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.