnNEK4JwDVjz6J/s200/IMG_0350.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chilling out after a scary moment</td></tr>
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My bachelor party friends were quite impressed (being the only girl in the two boats) that I continued on the trip. I wasn't about to pack it up and quit. I will tell you, it was the first time in my life that I thought, this is it. This is how it's going to end. It was that scary.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11440209329041761822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887182602179984918.post-81592893927901213682012-02-03T20:27:00.000-06:002012-02-03T20:27:38.721-06:00my creative side<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJkgAIhSUKClyTk7uz-KmA_9t7iGK-oPlSQJ8b5iJmFL27Pfs8Fx0SuUSFumL8U_K4_oD8uYusma1myTxe_0vpBvDSPZv2WDLaAKe46lVwI6Cpkixfnu31zD7wDaD-qjZySMOwIDSmOop/s1600/IMG_0101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJkgAIhSUKClyTk7uz-KmA_9t7iGK-oPlSQJ8b5iJmFL27Pfs8Fx0SuUSFumL8U_K4_oD8uYusma1myTxe_0vpBvDSPZv2WDLaAKe46lVwI6Cpkixfnu31zD7wDaD-qjZySMOwIDSmOop/s200/IMG_0101.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
So, I wanted to start 2012 starting something new, exciting, and crafty. Please keep in mind, I am not in any way, stretch, or form creative and/or artistic. With that in mind, I committed to a craft for 2012. I asked a crafty friend about mod podge, and for some reason, I thought it would be right up my alley, low and behold, I was correct, for a number of reasons. <br />
<br />
I head out to Michaels for my craft endeavor and it was the perfect storm, I was ready to delve into creativity, and I met the most wonderful associate in retail history. She guided me through the store and opened my world to stickers, frames, brushes, canvases, etc. It was amazing. Needless to say, I purchased an entire workshop for mod podgers. <br />
<br />
While speaking with the wonderful associate, I had decided I was committing to a mod podge portfolio for 2012. I am a trailblazer, and this will catch on. (She thought it was a great idea!)<br />
<br />
I get home and start cutting things out, creating my collages in my mind, etc. Now, January 1st is upon us, and I begin my collage with excitement and curiousity. I begin my "collaging" and all of sudden realize that mod podge is nothing but the watered down glue mixture that I had used as a first grade teacher to retell Eric Carle stories 20 years ago (although, I only used tissue paper because that is the eric carle technique), and a craft I had done as a child. I'm in the midst of doing this and thinking, seriously, NOTHING has changed. I realize people want to think things have changed, but they haven't. If they had, I would be writing in some other form write now. It is all the same, people...<br />
<br />
