Spooky
Happy Halloween!
Sadly we're celebrating by watching Halloween V on tv and giving out candy. I did a 9.25 mile run after work, and every time I have to get up off the couch to answer the door my entire body hurts. Still, it's a small price to pay.
I remmeber going trick or treating as a kid--somehow it seems that it was always slightly chilly, and there was a feeling of general good will in the air. I really liked when the home owners got into it, playing spooky music and dressing up. I must admit I"m just wearing my Duff Beer tee and athletic shorts, but my heart is in the right place.
Today at work I wore my orange and black stripey knee socks which just killed the kids. It made me feel slightly magical.

Stars at Night
Well, they weren't so bright tonight as they lost 4-2 to San Jose, but it was a fun game. Someone paid big money to underwrite teacher tickets to tonight's game, so we went for 1/2 price. It's not my usual cup of tea, but I had a great time screaming for the home team.
Behind us sat this couple on a first date, and I spent most of the game listening to their never ending conversation about all the minutia of their lives. I think I could tell you everything about them from what they do, where they went to school, favorite golfers, preference in religion, career of parents and siblings as well as future home plans. I was a little annoyed, but mostly I thought it was cute. I remember being in that state of a relationship. I just wanted to know everything about Eric RIGHT NOW! I call it the devouring stage. Fun, but I"m glad I get to go up and snuggle with my man and not worry about anything else tonight.

Saving the World
We had a great time at Tim and Alicia's Halloween party--nothing says good times like a Rhinestone Cowgirl, Wonder Woman, and the Black Eyed Peas singing "Bust a Move." Good times.
Tonight we are going to the neighborhood pumpkin races. We're trying to figure out what kind of wheels to put on our pumpkin. I aim for world domination, one pumpkin at a time.
I also ran 9 miles this morning as part of my training for the big 1/2 marathon. I'm feeling like I can actually do this.

Marvy Masala
Shockingly we had a semi-date tonight. We hit Central Market and went pumpkin shopping, and we followed it up with yummy Indian food. It was just so nice to have a conversation over dinner rather than just eating in front of the tv and listening to Toby pant and fart.
We have to ready our pumpkins for the big pumpkin race this weekend. I'm thinking lube on the wheels might do the trick. Perhaps some nitrous?

Rock the Run
In preparation for my participation in Run the Rock, the White Rock Lake half-marathon, I upped my run to 8.25 miles. This is the farthest I have ever run, and it felt really good. I was able to do the additional two miles without too much trouble--I was more bored than experiencing difficulty. Now, however, I am a little sore and having to do some stretching to prevent freezing up entirely. The race is on December 8th, and I'm starting to think that I can actually do it. To me the race represents the pinacle of my athletic achievement, the proof that I will never go back to my old ways. I never thought that I would be the person running in an event for real athletes. I met me a trainer yeterday for further preparation to tone up and stretch the muscles I will need for the race.
I'm waiting for other parts of life to slow down.

Loop-D-Loop

Make It Up
We had a super-dooper weekend in Austin. The highlight was the Makers' Faire sponsored by Make magazine. It was a love letter to all things creative and a testament to the power of creation. I particularly enjoyed playing with Tinker Toys and hula hooping. The highlight, though, was the life size version of the game Mousetrap.
In other more pressing news, the visiting accrediation team declared the school "Exemplary" in all seven of the judged domains. This across the board acclaim is unprecedented. I am very proud of my school, of my students, and of my collegues. The announcement on Friday was a validation of all of the countless hours of hard work. We all screamed, hugged, and cried. Awesome.

Red, Red, Wine
One thing about Catholics--we know how to party.
We had the big accreditation banquet tonight with free flowing wine, and I think it's safe to say that everyone had a really good time. Sadly we all have to work tomorrow, so our high is a little wasted.
I've reached the point where my "oh well" philosophy has taken hold. I've done everything I possibly can to prepare myself. Whatever happens now is really out of my control. Perhaps Seltzer is smart--this is a lot easier to say when half drunk. Hopefully my attitude will carry over to tomorrow.
I'm looking forward to the Maker's Faire this weekend--we need something completely different.
It might be time for me to drink some water and go to bed. I have to get up early and be judged tomorrow.

6.5
Is the number of miles I ran today. Somehow there is nothing more exhilerating than the feeling of finishing a good run. It's like every pore exudes power and confidence. Amazing. I had a fairly crappy day, but the treadmill takes all that and harnesses it until all you can think about is putting one foot in front of the other and it feels so good. I think I'm going to train for the White Rock Half-Marathon. That's twice what I did today, and I feel confident that I can do it if I really get my focus on.
Tomorrow the craziness begins. After tonight I think I've had a moment of clarity. We are all much more than the rush and chaos. A trite revelation, but I'm still on my runner's high so I am due my silly revelations.

