This is About Right...

You Belong in Generation X

You fit in best with people born between 1961 and 1981. You are fun, laid back, and very independent. You are willing to take risks and live your life however you see fit. You are casual, accepting, and friendly. You see everyone as your equal.

What Generation Do You Belong In?

What's Going On in April?

So, same 'ole story here--we've been busy! Lots going on--Lucy busy in the 'hockey players' pre-school, Daddy busy with work, Mommy possibly preparing for the City of Oaks marathon this November, and Myra trying so hard to talk (ba, dada, lusssssss for Lucy). Times are busy, but quite enjoyable!

How Cool!

Best of both worlds--Andy Warhol and Linux

March is More a Bear!

What a month! I am exhausted, and we're only to St. Patrick's Day. After no real travel since November, I spent a weekend at NCCAT in Cullowhee, NC, two nights at a conference in Concord, and now on Wednesday will spend one night in Asheville. All before our Easter trip to Pennsylvania.
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This weekend I sold myself to the Flanigans in the name of free labor. They brought a truck load of furniture down to their storage unit. Then yesterday we spent the day limbing up their trees. I can't believe how far along their house is though. The have the roof started, and are about ready to begin hanging sheetrock now. Estimated completion has moved up to July. Wow!

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Excited to see some snow in PA!

One Year of Linux, and Everything A-OK!

Like I mentioned recently, how cool when my 3 1/2 year old can tell me 'I love Linux!' I asked her what our computers ran, and she goes Linux. Then I ask what kind of Linux--Ubuntu, Daddy!

So a year into our switch, and I am more confident everyday. Kerry and Lucy can both navigate around the GUI rather easy, and I find myself more and more comfortable with the command line everyday. In the past year, I estimate possibly 10 times using Windows. I actually used it yesterday in helping my dad attach pictures in Thunderbird. I really do not know my way around a Windows OS anymore--and that's fine by me! I am seriously considering switching him to Ubuntu soon--time will tell with that.

For My Irish Girl...

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Enjoy a Virtual Shamrock Stout! To: Kerry From: Chris

What Virtual St. Patrick's Day Gift Should You Give?

Riding Her Dump Truck...

Beware the Ides of March...

Ok, so I'm a little more poetic than I need to be. Hard to believe we are rolling out March 1st, 2008. Seems like we just celebrated Christmas, and then Myra's first birthday. Now it's March. Phew!

Things are well for the Shearer family. Lucy continues to thrive at school. It is really amazing all the things she does there. And how the girl can read a book from memory! There are probably about 10-15 books here in the house (mostly Dora, of course!) that she can pick up and 'read' word for work. It is cute when she does that for Myra. Cute because that means Myra is sitting still. Ha! Myra is quite the little busy body these days. And boy--the temper!!!!! She is our little monkey, climbing all over the place.

Looks like we will head to Dallas this summer to visit Mark, Christie, and the kids. Then I will hop down to San Antonio for the NECC Conference. Looking forward to a fun year!

eeePC for Me

So we have an eeePC to test and play around with. Lucy thinks it's hers, of course, but even as I type this on our laptop, she sits right beside me, typing on her own. She told me she will now type my name. How cool!! I love how my three-year old daughter can recognize the word Ubuntu and tell me...

I love Ubuntu and I love Linux.

How many three-year olds can say that!! So neat!

Anyway, I think we're all pretty impressed with Asus' eeePC. I used it in a meeting the other day as my 'notepad,' and I was able to share all about it with many folks. Spreading Linux all over! Gotta love it!

February In NC

Typical February in North Carolina. 60s yesterday, 50s today. No rain, threat of continued drought, and word in the N&O this morning that Falls Lake, our primary water source, could dry up this summer.
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Enjoying things here. The girls are doing well. We went to visit the Flanigans' land yesterday, and construction continues. Definitely exciting that they will be moving down here this summer/fall. It will be nice to have more family close by. Of course Lucy B was a little disappointed that Grammie was not there, as she had a difficult time understanding they are only building their house by 'their Sheetz,' and not actually living there yet.

