St. Francis Mud Run 2011

I ran my first mud run today, and it was 3.5 miles of the most fun I have had while running. Great team, challenging obstacles and LOTS OF MUD! I highly recommend it!

Not In

Yesterday was the lottery for the New York City Marathon. Unfortunately I did not get in. There were thousands upon thousands hoping for a spot, but only the lucky ones had their names pulled from a hat. It just wasn't my turn I guess. The good news... I can try again next year. After 3 years of not getting in you are guaranteed entry, so that said... I WILL run the NYC Marathon by 2014!!!

To help ease my disappointment, I looked at this pic and smiled as I remembered how ecstatic I was as I crossed the line last month. I cannot wait to do it again!

Post Run Food

Tonight I was reading an article about post run food that came to my email from Runner's World. I love getting articles like that because they always give me new ideas of things to eat after running. Fruit smoothies are a great snack that I read about tonight. I may be buying a blender soon.

Lots of people ask me what I eat to fuel my runs, and to recover afterward. These are some good snacks that I eat, and would be great for you too after any kind of exercise.

1. Wheatables- These are awesome little crackers made with whole wheat. They have a sweet honey taste. My brother-in-law, the pickiest eater I know LOVES THEM!

2. Honey Nut Cheerios- I wish I would have kept track of the number of boxes of this that I have eaten since my whole weight lose journey began. Since that day I would say I have had more than 200 boxes. Currently I eat a huge bowl full every morning and another huge bowl full after my runs. Sometimes I go back for a third bowl before bed!!!

3. Chocolate Milk- i never would have thought about this being a great snack until I started running, however, if you use a low fat or 1% milk, this is a great way to replenish your carbs quickly after exercise.

4. Bananas- I have blogged about my obsession with bananas before. I eat about 3 a day... sometimes 4. I cannot have enough. I found this pick online tonight, and thought is was a great representation of me and this blog... I love randomness!

5. Pasta Salad- I can make this from scratch very easily and keep it in the fridge for days. I do love the easy make kind by Kraft or Betty Crocker. Sometimes you can get them BOGO. I try to keep this snack made often. It comes in handy for a quick dinner too!

What Jed Can't Do!

This is a book I have in my classroom library at school. I usually read it to the kiddos at the beginning of the school year, but today as I poured my post run cereal snack, it came to mind. Why you ask??? Keep reading!


It came to mind because little pieces of cereal fell out of the bowl and little drops of milk dropped to counter. I said out loud, while I was all alone, "I cannot pour a bowl of cereal." It is true, I can't! I cannot think of a time where I didn't spill a piece of cereal or a drop of milk when I am eating cereal. I eat cereal at least 2 times a day, sometimes 3. Breakfast, post run, and sometimes and bedtime snack.

As I said "I can't," a whole list of little things popped into my head that I cannot do! Hope these make you feel a little bit better about yourself!

1. I can't whistle with 2 fingers... You know, the really loud kind of whistle that everyone stops when they hear it.

2. I can't grill anything. I burn it no matter what it is...no matter the temperature...even if I stand there the whole time.

3. I can't play team sports. I have tried, and I stink at all of them. Don't ask me to be on your team. Coaching is one thing, playing is a whole different ball game!

4. I can't mop. Every time I have ever attempted I get stuck in a corner. I always feel like I am just pushing a bucket of dirty water around the living room and nothing is getting cleaned.

5. I can't use Print Shop. All my techy and teacher friends will laugh at this one. I have tried to use the software and it just doesn't make sense to me. I blog, I wiki, I create Power Point, I make flipcharts for ActivInspire, I can even write a bit of html code, but don't ask me to do something on Print Shop.

6. I can't set a little cheap watch. You know the ones you get at Wal-Mart for like 5 bucks... I have had several of those, and I always have to get someone else to set it. My students ask me to set theirs all the time, and I just have to tell them to ask their mom!

7. I can't raise one eyebrow and sink the other one. I want to so bad so I can give the evil eye to my students. Sometimes I think I am giving them that evil eye only to realize that both eyebrows are raised, and I look ridiculous! No wonder they laugh at me.

8. I can't tie someone else's shoe. Let me explain... I can if I am beside them, and tie it as if it were my own shoe. Standing across from them and trying to tie it is almost impossible for me!

