California Half Marathon Series

It has been a very long time since I have been active on this blog.  My training has been erratic and I just haven't felt the inspiration, desire, or need to blog here.  I really miss it though and strongly feel that blogging about my training or lack thereof correlates strongly to how committed I am to actually working out.  Like anything, if I am public about my goals and intents, I am much more likely to actually see it through and thereby succeed.

One of the stumbling blocks I have encountered the past couple of years is that now that my children are older, it is not as easy to get outside for a run and like most, the treadmill is monotonous and I view it as a necessary evil to assure my training stays on course on days of inclement weather or when necessary to squeeze in a quickie.  However, I much prefer to run outside ... on a trail preferably ... particularly for long runs (in other words, anything longer than an hour).

Since my last race (Eugene Half Marathon in May of 2012), my brother and I have batted around the idea of running Eugene again - together - in 2013.  Sadly, circumstances have come up ... the stars have NOT aligned ... and we will not be able to do so.  We both have conflicts and he isn't even sure he can go the distance as his knees have been troubling him.  Thus, we won't make plans to run one together until he finishes a half independently (Eugene 2013 would have been his first).  I'll keep hoping that we can someday run a race together again - we ran cross country in high school together - so it would be very memorable.

In the mean time, I have been trying to find motivation to keep myself focused on training.  It is sooooo very easy to talk myself out of a workout when I have no carrot or race in front of me to keep me honest. As we are new to California, there are numerous races throughout the state that appeal to me.  When I stumbled upon the California Half and Full Marathon Series ... I knew immediately that this was the challenge I needed.

There are in fact three distinct challenges to choose from:

4 Race Challenge  ::  Run any combination of half or full marathons on the series in the North or South Region to qualify for the series finishers medal. (Need 3 races or 3 points minimum).  Complete the series and receive a very special award by earning a 4th point at a final medal qualifying race.  

7 Race Challenge  ::  Run seven or more races on the series and receive a very special reward…You will be glad you did.  Runners running this challenge will receive the medal as well.

Top Points Challenge  ::  At the end of the year, we add the points up and see who has the most. Winners get a nice award for this.   Male and Female Open and Masters 3 deep for the State. (12 awards total).

I doubt I'll be in contention for Top Points but I am definitely aiming for the 7 Race Challenge.  Wish me luck!!

Mind over Matter :: Norseman 2010

On my bucket list is to complete an triathlon ... the Norwegian in me says it should be this one.

Finding the Time

A friend of mine recently posted [When Does Mommy Read?] about her realization that, "I laughed at myself, today, when I realized I have a book hidden in every room of this house.  You never know when you might have a moment to escape!"  I couldn't help but smile for I do the exact same thing. 

I have books scattered all about the house .. in hopes that I may be able to steal away even a few minutes to myself.  Here is a sample of what I'm currently reading:

• In the Bathroom:  There's always a USMS Swimmer or Runner's World magazine nearby when I need my space.  Just last week, the latest Viking magazine arrived and I promptly placed it in the basket.
• In Bed: Currently, I am reading Sigrid Undset's Kristin Lavransdatter.  To be honest though, it has been on my bedside table for some time now.  The old style verse is rather difficult to follow and I tend to get swayed by more modern books. 
• In the Hallway:  Can you believe I actually have a book here?!  Every evening, as the kiddos brush their teeth and prepare for bed (at least that is what they are supposed to be doing - it doesn't usually happen as easily as I wrote it) - I lay on the floor between the room and read aloud.  Presently, I am reading Who is William Shakespeare? (a short biography my daughter selected) but in the next day or two, I will begin Julie of the Wolves.
• In the Office:  Though all our books are here as it serves as our library as well .. the only thing I actually read here are the many blogs of yours .. and those of other homeschooling moms. I glean so much inspiration from others.  Thank you!  Oh and Facebook!  It drains more time than I care to admit, and I don't even play the games!
• In the Kitchen: I'm always reading a cookbook or two.  Right now, I am continuing to work on my Cultural Skills pin in Cooking (level 2) through Sons of Norway.  I thereby regularly review Beatrice Okanagas' Scandinavian Feasts.  I also am very fond of the cookbook, Fix It and Forget It with which I am becoming quite skilled with the crock pot.  A good thing considering how frequently we are out & about for extracurriculars and school activities.