It is now February 3rd, and I am ready to debut my 1st installment in the 2012 portfolio...<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DgLzErZHvfE0D6Cesw1iRZWLk2Gew_SwR0ufrArYY0WH3YdRZXpoFP55wvNZjuIvGLP67r2_wHyiAK9Nk0U-93KBcCrDfeUKH0VwRuk3lBGB4tcqakUQLA_I3kxWpDifJAnmEeCslv1F/s1600/IMG_0107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DgLzErZHvfE0D6Cesw1iRZWLk2Gew_SwR0ufrArYY0WH3YdRZXpoFP55wvNZjuIvGLP67r2_wHyiAK9Nk0U-93KBcCrDfeUKH0VwRuk3lBGB4tcqakUQLA_I3kxWpDifJAnmEeCslv1F/s320/IMG_0107.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11440209329041761822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887182602179984918.post-59888362802690545652012-01-16T17:28:00.000-06:002012-01-16T17:28:32.176-06:00From Maine to California<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYPJ_Qff4Yy1WpUB2kjmDjcrxuLqVp4kSdZzQ36_VmIJicq4ceaPQjvRbdLaiUPSArgRpk4rJaS82R5N2ORAmbciNMDN6M0nUXFLibITCSqHy849zXG5hyphenhyphenqc7U0Y3KKtGYSj0Nnr5I064/s1600/IMG_0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYPJ_Qff4Yy1WpUB2kjmDjcrxuLqVp4kSdZzQ36_VmIJicq4ceaPQjvRbdLaiUPSArgRpk4rJaS82R5N2ORAmbciNMDN6M0nUXFLibITCSqHy849zXG5hyphenhyphenqc7U0Y3KKtGYSj0Nnr5I064/s200/IMG_0102.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
This is one of my favorite things in my house. It is a memory board of pictures and postcards of places we have been, numbers from races, baseball stubs, basically wonderful memories from our first five years together. I enjoy looking at it and remembering the different places we have been, but I absolutely LOVE adding to it. Adding to it means we have done something else worth remembering. :) I plan on adding many wonderful things we do in 2012! A couple memories below...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizW34-QztybzzrUwnJgSGjTeKg9di7bklXUVTXe26_hyphenhyphenfUzDYhBPOn96mWvz1TGQu9W4TC1wTg1e6Vl6GJ8jbS8o0AIL497WrRaywBMSnHu6H8s8KcIUKeDoDPzkSo6H21nWx8rT-8VDXK/s1600/IMG_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizW34-QztybzzrUwnJgSGjTeKg9di7bklXUVTXe26_hyphenhyphenfUzDYhBPOn96mWvz1TGQu9W4TC1wTg1e6Vl6GJ8jbS8o0AIL497WrRaywBMSnHu6H8s8KcIUKeDoDPzkSo6H21nWx8rT-8VDXK/s200/IMG_0051.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> white water rafting trip in Colorado-treacherous!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKw5PZYHeu9DchupPqA_-yy0qsE7oGQ_Ho59FaXq0gxAPo9MOMZ52VshSEYUQV_dmMH8aOrFJ-qlvLgDMh18H8_4tseBrx9_cCHK8gNePk8gbSk33-uxgIu8Jk4BzO0xUWzlocZHCMrp1Q/s1600/IMG_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKw5PZYHeu9DchupPqA_-yy0qsE7oGQ_Ho59FaXq0gxAPo9MOMZ52VshSEYUQV_dmMH8aOrFJ-qlvLgDMh18H8_4tseBrx9_cCHK8gNePk8gbSk33-uxgIu8Jk4BzO0xUWzlocZHCMrp1Q/s200/IMG_0030.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bar Harbor, Maine marathon!</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11440209329041761822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887182602179984918.post-48265980817564243042012-01-10T19:02:00.000-06:002012-01-10T19:02:15.971-06:00Alaska<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgVaPmdijhalqz5PmYUOsfMsxgBrGmR9uulCF5i-yhI4dnOIcMFKweuXYWuVxC6uFhaO2N2VAgpwKGn2CpMKL0XEcfNXJZOxnpt3J3JbV4gLeGwa-x4Yqd1va7N7Hp2R5HlMPoHY61E7x/s1600/IMG_0298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgVaPmdijhalqz5PmYUOsfMsxgBrGmR9uulCF5i-yhI4dnOIcMFKweuXYWuVxC6uFhaO2N2VAgpwKGn2CpMKL0XEcfNXJZOxnpt3J3JbV4gLeGwa-x4Yqd1va7N7Hp2R5HlMPoHY61E7x/s320/IMG_0298.