Oh Deer!

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I knew it would happen sooner or later and I suppose after traveling that particular road for nearly 3 years, today would qualify as later.  We got up close and personal with a deer! 

For those of you who may be worried, I’d like to assure you that we’re all fine.  Calder didn’t even wake up nor did I spill my eggs and Canadian bacon!!  Thankfully, it was a little foggy this morning, so we were driving slower than we typically do.

It wasn’t until an oncoming car was getting closer, that we saw the 3 shadowed figures of the deer.  Putting the brakes on (but trying not to lock them up), G. managed to get us to around 20-25 mph before smacking the smallest of the group.  Yes, there were a few explitives uttered in those tense couple of minutes.  But after examining the damage, which turned out to be minor (at least to our untrained eye), we said a thank-you prayer and continued on our way to school. 

I think the most frustrating part of the experience happened a couple of hours later when I tried contacting our insurance company to check on our deductible and process the claim.  Do you think I could find a number that worked?  Not at all!  Hopefully the day will finish on a brighter note.

What exciting things have happened to you today?

Six Months Already!

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I recall a mass e-mail I sent out at the 6-week mark and here it is already 6 months!  We are slowly adjusting to the “busy”ness of school-year life.  It’s quite tiresome (I’m having difficulty staying awake as I type) but it is wonderful.   I am really learning how to balance time spent at school versus home.

 On this very special, first half-birthday, I’d like to send a message to my precious son.

Calder-man,

You have changed my life in so many ways that I can hardly imagine it without you!  Your adorable personality is really beginning to shine through.  The way your eyes light up at the sight of a favorite toy, and your squeals of delight when I arrive to pick you up…everything about you makes my heart want to jump! 

I love that little crook in your arm, where I will continue to plant many kisses.  Already, we need to raise the siderail of your crib because you’re such a little mover!  When I think back over these past 6 months, I have forgotten the sleepless nights, the fussy moments, and the times when I wasn’t sure I could be the mommy you deserve.

But now, I know that it’s God’s grace that carries me through.  And that loving you, is what I was created to do.  I thank you for showing me how to slow down, how to be present, and how to be so completely vulnerable to every emotion.  You are my miracle.  I thank God for you and I love you with the whole of my heart!  Happy Half-Birthday!

“I don’t wanna go!”

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Tonight I was definitely not wanting to go weigh in!  After a crazy first week of school, a weekend women’s retreat, and all the joys of being a woman I knew the scale was not going to be my friend!  And it stinks too because I’ve been bustin’ my tail on the treadmill, rivertrail, whatever I can use to run, walk, skip or otherwise be active and get ready for our race this weekend!

 I almost got out of the weigh in due to an odd power outage in town.  We lost power at the middle school a little after 4 today, and I figured it would be a quick flash and back on.  Well, when I left my WW meeting around 6:30, it was still out…stoplights, everything.  And it was pretty widespread too.  I heard the credit union was out and the light on the opposite end of town was also out!  We’ve tried checking our school e-mail to no avail.  We’re wondering if there’s still no power, or if the system just has to be re-set.  I know, it’s crazy to even think about the possibility of no school tomorrow.  But I think I’ve hit on just the word that makes it exciting.  P-O-S-S-I-B-I-L-I-T-Y!  Even if it doesn’t come to pass, just thinking of the potential for something out of the ordinary can be exciting enough.  I think that’s why I loved waitressing so much back in college.  Each night, there was the possibility of that crazy large tip or that record-breaking take for the night!

What do you mean I changed the subject?  Oh, yeah.  The weigh in.  Well, it wasn’t as horrible as it could have been.  I did gain, but it was less than a half pound.  So I felt alright with that.  Even though I really wanted to make my 10% this week (only 3 pounds to go!) I still think I can do it within a couple weeks at least!  And if nothing else, this slight increase might be just the motivation I need to really stay on plan this week instead of giving myself a few more “free days.”  I’m still down 17 or 18 pounds so that’s definitely a bonus!

As for the race, we’ve decided against the Bertha Brock Trail Run and opted for the Rambler Run in Perry instead.  I really wasn’t feeling confident about the potential for crazy hills on the trails and thought the road might be a better place to begin.  Plus, Garth will be able to push C. in the jogger now.  My goal is to run the whole thing, regardless of time.  Ideally I’d like to finish somewhere aside from last, but I’d be okay with that for now.

Oh, and get this!  I’ve got a great new oxy moron for you!  Ready.  Amanda C. – Cross Country Coach!  Seriously.  Can you believe it?  Alright, it’s not official, but if we get like 2-3 more students, I might be brought on as an assistant coach for CC!  I love the irony of it, since most of my life I’ve avoided running at all costs.  But, I did run with the kids today and it was pretty cool.  I felt a bit like a traffic accident…you know, people can’t help but gawk!  The kids were really watching me and I think it tripped them out seeing me do excercise and stuff.  I suppose since they only know the pregnant me, it might feel a little weird.  I think it could be a good thing, but I am a little worried about our already crazy schedule.  Luckily, the season will be over in a month, so it wouldn’t be too terrible!

That’s it for now!  Hopefully, I’ll be able to juggle things better in the coming weeks (read: post shorter entries with greater frequency).  Thanks for reading and be sure to leave a note to let me know you were here!

As so it begins…

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I knew it would be a little trying to get into the swing of the school-year schedule, but I didn’t realize just how long the days would become.  We’ve always led busy lives and I knew that having a baby would turn our lives upside down.  I know it’s only been a couple of days and all in all things are going relatively well.  I just need to build my stamina so I can make it through without wanting to turn in at 4:30!!  I suppose it didn’t help that Calder got overly tired tonight and screamed his little head off for about an hour!  Nothing we could do would soothe him.  It’s amazing how powerless I feel when he gets like that.  Eventually, he did give in and snuggled up when I climbed the stairs for the umpteenth time.

 As he sniff-sniff-sniffled with his little post-crying breaths, he relaxed and finally fell into a steady rhythm.  Even though I know I should get a couple miles in on the treadmill tonight, I think I’m going to turn in for now and try to hit the open road tomorrow. 

Feelin’ the Love

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After a 12-hour first day at school (G. has late practice this week), we just finished dinner (I know, it’s really late to have just eaten) and wrapping up our lunches for tomorrow.  My legs are killing me!  It’s amazing how just standing all day really takes a toll.  I did run on the riverwalk with the new jogger for the first time.  It’s a lot harder than I thought it’d be!  I think not having the power of your arms really makes the difference.  I found myself running one handed a lot.  Plus, it’s so different running outside than it is inside on the treadmill.  I climbed some killer hills (remember the one we walked in the massive snowstorm Mom and Dad?), but all in all I made it about 2 miles running and walked maybe another mile or so.

And (drumroll please) I weighed in tonight a little worried about the holiday picnic yesterday and the couple of nights of pizza.  But, it must have worked out in the long run because I was down another 4.2!!!  That makes a grand total of around 18 pounds so far!  It feels really go do be doing more to get healthier and to stay active.  Plus, I think I’m a much happier teacher right now than I would have been had I needed to dress for work 18 pounds ago! 🙂

I hope to post some shots of my classroom later this week…but for now, I have to do a little computer work and then rest up for tomorrow’s crazy day!  It seems like my classes are going to be pretty good for the most part…it will just a take a while to get used to 2nd hour conference.  It will all fall into place soon enough though!

I hope everyone else is enjoying a good start to their school year…and if you’re out there, stop by and say hello.  I haven’t had any comments in a super long time.  Didn’t you accept my apology for missing a few days worth of entries?