9/52 ~ After the run

I love the way it feels when a long run has been accomplished. Running a half marathon in a tutu with 16.000 other runners was more challenging in some ways and less challenging in others.

Challenges: The tutu! It got so hot and just in the way.

On the flip side: There is nothing more motivating than to be surrounded by so many strong, awesome women.

I hope I can make this run a yearly event. One day, I will not be able to run it. Today is not that day (thanks to Laura for sharing that quote).

Spring just makes my heart happy

This is probably the last shot of the Japanese Magnolia blooms this spring as the petals are beginning to fall off. Since I'm leaving for Orlando tomorrow afternoon for several days, they'll likely all be gone when I return.

But fear not for there are buds and blooms beginning to peak out on the branches of other trees!

Today's conversation of the day:

As 1st grade child was walking to his mother's car at the end of the day, he suddenly turned around and ran up to his teacher who was on duty.

Teacher (leaning down to the child): "Is everything okay? Did you forget something?"

Child (grabbing her face in his hands): "Oh Mrs. Teacher! I'm going to miss you so much when I go to college!"

"I stuck my head out the window and spring kissed me bang in the face." ~ Langston Hughes

I could live in this tree. Seriously live there.

Got off work early today (those of you who work in education know what a rarity that can be) after presenting in a technology expo. It was a fun morning and a great afternoon. And if you want to start a photography and/or a technology club in an elementary school, I can tell you all the things we've learned. The bottom line is that it is hard work but oh so worth it!

Wishing you all some happy spring weather!

Ahhhhh....

I think I could take a million pictures of the flowers on the Japanese Maple in our front yard. Seriously, I've been just sitting out there and staring. I think the neighbors think I'm weird.

8/52 "Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today." ~ James Dean

Spent the weekend with my husband in Jacksonville, FL. We had a great time visiting with friends and family. And we just enjoyed being together.

Maybe we should get out of town more often.

Awesomeness is..

Awesomeness is....

A new leaf leafing out

A meeting with an upset parent that ends positively

A visit from my 4th grade teacher (oh my gosh! She looks just the same as she did 35 years ago!)

A date with my husband and some great friends tonight at my favorite Indian restaurant

A weekend trip with the husband to go to a party that includes dancing

A warm weather front that is making this the warmest February ever (love it!)

A Friday where ALL the students were picked up and on time

Have a great weekend!

And there it is....

A sign of spring!

There is one blossom amongst all the buds on the Japanese Magnolia. I'm just giddy with excitement!

On the edge

Days like today... well, they make me appreciate my own children. And all the parents who don't yell. And by yelling, I mean yelling at me.

At least I got to have a serious conversation with a boy about how we shouldn't discuss anatomy at lunch using a banana as a prop. These conversations always make the boys squirm. But nothing like how they squirm when they have to call their parents.

I know, I know... I'm mean! :)

Happiness is a box full of red velvet cupcakes

There are some awesome parents who have kids at my school who know how to bake awesome red velvet cupcakes.

I shared.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Blooming

As I prowled around the garden this morning relishing the subtle warmth from the sun, I discovered that there are blooms on the blueberry bush!

The bokeh background is the sunlight reflecting on some aluminum foil (or tin foil as most people in the south say it). Sunny days make me so happy!

That warm sensation

Where I live, the weather is somewhat cold unless you are standing in the sun. Or unless you are sitting where a particular student was sitting while in my office this afternoon.

Feed me

It is a sad day when the people are too busy to remember to feed the dog.

Not to worry. Treats have been given and food has been devoured.

All is right in her little world now.

Little children, headache; big children, heartache ~ Italian proverb

One part of my job is sitting on tribunals when dealing with students with serious behavior issues from other schools. The decisions we make can be life changing for these students. And usually not in a good way.

Some of the chances these students have been given are astounding. Some of the conditions these students live in are deplorable. Some of the parents these students have are ridiculous.

Sometimes, I wish I could sit on a tribunal to determine consequences for some parents. I'd probably lose less sleep that way.

For just a moment

We finally made it home from the conference and visiting with the girls. Since it was a gorgeous day, I went for a walk around the house. For just a moment, a robin scolded me. I got one picture before she flew away.

I hope she comes back.

Conversations

Over breakfast with the husband and daughters about hopes and dreams and lessons learned. I'm reminded once again that life is good.

Not boring in my world this week

And I'm ready for some boring.

Several events culminated in a most sleepless night last night. I could feel that lack of sleep on my long run in the rain.

Work... four kids in college.... I could bend your ear for hours.

Being a pansy

The word pansy has always had a negative connotation when describing someone. It implies that the person is a weakling.

Yet every winter I'm always impressed with how these *delicate* flowers hold up in the freezing temperatures. They are way tougher than most.

So, how is it that this association came to be? We should be calling tough people pansies. That would just make more sense.

How he looks

My husband...

Hard worker.

Big flirt.

Fabulous father.

Caring husband.

Great step-father.

On permanent laundry restriction.

Addicted to his leaf blower.

Impulsive and busy.

Toilet seat putter downer.

Cleaner of the shower.

Forgetful of where the dishwasher lives.

Fantastic cook.

My best friend!

What she does

When Mili sees birds, she licks her lips.

In her dreams....

Sometimes

Sometimes bad things happen to good people.

Sometimes it reminds me to focus on my real priorities.

Sometimes there is a bit of good news.

Sometimes people beat the odds.

Sometimes life can seem scary.

Sometimes life is suddenly calm.

5/52 Not the way I wanted to start my Sunday

It is official. Horatio has died. And I am without a computer. So... I've had to learn to live without him....