Weather: It’s all About Perspective

For my run this morning it was partly sunny and 41 degrees!!!!! Just this morning my kids were complaining a bit about the snow melting and they’ve only been sledding 2-3 times and skiing once. I felt their disappointment yet so appreciated the weather Mother Nature has given me to meet my goal of running outdoors for 12 months this year.

So, as I walked out the door with no winter hat, neck warmer, gloves or coat I took a deep breath of fresh air and smiled out pure joy for the warmth. Now, there may be many runners who have left the hat, gloves, neck warmer and coat behind when they’ve run thus far this winter, but not me. Although I have learned to appreciate all four seasons I hate being cold and it happens to me a lot.

I am known within my family for being cold. I can recall getting an electric blanket for Christmas one year and a pair of battery-operated warming socks another. Both of which I no longer have in my possession, but when I curl up, on, or under my heating pad at night it generally isn’t because of aches and pains, although occasionally it is.

Monday Comic

Introducing…Favorite Photo Friday

By now, if you’ve been a regular reader of this blog you know that I am passionate about running and baking, among other things. What my blog has yet to demonstrate is how much I enjoy taking photos. Beginning today, in an effort to post more regularly and to expose my passion for photography I am introducing Favorite Photo Friday. I have never taken a photography class and all my learning has either been from my mom who loved taking photos, especially of her children (as do I), or trial and error. Each photo I post will be taken by me with the possibility of the occasional photo taken by someone I know personally.

Photo taken on July, 29, 2000 by Daria Lapp

Digital cameras have allowed the opportunity to take and retake a photo until it is deemed perfect, this photo however was taken with a 35mm camera and was filled with sheer love.

Running Like a Girl

I’ve recently found a few blogs that I have latched onto in such a way I visit them daily. The one I want to share with you today is womensrunningmagazine.wordpress.com. Every weekday I visit the site looking for inspiration and a golden nugget of running knowledge from experienced female runners. I was beginning to think of myself as an intermediate runner, just because of the frequency and passion I’ve been running with these past few seasons. If you looked to the “advanced runners” though I’m a beginner, based on the number of miles I run a week. I have never had a coach and I have never been involved with an organized running group. This blog is quickly becoming my coach and source of much needed knowledge; such as today’s post of how to drink water from a paper cup while running (http://womensrunningmagazine.wordpress.com/2012/01/24/tuesdays-tip-keep-it-in-the-cup/) REAL useful information! It boosted me a bit to read this and think, yeah I figured that one out on my own during one of my recent races. OK, now I didn’t figure that out all by myself per se, I watched others, most likely intermediate or more advanced. For those of you who have never tried it really is harder than it sounds.

I’ve enjoyed running on many Mondays since the school year started and I became more dedicated to running. So, yesterday when there was no school for the second Monday I was feeling a bit frustrated that I couldn’t run. And I consciously use the word couldn’t because I refuse to run in the dark and with the shorter winter days light is most ample during school hours. Check out this link to yesterday’s post.

http://womensrunningmagazine.wordpress.com/2012/01/23/monday-motivation-top-ten-reasons-to-run-today/

After my schedule opened up this morning and I had the time to run I reread that link to psych myself up for running. Even though the list resonated with me so much I could have written it myself, it was really hard to change into running clothes because I had already taken a shower and my hair came out great. All the women runners reading this completely understand me right now, the men are shaking their heads. Yep, I’m lovin’ the women’s running blog! I’m happy to say that it only took me spending $7.00 on some new music for my playlist and off I went running out the door with my great hair, sans ponytail, tucked under my hat and neckwarmer.

How I was Volunteered through Compliments to Donate Fresh Baked Cookies

I’d rather be baking right now. Hmm, that would make the perfect bumper sticker for me. I have a coffee cake “started” and waiting for me in my kitchen, but I don’t have enough time to mix it up and bake it before picking my son up from school. So, the dry ingredients and the dry filling sit in bowls while the butter softens in the mixer awaiting my arrival back from the school in an hour.

