tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13264216821290506122024-03-19T08:37:22.071-04:0052 Weeks....to the Real Me"It's never too late to be who you might have been."MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02676326493993717156noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326421682129050612.post-79165790642204838752009-11-11T21:19:00.003-05:002009-11-11T21:29:25.041-05:00Minor SuccessesWell. I ... today wasn't HORRIBLE. It wasn't terrific. But I can live with myself. I didn't get to exercise (still kinda sick) but here's the food list:<br /><br />zone bar<br /><br />diet coke<br /><br />easy mac-n- cheese<br />yogurt w/meringue<br />applesauce<br /><br />2 mini bags of pretzels (halloween size)<br /><br />McDouble (just sandwich - no extras. I said NO to fries. NO to cookies.)<br /><br />3 tablespoons of cake batter<br /><br />carrots and low fat ranch dip (I said NO to reese's peanut butter cup enticing me)<br />and I'm going to have a zone bar before bed.<br /><br />I KNOW I need more protein.<br /><br /><br />Tomorrow are conferences. YAY. Home late. Food on the run -- I'm going to pack lots of GOOD food to munch on! NO PIZZA!<br /><br />Thanks for all the support and advice. To answer everyone at once:<br /><ul><li>No, I didn't finish my 100 day burpee challenge, I made it to day 50 though!</li><li>Mom does try to hide the food - but in order to find things I DO NEED, I hunt. -- I end up finding bad stuff. (or like the Oreos hidden in the closet now - I know they are there)</li><li>Unfortunately getting her onboard in a productive way is harder, instead of not buy the stuff, she'd rather chastise at dad for eating it.<br /></li></ul>Again, thanks everyone. I'm going to be better about posting. See.. 2 days in a row! Now I'm going to finish Duplicity and head to bed. =)<br /><br />40 days till Hawaii!!!<br />(Boss approved.. need to forward papers to the Superintendent... then I'm set!)MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02676326493993717156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326421682129050612.post-53293304376715874272009-11-10T19:07:00.005-05:002009-11-11T21:29:51.537-05:00Advice and Encouragement Needed.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.freehelpforeclosure.com/images/start_over.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 387px; height: 211px;" src="http://www.freehelpforeclosure.com/images/start_over.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Technically I'm on week... umm... I kinda lost count. I will re-calculate and CONTINUE. I knew I had slipped up. I knew I let things get to me. I knew I let myself go. It was bad. It was ugly and I ignored the evidence. I knew my clothes were getting tighter, I knew I was looking plumper. I ignored it. I blamed it on my schedule, I blamed it on monopoly, I blamed it on a stressful professor, I still - partially at least- blame my mom. But I know the only REAL person to blame is me. I put the food in my mouth. I sit on the couch. I "drove-thru" for 3 meals a day. I know part of it my own sabotage thinking-- that I can't do it in this environment. (My house and current situation) but the reality is -- no matter how hard it is... I HAVE to.<br /><br />I went to the doctor last week and was forced to face the numerical reality of the past 3 months. I've gained back WAY TOO MUCH. And am now headed forward on my journey. I REFUSE to buy bigger clothes. -- in fact I have TONS of motivation to move smaller again. I'm going to HAWAII!! .... and soon. DECEMBER.<br /><br />My environment will be my biggest challenge. I've managed to get my fast food addiction cured -- mostly because it costs too much (and I'm saving for Hawaii). But I know once I get back in the good habits -- for whatever reasons -- it will become second nature again. Dad has mentioned getting healthy too, but right now we face the same problem(s) -- a house full of (currently) 4 candy dishes and 2 cookie jars and often several types of chips and other junk foods, including chocolate milk (tons of sugar!!). I'm going to be back on the Zone. I'm not sure exactly which plan dad wants to follow but we have to get Mom on board and I don't know how.<br /><br />I've tried convincing her she needs to eat better too -- by the way she bought a bag of "blonde" Oreos on Saturday. Today they were gone. She had 3, I had 6. (or maybe 9) Dad ate the REST in 3 days. He's diabetic. Do you see the problem? Yes, I know he needs to take responsibility for his actions and what he eats -- but if it's not there to tempt him (us) isn't that easier -- at least until the new habits take hold. One of my biggest issues in my latest relapse was due to Oreos. Seriously, How do I get her on board? How do I convince her that by enabling our binging and poor eating habits she is literally helping us kill ourselves?? I'm serious. We need help. I know I can't force her to do anything but how can we get her to UNDERSTAND? It's <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> that we are weak willed, it's <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> that we don't know better, it's HARD. This whole process is hard and she isn't helping. I'm tired of using excuses (her being the biggest one) but I don't know how to do this surrounded by pastas, cookies, candy, pizza, ice cream... etc. Like I said I've tried getting her to get on board with us -- even simple things like suggesting baked chips over regular ones. (to no avail.) Ok I'm done rambling.<br /><br />I'm currently recovering from "flu-like" symptoms so as soon as I'm on my feet (and my appetite returns) it will be exercise and eating healthy for me. (and hopefully Dad -- and Mom-- too)<br /><br />All advice welcome.MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02676326493993717156noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326421682129050612.post-72243722205723216472009-08-14T11:52:00.003-04:002009-08-14T12:18:59.527-04:00Game Over<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir37wQBGAIFP8zMJiCHjKY1W8UuR3aCctd8Or-6BFF8Hq38TTsx2moExPE86UIReJ1jYBaD-dEHYs_0OjCzpUGvfhd2EzStjUy1sed0B-sGyLJLO1t4JTaOYFDPKyZ4Q3JERa7sOQf_GQ/s1600-h/gameover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 46px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir37wQBGAIFP8zMJiCHjKY1W8UuR3aCctd8Or-6BFF8Hq38TTsx2moExPE86UIReJ1jYBaD-dEHYs_0OjCzpUGvfhd2EzStjUy1sed0B-sGyLJLO1t4JTaOYFDPKyZ4Q3JERa7sOQf_GQ/s200/gameover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369854392180817106" border="0" /></a>The waiting game that is.<br /></div><br />If it seems to good to be true, it probably is.<br />I guess it wasn't meant to be.<br /><br />Maybe this was just a glimpse of what COULD be after my 52 weeks are done. After all, the plan was not to do anything drastic until NEXT year.<br /><br />Maybe I have more work to do at Mespo. Maybe it's not time for me to move on yet.<br /><br />I guess now I get back to my regularly scheduled life. Finding a home for all the stuff in the garage, setting up the lab in it's entirety, finding a way to pay for college and wonder if I can handle it this fall, start going back to CrossFit...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Thank you everyone!</span> for your support, prayers, crossed fingers, and well wishes. It is because of all your love and support that I believe I must have more to do at Mespo, that it is truly not yet the time to move on.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/19210000/19217406.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 122px; height: 189px;" src="http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/19210000/19217406.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>(and I assure you I have ideas. I just got done reading both of Rafe Esquith's books - "There are no Shortcuts" and "Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire". They are both great books that have spectacular ideas, leave me a little frustrated (that whole idea that you have to be in a tough inner city school to be <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blogs.dixcdn.com/leftofcybercenter/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/teach.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 143px; height: 216px;" src="http://blogs.dixcdn.com/leftofcybercenter/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/teach.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>considered a GREAT teacher) but overall inspired me to want to be a better teacher. To put aside the politics and red-tape, to handle administration and their demands but to find a way to accomplish what we are all there for - the kids. And not just teaching them about science or math, but teaching them how to be people. Responsible, caring people. ) -- if any Mespo folks want to borrow them, let me know! (aparently he also has a <a href="http://www.hobartshakespeareans.org/">website</a> for the Hobart Shakespeareans - his students) There is also a DVD documentary that was made, I just ordered it from Netflix!)<br /><br />After reading these I guess I'm kinda glad I'm not going to the middle-class elementary school with 8 SmartBoards.. right? I have another year to make a tremendous difference to kids who maybe don't have it all.<br /><br />**side note of good news... I don't have to blow my savings on a security deposit, and I think I can still save enough money to go to Hawaii!**MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02676326493993717156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326421682129050612.post-88973930128482951572009-08-13T23:08:00.008-04:002009-08-13T23:46:33.605-04:00How do I cope?I'm a wreck!<br />I interviewed for a job this week. I really want it. I can't remember wanting anything this badly. Let me explain what's happened in the past week or so.