9. I can't wrap stuff with plastic wrap. The stuff never sticks like it supposed to, I tear it off and it is instantly a big mess, I get mad and throw it away. I use tin foil instead. (Teri, that is aluminum foil for you!)

10. I can't get ice out of the freezer without dropping at least one piece. If I am at your house, my house, my mom's house...whoever's house, I WILL drop a piece of ice if I have to get any out... TRUST ME!

Is there anything you can't do?

Not Gonna Worry About It!

This school year I took a class to learn how to teach those students who are gifted and talented. During the course of the class, the teacher more than once said, "We are not gonna worry about it," in regards to our assignments. She was saying that so we wouldn't freak out when she told us whatever it was we were going to have to do. That motto of hers just bore a deep hole in my psyche, and I am SO glad it did because there is a lot I could worry about right now, but I won't... but just in case you are wondering, here is the list of potential worries that I am ignoring even as I type....

1. I am not gonna worry about how hard the music is for the musical I am playing in.

2. I am not gonna worry that there is a patch of milkweed that seems to be taking over the side of my yard.

3. I am not gonna worry that the dishes are sitting there in the sink.

4. I am not gonna worry that there is an inch of dust on the bottom shelf of the coffee table.

5. I am not gonna worry about missing my soccer practice tonight because I had musical practice, I am doing the best I can.

6. I am not gonna worry about that pile of clothes sitting on the ironing board, that have been there for days now.

7. I am not gonna worry about the Mud Run on Saturday and lack of upper body strength for the climbs that are in the race.

8. I am not gonna worry about those caterpillars in the little cups at school. If they need more room to make a chrysalis then they should eat more of the food out of the way.

9. I am not gonna worry about putting the trash and recycling out even though will be picked up in the morning.

10. I am not gonna worry about all you readers laughing at me over my lack of worrying. :0)

10 @ 10

I told you last week that I was playing my trumpet in Beauty and The Beast performed by the Boiling Springs High School Drama department. The rehearsal are from 6-10 each night that we rehearse. That is just for the orchestra. The actors put in a TON more time. In an effort to keep me in a positive mood about being at practice so late I tried to think of 10 positive things about not getting home til 10. Here are the best things I could come up with.

1. There is no traffic on the way home or in my neighborhood.

2. If I need to hit the drive-thru, there is not a wait.

3. The housework that is waiting can continue to wait. Who starts cleaning at 10 right?

4. DVR records all my shows so I can watch them the next day and actually save time fast forwarding through the commercials.

5. I get to go straight to bed when I get home!

6. Any laundry needing folded will still be there in the morning. It doesn't matter if I have to leave it in that basket in the floor or stacked up on the ironing board one more night!

7. I don't have to return any voice mails, because it is too late!

8. I don't have to listen to any bouncing basketballs or motorcycles from the neighbors because they are already tucked in!

9. It is really cool, crisp air when I walk out to my car after practice...not like that muggy mess that was here this afternoon!

10. I am not still there til 11 like the rest of the cast!

Easter 2011

Posted from BB's iPhone!

How Great Thou Art

If you were like me, and missed this performance last night, you owe it to yourself this weekend of all weekends, to stop for just a minute and listen. I am overwhelmed with its power even as I type and listen to it for about the 5th time today.



WOW right? Probably my all time favorite hymn of the faith. It was the first real song I learned to play on the piano, and I remember my Granddaddy singing it when I was little.

I heard about this last night almost instantly after she sang because of Facebook and Twitter. There were lots of people posting about how they were moved to tears, and that they could feel the Spirit of the Lord move through Carrie Underwood as she sang. When you watch the video, if you are a believer, there is no doubt that the Lord himself sat down right in the middle of Vegas last night as she sang. I could not help but think about how pleased He really must have been. Just think... It is the weekend when we celebrate His resurrection, everyone has Easter on their brain, and there right in the middle of what is known as "sin city," a little, ok BIG, country girl, sang all about Him before the entire country. WOW! That was huge!

Sadly though, there were lots of comments on various statuses and tweets regarding the "showiness," the "sinners" who were singing, etc. etc. Someone even started listing the transgressions of those who sang and were in the audience. Those comments grieved me. We believers should celebrate anytime our God is lifted so high.

