One Month Until Christmas Music!

Those who know me, know also I being playing my Christmas Music (and quite the large collection) on November 1st. Can you believe October will begin Monday? What a quick Summer, and now Fall. Had an awesome time this morning with the girls. It cooled down, so we decided to visit Blue Jay Point Park near us, on the banks of Falls Lake. We hiked down to the water, threw rocks, waded through the water, then had a picnic. Awesome, awesome time!
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The Mountains were gorgeous as well. I had two good runs through the Great Smoky Mountains Park. Cool morning! Then the town of Bryson City was so nice. I can definitely see taking the family up there sometime soon!

Off To Another Trip...

And I will leave this sweet face...But I will spend the next few days in the mountains at an IMPACT Schools Visit. Those not privy to what IMPACT is all about, basically in a nutshell, is federal funding provided to schools to implement a model, NC's IMPACT Model, which stresses technology and collaboration in schools. Those of you keeping scorre at home will remember I worked at one of the original IMPACT schools, Williford, a few years ago. We reaped the benefits of higher student achievement and better teacher retention, so here's hoping this will continue across our state!

But it will be tough without the girls!

Lots of Fun With the Girls

I just continue to enjoy my daughters. Life is so simplistic and real when I can leave behind my work, my running, and everything else to enjoy time with them. We enjoyed this weekend with Grammie and Grandpa. They definitely enjoy spending time with the girls as well!
I look forward to the times I share with them, as they both are growing so quickly! Myra crawls and stands everywhere. Lucy surprises me with her knowledge and 'street smarts.' Just fun times right now!

Peaked Out Today

Had my 26 miler today. I did it along the Falls Lake Trail. Unfortunately, we're back in a heat snap (91 degrees now), but I had to run. The run itself was not too bad--I definitely see the need for some ultra-wicking socks and MORE water.

K12 Online Conference

How Cool! Make sure you attend!

My Daughter, the Tree Hugger!

Gotta love this picture from a park near Laura's in Durham. My girl, well on her way to becoming a liberal! Makes me proud!

Action Figures, 2.0

Ok, back in the day of Castle Grayskull, My Little Pony, GI Joe, and MASK, our toys never associated with each other. Come to think of it, besides my MASK figures taking over my sister's My Little Pony stable for their 'secret' headquarters, I never thought that He-Man could enlist the help of GI Joe to overthrow Skeletor. Well, in this picture, you see our smart daughter already figured out how to make things better--have them all visit the 'Dora Store.' You see Dora, Homer (of the 'Simpsons People, Daddy'), and Strawberry Shortcake. She makes me laugh!!
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Went on a 10 miler today that I put off from yesterday. I guess, with about 6 weeks before the marathon, I am tired of the constant attention of it. The training, while not rough physically, is weighing on me psychologically. It is tough to be on a road trip with the thought of a long run in the back of your mind, or knowing that every weekday has a long run (I am getting to the 7, 8, 9 milers during the week). I did finish the run today, the weather was gorgeous--70, but I am ready for the marathon!

Another Speech

Ok, not really sure why we have yet another speech this evening. I guess to announce the long overdue trip withdrawal. Off course, that comes with the caveat that whoever (GO OBAMA!) wins the presidency next year, we will be in Iraq for the next several years. Why? Oh, the Iraq government asked us. Forget the fact we are lagging in education, technology, common sense, our requests go unanswered.

You know, I really did believe at first that the intelligence of our fearless leader was not quite up to par. But I stand corrected. It all fits. Our 'grand old party' focuses on what? Military and oil. So how do you keep the intelligent, creative, and technological folks down? Bring down the schools. Do not provide any funds, but require unattainable goals, then allow students to transfer if their current school fails to meet the criteria.

Wow...a definite d'oh moment.

Maybe its Due to Lack of Water...

Went on my 18-miler this morning along Falls Lake Trail. Beautiful area to run--soft, pine straw floor, trees blocking out the sun, and a nice lake view for most of the run. Unfortunately we are in a drought and the lake is 3-4 foot below normal, but still a nice view. Only two long runs left-26 and then another 18 miler. Then the taper begins for the Raleigh Marathon in November. While excited about the marathon, boredom from running already showed it's ugly head. Coming home from work everyday and going out for a run is exhausting me. That said, the next four weeks contain weekly runs of 7-9 miles after a full day of work. Don't know how that will work.
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And here's where the title of this blog comes in--I LOVE this song!

Our Lucy's First Day of Preschool

Can you believe it? Lucy got dressed, carried her big blue backpack, took her orange kitty, and went off to preschool this morning. I think her Daddy had a more difficult time with it than she did. We attended an orientation Tuesday night (yeah, nice to be on that side for a change!), and I cannot believe how much preschool now mirrors school. She will only have 10 students in her class, but two teachers, a schedule, art, music, PE, etc. *Sniff, sniff*

Gotta Love Technology...

Check this out--I will have an overnight in Charlotte soon. I need to do an 8 mile run for my training. I go to mapmyrun.com, and voila, I have over 600 possible runs.

Myra Wants to Skip Crawling and Go To Walking...

Labor Day, 2007

Enjoying a nice, relaxing weekend. Shannon visited today, we went for a nice walk with the girls, and just enjoyed the day. I figured I would add some pictures before the busy September commences.

And We Come to September...

So, what's on the agenda for this month? Hopefully some cooler weather. After our PA trip, we're definitely ready for fall. We'll see if that becomes a reality, as at least the first week still has us in the 90s. What else will we do?
-some trips for work--seems I need to do a variety of tech plan visits for charter schools
-a trip to Vienna. Now that Kerry's folks ok'ed everything with their builder, they will probably be down here next year at this time
-hopefully some good runs--this is the big month for marathon training with an 18, 20, and 26 mile run.