<br />When I got home from Illinois I started applying at Dayton area schools. I found one I was particularly interested in, so I went ahead and filled out the entire online application -- you teachers out there know how tedious that could be! Two days later a DIFFERENT school called and said that they have a 5th grade math opening and will be interviewing next week (which was THIS week). So I of course called back and we set an interview for this past Tuesday.<br />I began researching the area, looking at potential apartments, seeing what all the school had to offer. It is amazing. They are the size I wanted, they have the clubs, sports, and philosophies I liked. It all sounds great. Their new teachers start Aug 20. (next Thurs) so I realized that IF I get the job I would need to move ASAP. So I contacted a few apartments through Rent.com and they contacted me back. Unbelievably -- they have some immediate openings.<br /><br />So Monday, I drove down to the area to check it out, see the school, look at the apartments, and attend a board meeting. As I drove around town, I fell in love -- I tried not to, I know that could mean even a bigger heartache later. They have an arena that hosts concerts, and weekend ice skating, there is a park with frisbee golf and a community theater. The center of town has a fountain and a circle, the Miami river runs through town with benches and swings all along to sit and enjoy it. Oh yeah and there is a public pool with slides, fountains, and who knows what else. There is also a hike/bike trail that goes all the way through the town.<br /><br />The apartment manager/owner is awesome. She was very friendly and even invited me to join her two golf leagues plus wondered if I'd be interested in tutoring her grandson! And the apartment.. not only would it be acceptable - I love it. The rooms are big and clean and there's lots of storage and even washer/dryer hookups. To top it off, the hike/bike trail passes right behind the building. It's in a cozy neighborhood, nearby to shopping, and less than 20 minutes from the school!!<br /><br />The more I drove around the more I experienced emotions that I don't know what to do with. I would get these urges where I wanted to cry... in a good way. I was just overcome with the wanting this job so badly and feeling at home in the area. I could see great ways for the "new me" to accomplish everything I want to.<br /><br />Even the board meeting went well. Everyone was very friendly and I learned that the school is in good shape.<br /><br />Everyone has been asking me how the interview went. I'm at a loss as to how to answer that. I mean, I think it went well, sure there are some things I'd like to add, but I'm happy with it and I hope it was enough. I hope I said enough of the right things to set me apart and above the rest.<br /><br />So the rest of this week I've been a mess. I'm trying to plan what I would need to do to move if I get the job, but I'm also trying not to get my hopes too high. So I'm trying to plan what I would do at Mespo this year. I'm trying to balance my excitement and hope with the possibility of complete, devastating disappointment.<br /><br />I was told I would know by the end of this week. That leaves tomorrow. I don't know how to do this, I keep playing responses in my head, I keep preparing myself for the worst, but I can't help feeling excited and optimistic. Could it really be that this was meant to be? That this is where I'm supposed to go? Everything seemed to fall into place so perfectly. But I can't afford to think this way. It will make the pain so much greater. I've already allowed myself too much excitement for this situation. I've told way too many people about it. and I want it so badly. Whenever I think about the strength of my desire for this position and move, I literally want to cry because I don't know how else to express it.<br /><br />My hope is that I get called early in the morning (either way) so I don't have to torment myself all day. I have things to get excited about at Mespo this year, we have new computers, I'm going to be in the lab, my friends are all still going to be there. Right?<br /><br />Anyone with advice... I'm all ears.MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02676326493993717156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326421682129050612.post-9559972597391783692009-08-03T16:08:00.002-04:002009-08-03T16:55:24.391-04:00No Such Thing as a Hard DecisionI read that once. Of course now that I want to quote more about it, I can't remember who said it or how exactly it is said. Here's the gist:<br /><br /><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote>There is no such thing as a hard decision. Decisions only seem hard when we don't like the answer.<br /><blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>I am in that situation. I realize that my decision was made on Thursday, but I kept an open mind. It wasn't until Sunday on my LONG drive home that I was able to look at it for what it was and come to terms with it.<br /><br />I wanted SO BADLY to move to Illinois. I wanted to be part of Melissa's and her family's life. I wanted the boys to really get to know their Aunt Megan. I had visions of what life would be like. Sure, I found places that I could live in. But no where that I WANTED to live in. Nothing felt like IT, a place I could call HOME.<br /><br />I feel guilty about it all. (well I did... yesterday) I dragged Dad (although he did volunteer) all around the corn country - 5 straight days of 8 hours in the car! I feel like I mislead the Wheeler family. But I remind myself the point of the trip was EXACTLY for this situation. Better to have checked it out ahead of time, rather than move blindly. I do not mean to offend those that live in Illinois, but they have no landscape. It's all corn and soybean.<br /><br />As we drove home, and crossed into Ohio, I realized that I actually like Ohio. Weird as that seems. It also seemed disproportionate to move so far from MOST of my family to be near a small PART of my family. One time in my life I had that "I belong here" feeling. I didn't believe it existed, people told me about it. It's supposed to be the same feeling that tells you "he's the one" -- you just KNOW. I got that feeling walking through UD campus when I was a senior in high school. I'm wondering why it was so automatic for me to just "move home" after college. Why not stay there? (oh yeah, the whole job thing) Anyway, I did really like Cuyahoga Falls. I liked the State Park, I liked the trees, the nature, the uniqueness. (and the conveniences not too far away).<br /><br />Both times in the past week when we've driven past Dayton I had a pang of "missing". I miss that area, I miss Meijiers!! But there is Yellow Springs, Young's Dairy, the Minor League Hockey Team, the UD Games --Football and Basketball, it's near to Cinci, and not too far from Columbus, there's the airbase museum and tons of Wright Brother stuff. Plus I KNOW there's a Kiwanis club there that I would fit into. I also realized a lot of my UD friends still live IN THE AREA.<br /><br />I also calculated...it's only about 4 hours to Oakland (where Melissa will be) that's STILL by far the closest we've been! I could easily do a weekend trip for Birthdays and other special occassions. We could still go camping together in the summers. Realistically the places that I would be "happy enough" in near her, were still over an hour away, so I wouldn't go there very often anyway.<br /><br />Plus this puts me only between 4 and 5 hours from my parents (Both Dad and I have made two ways trips in one day when necessary) but it's really not unreasonable. It also puts me about an hour from Ashley, so hopefully we'll be able to get together more often . (she's currently 2 1/2-3 hours away)<br /><br />Teaching- Teachers are paid much better in the Dayton area -- at least compared to my school. Plus I don't have to worry about switching my license, taking additional tests, worrying about switching my retirement, etc.<br /><br />When I got home last night, I did some quick research on jobs -- found a few still open and applied for them. But I also looked at some local apartments. They seemed price comparable to those I was looking at in Illinois but they are on beautiful properties with unique floorplans, and most allow even BIG dogs!<br /><br />I dare you to look at the pictures of these apartments:<br /><a href="http://www.simmsmanagement.com/communities/arbors/photogallery.html">Arbors at Yankee Vineyard</a><a href="http://www.simmsmanagement.com/communities/spinnakercove/photogallery.html"><br />Spinnaker Cove</a><a href="http://www.simmsmanagement.com/communities/harbourclub/photogallery.html"><br />Harbour Club</a><br /><br />This feels better. This feels right.<br /><br />So what about that Rainbow I saw? Well, I misinterpreted it. Actually, I fibbed a bit when I told you about it. I was concerned when I saw it, that I had to turn around to see it. IT was over Dayton. We were pulling away from it... toward Indiana. At the moment I saw it, I knew. (But didn't want to know because I wanted to move to Ill) My rainbow was centered in OHIO.<br /><br />Oh yeah, and there are 4 CrossFits within 30 minutes of the Dayton area!<br /><br />I really never thought I would say this... but Ohio really is pretty. Those midwest farm states don't know what they're missin!MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02676326493993717156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326421682129050612.post-54481842704693425742009-08-03T15:50:00.003-04:002009-08-03T16:00:04.677-04:00Illinois Day 5Our last day was spent mostly in Indiana and Ohio!<br />We drove around Charleston a little, to see the downtown area, then headed toward the Indiana Line. On the way out we visited Marshall.<br /><br />Marshall was pretty nice. The downtown still had a lot of businesses, the schools looked nice. There were some conveniences right by the highway. We didn't stay long.