So, what are you reading, friends?  I'd love to hear what reading material sits by your bed, or on your kitchen table.  Where do you most enjoy reading?  When do you most enjoy curling up with a good book?

52 Books 52 Weeks :: 2010 Review

When 2010 began, I set off with a goal of reading 52 books, essentially 52 books in 52 weeks. A book a week. As I read avidly myself as well as aloud to the kids, I felt sure that I could accomplish this. I made a mental note, however, that I would only count chapter books - not everybody books or picture books that I could read cover to cover in under an hour.

I started off well and many months, I read more than what was necessary each week to meet my goal.  By mid-year, however, wouldn't you know it ... I began to lose steam.  In November, I started The Pillars of the Earth, a book I had been wanting to read for years.  Though I really enjoyed the story, it took me several weeks to complete.  I would pick it up for a few days and then set it down for a week.  It thereby took me forever to complete.

I am quite impressed however ... In the end, I was just 4 books shy of my goal.  I enjoyed this challenge much more than the reading / book challenges I have done in the past.  It was far more flexible than the 888 or the 999 challenges.  Therefore, I will again strive to achieve this goal in 2011.

Fall Favorites :: Thursday Thirteen

After a seemingly short summer, we are getting a taste of fall.  I love fall!  It is, hands down, my favorite time of year, so I'm loving this weather.  As I have neglected this blog ... not having too much to talk about (my life revolves around the kids' homeschool activities) ... I figured this was the perfect time to sit back and share a little more about me.

1.  The cooler weather.  I love the cool, crisp days of fall when the weather is just perfect -- those days when you can decide between jeans and Capri's, long-sleeves or short-sleeves, and whichever way you go, you can still be comfortable.  Mostly - it is the perfect weather for a run ... anytime of the day. 

2.  The colorful leaves.  I love the colors of changing leaves -- the deep reds, the bright yellows, and the glorious oranges.  Gorgeous.

3.  Travel.  We frequently travel during this time of the year ... the prices drop, the resorts and attractions are less chaotic with fewer tourists ... no long lines and perfect weather.

4.  Open windows.  Ahhhh...having my windows and doors open while a cool breeze wafts through the house is my idea of heaven.   

5.  Football games.  I love football .. but we haven't gone to a game in a long, long time.  I'm hoping we'll resume this tradition soon. 

6.  Renewed enthusiasm for lessons.  All the kids go back to school and we can resume our regular lessons without the interruptions at the door. 

7.  Cerulean skies.  Seriously?  Is there any blue as brilliant as a cloudless fall afternoon?

8.  Falling back.  So it's only one night.  I love that extra hour that we get each fall.

9.  Thanksgiving.  It's one of my favorite holidays because it's the one where I get to see family that we often see only once or twice a year, without all the stress of Christmas.  (Isn't it sad that we've made Christmas such a stressful time of year?)

10.  The food.  Pumpkin pies. Acorn squash. Apple crisp.  Cinnamon scents wafting through the house.  Need I say more?

11.  The bounty.  This time of year always reminds me of the time my mom spent canning and putting food away in the pantry.  Little by little, I have been trying to return to some of these more traditional pastimes. 

Well ... not quite 13 but close enough.  What are you favorite things about fall?

99 Things on the Wall Meme - An Update

I originally posted this in December 2008.  I came across it just recently and realized that there were a few more that I could cross off so I figured it was time to re-post.  Items I have completed are in orange.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band (5th grade - 12th)
4. Visited Hawaii (5 times: Oahu & Kauai / Maui / Big Island / Kauai / Maui)