Boot Camp
I'm gearing up for the big pain this week. Accreditation is going to be hell, and the more I accpt that, the more relaxed I actually become. It's some sort of strange reverse psychology. I went into work for about 5 hours this afternoon to try to prepare, but I still did not get everything done. I am pretty convinced that doing all Seltzer require is not physically possible.
On Thursday we all got a curt email telling us that we were expected to have a live plant in our classrooms by Monday. I was so outraged by this that I went out a bought a small cactus just to be ornery. Passive agressiveness is not a terrible attractive trait, but it amuses me sometimes.
I got some great workouts in this weekend to try to get myself energized for the soul sucking week ahead, and I actually feel pretty pumped physically. I really need to get into training for either a tri or a half marathon--I want to focus this energy towards some sort of goal, especially since I am no longer trying to lose weight.
The weekend was not all work, though. We took my parents out for their anniversary to Nicola's which is owned by the father of some of my students. Fantastic would be an understatement. I had the gnochetti which practically melted in my mouth, and the tiramisu was spectacular. We also saw Michael Clayton with George Clooney and Tom Wilkinson. It was one of the most intelligent movies I've seen in some time. The ending in particular is well-crafted. It's worth a trip to the movies. Hollywood should realize that the average American really can think.
I feel like I need to drop down and do 20 push ups or start running in formation or something. Can the finish line be that far away?

Sad But True
I'm home alone on a Friday night.
Very sad.
Eric's off playing poker with some work friends, and I'm on the couch in my pjs thinking about the lesson plans I need to write.
Dang I'm pathetic.

Primal Scream
It's been a shockingly frustrating evening, and I am doing my very best not to completely freak out over what I know is nothing but, as Lemony Snickett would say, a series of very unfortunate events.
We had a faculty meeting which is reason enough to make it a bad day. With accreditation coming up everyone at work is on a very short string. Then I had to swing by Jen and Jay's to pick up some stuff and check in on the cat. Finally I sat in traffic for an hour to get to the wine place before they closed to fix the wine labels. Since, however, the bottles had been in the car all day, all of the corks popped off. Then when I arrived, the place was closed despite a sign saying they were open for another 30 minutes. Eric called, and they opened up for me. They recorked the wine and put the new labels on, but the wine is going to taste like crap. That's $200 I spent on wine that won't even taste good. Isn't that frickin' fantastic.
Eric is out at some Java meeting,Toby is barking, and I am busy having a complete breakdown.
It all comes back to the one issue that seems to control my life lately. This is the first time in my entire existence that I've ever just wanted to be normal. Does it seem that much to ask?
I really should have a category for complete unreasonableness--I feel my heart is boiling with craziness.

Funny Cat Photos - http://blog.esaba.com

Funny Cat Photos - http://blog.esaba.com
Um, yeah, this made my day.

Wuve, True Wuve
The wedding was beautiful--we even experienced what I think can only be described as a miracle. After raining all day, we managed to get a clear evening for the outdoor ceremony. In fact, there was even a beautiful shining down on the happy couple which I think was a blessing from my grandfather.
I will post pics as soon as I get them uploaded.
I am, however, extremely glad that it is over and everyone can get back to normal. I remember after Eric and I married I was just so happy to start living the rest of my life after far too long in this strange limbo. The happy couple is off to Portugal to begin their adventure.
We had to attend a big conference today which was actually the perfect way to ease back into work. I had two good sessions as well which made me inspired to try some new things in the classroom. While that is always the goal of this sort of thing it is usually rather rare.
I am now trying to psych myself up to go to the gym to work off all that wedding cake, but after so long of push, push, push I'm having a hard time stepping away from the couch.

Ready, Freddy?
Today starts the marathon of wedding activities. In fact I'm on my way to the airport to pick up members of the bridal party, then it's on to a luncheon, nail appointment, rehearsal dinner, family hang out time and then the big day tomorrow. I'm spending the night with Jen in her hotel room for moral support, so that will be nice to have one final night with her.
I am coping and trying to focus all my attention on the wedding. Maybe something good will come my way yet.

Dark
Things seem dark today.
I don't really want to go into it, but it's been pretty dreadful since last night.
My self esteem is in the crapper partly because I'm not even as good as a cracked out prostitute on the streets and partly because I seem to be unable to teach anymore. I'm tired of feeling tired. I'm even more tired of letting myself hope for things that never work out.
Yeah, it's been a crappy day.

Really?
The inconceivable has happened--I'm decided to actually take Toby for a walk on my own volition. I was just in the mood to get out in nature, so I came home early to spend a little quality time with my pooch. I wish I could walk the cat, but that way ends poorly.
I'm completely exhausted and not feeling at the top of my game, but I think if I'm waiting for life to get easier, I'll be waiting an awfully long time. Perhaps one never gets caught up at work, perhaps the chores are never entirely done, and perhaps I should just give myself a break.

Day 31
I cleared out of work early today partly because I get kicked out on Monday for Faith Formation classes, and partially because I wanted to swim rather than work out at the gym. Despite today's 96 degree temps, I know that my pool time is limited and I need to get it on. In the mean time, I'm actually enjoying being home before nightfall. It's a novel experience. Perhaps I should try this more often.
I had to go into work yesterday, but my lack of panic today made it rahter worthwhile.
I cannot believe the wedding is this weekend. I am sure Jen and Jay feel the same. I cannot wait to be part of it--plus I look pretty frickin' cute in the dress. I like weddings--it's like an adult prom. I'm a sucker for dress up time.
Still hopeful.