<br /><br />Dad watched his phone as we crossed into Indiana so he could see when the time changed. His phone changed a little less than a mile before the border, we figured it switched towers to an Indiana one then!<br /><br />We stopped at a Sonic. We have Sonic commercials on all the time, but the nearest Sonic to us is in Columbus, so I demanded that we stopped at one and ate. It was pretty good! The Sonic Blast was good too, very creamy.<br /><br />I must say that Indiana claims to be the "crossroads of America" and I believe it. I kept track of the license plates we saw on our journey. Here are the states we saw ON CARS (note: for Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois, we did see cars with those plates when we were in <span style="font-style: italic;">OTHER</span> states)<br /><br /><ol><li>Arkansas</li><li>Texas</li><li>Arizona</li><li>Colorado</li><li>Florida</li><li>Georgia</li><li>North Carolina</li><li>New York</li><li>Utah</li><li>Nevada</li><li>Alabama</li><li>Kansas</li><li>Oklahoma</li><li>Indiana</li><li>Illinois</li><li>Wisconsin</li><li>Pennsylvania</li><li>New Jersey</li><li>Tennessee</li><li>Kentucky</li><li>Missouri</li><li>Ohio</li><li>South Dakota</li><li>Michigan</li><li>California</li><li>Maryland</li><li>West Virginia</li><li>Virginia</li><li>Minnesota</li></ol>On semis we also saw:<br /><ol><li>Oregon</li><li>Washington</li><li>Nebraska</li><li>Iowa</li><li>North Dakota</li></ol>Plus we saw cars with<br /><ul><li>Ontario</li></ul>So on our trip across 3 states, we saw representatives from 34 states and 1 province. Not bad!<br /><br />We arrived home safe and sound, and I went to sleep. =)MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02676326493993717156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326421682129050612.post-19949774973617377152009-08-02T10:28:00.003-04:002009-08-02T10:35:01.006-04:00Illinois ApartmentsThis is really for my own benefit. These are apartments I liked, or sites to help find apartments.<br /><br />Sites<br />Central Illinois <a href="http://champaign.golfnation.org/vemap255/norton-knolls-golf-course">Virtual Earth</a><br />University of Illinois <a href="http://www.tenantunion.uiuc.edu/hb2.html">Tenant Union</a><br /><a href="http://www.news-gazette.com/classifieds/rentals/">News-Gazette</a>: Search Classifieds, Rentals - Champaign area<br /><a href="http://www.herald-review.com/classifieds/rental/">Herald-Review:</a> Charleston area<br /><br />Champaign<br /><a href="http://www.gardencourts.com/apartments/twobed.html">http://www.gardencourts.com/apartments/twobed.html </a><br /><a href="http://www.burnham310.com">http://www.burnham310.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.manchester-apts.com/index.php">http://www.manchester-apts.com/index.php<br /></a><a href="http://www.manchester-apts.com/index.php"> </a><br />Savoy<a href="http://www.johnsonrentals.com/BlackAndBlue/Properties/Savoy.htm"><br />http://www.johnsonrentals.com/BlackAndBlue/Properties/Savoy.htm</a> (also have Champaign locations)<br /><br />CharlestonMJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02676326493993717156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326421682129050612.post-43614432629930017582009-08-02T09:52:00.005-04:002009-08-02T10:28:33.677-04:00Illinois Day 4Today I took Dad on a perimeter tour of the ENTIRE region.<br />We headed out on 57N where we saw a Semi flipped on its side, the highway was closed and traffic was backed up for miles. Luckily we were on the OTHER side of the highway. We then headed west on 36 where an insistent woman was on my tail, then passed me, then pulled over and tried to flag me down, then was on my tail again. I finally pulled onto a side street to see what she wanted -- but she kept going. We saw her about 1/2 mile down the road talking to someone else on the side of the road. She looked like she may have been lost... but then WHY flag down a car with OHIO plates? How could we <span style="font-style: italic;">possibly</span> help? So we ventured on to Decatur.<br /><br />Decatur - this was a spur of the morning trip decision. I looked at their website- they have a zoo, a children's museum, some nice apartments, so it seemed reasonable. Perhaps we came in the wrong side of town and didn't explore quite enough. We didn't see much, but we also didn't have much time. I'll give it potential, if I get to see the rest of it and it's nice. We did stop and a Burger King where I got an "Apartment Finder" that included just about all of the towns we visited! cool!<br /><br />Next we traveled back to Champaign to visit Savoy, a small town just south of Champaign.<br /><br />Savoy- This is my number one prospect I think. It is Champaign schools - a large district, but it has a suburb feel and many modern conveniences such as a Subway, Running Store, Movie Theater, RollerSkating Rink, etc. We drove through two apartment complexes. They were very nice, probably a little expensive, but I could easily call them home.<br /><br />We drove back through Champaign and Urbana to check out Danville. On the way through we saw a really cool apartment building. You can check out their website,<a href="http://www.burnham310.com/"> </a><a href="http://www.burnham310.com/">Burnham310.com</a>. I bet they are very expensive, but I think I'd really like living there!<br /><br />Danville- Danville looked great on the map and great on the website, but like so many other towns really rather diappointed in person. The schools weren't even that impressive (as some of the other towns') We drove around a little then headed out of town. (back to Paris) Danville was the home of Gene Hackman, Jerry and Dick Van Dyke, but I don't think it will be of mine.<br /><br />On the way we passed through many small towns -- including Bloomfield -- I think it was less populated than ours! But we passed through Westville who claims to have had the first night football game back in 1928. It seemed like a very nice town, the schools looked great (from what I could see passing through on 150) It's small, but seemed quite nice.<br /><br />I wanted to venture back to Paris to see if I could see all the other great things that were depicted on their website, no such luck. The downtown is virtually vacant, most of the homes were rundown -- the DQ was nice! We didn't stay long as we were being treated to a HOME-GROWN, HOME-COOKED meal in Oakland.<br /><br />Oakland- Today we drove through town a little, checking out the schools, and the little town charm. They had the coolest/scariest water fountain <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMYpR3Pajji2xoRwHJdv0tXcK5x8VtWfc2eX5z8DpUg4ZruQdJBF3zADxC2uKhe28fJKEbGaeVOG3DwVNLksvHn256me-XJbZpq19movUTsku7BK66GvA28xfM16c5-mzcCJ8IBpqB2w/s1600-h/IMG_2096.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMYpR3Pajji2xoRwHJdv0tXcK5x8VtWfc2eX5z8DpUg4ZruQdJBF3zADxC2uKhe28fJKEbGaeVOG3DwVNLksvHn256me-XJbZpq19movUTsku7BK66GvA28xfM16c5-mzcCJ8IBpqB2w/s200/IMG_2096.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365372042329633410" border="0" /></a>and some really neat old buildings. We then headed to the farm to meet up with Melissa and her family and have dinner. Grandma, Tim's grandma, cooked Tim's favorite roast beef, some noodles, home grown corn on the cob, home grown green beans, home made apple sauce, and served home made banana cream pie for dessert. Yum! After dinner we went for a stroll around the farm and down the lane to the old cemetery. One guy was born in 1784!!! We had a great evening. We even got to see an OLD hanging glass fire extinguisher (you can see a similar one on <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Glass-Fire-Extinguishers-Hanging-One-Gal-Fluid_W0QQitemZ220460612634QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20090801?IMSfp=TL090801135001r19291">ebay</a>).<br /><br />We have one more town to check out on our way back home.MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02676326493993717156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326421682129050612.post-70923954904084376532009-08-01T09:09:00.004-04:002009-08-01T09:53:15.734-04:00Illinois Day 3We awoke early (having gotten our showers the night before) and headed straight to... Cracker Barrel. We've now eaten there 3 times. =)<br /><br />After a yummy breakfast we drove North to check out Tolono, Mahomet, Rantoul, Urbana, and Champaign. We also added Tuscola to the list, got a glimpse of Savoy.<br /><br />Tolono- I'm beginning to see a trend with these small towns. They are very cramped on the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpEpe9sGddMBVozLi77rOmR312JeSbaALS4tZDdvpbdU2WdNJwb8g1iXBuhpy4Ojv_Rv2Ra6lVvA4vy3USVwaYlsiNxpuDJ9gXX2DtXqvKnGNS8fKW3bkbd_1Lh2fz89pTToy0s5qBbo/s1600-h/Tolono+Library.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 128px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpEpe9sGddMBVozLi77rOmR312JeSbaALS4tZDdvpbdU2WdNJwb8g1iXBuhpy4Ojv_Rv2Ra6lVvA4vy3USVwaYlsiNxpuDJ9gXX2DtXqvKnGNS8fKW3bkbd_1Lh2fz89pTToy0s5qBbo/s200/Tolono+Library.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364987636873305522" border="0" /></a>inside. Although I get a kick out of knowing "where the town ends" -- you run into a cornfield. They did have a very nice school complex (Jr High/High next to each other) and a brand new, large library. The streets were kind of a maze and there are some new large houses being built in the area. Also there was this one old farmhouse in the center of everything, cornfield included. It was 3 stories high -- that's the house I want! lol (picture courtesy of Virtual Earth)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1mMZLZ544oCVCHqAktk8CPuThMFR9sFscDQUFIS3JfdwyfdacqNZ3pw-3xW5lmwL7puOCjSsiNHsgQvnVC2_3KkttRbjQyNQx_9CVCEW6-5vvUkhSl0oAY2v84JOOc8jxpOVeoDcU3U/s1600-h/Tolono+House.