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I'm sure you are wondering where I am in my header picture. That picture was taken at the top of Exit Glacier in Alaska. It was unbelievable and by far on of the best hikes I have ever done. We were on a Backroads multi-sport trip this past August. I had always wanted to visit Alaska and WOW, it did now disappoint! We had an awesome four hour hike to the top of the glacier, and it seemed like we were on top of the moon. By far the scariest part was seeing how much the glaciers have melted. Here are some other wonderful memories from our Alaskan adventure!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vch-20XteP5ijjdMZSAsvJ53jFttNqhqg89gjFQHoUfeCtKhUE1mL8if5Z5ItDyNLQKwqUg8qwkFoHQGP8IYzCiKuLHDkTUr-fJJgsmWhij0L8xSdbEur65bcpFbBRMC_h-1Tq71S9m_/s1600/IMG_0271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vch-20XteP5ijjdMZSAsvJ53jFttNqhqg89gjFQHoUfeCtKhUE1mL8if5Z5ItDyNLQKwqUg8qwkFoHQGP8IYzCiKuLHDkTUr-fJJgsmWhij0L8xSdbEur65bcpFbBRMC_h-1Tq71S9m_/s200/IMG_0271.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivTjh4F6CSaYcw5axX943a2WanFv29r_iiYyMNiuprxirSP7ugmve2R1Mph3YwDY0l8LYDFwX0tgIhRrUmQ6ENjQMO27BN1DdvFCFbK1XWVSj1Q30lCd7d4y8dLHUHCKxEMUM2NhOE-_L/s1600/IMG_0230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivTjh4F6CSaYcw5axX943a2WanFv29r_iiYyMNiuprxirSP7ugmve2R1Mph3YwDY0l8LYDFwX0tgIhRrUmQ6ENjQMO27BN1DdvFCFbK1XWVSj1Q30lCd7d4y8dLHUHCKxEMUM2NhOE-_L/s320/IMG_0230.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAMlAXeh4JgaF5S9eSVaNupBZuKOGnH1Qzv-UCOkIBr7uuo_S5hRBXEZmuKdV_GoZloyx-cDeoLh1AR1brOvO8pfrypnpAouYfgc9-CAuccJWRbJS39g4ZGQwFkEo8a6_MrR5pfUfV39k/s1600/IMG_0339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAMlAXeh4JgaF5S9eSVaNupBZuKOGnH1Qzv-UCOkIBr7uuo_S5hRBXEZmuKdV_GoZloyx-cDeoLh1AR1brOvO8pfrypnpAouYfgc9-CAuccJWRbJS39g4ZGQwFkEo8a6_MrR5pfUfV39k/s320/IMG_0339.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrIWC6pbvevv3T5B5JBJ-vtCs0xkgC0reZ3KmvStwtBmygbDUNyCWn7sYpChxswqo-l75ijhUzS90Qo3JEkk5xzy7c1kROcRgg1sOy9il8hzo0Ie9gA5ucVfro0wP5FUmeG2WoaNjvrxl/s1600/IMG_0353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrIWC6pbvevv3T5B5JBJ-vtCs0xkgC0reZ3KmvStwtBmygbDUNyCWn7sYpChxswqo-l75ijhUzS90Qo3JEkk5xzy7c1kROcRgg1sOy9il8hzo0Ie9gA5ucVfro0wP5FUmeG2WoaNjvrxl/s320/IMG_0353.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpA8B-kSXzWtlvJBddJxUtU9GxhhiqZ88Y8ksgFcupPVO6QQ2Vhhnid_nSNhJKgqpNk0pbDxMnWQnXDD9GuVqomrIHlfUgln5A7-sI8MB-yGUyt4mKnNIIeKzy5kHCS6K2rSe0OYAYAf0/s1600/IMG_0329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpA8B-kSXzWtlvJBddJxUtU9GxhhiqZ88Y8ksgFcupPVO6QQ2Vhhnid_nSNhJKgqpNk0pbDxMnWQnXDD9GuVqomrIHlfUgln5A7-sI8MB-yGUyt4mKnNIIeKzy5kHCS6K2rSe0OYAYAf0/s320/IMG_0329.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11440209329041761822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887182602179984918.post-30568957486842395292012-01-04T18:38:00.000-06:002012-01-04T18:38:19.665-06:00Day 2<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGetpp1RPPiNTwQQ_90b1JXKLzu9qgzV-PnfcJ1nnWdH5bShe1rAA_DVJJAFSHu-Dp0VSn_nGv6EUSkiapL0z53uI6fBXrLtFaD77rP9yDPYQ9mXpDwPhoRfYTweFOorRNOMcEWmbobqB/s1600/IMG_0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGetpp1RPPiNTwQQ_90b1JXKLzu9qgzV-PnfcJ1nnWdH5bShe1rAA_DVJJAFSHu-Dp0VSn_nGv6EUSkiapL0z53uI6fBXrLtFaD77rP9yDPYQ9mXpDwPhoRfYTweFOorRNOMcEWmbobqB/s200/IMG_0096.