Aaahhhhh baking. If you haven’t read my post “The Story Behind DDD” that I posted in October 2011, now might be a good time to read about my therapeutic passion for baking. I was at a Parent Advisory meeting yesterday morning at The Parenting Place, one of my favorite places and one of my favorite meetings. I have taken many things away from The Parenting Place over the years; friends, support, toys (from the lending library), a college student who began as a babysitter and grew into family and an hour or so of sanity for several years while my kids were very young during their wonderfully run Friday playgroup just to name a few. The Parenting Place is one of the wonderful resources my community offers that if I were to come into a lot of money I would write a big check with a smile on my face and a thank you on the memo line.

We were discussing their big semi-formal fundraiser that coincides with Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Blue Ribbon Ball (April 21 – mark your calendars now!). My husband and I reluctantly (me, more than him) decided not to attend last year in part because of the $50/person ticket price. I had already decided that this year I would be RSVPing with a resounding yes! The topic of silent auction items came up and Fran (love Fran!) looked directly at me when she asked us all to think about any talents we could donate to the silent auction. “Fran, why are you looking right at me?” “Your baking.”

I never before knew the answer to the question What talent would you perform in a talent show or the Miss America pageant? Oh, Fran! Baking! I have a talent, and what makes it more flattering is that someone other than myself has named my talent.

 

So that is the story behind the tray of cookies you will find at The Parenting Place’s Blue Ribbon Ball silent auction, and why I will be stalking it in a spy-like manner. The highest bidder will win two-dozen cookies baked by me to be delivered within La Crosse city limits every other month for one year. In the end I will have shared my six favorites cookie recipes, one of which is bound to be my new favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe.

A Visual

Was Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream to Give Kids a Day Off of School?

"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically... Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.”

 - Martin Luther King, Jr.

As I sit here home with my two children I can’t help but think what Martin Luther King Jr. would have thought about having a teacher in-service today? Having not known the man personally and history not being my strong suit I can only speculate. I think he would have liked the idea of using his birthday to reenergize teachers about teaching students about equality and character education, but I doubt this is the topic being discussed throughout area school districts’ in-services today.

I find it ironic that that man that dreamed of his African-American children learning and playing alongside Caucasian children is having his birthday celebrated years after his death by giving them the day off of school. I’m not one of those moms that dreads when my kids are off of school, please realize this is not where my thoughts are stemming from.

Last year I wrote a blog entry about my surprise at the lack of community events commemorating MLK. First thing this morning I read a newspaper announcement of my local celebration that again begins at 7:00pm. Maybe next year if I don’t find myself employed, and attending an in-service I will plan a birthday party of sorts for MLK at my house. The only criteria for being invited will be that you have to be different than my children --- which of course we all are, each and every one of us.

“Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.” -Martin Luther King Jr., 1963

Ski Lessons

I live in Wisconsin where most winters, unlike this one, are filled with snow and I live within 5 minutes from a ski hill. I know there are many people out there who may envy me. But let me tell you about my relationship with skiing.

In fifth grade I went on a field trip to a ski hill and “learned” how to ski. My sole memory from that day consists of accidentally “skiing” down a hill backwards during my lessons when the instructor wasn’t looking. In my memory it was a hill, truthfully it was probably a bump. I can easily recall the anxious feeling running through my body at the time, I was terrified.

This resembles the Garfield pin I got on my 5th grade field trip. I still have the pin and I still feel the same way.

About four – six years later I went with a friend and her mom to Vermont to ski over New Year’s. I think we skied more than one day, but I really couldn’t tell you because the lone memory I have of skiing was of two guys in the chairlift overhead calling down to me, “Take your skis off, you’ll get down the hill faster!”

Over a decade past before I put ski boots on my feet again. My husband and I went skiing with friends to the ski hill that is basically in my backyard. You’ll never believe it but I had a good time, I don’t recall falling although I find it hard to imagine that I didn’t. It was in March following the last snow of the season and when the day was over I actually said, “That was fun I’d do that again next year.” Well “next year” came and my son was born on December 23^rd. No skiing for me.

Seven years past before I skied again and this time it was with that baby on his seventh birthday. He’d learned how to ski when he was five and of course was more confident and skilled at seven than I was at thirty-five, or ever would be. He got it from his dad.