Last time I checked, I was a sinner, and I play the trumpet for His glory every week. Does that make me unfit to be there? That's the beauty of Him, and ALL that is this weekend... His Grace, Mercy, and Forgiveness covers ALL of those who call on Him, not just those who "have it all together." If these shouldn't sing about him, then neither should anyone else. We are all a mes when compared to Him.

The Apostle Paul, the epitome of Christian living said this about himself in his letter to Timothy..

"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst."

This weekend, reflect on what His death, burial, and resurrection really mean... Had it not been... You would not be.

Glorious Day

Ain't He Just Good!

Broadway In The Springs

Kim Jones, the drama teacher when I was at BSHS, is retiring this school year. 15 years ago she began presenting Broadway shows with the drama department. Way back in the day, when I was a student, I had the privilege of playing in her first production at BSHS, Oklahoma.

This year she is going out with a bang! Beauty and the Beast! Tonight is our first full rehearsal, and I was amazed at the way the auditorium had been transformed into the Beast's castle. I would show you pics, but that would ruin the surprise. I have heard that the costumes are AMAZING, and of course the music will be too. We are playing the actual Broadway score.

The play runs May 5-7 @ 8 each night. If you want tickets let me know. Wish me luck, there is lots of practice to come, but this is gonna be a blast.


Posted from BB's iPhone!

Marathon Picture

My official marathon pictures arrived today. So excited to finally get these. Seeing them brought back all of the emotions from that day. I can't wait to do another one. I'll find out about the NYC Marathon next week!! Wish me luck!!!





Posted from BB's iPhone!

I Laughed A Lot Today!

1. A student was using the restroom in the classroom when I heard them scream... "A WORM!" It was a random inch worm crawling up the wall in the bathroom in my classroom. Guess he hitched a ride on a student.

2. I walked around the room for 10 minutes looking for my scissors that I just laid down only to discover that they were tucked under my arm.

3. As we started learning cursive today a student asked, "Does this kind of writing make me a grown up...If so, I am not ready!"

4. At our soccer game tonight the boys played hard, but it was honestly like herding cats. If you ever want to have some great free entertainment, come on out!

5. Funniest thing ever!!! I was driving to school on the same route I do everyday. As I drove by this house the front door flew open, and out drove a man on a moped. He had placed a 2x6 over the steps and drove right out onto his sidewalk. He drove out as if it was completely normal to drive a moped out of your living room. I laughed all the way to school!

Did anything funny happen to you today?

Locked Out

Tonight my brother-in-law was locked out, and my sister was working late. Of course he had the girls, and his wallet was in the house... no money, no food, no nothing... Where else did he come, but to his ever helpful brother-in-law's house. Luckily for him I had a frozen pizza and honey buns... just what every 4 and 7 year old wants for dinner. They were in heaven. After dinner, Taylor and I were playing on the computer. Below are the results of our unplanned evening together. Just between you and me, I wish they would get locked out more often.

Speechless

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.


Maybe tomorrow I will have something to say. I am suffering from a temporary block in my ability to communicate via the blog. I am sure that some kid will say something hilarious tomorrow that will get me going again. Until then... You fill in the blanks. Tell me 5 things I need to know about you. 5 favorite movies, foods, sports... Maybe the 5 things you like best/least about the blog... Maybe 5 things you want to accomplish. I am sure no one will, but it's worth a shot. Until Monday!

Braves Vs. Mets

I went to my first Braves game of the season today. Had a great time on inspite of the wind and spring chill in the air. Thankfully I was prepared with my hoodie. Here are some random shots I took during the game.

The view from my seat!



Me in the hood. The wind was so chilly!!



Our usher, Melvin. He had his eyes open for mischief.



My peanut shell pile. Matt fussed because I threw them where people were walking.



Watching the game intensely.



I was worried about the girls feet beside us. 1, the shoes looked like Cleopatra. 2, her feet had to be freezing!!!



Tomahawkin'



Hotdoggin'



Posin'


Posted from BB's iPhone!

How Does Your Foot Taste?

I am the king, queen, prince, princess, whatever you want to call me of putting my foot in my mouth. There have been so many times where I had the proverbial "Freudian Slip" in front of the wrong folks and leave feeling mortified!!! It happens to me far too many times to count. I know ya'll find that hard to believe!!!

Every time it does though, I chuckle and laugh at myself. What else can I do right? Once its out there, it can be reeled back in. It's like putting toothpaste back in the tube. When it does happen though, this video plays in my head. This is probably my favorite scene out of all 7 seasons of The Golden Girls. It is hysterical! Have a look and a laugh!