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world (both)
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo (I can't hold a tune!)
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Been to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked (in Ecuador)
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping (with my mom when I was about 12)
27. Run a Marathon (I've done 3!)
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse (I've seen a partial)
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run (on a Wii)
32. Been on a cruise (doing so in May 2011!)
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors (hopefully, 2012)
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language (sign language & working on Mandarin)
37. Have enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing (as a kid at the beach - not with equipment)
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke (with a group of friends in college)
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted (charcoal & pencil)
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling (snorkeling, hope to scuba in future)
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud (many times as a child and still do with my own)
54. Gone to a drive-in theater (but it was closed down - no movie was playing)
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business (Science Logic)
58. Taken a martial arts class (though my peeps have)
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
63. Got flowers for no reason (from my son)

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter (in Kauai)
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades  (doing so in May 2011!)
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper (multiple times when I was teaching as a grant recipient)
85.  Read the entire Bible.l
86. Visited the White House (I've seen it, but never went in it)
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (technically, my dad did the killing but I helped in the preparation)
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous (Bill Nye, Jane Goodall, & Barbara Morgan)
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby (twice)
95. Seen the Alamo in person.
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Own a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

3 Things Thursday :: 3rd Edition

Health & Training :: The kiddos and I have began a new weekly tradition ... every Thursday morning, they lace up their shoes, clip on their bike helmet and accompany me on their bikes as I run an easy 3-8 mile loop through the neighborhood.  Just two weeks ago, a delightful little neighborhood grocery store opened ... they have a wonderful bakery ... so we stop there at the end of the run for donuts, muffins and chocolate milk (my favorite recovery drink)!  Best of all, it is locally owned but friends of ours - their prices are competitively priced and they go the extra mile! 

Today was the first day so we did just 3 miles ... I was completely barefoot!  Loving the freedom!

Heart & Home :: I'm looking forward to a long holiday weekend with friends and family.  

Education / Well-Trained Mind ::  The kiddos have been really motivated to work lately.  Even though it is summer, we are seemingly getting more work accomplished than we did during the school year.  I think much is due to the fact that Buddy is a little older.  We have been taking part in a co-op with the girls next door ... Exploring Our World :: Africa.  We've also begun meeting more regularly with our Roots & Shoots club to do nature studies.

To Swim or Reunite ?

I have a dilemma.  My 20 year class reunion is this summer ... in fact, I have an opportunity to attend 2 different high school reunions.  Both reunions are on the Oregon south coast and on consecutive weekends.  It is thereby not really feasible to go to both as that would constitute a lot of travel.  I considered staying through the week but that conflicts with our county fair.  The fair is important to the kids as they have been working on projects to enter in Open Class all year.

To further complicate matters, COMA hosts the annual Cascade Lakes Swim Series the same weekend as North Bend's reunion. I have been wanting to participate each year since I started swimming but something always seems to come up.  A number of my teammates are swimming this year - including my best friend.  It would be so fun to camp up there and revel in the comraderie of competition.

I am, honestly, on the fence.

To give a little background, I attended schools in Bandon from preschool through 9th grade.  After my freshman year, we moved to North Bend, where I graduated.  While attending NB, the summer after my sophomore year, I met a guy who I started dating.  He was a couple of years older than me and was a freshman at the local community college.  I spent most of my free time with him ... in fact, we even worked together at Safeway and later at a video rental store.  Coincidentally, he had also graduated from NB so we knew many of the same people.  We continued to date through college and eventually married.  Through him, I have developed numerous friendships and acquaintances from his graduating year.  I even attended his reunion last summer.

As is true for many, Facebook has enabled me to re-connect with many of my friends from high school and even elementary school.  I have even developed new friendships with several spouses with whom we share many common interests (running, homeschooling, etc.).  In some respects, I feel I am building stronger friendships because of Facebook with friends from Bandon than from North Bend.

So - what would you do?

P.S.  A teammate says ... Swim!  Coach says he's conflicted because reunions are important to him and he has never missed one.  Speaking of which - I didn't attend my 10 year reunion either as I had had an opportunity to take part in an all-expenses paid teacher training at NASA. 

3 Things Thursday :: 2nd Edition

Health / Training :: I am on the mend and looking to resuming training.  I ran 2 miles on Sunday ... barefoot.  It felt great and I only got a couple of minor blisters on three toes.  1/3 a mile was on black asphalt and the remainder of the distance alternated between concrete driveways and lawn.  I essentially ran a .33 mile loop in my neighborhood as my kiddos alternately accompanied me on their bike.  Sticking to a training plan depends a great deal on getting my little guy off his training wheels so he can comfortably ride longer distances. 