Happy Birthday To Myra Jeanne!

She officially turns one today! Can you believe that? A year ago today, she came into the world, and blessed us yet again. What a terrific family we have!

My University Teaching Debut...

Who'd thunk I would someday teach at a university? Ok, so I won't actually teach tonight, but I will give a presentation on the IMPACT Model at UNC-Chapel Hill for a fellow colleague's class. Should be interesting!
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We're also enjoying our time with Nana and PapPap. The girls are loving it! They are exhausted from all the fun! (-:

Funneee Video

But kinda scary, as this is not too far off...

The Search--aka Google's Attempts to Take Over the World

Ok, so I will be cautious, lest any googlebots are probing my blog. If so, they are probably the only ones to view my blog. Anyway...just finished Battelle's The Search, which discussed web searching, with a heavy focus on Google.

Many interesting things throughout, especially just reading about Stanford and the whole Silicon Valley area and how so many of these great tools began there.

Just a few tidbits as well:

-35% of all internet traffic is commercial in nature

IBM's Webfountain that is trying to be the 'end all' in search

Big Weekend for Myra J!

Can you believe it--my youngest will turn one this weekend, actually Monday. I cannot believe it. How old I am! (-: Nana and PapPap will arrive tomorrow for a nice, long weekend. Grammie and Grandpa will arrive Saturday for the party. We will definitely enjoy it, especially Sunday, when Kerry and I can go on a date! Do you believe it!

Hurricanes Game

It was a hockey night in Raleeeee! Unfortunately the Canes did not get that memo, as few of them showed up. Seems like that is occurring more and more these days. I think half the team is either out hurt or sick. Lots of good experience for the AHLers though--so hopefully that will help down the year. It was teacher appreciate night, so I actually ran in to many old teachers I taught with, which I appreciated!

I Know What You're Thinking...

And yes, we did wash Myra's sweater before letting her eat it! (-:

First Hockey Game Tonight!

Ok, so we are halfway through the season, but tonight will be my first game I attend. Can you believe it? After a stretch of seven years attending every opening night, January 10th will be my first game of the year.
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Switch to the North Central has gone smoothly so far. I am excited, as I get to work with a school I previously taught in, systems I worked in, so I do know a variety of folks.

Go Seahawks!

Woot--on to Green Bay. A good day, about gave it away to Washington, but they recovered nicely. If they play the entire game like they played at times, we can go far. And I did not tease my father in law too much!

More From First Night

Welcome 2008!

Enjoyed the First Night celebration last night. A lot more people showed up this year, though. Made for some cramped quarters, but all four of us enjoyed it! Another year began earlier to fireworks from our neighbourhood pieros and fireworks in the form of screams from our Little Bear.
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Now, we're sitting here watching the Pens play the Sabres in the outdoor game in Buffalo. Looks cold!

Little Bear

Currently Reading...

An interesting read. More since it was written in the mid-90s, before the 9/11 attacks and the huge growth in global economies.

May Old...Be Forgot...

Never did quite understand that song, but anyway, happy last day of 2007! While we will attend the First Night Celebration with the Girls downtown tonight (ok, so we attend the 'children's ceremonies which end at 7, shesh!), I started thinking about just how busy of a year it has been!

1. Myra Jeanne came into the world in January! Much to our delight. Now my Little Bear is walking all over the place.

2. Started new job in March. Still throughly enjoying it. Making a change in regions for 2008, but good things are ahead.

3. Ran my second marathon, the City of Oaks, in a new PR-4 hours 50 minutes. Could've been faster, will work on it for next time. Hot, hot summer of training, but found the Falls Lake Trail--beautiful!

4. Had my first two flights--to San Francisco and Pittsburgh. Cannot wait to get on a plane again.

Ok, so it was pretty busy. I am sure (famous last words, right), 2008 cannot rival it. We shall see!