Birthday Present

This is what I got for my birthday. It is a Garmin 110 GPS running watch. I used it for the first time today. It had to charge, and I had to read the instruction book to make sure I used it right. I absolutely love it!!!! It was a gift from my family. I thought of them the whole time I ran today because I was constantly looking at it. While I am running it tells me the current pace I am running,


When you are finished with the run, all the data from the watch loads to the Garmin website where it shows you your average pace per mile, the change in elevation during your run, calories burned, as well as a map of your run. Below is a snapshot of what you see.

I cannot wait to take this on my long run and see all the data... I know, I am a running nerd. Who cares? Today's run was just a short run, but a fast one. I am still a bit gun shy from the strained IT Band, and I don't want to push it too hard just yet. I did do 7 on Monday though... My long runs cannot be too far away!

Thanks to all the family who pitched in for this. I LOVE IT!

New Year's Resolutions

I know you probably saw that title and thought that you had clicked in the wrong place. Don't
leave... This is the right place. Today is April 13th, 2011, and I am writing about New Year's resolutions. I used that title because I wanted to blog about this previous post. Go check out number 4 on the list and come back.

Thanks for looking if you did, but for those of you who did not,

4. Reading- I am gonna put this one on here again, but lower the expectation a bit. Maybe I will out do myself one and shock everyone.
My goal for this year... 3 books.

Many of you probably looked at that goal back when I wrote it, or even now, and you laughed at this teacher resolving only to read 3 books for a whole year. I have not kept it a secret that reading is difficult for me. My mind is easily distracted, my thoughts are unfocused as I read, and I have to read slowly to get all the details. I tell my students how hard it is for me, but I make sure they see me doing it because it so important.

As of this posting however, I am HAPPY to report that I have already met my goal of 3 books, and it is only April!!! Here is a look at the 3. I am so proud. This is probably the first time in my life that I have read so much. I literally could not put them down. The 50/5o book was AMAZING! I highly recommend it to anyone who is inspired by greatness. It is not just a runner's book. The other 2 might not interest you if you are not a runner, but I will admit again, I could not put them down.

This is not all the reading that is in store for me this year. I am currently in the middle of 2 more, and upon completing this post, I will be reading myself to sleep with this one.


Apparently all it took was for me to find the right genre of books. Who knew this, but I love real life stories, biography type books. Fiction, inspirational, and novels are NOT my thing. Got any suggestions? Let me know!

Coach Jed

As if I didn't have enough going on, I signed up at church to coach Upward Soccer this season. I know you probably just about wet yourself or fell out of your seating apparatus as you read the word coach in reference to me, but it is indeed a true statement.

This is actually my 4th season as an Upward coach. I did football for a year and then this is my 3rd year of soccer. I must admit that I am a bit better now, than when I started, but I am no where near what I need to be. My practices are on Tuesdays and our games are on Saturdays for the next 6 weeks. The time commitment is really only 2 hours plus maybe 30-45 minutes prep time throughout the week. It is like anything else you do...hard getting there sometimes, but so much fun and totally worth it when you do.

Upward Soccer is not all about the sport. There is a lot of focus on teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership, and there is a time of Bible Study at each practice. The devotion times are great. Its just you, the kids, and the field. Tonight we were all freezing during devotion because of the wind, but other than that we had a great time learning about Jesus and Soccer!

Tonight as I coached, these are a couple of thoughts that ran through my head.

1. If I can do this, anybody can.

2. Wonder if the kids can tell I am nervous?

3. These kids are hanging on my every word. Make sure to use the right ones!

4. Game day is Saturday. I hope they remember which way to run!!!

5. During the devotion time, the lesson was about listening to the Lord and following Him when we don't know what to do... How fitting that the whole practice I was constantly saying, "Lord, I don't know what I am doing!"

Wish us luck! Go Fighting Irish!!!

Birthday Celebrations

Yesterday I spent the day on Lake Jocassee with some really great friends. I was worried at first because the day started off kind of cool, but it definitely warmed up quickly after lunch and it made for a great day on the lake!

Yesterday my mom had to work and my sister and brother-in-law were supposed to be out of town so my family treated me to Olive Garden tonight. We had so much fun just hanging out and being together. Great Birthday! 33 is here!