Reason #.... why I enjoy coaching cross country.
Day 1 of practice- "Coach when are we doing intervals, oooh and hills I love them?!?!?"
Day 4 - 6:30 am practice- "Well kids we are doing intervals today." --* Insert groaning and complaints here____________--* Kids were looking forward to class, just so they didn't have to run anymore.
Day 6- Kids are soo talkative. Stretching while attempting to count in several different languages during warm-ups. "Well today we are doing hills! Hospital Hill five times!!" --* Insert groaning and complaints here_________--* Kids were too tired to even count in English while stretching during cool-down :).
Our first meet will be on Monday. Not sure how many kids will be asking to do hills or intervals anymore this season.
Reason #... I can run everyday in the off season and only feel it in my legs once every few days. Something about running with middle schoolers, pushing me and making longer/ better strides. My legs have been sore/ stiff nearly every day. I. LOVE. IT.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Monday, September 3, 2012
Single Moments
I was encouraged the other day to start blogging again. So here goes nothing.
I would do a recap of everything that has happened since March, but that would be a very random, blah post. Instead let me focus on the one reoccurring theme that has been brought up or laid on my heart.
I'm ready for something big! I pray for the opportunity, for that "Bam!" moment when I am nearly knocked over because that "Bam!" moment was the one that I was most certainly created for, put here, at that moment to be who I was created to be. Unfortunately I've been struggling with the question of who was I created to be? I get down on myself because the rest of the world around me is changing careers, traveling, getting married, having kids and I sit in my own little world doing the same humdrum activities that I always do.
This summer I took several opportunities to get out of my own little world. Bluegrass festivals, farmer's markets, part- time job, sweet corn festival, demolition derby's, trailer races, Hy-Vee Triathlon, Ragnar running series, horseback riding, river floating, river riding, Ragbrai, new towns visited and old towns memories cherished. Every single moment showed me one thing, there is a world of people out there who are all waiting for a "Bam!" moment or even just a moment to be happy, content, relaxed. As long as I am being that person that could potentially make someone's day happy, content or relaxed, then I guess I don't need to search for that "Bam!" moment. Just by remembering everyday I am here to BE a Child of God I can sit back and relax. "Bam!" moments are what movies and books give us. God gives us BEing moments. Every single day he gives us moments to be like him, loving and caring towards everyone.
While I still would welcome something big in my life, I've learned to be content this summer with every single little moment.
"Live every moment with Love in your heart, Grace in your step, and Gratitude in your soul."
I would do a recap of everything that has happened since March, but that would be a very random, blah post. Instead let me focus on the one reoccurring theme that has been brought up or laid on my heart.
I'm ready for something big! I pray for the opportunity, for that "Bam!" moment when I am nearly knocked over because that "Bam!" moment was the one that I was most certainly created for, put here, at that moment to be who I was created to be. Unfortunately I've been struggling with the question of who was I created to be? I get down on myself because the rest of the world around me is changing careers, traveling, getting married, having kids and I sit in my own little world doing the same humdrum activities that I always do.
This summer I took several opportunities to get out of my own little world. Bluegrass festivals, farmer's markets, part- time job, sweet corn festival, demolition derby's, trailer races, Hy-Vee Triathlon, Ragnar running series, horseback riding, river floating, river riding, Ragbrai, new towns visited and old towns memories cherished. Every single moment showed me one thing, there is a world of people out there who are all waiting for a "Bam!" moment or even just a moment to be happy, content, relaxed. As long as I am being that person that could potentially make someone's day happy, content or relaxed, then I guess I don't need to search for that "Bam!" moment. Just by remembering everyday I am here to BE a Child of God I can sit back and relax. "Bam!" moments are what movies and books give us. God gives us BEing moments. Every single day he gives us moments to be like him, loving and caring towards everyone.
While I still would welcome something big in my life, I've learned to be content this summer with every single little moment.
"Live every moment with Love in your heart, Grace in your step, and Gratitude in your soul."
Sunday, March 18, 2012
A little green, a lot of fun.
Happy weekend! Last week I might have mentioned I was coming down with something. Well, this weekend it got worse. FULL BLOWN SPRING FEVER!