This past weekend my daughter, at five, excitedly took a ski lesson and learned how to ski. In my five-dollar rummage sale boots and skis I stayed close to her class for the first 15 minutes or so hoping to digest the air of confidence that surrounded the kids, as well as some tips. Yep, you read that right, I bought skis this past spring. I figured for a $1.50/ski and boot it sure beat renting them. I took to the bunny hill for many runs until my son said he wanted to ski the bigger hill. So, away I went with him and my husband. I took the chairlift behind them and was in awe of the beautiful, yet odd scenery surrounding us that consisted of not so much as a flake of snow outside of the ski hill. The temperature was in the forties and we have had no snow this year. The weatherman claims we got five inches in December but down by the hill and at our house I’d say we’re stretching the truth if we’ve had two inches all winter. At one point I felt like I was skiing on a sidewalk, as there was no snow on the ground next to us.

From the chairlift I debated taking my camera out of my pocket, but kept thinking I’d be off the chairlift soon and I imagined either the camera dropping or me belly flopping off the chairlift while trying to put my camera back in my pocket. So, I sat and quietly admired the beauty around me. That is until my heart raced a bit faster as I saw my stop coming up, I pointed my skis, scooted off and the chair bumped my butt as it continued onto the top of the hill.

After being passed by three kids whose ages didn’t even add up to mine swooshed by me like they were born on skis I fell not once, but twice! The first time was behind someone getting private lessons, the instructor was holding the front of the kid’s skis (facing me!) and the kid, all of about four years old was skiing down the hill proudly. I envied that kid! I think my rummage sale ski tips crossed and then I was a goner, I fell on my right side, then rolled as if I was sliding into home. I laughed at myself, got up, and smiled as I skied past the student and instructor and proceed to fall again in the same fashion within their view. As I untwisted myself around my skis the internal debate of if I was going to ski to the chairlift to meet my boys as originally planned began.

Once I got to the bottom I had decided that the only reason I wanted to ride the chairlift again was to take pictures; which may I remind you has nothing to do with skiing. Then I assured myself that I was not having fun and if I were to break my leg skiing (a reoccurring fear of mine; and my would be first broken bone) I would be extremely mad at myself because I wouldn’t have even had fun doing it. I gave myself permission to admit that I was done riding the chairlift for the day. I proceeded back to the bunny hill cross-country skiing style.

My husband enjoys skiing and I know he envisions the four of us going on fun-filled ski vacations together, but I figure someone has to document the trips in photographs. I’m thankful my kids have my husband who enjoys skiing as much as them. I, on the other hand, have vowed to try cross-country skiing again if the natural snow should ever decide to fall this winter. Until then, I will join family on the bunny hill again before the season ends.

Roll Tide

In honor of Alabama 14th National Championship win! Roll Tide! I love being an alum from this amazing school.

Click here to watch ESPN's Roll Tide commercial.

Oh the Places I’ll Go

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." ~ The Lorax by Dr. Seuss.

Tonight I have an excess of energy running through my brain and spirit that’s been stimulated by an Excedrin and an ego-boosting day. So, if this I ramble on or am more random than usual consider this the fine print.

Over winter break I was fortunate enough (with my family) to make a two-night stopover in Chicago to visit and stay with a cousin of mine. Part of the visit consisted of enjoying the Lincoln Park Zoo’s lights not only from the ground but from her extraordinary view 19 floors up.  

The second part of the visit was spent at the Museum of Science and Industry in anticipation of experiencing a Dr. Seuss exhibit. I have been a Dr. Seuss fan for as long as I can remember. My favorite book as a child was “Are You My Mother” by P.D. Eastman. Now I realize this was not a Dr. Seuss book, but it was stamped with his approval with a picture of the Cat in the Hat on the spine. Unfortunately, photos were not permitted within the exhibit and if I was childless I would have spent more time reading, but it made me fall in love with his work all over again. Two things I learned was that Seuss was his middle name and his favorite book that he wrote was The Lorax, written one year after the first Earth Day. 