Merry Christmas. 2007!

A great big Merry Christmas to you all! We enjoyed a fun morning--see the pic! Santa was good to all of us (I scored some professionally framed Canes things--including my SCF Game 7 ticket!). Now we begin our Northern travels to VA and PA.

A Successful Year of Reading...

While it did not feel I read much this year, with the new job, chasing after L and M, and the usual 'life,' looking through my journal, I did read quite a lot. My only resolution was to finish Stephen King's Dark Tower series, which I did. I read some good books on the future of business and education, including Freakonmics, Wikinomics, and A Whole New Mind. Some good history reads also, including Andrew Jackson and Poland (which took forever! but was a good read). A ton of audio books and podiobooks too, including The 7th Son Series, The Rookie (Scott Sigler is just messed up!!), and Shadow Falls. All in all, a good year. Looking forward to another good year of reads in 08!

LB or RB?

Which one are you? Right brained or left brained? Interesting to think of how as over the years industrials jobs were shipped overseas, now the left-brain related jobs (accounting, medical, logical, linear) are making their way overseas as well. We discovered this in Friedman's The World Is Flat, and now I just finished reading Wikinomics and am in the middle of Pink's A Whole New Mind. The creative types (R-directed) seem like they will come to power, and I think we see that with the focus on product-based learning, collaboration (wikis, shared docs, flickr). That's good, as I feel I am on the fringe of being totally R-directed, with some L-directed tendencies. Definitely will foster R-directed in the girls--although Lucy B is already quite the creative girl!

Ho, Ho, Ho, Who Do You Know...

Christmas time approaches. What a quick month! What a quick year! Hard to believe that Myra will turn 1 shortly after Christmas. I think we will so enjoy ourselves this year at Christmas with the girls. Myra has shown some instances of good paper ripping, and we all know how well Lucy opens gifts. I just need to make it through one more site visit tomorrow morning, then home free! We will enjoy the holidays, then venture to the frozen tundra of Virginia and Pennsylvania.
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Looks like we will continue our New Year's Eve tradition of going to the First Night celebration Downtown Raleigh. They put so many interesting activities together. What a great time we had last year!

Christmas Really Excites Me...

What a fun time of year!! Lucy helps me each night get the Christmas Lights on. She shut the door this evening, and said, 'Uh-oh, Daddy, light out.' So we fixed it. Then she made me so proud--she had her hands on her back, and I, sensing her concern, asked what was wrong. She thought for a second, and said, we need more lights! Is she my daughter, or what!
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Myra continues to grow. She really walked all over the house tonight. Between that, and the two new teeth, she finds herself quite busy. I think Kerry and I are both excited to see her reaction to Christmas!

What's Going On in December?

Well, we're continuing on with the work as usual. My travels, although still some day trips, will slow down somewhat over the winter. Thank goodness! Now we can get back into the routines we all appreciate so much. Myra is walking--if you can believe that! At less than 10 months, she is hobbling around the house, getting into even more trouble! (-: Lucy is not quite sure yet how she feels about it. Speaking of Miss Thing--her preschool is going well. She comes home each day to draw more pictures for 'Miss Kay and Miss Ell-ooo-weeze.' So cute!
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Went to the new Marbles museum on Friday. We met Jenn Woody and Graysen there. Too fun! By the end, Lucy and Graysen were holding hands and running around. Fun!

Christmas Time Is Here...

I guess that's why the lack of recent posts. Don't worry, I will continue to post soon, but after the crazy busy November, I am slowly getting back in the swing of things.

Another Busy Week...

So, last week I completed a marathon, flew to San Francisco, and spent time with the girls. This week promises to be just as busy. After enjoying a calm day today (changed oil in Kia, vaccumed, cut my hair), I will travel for work the next three days then fly to Pennsylvania on Friday. Sounds like they will keep me busy up there (sorry Dad, not going to the TSO concert!!), then I will fly back Tuesday, participate in a conference call, and drive up to Vienna that evening for Thanksgiving. Phew!