Thankfully, I haven't registered for anything yet and I don't feel the pressure to stick to a training plan.  I finally let go of the self-imposed pressure and am enjoying the opportunity to workout when I can, knowing that when things settle down I will be able to enjoy training again.  There is a season for everything I remind myself.


I essentially have no running base whatsoever, though with my swimming base, I can comfortably run a 10K (maybe a little more).  It is a little difficult to decide from where to begin a training plan.  My thought right now is that I will focus on building my foot & lower leg muscle strength by gradually increasing my barefoot runs.  I'll use the Vibram when the terrain warrants protection from gravel and slivers.  It is a lot of fun ... so you can be sure to hear more as I progress.



Traveling :: These past two months, we have been doing a lot of traveling ... a 10 day vacation in British Columbia & Alberta, Canada in early April was preceded by a short business trip to Olympia, Washington and a separate trip to the Oregon south coast to see our parents.  Last week brought us to the Columbia Gorge (Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Washington) for another business trip.  We will be traveling to the coast again soon in early May.  We're all looking forward to staying home hereafter for a while.  Fortunately, the kiddos are great travelers.  

Education / Well-Trained Mind :: Despite the fact that our schedule has been really full with our recent travels and additional obligations (GEMS Astronomy, Yearbook, an additional Roots & Shoots gathering each month), we seemingly are getting more formal lessons completed than we have previously.  I believe this is partially due to Buddy's personal growth.  He seems a little more focused and willing to complete his lessons.  There is less whining amongst the two of them and more effort on their part to put forth their best effort.  I am delighted.

3 Things Thursday

Health / Training :: I have come down with a head cold and feel miserable.  I was supposed to swim yesterday but I cancelled due to fatigue and a terrible headache.  As such, I doubt I'll do much in the way of exercise the next couple of days.  I just hate being sick.  No one really takes care of mommy.  I'm still expected to do all that I do when I am well.  Not fair!

Science Logic :: I am really excited about the little business that I have been building.  I have been writing all of my favorite science lessons as well as teaching other kids again.  Teaching is certainly a passion of mine - I feel so alive in front of a class of enthusiastic young learners.  Sharing my passion for science.  Best of all - as I'm teaching a K-3 class this time around, my own kiddos are participating!  We are all having such a good time.

I am hoping to develop a dedicated website (rather than a blog) but I've run into some road blocks with the URL so any help / suggestions ya'll could provide would be very much appreciated!  :)
 
Well-Trained Mind :: This past week has been really good.  The kiddos have been motivated and have done the work expected of them without fussing or complaint.  Buddy's attitude has really improved these past few weeks and he is even helping out with chores and tasks around the house.  I almost had to wonder if we brought home the wrong boy from Canada.



[Admin Note ::  In the past, I used to participate in the Thursday Thirteen blog challenge, on occasion.  That got to be difficult ... coming up with a list of 13 things for a given topic.  I love the short and sweet nature of the 3 Things Thursday so I hope to begin playing along.  I just wanted to note that I'll continue to use the 'Thursday 13' label to keep things cohesive. ]

What's In Your Purse

Stacy over at Dare To Tri posted a fun little challenge today. I thought I'd play along as it looked fun.
I actually don't carry much with me and generally always have a relatively small purse.  In fact, my MIL teases me, "Everytime I see you, your purse is smaller and smaller!"  She is notorious for her bags so her observation is amusing.

What I carry:

• two sets of car keys - one for my XC90 and one for DH's Accord
• set of other random keys
• a USB drive
• band-aids (my little guy inevitably needs one at least 1x week)
• a pencil or pen
• earbuds
• my iPhone
• chapstick
• a tube of lipstick
• ibuprofen
• a small sewing kit
• my wallet

Occasionally, I will also have a wall charger for my phone and a book.  Not much really.  :)

Running is My Salvation

The past year or so, I've been on a roller-coaster of emotions... most of the time, I've been down in the valleys. Lacking motivation. Kicking myself for not taking the time for me. Doing so much for others. Then feeling depressed that I have somewhere along the way lost myself.