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 149px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1mMZLZ544oCVCHqAktk8CPuThMFR9sFscDQUFIS3JfdwyfdacqNZ3pw-3xW5lmwL7puOCjSsiNHsgQvnVC2_3KkttRbjQyNQx_9CVCEW6-5vvUkhSl0oAY2v84JOOc8jxpOVeoDcU3U/s200/Tolono+House.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364986445157780130" border="0" /></a>We drove through Savoy and Champaign to get to our next stop- Mahomet.<br /><br />Mahomet- The schools looked great, the secretary was very friendly, she was actually the secretary for the preK-K building. They even had smaller railings lower for the kids to reach- in addition to the adult ones. There isn't much in town. A DQ, a few gas stations, an orthodontist, a pizza place. Everyone seemed very friendly and the houses were nice. I'm not sure about there being any rental properties though. Champaign is only about 10-15 minutes away, so "big shopping" is not too far away.<br /><br />Rantoul - I think this was my favorite of the day. It was the one I was hoping to like the least, since it was the furthest away, but it immediately had a suburban feel, the secretary of the superintendent was very nice. There was a huge park next to the middle school -- even had a skate park in it. There is an Air Museum, with some huge airforce planes from the olden days. Just like with any town, there are nice parts of town and not so nice parts. It does seem like they have most of the "modern conveniences."<br /><br />Urbana- I had figured of the two, Champaign and Urbana, I would like Urbana better because it was smaller. Silly me. Urbana is well.. very urban. Everything is close together, and rather rundown. (at least from what we saw as we traveled between the schools and the superintendent's office. Dad said he saw things chained down in the yard, presumably so they wouldn't be stolen, not exactly the kind of area I want to live and work in. Champaign looked more promising.<br /><br />Champaign - First of all - IT'S HUGE. There are some really cool apartments on the IU campus, but after investigating when I got home last night, they cost significantly more. The schools all seemed nice, the once I tracked down (there are SEVERAL, 3 High Schools) We drove around the city quite a bit. Just like everywhere else though it felt kinda cramped, narrow streets, houses close together. But we found several neighborhoods that were more spacious, lots of parks, pools, and Champaign does offer about every shopping convenience.<br /><br />On the way home I decided to stop by a small town that had OUTLET STORES.<br /><br />Tuscola - Very small, schools were nice. Outlets were ok, I actually went to the Jockey one and talked to the ladies inside. One happens to be an "aspiring teacher" she's been subbing at the school for 2 or 3 years and is hoping to get hired. Her overall opinion was a bit bitter. It was a nice little resting point, but I don't think I'll really consider it. <br /><br />We returned home (to the hotel), Dad took a nap and I surfed the web. I was searching for apartments, re-researching areas. Someone had asked it I was going to check out Danville, I hadn't planned on it, but I might on Saturday. I was also researching Walmarts and Targets just to get a feel of where they are, how far they are etc. I'm having doubts as to what I want, my natural assumption is that of course I want all the major conveniences, but then I think - how great it would be to live more simply, without all the commercial stuff. I guess this is something I'll have to ponder more over the coming months. Another town that keeps popping up that I've been doing some research on is Savoy.<br /><br />Savoy- Savoy is part of the Champaign school district but it located just out of town (to the South) They seem to be the most "suburban-like" place. They share a library with Tolono (see above) and have a movie theater, book store, running store, Subway (restaurant, not train) and are within 10 minutes of Champaign and all it has to offer. I'm going to see if we can ride through there again on Saturday.<br /><br />So I guess that's it -- oh we did find Mattoon's Walmart, we stopped for some diet coke and diet pepsi where it occured to me -- "do the Illini call it pop or soda??"<br /><br />*We also watched Eagle Eye, it was a pretty good movie!<br /><br />Side Note: We noticed that on the local news, they make it a point to report GOOD things that are going on in the community.MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02676326493993717156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326421682129050612.post-78502789816570357792009-07-30T21:57:00.006-04:002009-07-30T22:26:57.633-04:00Illinois Day 2So today we drove quite a ways around Illinois today. We went to Charleston, Mattoon, Shelbyville, Paris, and Oakland.<br /><br />Charleston - This is where we are staying. So far I think it's my favorite. As in- the most like what I'm used to. I met the assistant superintendent. He was very nice. (even recognized that I was a math person -- due to my Pi shirt!)<br /><br />Mattoon- The town right next to Charleston. It was ok. It seemed rather run down. The assistant superintendent there was also friendly. The schools looked great! The high school was a huge complex with every sport field imaginable!<br /><br />Shelbyville- It seemed to take forever to get to. (about 15 miles of farmland) I wouldn't like being <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIV9SuJW3wKpeYLCAdgIgXF8PR04BlNk_VQaEsrNoa3HmJjp75SjDtzdC4_1Bfh_KZuKRJG2oDRFx53H0O2k-SjpPiDFCT2BIVZsp2Nc7Vv_6hhcW4ME309Iah1XgyRHHUT1WwoIN7kg/s1600-h/IMG_2076.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIV9SuJW3wKpeYLCAdgIgXF8PR04BlNk_VQaEsrNoa3HmJjp75SjDtzdC4_1Bfh_KZuKRJG2oDRFx53H0O2k-SjpPiDFCT2BIVZsp2Nc7Vv_6hhcW4ME309Iah1XgyRHHUT1WwoIN7kg/s200/IMG_2076.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364444270252231922" border="0" /></a>that far from everything. There is a large lake (formed from the Army Corp of Engr. Dam) that would offer good recreation. We "accidentally" visited a cemetery -- more flowers than you can imagine. Almost every single grave had some type of flower arrangement. Dad pointed out-- "these people must really care about their families." We wandered around (ok we were kinda lost) but we made it back to town. Some rundown mom and pop stores were in town.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BArP_Nqf3F5yAWuPXfLWSZB3ipo4mfhWCeQF4JDAbkga-KgMU69t-L9emo5JOr8CWLvwr2BLLG9lKfZP1WuRK3k4tUaPpNwrTaKKkdwLwIeXjO0EpClxHpZqSQmvAnyw5GNJZn164Xg/s1600-h/IMG_2086.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BArP_Nqf3F5yAWuPXfLWSZB3ipo4mfhWCeQF4JDAbkga-KgMU69t-L9emo5JOr8CWLvwr2BLLG9lKfZP1WuRK3k4tUaPpNwrTaKKkdwLwIeXjO0EpClxHpZqSQmvAnyw5GNJZn164Xg/s200/IMG_2086.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364439818961840098" border="0" /></a><br />Gays- Ok this is like a tiny blip on the map between Mattoon and Shelbyville, but the sign caught my attention -- TWO STORY OUTHOUSE. So we stopped. In reading the signs I learned that originally the general store was built here and it had apartments above it. To prevent the tenants from having to walk all the way downstairs (and share a bathroom with the public) to the outhouse, they built a second floor with a bridge to the apartment porch. All that is left is the outhouse itself.<br /><br /><br />Paris - Paris was a front runner on paper. We (I) passed the street we needed and ended up in Indiana (oops!) The schools looked nice, from what we could see. We ventured to Sunset Park, <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOlD40DrpTTFMKT4SC37omt5neNmUy3DKRCO7J4cJJVC-J11X_krsaurIRAKiwUDdvwKlWucw1ny-pr13w4PPQM3LOD-x21xMUpJNuQst_aIcJbDHgu-hRUsafF3lrLttp2bikZB862w/s1600-h/IMG_2087.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 174px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOlD40DrpTTFMKT4SC37omt5neNmUy3DKRCO7J4cJJVC-J11X_krsaurIRAKiwUDdvwKlWucw1ny-pr13w4PPQM3LOD-x21xMUpJNuQst_aIcJbDHgu-hRUsafF3lrLttp2bikZB862w/s200/IMG_2087.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364443365609658754" border="0" /></a>that area seemed a bit rundown, kinda trashy. But I saw some of the COOLEST flowers. I want some. But I have no idea what they are. We saw them in a bunch of yards and even in Oakland too. I might want to visit Paris again, to see the main downtown.<br /><br />Oakland - When we left Paris we went through Oakland so I could see Melissa's future house. Very nice. =) I think Grandma was even outside! -- we didn't stop. We stopped for gas. $2.39 =) much better than the $2.67 I paid yesterday!<br /><br />Charleston Part 2- We explored more of Charleston this evening. We saw the schools -- look really nice and in one large complex. There are some nice parks,<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.charlestonillinois.org/vertical/Sites/%7B48D19AF4-26A9-444F-A5B9-99631D71D5F2%7D/uploads/%7BD308C6EC-1AB5-4818-8F14-CA1EE8118EED%7D.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 138px;" src="http://www.charlestonillinois.org/vertical/Sites/%7B48D19AF4-26A9-444F-A5B9-99631D71D5F2%7D/uploads/%7BD308C6EC-1AB5-4818-8F14-CA1EE8118EED%7D.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a> including the <a href="http://www.charlestonillinois.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7B75CE59A0-7347-468F-89F4-B03FDA1C68B8%7D&DE=%7BB964AE66-94D1-469A-96F9-4963BC914CB8%7D">Rotary Water Park.</a> I'd like to go swimming there. It even had a huge waterslide. We also found a "rich development," a cool apartment complex near EIU (Eastern Illinois University), and I had Little Caesars for dinner -- first time I've had that in about 10 years!!