Gutsy Gibbon Takes The Scene

Ok, you may not expect this, given my new Red Hat wardrobe (thanks to Kerry's cousin Kiely and her husband), but I am a huge Ubuntu Linux user. Gutsy Gibbon just recently came out (version 7.10) and I finally upgraded our personal laptop. Unfortunately, I still had some Windows crud on it, so I decided to totally wipe the hard drive and reinstall 7.10 with an iso disk. This worked fine, and the new work put into having the machine recognize the video card came off without a hitch this time. I did struggle with the dumb Broadcom 4328 wireless card once again, but I just got that working yesterday with ndiswrapper and a well timed update on the ubuntu forums. Now I am enjoying the beauty of the Compiz Fusion effects. Pretty sweet! Will update this XPS machine soon. That's the beauty of Linux and the Open Source movement--you can do things in your own time and things will still work. Try that with upgrading one machine to Vista and keeping the rest at XP. Do you think that would happen?

Back From San Fran--And Brought My Heart Home!

Well, I am not sure I even took it--I missed my girls pretty much! (-: I did enjoy myself. San Francisco is a neat city with tons to do. The last evening I rode the cable cars down to Fisherman's Wharf, saw Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, and just hung out. Then I rode back and did some shopping in Union Square. How great to have all of those stores right there, all within walking distance. I really thought that if we were single, we may be living out there--how great to not need a car--everything would be within walking distance.
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The flights home were booked, so I did not totally enjoy that, but everything, except that little turbulence over Utah, went smoothly. We were delayed in Charlotte for a little while, but I made it back to Raleigh and back in the arms of my 3 girls! (0:

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Now I look forward to flying up to PA on Friday to visit with everyone up there. Just a small little puddlejumper of a plane, so look out! (-:

A Few More From Halloween and the Marathon...

My Cheerleaders...




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And a little bit of rest...




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Doctor Mommy, Dora Lucy, Strawberry Myra, and Hockey Player Daddy

City of Oaks Marathon--FINISHED!

Woohooo!! The marathon is over, I finished, and actually have a new PR of 4 hours, 50 minutes. It was a tough tough run though, while I knew the 2nd half would be, the first part, coming back from Raleigh kicked by butt. I did not expect all the hills along Clark. But I finished, so yeah to me!
Now I head to San Francisco tomorrow morning for a few days. Whirlwind November continues!

Christmas Music Time!

I will post some Halloween pics soon, but it's CHRISTMAS MUSIC TIME!

Appropriate For the Time Period...

Although I thought I was going to be Boots (from Dora!)

You Are a Werewolf

You're unpredictable, moody, and downright freaky. You seem sweet and harmless, until you snap. Then you're a total monster. Very few people can predict if you're going to be Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde. But for you, all your transformations seem perfectly natural. Your greatest power: Your ability to tap into nature Your greatest weakness: Lack of self control You play well with: Vampires

What Kind of Monster Are You?

Who I'm Voting For in '08...

Of course, it's more for the VP than the President.

Two Weeks and Counting...

until the City of Oaks Marathon. Today was my last 'long' run--a ten miler. Unfortunately it happened after a long night with Myra, but overall it was a pretty good run. It will probably be my last Falls Lake Trail run for awhile, but what a beautiful trail. I spent a lot of time on it this summer. Especially now, with the leaves down, giving additional padding, I really enjoyed that run!
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So, why did Myra give us a long night? Well, to correct myself, she gave me a long night. Kerry participated in the Flangian girls trip to Wrightsville Beach. She left at 6 Saturday morning and returned around 10ish this morning. And I made it through the weekend with the girls! We actually had a lot of fun--we went out shopping (BJs, Running Store, and Borders), then went to the park in the afternoon. Lucy goes down all the slides by herself now! What a big girl!! Jumpin' Beans did a lot for her confidence! Anyway, Myra did well throughout the day, but I think last night she just grew tired about taking a feeding from the bottle and from me. We had many 'scream-fests,' but we made it. My run actually turned out pretty well. Although, I think I will lobby Nana to fly down next year!