Last week, I was particularly down. I was struggling with "what could have been" rather than focusing on "what is" and "what is yet to be". I know what triggered it ... and knowing is half the battle. So I stopped and took a deep breath. I knew I needed to start running again.

So this morning I laced up my new kicks (I bought a new pair on Thursday - Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10), plugged in my headphones and headed out the door. I don't think I've been on the trail running in nearly a year! It felt so good to run alongside the river .. to hear the rush of the water flowing over the rocks, to watch the birds take flight, and to feel the crunch of the gravel beneath my feet.

I called my mom and talked for over half of my run. I love being able to get lost in conversation and thereby not think about my pace or how many miles I've covered. It just felt so good to run.

I returned home just as I finished 6.5 miles. A solid distance to start rebuilding my Sunday morning long runs. I stretched well after and hoped to enjoy a glass of chocolate milk, but a las my little guy had knocked a few more back than I had realized, leaving me without even a drop of my favorite post-run libation.

All That I'm After

Along the way ...

I have lost myself. I'm struggling.

Dead and Gone :: Book Sharing Monday

Dead and Gone (book #9)

Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris

For the past few months, I have been zipping through the books in the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. I had read the first two just after the HBO series True Blood aired (the show is based on the books). I've been hooked since the beginning but told myself I had to read other books in between. That promise didn't last long. I've gone through the last 4 books in just a few days. I can't put them down! My family thinks I've lost it... even reading while attempting to make meals.

Not a traditional mystery, nor yet pure science fiction or romance, Dead Until Dark (book #1) broke genre boundaries to appeal to a wide audience of people who just enjoy a good adventure. Each subsequent book about Sookie Stackhouse, telepathic Louisiana barmaid and friend to vampires, werewolves, and various other odd creatures, has drawn more readers.

I can not say these books are quality literature... but they are delicious, fun and carefree. I can't wait until book #10 is released in May (a great birthday present, if I may say so). Until then, I'm off to the next vampire...

A Serious Blue Funk

Perhaps it is the weather. Perhaps it is the fact that I haven't been running much at all. Perhaps it is the fact that I'm getting older and thereby less energetic. Perhaps it is burn-out. Whatever the reason, I have been seriously bummed these past couple of weeks. No energy. No desire to do much. Thoughts of dropping activities. Just a general overall yuck. I hate this feeling.

What happened to my overachieving, energetic self? What happened to my normal?

15 Books Meme

I saw this on Facebook and enjoyed it so much, I thought I would share here as well. Let me know if you play along by posting in the comments. I won't tag anyone.

Rules: Don't take too long to think about it. List fifteen books you've read that will always stick with you. First fifteen you can recall in no more than 15 minutes.

1. His Dark Materials Trilogy (Golden Compass, Amber Spyglass, Subtle Knife) by Philip Pullman
2. Reason for Hope by Jane Goodall
3. Moloka'i by Alan Brennert
4. Night by Elie Wiesel
5. Parenting with Love & Logic by Foster Cline & Jim Fay
6. Eva by Peter Dickinson
7. Ishmael: An Adventure of the Mind and Spirit by Daniel Quinn
8. My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
9. The Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer
10. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
11. Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes
12. Odd Girl Out by Rachel Simmons
13. Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka
14. Queen Bees & Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman
15. Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv

Resuming My Quest

I am realizing more and more that each person comes to this journey of life with a certain bag of tricks. Our educational background, personality strengths and weaknesses, energy level, family support system (or lack thereof), financial resources and a million other factors all play into what we do and how we do it.

Throughout life one of my strongest tools in my trick bag has always been a really high energy level. Friends referred to me as the Energizer Bunny who just keeps "going and going and going". Right now that is not so much the case. Due partially to an injury (Plantars faciitis) and burn-out as well as outside demands placed upon me, I have struggled with decreasing energy for over a year now. Whom am I kidding? It's probably because I'm just getting older, right?