After school on Friday I called up a friend of mine and decided we should have the first fire of the season, however, I needed her help...aka her fire. :) So we gathered the crew and made a Hy-Vee run and had a burgers and a bonfire. *Perfect!
Of course a day of riding would not be complete unless we had a few stunts. Ty decided to plank on a moving horse, among many other tricks, however, they didn't turn out so great. :)
After school on Friday I called up a friend of mine and decided we should have the first fire of the season, however, I needed her help...aka her fire. :) So we gathered the crew and made a Hy-Vee run and had a burgers and a bonfire. *Perfect!
The meal included hamburgers, stuffed with cheese curds and wrapped in bacon. Wow soo good, then grilled asparagus and potatoes with a side of pasta salad. Yes, Cali and I know how to prepare a meal for these people! Up next...FIRE!
A perfectly cool evening, a bit windy, but hey it's March we will take anything! Then we had strict guidelines, report to the farm by 9:45 to load up because WE RIDE at 11. Okay we rode at 11:30 it took a bit longer to get out for the first time this season. But we rode until 4! Wow, bottom will hurt for days but it's completely worth it!
I have never crossed a river on horseback, until this weekend :). I have never been so daring on a horse, until this weekend. We didn't hit a single trail, unless we had to, aka the road to get to the woods.
Of course a day of riding would not be complete unless we had a few stunts. Ty decided to plank on a moving horse, among many other tricks, however, they didn't turn out so great. :)
We even had a little green river! Who needs to go to Chicago for the coloring of the river when the big guy upstairs gave us a fantastic show all weekend, and we were blessed with much more than a colorful river!
As you can see it was just an okay weekend in the woods. No big deal. I kid, I kid. It was awesome! If my friends had a dollar for every time they heard me say, "ah, this makes me soo happy!" They would be rich!
Don't worry though, I am fully aware there will be cold blast before the Spring really sets in. I am waiting for it! Until then I will be waiting outside, it's far too nice to waste time being indoors!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
When you wish upon a star...
I am proud to announce a new addition to the family!
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I'm going to Florida! With the potential to hit up Disneyland which this girl has never been too and even though the calendar did say I was 24 a few weeks ago I can still be a kid at heart. So in June, the school district is sending me and a group of people to a conference in sunny Florida for about four days. Now all I will have to decide on is, sandy free beach or once in a lifetime Disney night pass....hmmmm. Either way survive 46 more days and sunny summer vacations are underway!
Enjoy the weather, enjoy the time.
"If it's not a happy ending, it's probably because it's not the end. "
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TWINS! Aren't they beautiful!
I have been patiently and not so patiently waiting for these babies to show up on my doorstep and they did. I am in love with Nike Free shoes for running. They allow more movement of my feet and I don't get blisters and such like I would from other shoes. HOWEVER, warning, these shoes do lack a little bit in support since they are made with the barefoot running technique in mind. So if you need loads of support, not a good shoe for you.
In other news... DREAMS DO COME TRUE!
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Enjoy the weather, enjoy the time.
"If it's not a happy ending, it's probably because it's not the end. "
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Clean out
I realized that my number one wasteful spending is just going to the grocery store for _________ (fill in the blank)
I strongly dislike balancing my checkbook, or doing anything related to my checkbook. However to take out and swipe plastic, I've got that down. So in an effort to practice a little bit more self control I am having a week, maybe two, of clean out the cupboards! I will go to the grocery store for the necessities. However, my necessities are not those that most of you think.
#1. Bread
#2. Yogurt
#3. Fruit
#4. cheese
You read it correct. Milk is not included. I don't drink much milk and when I do it is Bean Milk (aka. Soy Milk). It stays longer so I don't waste as much and I love the extra flavor of Vanilla on my cereal, which is the only time I drink milk anyways. (sorry for the randomness back to business)
So for this week I have decided the menu is, Hummus and Yogurt for school lunches and enchiladas for meals at night. I made enchiladas about a month ago in the same attempt to just clean out the fridge. I was searching high and low for the recipe when I had decided I was just going to wing it. I took out the can of enchilada sauce and there it was! (on the label) :)
Long story short here is how I make my enchiladas for 1, to eat all week long.