<br /><br />We are now watching some tv and heading to bed early so that we can go to the Champaign-Urbana area tomorrow.MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02676326493993717156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326421682129050612.post-88482980565434298262009-07-30T10:20:00.003-04:002009-07-30T10:31:52.823-04:00Illinois Day 1So Dad and I ventured across the Midwest to check out Illinois. I am looking forward to exploring the area. The drive wasn't too bad. We had a minor detour in Columbus (Dad's oops). When we crossed into Indiana I found a way to bribe Mom to come visit me -- Warm Glow.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdm8ACh9DiUYuo93SvERwiV_yBrhDmarrCJJANOyDJxe1ghed2jftPkHZzfi9h1uf97RTUKhbUrLCVvlztlQmpUJUSHW5jhQGymrHbgXHfPSJCJlacaOYY2VpMll1CYsISI2vQ1ARMQvI/s1600-h/IMG_2073.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdm8ACh9DiUYuo93SvERwiV_yBrhDmarrCJJANOyDJxe1ghed2jftPkHZzfi9h1uf97RTUKhbUrLCVvlztlQmpUJUSHW5jhQGymrHbgXHfPSJCJlacaOYY2VpMll1CYsISI2vQ1ARMQvI/s200/IMG_2073.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364259537266868194" border="0" /></a> However before we go there we hit a bad rainstorm, that rainstorm was made worse by the glaring SUN! Ok, you science people... what does a rainstorm + sun equal? YEP. A BEAUTIFUL rainbow stretching from one side of the sky to the other and VERY bright. Unfortunately it was behind us and I couldn't get a picture of it. The rest of the journey was spent heading into a gorgeous sunset, complete with sunrays beaming down through the clouds. I take this all to be a VERY GOOD sign. (see my thoughts on religion post -- which will be written soon).MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02676326493993717156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326421682129050612.post-71146990606887485342009-07-30T10:18:00.001-04:002009-07-30T10:19:35.151-04:00The much anticipated blog update.Where do I begin?<br />Last weekend I went to Syracuse to hang out with my best friend and her family. She has 3 little boys, ages 8,6, and 1. This was the 2nd time I’d seen the youngest, Lincoln. The 4th or 5th time for the middle, Cole, and about the 6th or 7th time for the oldest, Leo. That’s rather pathetic - 7 times in 8 years! 2 of which were in the last 6 months. (and 2 were in the first year). I’m ashamed. I’ve always been bad with keeping up with long distance friends. (Melissa and her family have lived in 4 states since we were in College -- none of which was the state I lived in and they are moving to state #5 (8hrs away from me) next Summer.) This situation is especially bad because this isn’t just some friend I haven’t kept up with, this is someone who is like a sister to me.... to her boys, I am AUNT Megan.<br /><br />So this Spring, as I was deciding who I really wanted to be, I decided that I want to re-connect with friends that I’ve lost touch with. Facebook has been greatly beneficial in this endeavor. I’m proud to say that this summer I’ve communicated with Melissa, Ben, Mandy, and Matt with regularity. (I’ve also been catching up with other college friends, family members, and high school classmates.)<br /><br />One night back in April, Melissa and I were talking -- actually ON THE PHONE, and I was at a fork in the road. The school wanted to RIF me (reduction in force) so I needed to figure out what to do with my life. I had not intended on staying there for long anyway, but still, decisions needed to be made. I’m still living with my parents, driving an hour each way to work, and not feeling at all like a 30 year old. *I have since qualified for a continuing contract and am no longer under the threat of RIF* But as we were talking Melissa suggested that I move out to the same area of Illinois that they were going to move to. Hmmm.<br /><br />2 winters ago I was all set to move. I had done research as to the various areas I was interested in, where teaching was better (i.e. pay, unions, retirement, etc) and Illinois had actually come out quite high. But I hadn’t actually considered it because I had no real reason to go there.<br /><br />So this proposition was an interesting one. I thought about it. I talked to some of my trusted co-workers about it. I eventually mentioned it to my parents, once I was fairly certain it was something I was seriously considering. Living in the same area would give several perks -- I would have a girlfriend. A real friend that I trust, could go out with, could hang out with. One that KNOWS me. We’ve been friends since 1st grade! (That’s about 25 years!)<br /><br />Ok, so about my weekend (that was now 2 weekends ago!) I was nervous. Nervous because, even though I’m a teacher, I’m not very good with little kids. Or I should say more specifically I don’t know how to act with them. (Why I want to teach OLDER ones!) I was worried because they (the boys) don’t know me. I’m just some stranger coming to their house. I’m hoping that the more I see them the better I will get. I think back to how my mom acts around her nephews (she’s got a ton of them). Well anyway, I got there LATE Thursday night. Friday during the day we went to Target (the boys and I explored the toy section while Melissa shopped for a bachelorette party gift), then we went to the MOST, a Science Museum. It was pretty cool. I’ll post pics eventually. They had a toothpick city!! (1 of 2 in the world, the other is in Spain). Then we headed out for the evening. (Just Melissa and I ..lol) We went to a nice restaurant and then a Karaoke bar. (I’ll comment about the Karaoke bar later...remind me)<br /><br />Saturday (after my bout with severe back doms) we headed to the beach (Lake Ontario, actually). It was a great day. The kids swam, built sandcastles, we ate lunch, played on the playground. I was feeling more comfortable. As we were driving back to Melissa’s, I was thinking about how nice it would be to have them in my life more. To see them on a much more regular basis. To have that special Aunt-Nephew relationships with them. As we were nearing their house we saw a rainbow - the kind that goes from one side of the sky to the other!<br /><br />Rainbows have a special significance for me. (See My Religious Beliefs post). To me this was a sign. A sign that the way my life was heading was the right way. That I was meant to be in their lives more.<br /><br />I had a lot more I was going to say about my trip. But since it’s taken me two weeks to write this, I can’t remember everything I was going to say. So I’ll end it here. For now. I have much more to add.... eventually.<br /><br />Note. The other posts mentioned in this have NOT been created yet. I’ll let you know when I type them!!MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02676326493993717156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326421682129050612.post-64236494397903347812009-07-23T22:00:00.003-04:002009-07-23T22:16:09.165-04:00Early!For the first time all week I'm a tad bit ahead of schedule.<br />I'm going to take advantage of that -- so my long blog will have to wait another day or so.<br /><br />CrossFit - made it. did it. loved it. Ok I loved the rowing part. I don't know why I like rowing so much. I do know I'm getting better at it. I am much better at keeping my knees between my elbows! My fastest 100m was 26.4 sec. I did a total of 1400m today.<br />We also had to do <a href="http://media.crossfit.com/cf-video/cfj-nov-05/hang-power-clean.mov">Hang Power Cleans</a> - which I had never done before.<br />I did 4 rounds<br />- just the bar - x15<br />- bar +10 - x 7<br />- bar +10 - x9<br />- bar +10 - x10<br />(yes I do tend to get better as workouts go on. I've noticed this in general!)<br />**my <a href="http://www.spccrossfit.com/?p=1247#comments">notes</a> on TheBarn site, I'm FlyerMJ**<br /><br />Went to class - am feeling much better about my ability to pass!<br /><br />Took dad to get his truck, then we went to storage.<br />I went through my books, packed my kitchen stuff, while dad swept up mice "pellets" THANKS DAD! (thankfully the mice didn't ruin anything!)<br /><br />Why do I have SO MUCH kitchen stuff? Tomorrow night I'm going through it. I'm sure I can't need ALL of it.<br /><br />46 burpees done<br />As mentioned earlier, I get better as a workout goes on -- at least to a point. My first 10 burpees were down right painful. There was cracking, and popping, and groaning but by the second 10 I was cruising right along (in fact the second 10 turned into 15!)<br /><br />So I'm off to shower, read a little of my book (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hes-Just-That-Into-Understanding/dp/068987474X">He's Just Not That Into You</a>), and head to bed BEFORE 11PM!!!<br /><br />I needed this book. Thanks, Sara for suggesting it! You, and it, told me exactly what I wanted (and needed) to hear about <a href="http://mj52weeks.blogspot.com/2009/07/i-need-advice.html">Boy #1</a> -- as well as <a href="http://mj52weeks.blogspot.com/2009/07/i-need-advice.html">Boy#2</a> and some things I needed to know about some previous guys too. I know I'm worth more, and I will believe that there is the RIGHT someone out there -- hopefully in Illinois!<br /><br />I'm going to see The Ugly Truth Tomorrow. I can't wait!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.impawards.com/2009/posters/ugly_truth_ver2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 222px; height: 330px;" src="http://www.impawards.com/2009/posters/ugly_truth_ver2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02676326493993717156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326421682129050612.post-73569465869350124462009-07-22T22:53:00.001-04:002009-07-22T22:55:20.140-04:00Catching Up... slowlyI'm reading a book about time management. Hopefully I'll be able to use it REAL soon!<br /><br />Today I did a total of 75 burpees (45 required- 30 toward my deficit)<br />Mom and I went for a mile walk. (slow pace)<br /><br />I'm struggling with homework -- took like 2 hours on it.<br /><br />Tomorrow's plan...