Truth is, for a myriad of reasons I am confronted by my personal limitations each and every day. I don't have the time to do it all and even if I had the time I just don't have the energy. And truth be told, even when I could do so much more, it wasn't necessarily the healthiest rhythm for my life. A rhythm of regular rest, fun and mental downtime is critical to a healthy soul.

Those who know me also know that I love lists and charts. I organize and plan everything. I keep lists of books I want to read. Scrapbook pages I want to create. Gifts I want to make for Christmas. Places to which I want to travel. As I looked over my 888 List and the subsequent 999 List I created in the past, I realized that not only have I stopped running but I have also stopped reading. In 2008, I read 34 books (no where near my goal). In 2009, the number of books I read dropped to 14. I have stopped scrapbooking. In essence, I have stopped blogging.

The increasing realization that I just cannot do it all had me asking some hard (hard for me anyway) questions. If I can't do it all, how do I prioritize? What gets done and what doesn't? And am I going to take control of my schedule or will I let the tyranny of the urgent rule my day?

Two years ago, I purchased The Well Educated Mind. I knew immediately upon reading the first section that I needed - and wanted - to embark on a journey of self-education. I thereby ordered all of the novels recommended by Susan Wise-Bauer (Paper Back Swap rocks!). Yet, I haven't done much else other than wait for a good time.

I have come to realize that there will never be a "good time". Life will always be busy and there will always be things to compete for my time. For me it has got to be a choice of my choosing between good and better. The things that are occupying my time are good (for the most part) but often not the best for me and my children.

I have struggled this past year with the inner turmoil to do what others request of me and that which I want and need to do for myself and my family. I have been putting my dreams and goals aside for others because I can not do it all. This needs to change. I need to shift gears and change my focus. I need to begin working on my own education and thereby that of my children. I need to resume my personal quest for Boston.

Seasons Change - Part 2

Recently I wrote a post on my personal blog titled Seasons Change. It centered around the fact that my kiddos are growing up. That as they do so, new opportunities become accessible. When I wrote it, I was focusing on their joy of riding bikes. How their new skill would enable me to renew my love of running as they would be able to accompany me and I would no longer be encumbered by the jogging stroller. Shortly after I posted however, a received a phone call that again made me realize that as one door closes, another door opens. We only need to be willing to recognize the opportunity. To be ready for new adventures.

As many of you know, I consider service learning to be a major component of our homeschooling. The past few years we have volunteered at the local natural history museum in a a variety of venues. Initially, we were Living History volunteers, portraying a homestead family in the high desert in 1880. We served in this role together for two years - but as Buddy grew, so did his adventurous spirit and he wasn't too fond of staying "on-site". Sweetie and I continued the following year but Buddy was disappointed that he was left out and Sweetie felt bad that he couldn't share in the joy. We thereby moved to the Naturalist Team.In 2008, the museum had a special exhibit entitled The Healing Power of Plants. A team of volunteers was developed to lead a nature walk each day, introducing visitors to the natural flora and fauna of the high desert, highlighting their medicinal attributes. We were welcomed by the team lead (his daughter also homeschools) and we began to lead walks every Tuesday morning.

This past year, as interest increased, there were more then enough volunteers on the naturalist team to cover each day of the week and we thereby served as substitutes, covering the schedule when another team member was ill or had an obligation that prevented him/her from volunteering. This worked perfectly for us as each time we went, it was like a new adventure.
Prior to our talks, I would always spend a few minutes reviewing what was expected in regards to their behavior as well as pointing out what makes a good presentation (eye contact, projecting your voice, etc.). Recently, we had even begun to discuss famous people who were good speakers (Julius Caesar, Martin Luther King Jr., etc.). They were both becoming very comfortable and enjoyed sharing their knowledge of nature with the guests.