We Got Rain!

I have never seen such commotion. I went in to work early this morning (early as in leaving at 5:55). I like to do that sometimes so I have the office to myself. I can catch up on my podcasts, get comfy, and work. Today, it stayed pretty dark right through the early morning. Around 10, I began to hear something, looked out my 5th floor window, and saw RAIN! Now, considering the severe drought, I quickly called my co-workers. They rushed to my window in an excited commotion. After staring for a few moments, we returned to work until a phone call interrupted my thoughts. I heard our administrative assistant say, 'Yes, it's raining here too!' Only in Raleigh can we get so excited for rain!
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Went to the NC State Fair on Monday. The crowds were smaller, but there were still a large number of folks. I enjoyed sharing this with my girls: the games (we won three prizes, including a COOKIE MONSTER!), the PBS tent, rides, and of course the carnies! In the words of my wife, 'The fair brings out all types of folks, huh!'

Jumpin' at Jumping Beans

What a great weekend! With Nana and PapPap down, cool weather, and a birthday to celebrate, we enjoyed quite the fun times! Today Lucy had her 3rd birthday party at Jumpin' Beans. It was great to see her interact with the other kids, especially her good buddy Anna!

My Daughter Turns 3 This Weekend!

Kinda mixed feelings on that. On the one hand, it is incredible to see the neat little person she is becoming. Preschool makes such an impact on kids--she sings songs all the time (especially the Vowel Song!), pretends more, and just seems to enjoy learning. On the other hand, Lucy getting older means I am getting older. She does not need our help as much and is beginning to want more independence in playing on our own. Well...we always have Myra!

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.

Lucy Rides the Trike

It is so neat to see your child get better and better at a skill. In this video you can see how well Lucy is doing on her tricycle. Of course, she is trying to run Myra down, but hey--whatever you can get for inspiration, I guess...

Back To Normal...

Well, as back to normal as things can be! We returned from a great trip to PA. Awesome weather. One day was 72, 30% humidity, so we spent the ENTIRE day outside. The girls loved it! Hopefully fall will come to Raleigh soon--we are so ready for it. Had an awesome 16 mile run along a new section of the Ghost Town Trail in the big 'burgh of Hesbon, PA. Not even sure if they have a post office, so it may not be an official town. The girls enjoyed all the spoiling from Nana and Pappap. We're excited for them to come down in October for Lucy's THIRD birthday. Phew, I'm getting old!

Our Dancing Girls

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!

My Two Adorable Girls...

Lucy is becoming the tricycle master, complete with BABAB in the backseat. Myra just loves to watch her big sister!

I Am Back Home!

Phew! What an insane two weeks. I pretty much went from one side of the state to the other. My culmination was a trip to Hickory Wednesday, including an overnight. Boy, how I do love the mountains though. A good presentation on web 2.0 and advocating for those tools, especially with elementary teachers. They all seemed engaged, so we hope we hear some interesting projects they begin to develop.
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Girls made it without me too. Boy, Lucy and Myra really both continue to grow like two weeds. Myra takes a few tentative steps/crawls, then throws her legs on the floor and cries. It will happen any day now! Lucy does such an awesome job in helping Mommy, Grammie, Aunt Shannon, or whoever may be helping at any given time. Such an awesome little girl!
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Two trips this week, then we'll head to PA either on Wednesday night or Thursday. Will be good to visit with everyone up there!

One Week Down...Two To Go...

Well, I am one third of the way through my busiest portion so far. Last week I travelled a bit, but this week is the big travel week--4 days, then two days the following week before heading up to Pennsylvania for a little rest.
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Fifteen mile run yesterday. Pretty smooth, as the weather was a little more cooperative, as opposed to last weeks 104 degree days.