After getting my master’s in school counseling last December and completing the licensing process I was “hired” a.k.a. put on “the list” as a substitute in the school district in which I live. Because of restrictions/family dynamics and mostly child care challenges I wasn’t sure what being on “the list” would develop into. Over the past few months I have had to turn down any and all subbing jobs that have come my way because of the short notice of the jobs. Yesterday all the pieces fit into place and today I subbed for the school counselor at my son’s elementary school. I could ramble on and on about what a positive, energizing, fulfilling experience it was, but instead I will focus on the feeling that right now I am where I belong. I haven’t been in a school in the role of a school counselor (intern) since last June which has left enough time for me to muster over if getting my master’s was the right choice for me or not. Today I was reminded firsthand for eight hours that this is what I was meant to do at this point in my life. I ate up not only the love and respect I received from students today, but also the feeling that as Dr. Seuss wrote, I care an awful lot and am doing something about it. 

Today was as close to a perfect day as I’ve had in a long time. I felt the love and support from my kids and husband so intensely, and I have a feeling of accomplishment and of having done good by and for children today. As if that wasn’t enough I had a perfect dinner with some wonderful girlfriends. We tried a new restaurant where the food was great, conversations were honest and filled with support and laughs, and we lingered for hours knowing we should end the night and get home, yet not wanting to leave the warmth of each other’s company.

If today is any indication of the year ahead I’m ready 2012, keep it comin’!!

“A child’s life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark.” ~ Chinese proverb

Just a click...

...will do ya. After poking around the blog site the other night in lieu of going to sleep early/on time I added a few options for you to click after you read the blog. I'm interested in more feedback and this is an anonymous way for you to humor me. Thanks! For those who tend to leave "written" comments please continue to do so.

Fitted Sheets

Last night while I pulled a fitted sheet out of the dryer I thought to myself, I wish I had the patience to fold this the right way, like my mom once taught me. Then I proceeded to fold it loosely which resulted in a flattened ball of fabric. My final thought was, Why bother taking the time when it will eventually be pulled from corner to corner on the mattress, forcing it to be 'ironed' out. Yep, there are things that I still think about using my fifteen-year old brain that is buried under 8 years of higher education.

Reflecting on New Year’s Eves Past

There are a few New Year’s Eves that I’ve celebrated in my lifetime that I remember, and I predict that last night will be added to this list many years from now.

Unlike some people who do the same thing from year to year or eat the same meal for dinner on New Year’s Day I have no traditions that lead me to know prior to December 30^th what I will be doing or eating. I’ve spent many New Year’s Eves watching Dick Clark, and frankly I find Ryan Seacrest to be a poor substitute, and another few watching the fireworks in my town from a snow pile, but there are a few others that stand out more.

My earliest recollection took place sometime between 4^th and 6^th grade. I spent the night at Paige’s house and I remember staying up with her parents, who always seemed young and cool in my eyes. I recall New Year’s headbands and champagne glasses, although I can’t recall if I was permitted or even wanted a sip of champagne.

A few years later I found myself in the loft of a ski house in Vermont playing Rummy 5000 with Heather and listening to the Top 100 songs of 199?.

One year during college I ended up in NYC with Carrie, only to be in a bar somewhere away from Times Square looking to meet up with a friend of hers. I remember thinking I couldn’t believe I was in NYC on December 31 (it was so easy), yet was nowhere near the action, even though I knew people who were.

In 1997 I was on an airplane destined for Sydney, Australia; missing the night’s celebrations, but creating one of my own.

I partied like it was 1999 in 1999 in Buffalo, with my now husband, standing in the cold waiting for the Buffalo ball to drop, thinking that it just wasn’t right to me to be in NY waiting for a ball to drop when I wasn’t in Times Square. For those who don’t realize it, New York is a BIG state.

A few years later we spent two hours waiting to get a table at Outback. Remember how earlier I didn’t spend much time planning my New Year’s, this was proof if there was no other. Afterward we made it to a friend’s house somewhere in the eleven o’clock hour and witnessed their marriage proposal.

In 2002, decked out in fleece lined pants we hiked up the bluff trails to watch the early (6:00) fireworks from the bluff, only a golf course separating us from the bluff the fireworks were being set off from. With the success of our night hike and the awe I felt while watching from our vantage point we said that the following year we’d hike up for the midnight fireworks show. ….. In 2003 our son was 8 days old, needless to say we stayed home in awe of another vantage point.

The year my son had just turned one we found ourselves at our good friends’ home, planning to spend the night and all, only to drive home after our baby threw up, and no he hadn’t been drinking.

Last night, just before midnight I won, for the first time ever a game of Monopoly.