We led about 5 walks for adults all summer (in the beginning of summer, we led walks specifically for small children and did the walks right after storytime). Each time, the kids shared in presenting the information (see a video of their presentations here) and the visitors remarked on how well they did. The adults would interact with the kids, asking them questions about the plants. They'd share stories of their own experiences with nature. Not once was it expressed that the kids were a distraction. To me - it seemed as though their presence helped to enrich the walks... actually encouraging the adults to interact a little more with us (the guides) as opposed to blindly listening to me ramble off facts.A few days after our last walk (the season was coming to a close and I knew we would not likely be called to substitute again this year), I received a phone call from the volunteer coordinator. She began to tell me how visitors had reported how wonderful my walk this past week was... how informative and educational it was for them. As she talked, I knew immediately where she was headed. "Though the walk was wonderful, it was at times, difficult to hear because of the children. We have to ask that you no longer bring the children to the museum when you come to volunteer." My heart sunk. I knew it.

I thereby proceeded to explain that this wouldn't be possible as we were a package deal. She suggested I volunteer when the children are in school. I pointed out that we homeschool and that this was a key component in our curriculum. "If I am not able to bring my children, I frankly, don't have an incentive to continue to volunteer at the museum." She expressed her disappointment in my decision and her hope that I might change my mind.

I honestly don't think my children have been disruptive. Between their 'talks' - they generally run ahead and observe the squirrels and chipmunks, poke around for insects, and explore the outdoor exhibits independently (tee pee, otter habitat, etc.) Occasionally, Buddy does make train noises, "Choo chooooo!" but he is always a fair distance ahead of us. He hasn't been any more talkative than the adults chattering amongst themselves. I am accustomed to a class of 30+ students socializing. I've always waited for everyone's attention before I begin to talk.

Granted, I understand where 'the museum' is coming from. What I don't understand is why they couldn't give us the opportunity to make a change. Perhaps, we could have come in and the volunteer coordinator could have explained what the visitor had expressed directly to the children and allow them an opportunity to make a change. Treat us - the children specifically - as you would any other volunteer... with respect.

In my 5 years volunteering at the museum, I have had many opportunities to observe how they treat their staff (laying off a number of employees stating it was for financial reasons and a few months later replacing them) and volunteers. There are over 200 volunteers and it is obvious that they feel we are expendable.

Surprisingly, I wasn't as disappointed that this door closed as I would have anticipated. Perhaps because it was due to my previous realization that seasons change. We are open to new opportunities now and look forward to what might be just around the corner.

He estado corriendo ... a veces

I have been running ... sometimes ... not yet regularly. I'm still apprehensive about my heel but thus far it has been going well. Last week, I did 3 miles on the treadmill and no pain whatsoever that evening or the following day. The following day - with my trainer - I did several hill intervals (again on a treadmill - running in 90+ degree weather just isn't fun) and again my heel didn't plague me.

I think I am good to go. It is amazing though how difficult it is to get back into the routine. Back into training. I swim regularly because I pay for gym membership and always sign the kiddos up for childcare - 2 weeks in advance. My swim buddies expect me to be there. I am now working with a trainer. He kicks my arse and I pay him to do so! On my own, however, I struggle yet and continually occupy myself with projects and obligations that prevent me from getting that run in.

I can feel it is changing though. I am re-adjusting. It will come. Until then, I will continue to be patient.

A Veces por Nicho Hinojosa

Porque a veces te pienso, porque a veces te lloro
porque a veces no encuentro las palabras, para decirte que eres todo
es que estas en mi mente cada vez que respiro
por que vida, no me importa nada cuando no estas conmigo.
quiero sentirte entre mis brazos, todavía
enamorarme más de ti, hacerte mía, como la primera vez.
Porque a veces te pierdo, porque a veces te encuentro
escondida en la jungla de mis sueños, en mis noches de desvelo
porque eres mi locura, mi ansiedad y mi pasión.
porque no, yo no entiendo cuando grita el silencio
ni el orgullo que frena nuestras manos a la caricia del perdón
porque no existen reglas ni el romance perfecto
porque la historia que vivimos, fue escrita por los dos.
Quiero sentirte aquí en mis brazos, todavía
enamorarme más de ti, hacerte mía, como la primera vez…
Porque a veces me ignoras, porque a veces me amas
porque el tiempo nos une cada día, a pesar de la distancia
porque a veces me enfrentas, porque a veces me abrazas
porque llenas mi vida con tu risa, con tu voz y tú mirar
porque crees en mis locuras y me entiendes sin hablar
…..te quiero