<br /><br />UPDATE<br />Class<br />Homework<br />Burpees<br />CrossFit<br /><br />not necessarily in that order.MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02676326493993717156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326421682129050612.post-18677593394505422102009-07-20T23:13:00.002-04:002009-07-20T23:17:23.142-04:00Calc 4?Are you kidding me. The first words out of my prof's mouth today was "this class should be called Calc 4." I'm in for a wild ride.<br /><br />I slept in (much needed) -- no crossfit today :(<br /><br />I worked on my storage unit today (for like 4 hours!)<br />Then took Dad to drop off his truck.<br />Went to water flowers at the cemetery.<br />Did homework.<br />Did 43 burpees.<br />Now heading to bed.<br /><br />My big update will have to wait, as I really want to get to CrossFit tomorrow. (please don't hate me...lol)<br /><br />Illinois travel plans have also been altered.. looks like I may be going Wed - Sunday next week.MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02676326493993717156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326421682129050612.post-64334625545793005662009-07-19T23:58:00.003-04:002009-07-20T00:01:21.393-04:00Update SoonIt was a great weekend. I have a lot to share, but it will have to wait until tomorrow.<br /><br />Basics:<br />Worst DOM's.<br />Didn't do Burpees Sat.<br />Made some life decisions<br />Question some beliefs.<br />Made up some burpees.<br /><br />-- details coming real soon.MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02676326493993717156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326421682129050612.post-39018914095625531522009-07-17T10:42:00.003-04:002009-07-17T10:54:12.698-04:00Happy FridaySo I made it to CrossFit yesterday before traveling to Syracuse. <div><br /></div><div>It was an "easy" workout. I did my 39 burpees (did an extra one for fun) then worked on Deadlifts. (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=117092998944&ref=mf">Here is Charlie doing deadlifts in the CrossFit Games</a>)</div><div>I warmed up </div><div>I used the lighter bar (about 33lb). The weights below DO NOT include the bar. This is just easier for me to remember how much was on each side. </div><div>x5 - 20lb</div><div>x5 - 20lb</div><div>x5 - 40lb</div><div>x5 - 40lb</div><div>x3 - 50lb</div><div>x2 - 60lb</div><div>x1 - 70lb</div><div>x1 - 80lb</div><div>x1- 90lb</div><div>x1- 100lb</div><div><br /></div><div>PR - 133lbs!! (100lb + 33lb bar)</div><div><br /></div><div>After I was discussing burpees with someone and did 2 more, bringing the day's count to 42! </div><div><br /></div><div>Then I drove to Syracuse... arrived about 1 am. </div><div><br /></div><div>This morning I got up... puttered around, then went out and did my 40 burpees. (I miss those nice CrossFit mats... today was on PAVEMENT!) </div><div><br /></div><div>My left foot is acting up =( I'll have to tend to it. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02676326493993717156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326421682129050612.post-39436435239217435522009-07-16T11:17:00.003-04:002009-07-16T11:36:18.240-04:00Syracuse... here I come.So I spent all of last evening preparing for my trip to Syracuse, while preparing a presentation on a man who was from Syracuse. Of course they are two COMPLETELY different Syracuses. The former is in NY, the latter is in the Mediterranean!<br /><br />So yesterday's workout.<br />Warm-up was actually kinda fun -- balance work and agility. I do like the ladder.<br /><br />The WOD.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.crossfiteastbay.com/medball.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 218px;" src="http://www.crossfiteastbay.com/medball.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Medicine Ball Cleans and Slams (10lb)<br /><br />I had to do 15..14..13..12....1 Slams while my partner did 1..2..3...4...15. Cleans. THEN<br />I had to do 1..2..3..4...15 Cleans, while my partner did 15..14..13...12...1 Slams<br />So, if you pair it up properly you see we had very little break when we were in the BIG numbers.<br />It was hard.<br />I liked the slams, they were actually kinda fun as I got into them.<br />It was a LOT of squats.<br />The last 3 sets of cleans took everything I had. My muscles were screaming at me.<br />We finished with 25:10<br />I'm sore.<br /><br />I was smart though, since I got to the Barn early I got 30 of my burpees done BEFORE the workout and I did the last 8 after, so I didn't have to worry about doing them when I got home.<br /><br />Food Triumph Tuesday -- My teacher brought cupcakes and they sat next to me for TWO hours and they smelled absolutely delicious. Notice I said SMELLED.. because I didn't even TOUCH them. But do you know how hard it is to avoid sweets when they are within reach and smell sooo good?<br /><br />Food Failure Wednesday -- Ok, I woke up extremely tired, I needed caffeine, I was almost to class and thought I was going to fall asleep. So I went to Dunkin Donuts. A creamstick and an iced mocha thing. =( <br /><br />Next week (when I return from Syracuse) I'm going to be looking at my food decisions harder and finding a better plan.<br /><br />Do you think I'm crazy for doing all this CrossFit stuff? Are you afraid I'll end up like a female Arnold? Have no fear and read this article:<a href="http://www.marksdailyapple.com/strength-training-women/"> http://www.marksdailyapple.com/strength-training-women/</a><br /><br />I think that's all I have for now.<br /><br />Oh yeah... signs of addiction --<br />I'm putting off leaving to see my best friend and her family in Syracuse by an hour or so SO I CAN GO WORKOUT!!!MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02676326493993717156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326421682129050612.post-82059895664364685552009-07-14T23:45:00.000-04:002009-07-14T23:51:33.104-04:00Short and SweetSore as heck. (especially quads)<br /><br />Warm up was harder than workout.<br />Warmup included push ups, pull ups, dips, and box jumps.<br /><br />Skill- front squat. Kills my wrists.<br />Warm up<br />x3 just bar<br />x3 just bar<br />Work -<br />x3 bar +5<br />x3 bar +10<br />x3 bar +15<br /><br />my wrists gave out after 3 reps. I'm working on it.<br /><br />Team workout.<br />2500m row (I did 700m)<br />250 sledge hits (I did 60 I think)<br /><br />Tonight.. did my 37 burpees, then in an explanation I did an extra one. And WAIT. I did an extra one on Sunday!!! I showed them how to do them on the golf course. I don't recommend doing burpees on grass wearing golf spikes -- actually quite slippery! I believe that means I only owe 12 more!<br /><br />To bed... lots of planning to do.<br />- pack (going to Syracuse for a mini-vacation)<br />- finish Discrete HW<br />- finish Numbers HW<br />- finish Archimedes PresentationMJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02676326493993717156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326421682129050612.post-48021624834508799482009-07-13T22:23:00.007-04:002009-07-13T22:58:37.207-04:00PR PR PR!!!Personal Records!<br /><br />I'll start with the beginning...<br />warm-up was<br />burgener's<br />10 each leg single arm barbell step ups (10lb)<br />10 wall balls 14lb<br />750m Row (just under 5 minutes, averaged just over 3min/500m -- it was just a warmup)<br />10 front squats (just the bar) First time being able to do them properly!!!<br /><br />Skill of the Day - Push Presses<br />x5- 45 lb (bar only)<br />x5 - 55lb<br />x5 - 55lb<br />x5 - 55lb<br />x5- 60lb (PR)<br /><br />Then the workout... It was a team effort. Each of us had to <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">run 800m,</span> then when we were ALL back we had to do a combined <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">300 air squats</span>, then we had to each<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"> run 1 mile</span>. For those of you who know me well, know that the furthest I've actually run -- without walking -- is 400m this year, I may have gone a touch further last year, but I really don't think so.<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I DID IT!! I <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">RAN </span>(jogged) the <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204); font-weight: bold;">ENTIRE 800m!!!</span><br /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" id="Nike+ Runs" align="middle" height="145" width="198"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="sameDomain"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="movie" value="http://nikerunning.nike.com/nikeplus/v1/swf/scrapablewidget/rundetail.swf"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"><param name="FlashVars" value="type=individualRun&userDefaultUnit=km&screenName=flyermj&dateFormat=MM/DD/YY&id=1007712452&userID=820450789&region=us&language=en&locale=en_us"><embed src="http://nikerunning.nike.com/nikeplus/v1/swf/scrapablewidget/rundetail.swf" quality="high" wmode="transparent" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="Nike+ Runs" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain" flashvars="type=individualRun&userDefaultUnit=km&screenName=flyermj&dateFormat=MM/DD/YY&id=1007712452&userID=820450789&region=us&language=en&locale=en_us" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" height="145" width="198"></embed></object><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:100%;" >My team helped me out on the air squats they each did 115 and I did 70.<br />I walked most of the mile, but I did make efforts to run when I could. I was hurting, had stitches in my side, felt like I was going to puke, I'm still (3.5 hours later) not fully recovered -- of course the burpees didn't help either! I'm coughing -- and it hurts. This has to be the HARDEST workout I've EVER done.