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">meals for the past 2 days</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Why do I do this to myself? I have tried cleanses, I simply don't understand how people can follow them to a tee. They are so difficult. I always have the best of intentions and try really hard, but eating basically nothing on cleanse days is just too difficult. I can deal with the shakes, raw vegetables, and a small healthy meal, but no food...come on. I am currently on day 2 (it's been a struggle, but I've made it.) Tomorrow is going to be tough, a cleanse day. Oh, and it's pizza day at school. I'm going to try very hard. We shall see....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11440209329041761822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887182602179984918.post-86234635441322484072012-01-03T19:21:00.000-06:002012-01-03T19:21:16.886-06:00First Hike of 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCxJ_8wDGXG9KGxmEDQdeBqEfcW9deL9nmmrFTdSD8SDbwrrVX57L7QDafS3Kg_GEvMAZZxwoPWKGD6imS5jCFKGOKMG0qR4RC430ozYlLgKjHAxZnSIKwqNy-LOxT2a7k0t1-V45gu8x/s1600/IMG_0086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCxJ_8wDGXG9KGxmEDQdeBqEfcW9deL9nmmrFTdSD8SDbwrrVX57L7QDafS3Kg_GEvMAZZxwoPWKGD6imS5jCFKGOKMG0qR4RC430ozYlLgKjHAxZnSIKwqNy-LOxT2a7k0t1-V45gu8x/s200/IMG_0086.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Plan for 2012... a lot more adventure and we are off to a great start! Our first hike of 2012 was a 7 mile loop in Carefree, AZ. 75 and not a cloud in the sky! We also did an incredible hike/run up Black Mountain, now that was fun! It was exhilarating and made me only want more! Too bad we don't live in Arizona!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11440209329041761822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887182602179984918.post-35255360099145834762012-01-02T17:42:00.000-06:002012-01-02T17:42:53.482-06:002012 Plan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6EeHM5ThM7rwBxd9oaPPrultrokaevHC2EZ2edGl7hf4jAdv5s6hgbEAO6fKi33XU-Tq2Zg7MlTGwacoqjKuORjRB0wOIWHzwbpHzbVPdKyEJKraj23dsNWiWcmN1PYkkrhkME-pOqsRK/s1600/PetSti-029-5x7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6EeHM5ThM7rwBxd9oaPPrultrokaevHC2EZ2edGl7hf4jAdv5s6hgbEAO6fKi33XU-Tq2Zg7MlTGwacoqjKuORjRB0wOIWHzwbpHzbVPdKyEJKraj23dsNWiWcmN1PYkkrhkME-pOqsRK/s200/PetSti-029-5x7.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>remembering what is important, prioritize </li>
<li>begin a craft: (already in progress)</li>
<li>2 trail 10ks (at least)</li>
<li>2 mountain bike races (at least)</li>
<li>1 rock and half marathon (Nashville)</li>
<li>play competitive tennis...</li>
<li>read a book every 3 weeks</li>
<li>focus on working out hard, eating right, and living a balanced life</li>
<li>attend at least two MLB games (new stadiums)</li>
<li>relaxing with my husband!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11440209329041761822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887182602179984918.post-49507546421429837152012-01-02T10:49:00.000-06:002012-01-02T10:49:55.634-06:00Happy New Year!2011 was a great year with many wonderful memories! I'm looking forward to even better 2012... I have a lot of exciting things planned and I'm ready to try some new things. (I tend to be a bit routine.)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11440209329041761822noreply@blogger.com1