1/2 lb. hamburger meat browned and seasoned with onion and taco/ fajita seasoning
1 can Hy-Vee enchilada sauce
1 8 oz. bag shredded cheddar cheese
6 Tablespoons of green chilli's
4-5 tortilla shells
After your meat is browned and prepared add 3/4 c. of enchilada sauce and green chilli's. Then add in half the bag of cheddar cheese. Mix it up. Spoon mixture onto tortilla shells and place in a 9x9 or 8x8 pan. Let cool in the fridge.
Now when Monday night rolls around and I am tired, upset that Monday has shown it's face in my neighborhood again, just almost died from a run, want to go to bed and never wake up but my tummy is yelling *FEED ME!!* I can pop my pan in the oven that is heated to 350 degrees for about 12-15 min.(just to heat through) and bingo! Meal is made and the microwave will be my best friend for Tuesday- Friday's meals.
Add in some carrots on the side with Anderson Erickson plain Greek yogurt with about 2 tablespoons of dry ranch dip and a few glasses of ice cold water. Meal. Done and Done.
Okay Monday, now that my meals are planned and it has stopped snowing, you may show your face again, but I'm still not going to be happy about it!
Happy First Full Week of March!
I strongly dislike balancing my checkbook, or doing anything related to my checkbook. However to take out and swipe plastic, I've got that down. So in an effort to practice a little bit more self control I am having a week, maybe two, of clean out the cupboards! I will go to the grocery store for the necessities. However, my necessities are not those that most of you think.
#1. Bread
#2. Yogurt
#3. Fruit
#4. cheese
You read it correct. Milk is not included. I don't drink much milk and when I do it is Bean Milk (aka. Soy Milk). It stays longer so I don't waste as much and I love the extra flavor of Vanilla on my cereal, which is the only time I drink milk anyways. (sorry for the randomness back to business)
So for this week I have decided the menu is, Hummus and Yogurt for school lunches and enchiladas for meals at night. I made enchiladas about a month ago in the same attempt to just clean out the fridge. I was searching high and low for the recipe when I had decided I was just going to wing it. I took out the can of enchilada sauce and there it was! (on the label) :)
Long story short here is how I make my enchiladas for 1, to eat all week long.
1/2 lb. hamburger meat browned and seasoned with onion and taco/ fajita seasoning
1 can Hy-Vee enchilada sauce
1 8 oz. bag shredded cheddar cheese
6 Tablespoons of green chilli's
4-5 tortilla shells
After your meat is browned and prepared add 3/4 c. of enchilada sauce and green chilli's. Then add in half the bag of cheddar cheese. Mix it up. Spoon mixture onto tortilla shells and place in a 9x9 or 8x8 pan. Let cool in the fridge.
Now when Monday night rolls around and I am tired, upset that Monday has shown it's face in my neighborhood again, just almost died from a run, want to go to bed and never wake up but my tummy is yelling *FEED ME!!* I can pop my pan in the oven that is heated to 350 degrees for about 12-15 min.(just to heat through) and bingo! Meal is made and the microwave will be my best friend for Tuesday- Friday's meals.
Add in some carrots on the side with Anderson Erickson plain Greek yogurt with about 2 tablespoons of dry ranch dip and a few glasses of ice cold water. Meal. Done and Done.
Okay Monday, now that my meals are planned and it has stopped snowing, you may show your face again, but I'm still not going to be happy about it!
Happy First Full Week of March!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Signs of Spring...
Fever.
There have been signs of spring off an all winter long. However, the true sign that I have spring fever are...
Easter candy in stores. This is the one holiday that I don't care if the world showcases sooner and sooner every year. This holiday means all signs of spring are right around the corner and the candy gives me enough of a sugar rush to grin and bear the remaining days of winter.
Then there is always the need to change your door decoration from winter, aka Christmas decorations that just look wintery so you leave up, to a new spring arrangements.
There have been signs of spring off an all winter long. However, the true sign that I have spring fever are...
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| These babies don't stand a chance if they are anywhere near me! |
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| My Favorite Jelly Beans EVER! |
Easter candy in stores. This is the one holiday that I don't care if the world showcases sooner and sooner every year. This holiday means all signs of spring are right around the corner and the candy gives me enough of a sugar rush to grin and bear the remaining days of winter.