<br /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" id="Nike+ Runs" align="middle" height="145" width="198"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="sameDomain"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="movie" value="http://nikerunning.nike.com/nikeplus/v1/swf/scrapablewidget/rundetail.swf"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"><param name="FlashVars" value="type=individualRun&userDefaultUnit=km&screenName=flyermj&dateFormat=MM/DD/YY&id=1343335766&userID=820450789&region=us&language=en&locale=en_us"><embed src="http://nikerunning.nike.com/nikeplus/v1/swf/scrapablewidget/rundetail.swf" quality="high" wmode="transparent" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="Nike+ Runs" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain" flashvars="type=individualRun&userDefaultUnit=km&screenName=flyermj&dateFormat=MM/DD/YY&id=1343335766&userID=820450789&region=us&language=en&locale=en_us" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" height="145" width="198"></embed></object><br />My time... for the whole workout.. was 29:43.<br /><br />I'm exhausted.<br /><br />I did do my 36 required burpees -- and they were the hardest yet!!<br /><br />Thank you everyone for the advice, I have a lot of thinking to do... and I have to do it quickly. Issue 2 might disappear after this week -- schedule changes. Eeek!<br /><br />Melissa S., I'll be writing back to you as soon as I get a minute.</span><br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204); font-weight: bold;"></span>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02676326493993717156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326421682129050612.post-52297055196846446782009-07-12T22:56:00.003-04:002009-07-12T23:23:39.167-04:00I need advice07.12.2009<br /><br />But First... some exercise news.<br /><br />So I spent the first 4 hours of the day preparing for my math test (tomorrow). Then I rushed to the golf course, leaving my cell phone (!!) and hat ball mark behind! I really wasn't running late, but I felt rushed anyway. As I was scurrying to my cart I heard a familiar voice call my name (more about this later). So here's the interesting part, once I got settled on the cart I needed to run into the clubhouse to wet my towel (helps me keep my clubs clean). I LITERALLY ran... it was fun. I felt motivated to jog a little then I took the steps 2 at a time. It's been a LONG time (maybe never) since I just had that kind of energy.<br />Then just as they are about to set us off to our holes (it was a shotgun start) I realized we didn't have a blanket for the seat. (we were riding -- and the seats are vinyl - they can be uncomfortable in the sun) so I RAN.. yes really... jogged the WHOLE WAY to my car. I would estimate it to be at least 200m if not more. I even ran most of the way back. It was EASY. It felt natural. I didn't feel like a big bafoon blopping across the parking lot.<br />Unfortunately my golf came was a late arriver. It appeared on about hole 12. But-- our team came in third at 5 under. (not bad for having 2 bogeys!)<br />I came home... did only my mandated 35 burpees and finished studying my math.<br /><br />Ok the good stuff. - the stuff I need advice about.<br /><br />ISSUE 1<br />Remember that "familiar voice" that called my name? I'm confused. Last summer I met a guy. We golfed together. We had fun. As the fall arrived we started hanging out on the weekends. Movies. Drinks. "Bonfires." More golf outings. Parties. etc. Nothing ever "happened" but I did have a bit of a crush on him. We were even supposed to golf in our golf league together this year. Things were going great. I thought, anyway. Then all of a sudden (as of Nov 1) he quit talking to me. Just quit. The end. I texted a him a few times. Occasionally he'd text back. I had actually found him a little something for Christmas... he did text me a thank you while we were texting about bluray players. Then nothing again.... nothing until TODAY. Well actually, I texted him a few weeks ago to tell him about an upcoming concert I knew he'd want to see. When I heard that voice call, I looked and couldn't believe it. Here he was. At the golf course (not the one we golfed at together) Shook my hand, gave me half a hug, asked how I was, said he got my text about the concert and that he and few of his buddies were going. (but of course, I had to go get ready to golf so that was the end of the conversation.) So my confusion is this. First - why quit talking to me all of a sudden like that? Then... ok so that's the way it is.. fine... why say hi? why not let me just go about my business, it wasn't like I even knew he was there? (he looked better than ever too, I might add.) If anyone has any possible explanation for this behavior I'm really curious.<br /><br />Of course the complete irony is that on the way to the course I was thinking about him. And how I liked him in much the same way I liked Luke (my ex-boyfriend) We started out having fun, being friends, and then I started to "like them." Which to me is a warning sign that they are just meant to be friends. I was thinking that maybe I only THOUGHT I liked him, but really that's what friends are. Of course, seeing him... I remember how CUTE he is! and that smile.. but anyway... he engages in some bad habits that I disapprove of -- the biggest of which is smoking. bleh.<br /><br />ISSUE 2<br />Ok... so as I was pondering my past relationships and interactions with various people I must include the newest guy. I don't want to give away too many details but here's what I know. I've said very few words to this guy and I feel like a complete and utter idiot when I do. I never know what to say. I've found myself in his immediate proximity and become a completely bashful fool. The other day, he was in my personal space (not that I minded) but he seemed to stay there -- not saying a word either. Not necessarily looking at me or anything... just there RIGHT next to me. I don't know what to make of these feelings. I mean for those of you who know me well (or who can judge me properly from my blog) know I'm not very often at a loss for words... yet can't even imagine what to say to him. I just learned his name last week (and that's about all I know). Any advice? Could he be interested?<br /> I will say that I know he's seen me at my worst -- a complete sweaty mess from working out-- I also think he's significantly younger than me (but out of college!) But that doesn't REALLY matter does it? <br /><br />Please help.<br /><br />Oh yeah. I was also thinking today (and I didn't even have long car rides today!!) that I'm really truly beginning to feel like the person I WANT to be. I think back to who I was 5 years ago, 3 years ago, even just a year ago, and I'm amazed. I don't even feel or think those ways anymore. I like it. (and I give major props to Luke for putting up with me through my extreme relationship naivete, I really had no clue.)<br /><br />Sorry I have no pics for today. Although-- I would have had an awesome of two little white tail deer fawns playing on the golf course -- but since I had forgotten my camera as well as my phone... I just have the mental image. :(MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02676326493993717156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326421682129050612.post-25227009924465215572009-07-11T21:07:00.004-04:002009-07-11T21:53:07.748-04:00Is the Craziness over yet?07.11.2009<br />I have one more week of crazy classes, then things will calm down a little -- I hope.<br /><br />The good news-- while I've been behind in blogging... I have been keeping up with all my workouts and burpees!<br /><br />So Tuesday was the crazy rowing day. Wednesday was easier.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Wednesday we had to do agility drills - which I actually like and am pretty good at. To do agility drills essentially you "play hopscotch", hop, jog, do the "typewriter" and such through a flat ladder. Well as we were doing them, the person in front of me was struggling, so I had to stop. As I was getting started again, my toe got caught on the ladder and I "messed it up" -- messing up the ladder is a penalty of 5 burpees. I took advantage of that, to cut down on the burpees I owed. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://www.1to1chiropractic.com/catalog/images/agility_ladder_sm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://www.1to1chiropractic.com/catalog/images/agility_ladder_sm.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>(these are not <span style="font-style: italic;">us</span>, but this is the kind of thing we do!)<br /></div>The main WOD was overhead squats, essentially maxing out. Overhead was a bit too tough, so must of us women did back squats (where you set the bar on your upper back)<br />Well unfortunately my arms and upper body maxed out WELL BEFORE my legs even got close.<br />I had a hard time getting the bar positioned -- it was heavy. lol. But once I got into the squat it was too easy. I'm not sure how to fix this.<br />My warm-up squats were<br />3 x 45lb bar<br />3 x 35 lb bar<br />2 x 25 lb bar<br />Maxing out -- weights include the 35 lb bar.<br />1 x 45lb<br />1 x 55lb<br />1 x 65lb<br />1 x 75lb<br />1 x 85lb<br /><br />I had not problem doing these weights at all as far as my legs were concerned. I just had a heck of a time getting the bar where it needed to be and balancing it.<br /><br />In addition to the 5 extra burpees I owed, I did my daily 31.<br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Side note: I'm watching the CMT Country Music Awards -- a rerun and I just learned that Darius Rucker (Country Star) is the former lead singer from Hootie & the Blowfish. (I guess if I paid attention to the names of people in a band I would have realized this sooner) Cool! </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Thursday<br />Today was supposed to be an easier day since it would be day 4. (most people do 3 days, rest one, then do two more. but because of my schedule I've been doing 4 on 3 off)<br />My punishment for coming on day 4 was to row a 2000m. You can read about my fun <a href="http://mj52weeks.blogspot.com/2009/07/too-tired.html">rowing </a>on Tuesday. So Today I did my burpees FIRST. (all 32 of them!)<br />Then I started my row.<br /><br />I'm proud to say that I rowed straight through -- no stopping for a break. I finished my 2k in 11:59.5 which puts my pace at 2:59.9 (according to the monitor on the machine). On Tuesday I averaged 3 mins for my 500m. I am quite proud that I was able to keep that same pace for the entire 2k. It was NOT easy. My legs hurt, my back hurt, my arms were sore. But WOW did it feel good!!!<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fitness.com/articles/uploaded/1242324236_rower.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="http://www.fitness.com/articles/uploaded/1242324236_rower.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">(A rowing machine -- in case you haven't seen them) In the past I've only done stationary rows - or rows with barbells, I've never done them on the "sliding" rowers before. It kills my legs!<br /><br />Friday.<br />Rest day. It would be great if that were true. I did rest most of the day. About 10:30 I started my burpees (much like I will tonight). I was watching a movie (Music & Lyrics) and did them in chunks of 10. I did 43. (which takes 10 more off what I owe!)<br /><br />I had a minor meltdown... I stepped on the scale. EEK. I was up 8lbs. Now, I'm not one for excuses, but to be easier on myself, I acknowledge that this is not the "typical" time that I weigh myself, in fact it's about as far from my normal time as possible so I know that played a role in it. I know people say that muscle weighs more than fat.. blah blah. To me that was always just an excuse. But I'm kinda beginning to believe it. Why? Because I've noticed more definition in my legs, my back, etc. My clothes fit nicely. I even wore a pair of shorts the other day that I bought last summer and needed to "get into" and they looked good! So something must be working right? I measured myself on the 1st and compared it to my measurements around the 15th. Most of them were larger.. ugh. So I'm a bit frustrated. What I can say is that I can do 5 burpees easily, 10 with moderate effort, and I can do about 30 in less than 25 minutes, taking breaks. I'm trying to see the positives.<br /><br />Food has been decent. Most of this week I ate 2 meals and 2 snacks that were dead on Zone. My dinners were not exactly zone, but I noticed I don't get late night cravings, and I'm not hungry at all! (and I figure worst case, I'm not eating any worse than I was when I was eating "healthy" before)<br /><br />That brings me to today.<br />I am planning on doing an extra 10 burpees again today. (as soon as I get the motivation to go do them)!<br /><br />** And I'm super proud of Charlie, a member of the Barn, who is competing in the <a href="http://games2009.crossfit.com/">CrossFit Games</a>! Right now after 4 events, he's in 50th out of 74, there are 4 more events to go (1 today and 3 tomorrow).<br /><br /></span>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02676326493993717156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326421682129050612.post-51781607892106164462009-07-07T22:49:00.003-04:002009-07-07T23:08:46.920-04:00Too tiredBurpees done yesterday and today. (30 both days) so I now only owe 45!<br /><br />Yesterday's WOD<br /><ul><li>Team TOD</li><li>Max KB Swings in 10 min</li><li>only 1 person works at a time and can only go in sets of 10</li></ul>I was part of a 3 person team. I ended up with 117. (using mostly 10lb weight, first 10 were 35lb!)<br />Warm up was burgeners, dips(15)!, pushups (15), pull-ups (15, using elastic band and Toby) and I'm sure other things that I can't think of at the moment!<br /><br />Today's WOD:<br /><ul><li>Row Max Meters in 2 minutes</li><li>Full Recovery</li><li>Row Max Meters in 3 minutes</li><li>Full Recovery</li><li>Row Max Meters in 5 minutes</li></ul>First 2 mins, rough, legs were much like jello, biceps in pain. (383 meters)<br /><br />3mins - Toby suggested that I aim for a 2:05 500m. I tried. The closest I got was 2:10. For the first 2 minutes my pace hovered between 2:10 and 2:30, by minute 3 I was sucking air, hurting in many places and doing about 3:00. I finished the round with 582 meters. I couldn't MOVE when I was done, my quads were killing me, my legs and arms were SHAKING.<br /><br />5min. My goal was to do a steady 3:00 pace. Of course, They didn't show us our pace for the first 4 minutes, so I had to just do my best. Then went as hard as possible for the last minute. I finished at 869 meters. (which I believe calculates to about 2.88 for 500 meters -- even better than If I HAD been seeing my pace. Of course that last minute I was down in the 2:10s.)<br /><br />There was NO WAY I was doing burpees right after that -- a grand total of 1834 meters!. They would have to wait.<br /><br />(warm up included windmills, a 400m run (for me), burgeners, & push presses)<br />So I'm just about to get ready for bed and I was telling Dad about my workout... when ... OH CRAP! I didn't do my burpees yet! So I headed to the basement, and while watching an episode of the Mentalist, I completed my 30 burpees.<br /><br />So now I'm going to shower and GO TO BED. I heard tomorrow is going to be even worse!MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02676326493993717156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326421682129050612.post-90804582914973299952009-07-05T23:12:00.003-04:002009-07-05T23:24:46.425-04:00Independence WeekendWell. I got my burpees done both days - Sat(27) and Sun(28), but I made no progress on making up my burpees. I will get them made up, I WILL.<br /><br />Saturday was spent running around setting up, enjoying, and tearing down the family reunion. It was our 82nd. Our reunion is unique in that it's not just our immediate family. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs172.snc1/6460_1184270452175_1390650620_30500479_4792939_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 266px;" src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs172.snc1/6460_1184270452175_1390650620_30500479_4792939_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>It's a gathering of the descendants of Patrick Hanley and Maria (Flynn) Hanley. (They came to America around the turn of the LAST century). You can check out some of our family history at <a href="http://www.flynnhanleyreunion.org/">The Flynn Hanley Reunion Website</a>.<br />There was a picture of me taken.. and surprisingly -- I like it!<br /><br />After all that, I went to my cousin's and got caught up on gossip and life, and had Strawberry Daiquiri Jello shots (with banana rum). They were good! (I made them) We also added cool whip.<br /><br />Today we went to a baby shower, finished unloading things from the reunion and watched Gran Torino. It was a very good movie. I was quite proud of my gift for the shower, so here is a picture of it!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Jejn0gyDYGgmSBIRA9diO0ygWG6ZMxxdp3Ba7vQTQ3IIf7SNe6gAz3QHUlMgeaXhM72haSIjO9vBLZzb0AZPGgCNLkiuG7zIo7qVmr53dK88_ULB1pPTHo14DPRGVxOahCqzCHD68bg/s1600-h/IMG_1954.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Jejn0gyDYGgmSBIRA9diO0ygWG6ZMxxdp3Ba7vQTQ3IIf7SNe6gAz3QHUlMgeaXhM72haSIjO9vBLZzb0AZPGgCNLkiuG7zIo7qVmr53dK88_ULB1pPTHo14DPRGVxOahCqzCHD68bg/s200/IMG_1954.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355182679213447874" border="0" /></a><br />I think that's all I have for tonight.<br />Here I go again... another wild week ahead!MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02676326493993717156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326421682129050612.post-56954288789486440072009-07-03T23:39:00.002-04:002009-07-03T23:49:20.867-04:00NEW CARHi.<br />I bought my first BRAND NEW CAR today! It's a 2010 Pontiac Vibe -- it had 10 miles on it! I've NEVER owned a car with fewer than 3000 miles!! I love it. It has a sunroof, xm radio, a pretty awesome stereo system, mp3 inputs, even a standard AC outlet!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs160.snc1/5968_125495741419_723756419_3543578_1357106_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 432px; height: 324px;" src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs160.snc1/5968_125495741419_723756419_3543578_1357106_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I think it's perfect for "the New Me". It feels LIKE ME. It's sporty, rugged, and I've always been a fan of red cars... I do like to be noticed. I really like the hatchback, although I decided I will not be toting my golf clubs all over the country, I will put them in when I need them! I'm really looking forward to my drive to school Monday... I can program 36 channels (and I have steering wheel controls for the stereo too. ) Plus.. and I thought this was really cool, there's a release button for the gas tank compartment -- no one's stealing my gas!<br /><br />The down side to all this is that Dad and I spent over 6 hours -- yep 6 hours at the dealership today. Between paperwork, 2 test drives, and lots of waiting, I didn't get a whole lot of anything done today. Including my Burpees. =( I'm digging a big hole. I needed the day of rest though. I now owe 46.. eek.<br /><br />Yesterday's WOD<br />Dynamic W.U.<br />Frogger Series<br />Samson Stretch<br /><br />3 Rounds<br />x7 overhead squats (pvc)<br />x14 ab mats<br />x21 box jumps (2 weights)<br /><br />6:?? (I can't remember)<br />Then I did 25 burpees.<br /><br />I'm beginning to think that the 25k is a bit too ambitious for this year. But I'm not giving up just yet.<br /><br />I'm pretty tired, so I'm heading to bed. A busy day planned for the 4th!MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02676326493993717156noreply@blogger.com1