Then there is always the need to change your door decoration from winter, aka Christmas decorations that just look wintery so you leave up, to a new spring arrangements.
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| All made possible due to the amazing floral arranging skills I got from my momma! In previous years I have always said that my favorite season was fall, spring was a close second. Well spring just moved into first place. Sure I love the beauty of the leaves changing and cheering my brother on in the field. But this lady loves everything about spring. March madness and I'm not talking about the basketball brackets, nope. I'm talking about all the crazy things to spur you into tying up the ends to a school year. Yes, we have 59 days of school left. Bring on the spring fever! |
Sunday, February 12, 2012
HUGE
Well...after a long, long, very long "vacation" from blogging I am attempting to return to the game. You see I had several questions of why aren't you writing? What is going on? Well, I felt bad for writing the same old, blah my life, ugh it's tough, ah a light at the end of the tunnel, wait is this the tunnel I should be in right now...what if...and then this...
So for today let's just say, this song Lincoln Brewster, Whom Shall I fear, put me in the mood to get back in the saddle. Also I was once again encouraged lately to see that God gives us what we need, when we need it. I had warned my loved ones that February was going to be a killer month. Busy with tons of need to do, no way out, you have procrastinated for far too long, business. Let's just say When the going gets tough, the tough get less sleep than they ever needed, perform things in a record amount of time, have far more energy than they ever imagined, makes time to get the list done AND enjoy themselves. Because when the alarm goes off, in my head or on my phone, my feet have hit the floor and I demand that God come along. I've got a day to accomplish. And get this...he comes along willingly. Because "When all you are is glorious oh God, victorious and strong, whom shall I fear. When all you are is powerful and true and good in all you do, whom shall I fear." When the day comes to a close I will have done all I can, because when I was weak, he was strong.
I think of many parts of my life now as simply mind over matter. When I run for hours on end, don't worry I will clue you in on my next running adventure soon, it's all about blocking out everything, letting your mind go numb and pressing on, only paying attention to those things that will help you complete the task in front of you...13 miles :). When I don't want to face the school because of paperwork, meetings, questions with no answers, put your mind over matter, I don't have all the answers I can't fix every kid, but I can maybe be a light to someone. So block out all those things that make you the doom and gloom of the office and press on...with a smile. When I get depressed, miss my family, wish life were different, it's mind over matter and that's when I need to hit the refresh button on my faith. Recall every good, great, abundant blessing God has given me and realize...he's not stopping there.
So when the going gets tough, remember, we serve an awesome HUGE God. Nothing is too big for him and you are far too important to him to ever be left out in the dust to face it alone.
So for today let's just say, this song Lincoln Brewster, Whom Shall I fear, put me in the mood to get back in the saddle. Also I was once again encouraged lately to see that God gives us what we need, when we need it. I had warned my loved ones that February was going to be a killer month. Busy with tons of need to do, no way out, you have procrastinated for far too long, business. Let's just say When the going gets tough, the tough get less sleep than they ever needed, perform things in a record amount of time, have far more energy than they ever imagined, makes time to get the list done AND enjoy themselves. Because when the alarm goes off, in my head or on my phone, my feet have hit the floor and I demand that God come along. I've got a day to accomplish. And get this...he comes along willingly. Because "When all you are is glorious oh God, victorious and strong, whom shall I fear. When all you are is powerful and true and good in all you do, whom shall I fear." When the day comes to a close I will have done all I can, because when I was weak, he was strong.
I think of many parts of my life now as simply mind over matter. When I run for hours on end, don't worry I will clue you in on my next running adventure soon, it's all about blocking out everything, letting your mind go numb and pressing on, only paying attention to those things that will help you complete the task in front of you...13 miles :). When I don't want to face the school because of paperwork, meetings, questions with no answers, put your mind over matter, I don't have all the answers I can't fix every kid, but I can maybe be a light to someone. So block out all those things that make you the doom and gloom of the office and press on...with a smile. When I get depressed, miss my family, wish life were different, it's mind over matter and that's when I need to hit the refresh button on my faith. Recall every good, great, abundant blessing God has given me and realize...he's not stopping there.
So when the going gets tough, remember, we serve an awesome HUGE God. Nothing is too big for him and you are far too important to him to ever be left out in the dust to face it alone.
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