Only one time have I really ‘lost my cookies’ after over-exerting myself while exercising. I remember it vividly and suggest reverting back to Pinterest if you get easily bothered by the topic. It was the summer before my sophomore year of high school, and my basketball team was training hard in the off-season. We would typically run a few miles and then run a few hills on the ever-intimidating, unforgiving Big Bear Hill – often frequented by Chicago Bears’ Matt Forte and the equally-skilled Vernon Hills Girls Basketball team. We trained by doing Coach B’s special ‘straights’ and ‘ends.’ Straights consisted of a straight sprint up the center of the hill, starting from the path to the very top – about a 30-second grueling climb if done at Coach B’s preferred speed. ‘Ends’ are drills that many of us would prefer not mentioning again. You start on the far right side of the hill, sprint straight up to the top, back down the middle on a diagonal and back up the top from the left side. Coach B liked these to be done in one minute. On this particular sunny morning, Coach B decided to really test our strength on the hill. After about a 2 mile run, we did a sequence consisting something like a couple of straights, a few ends and maybe another straight or two for kicks.
Before I get into the ‘incident’, I will explain to the best of my ability the dynamic of summer basketball training. As players, we liked to call these days as Coach B’s mandatory-option. He can’t make us show up in the summer, but he can make personal decisions during the season based on our commitment during the summer months. We also had the seniors, older siblings and the rest of Vernon Hills expecting us to show up physically and mentally each day.
I scarfed down a full bagel with cream cheese and banana on this morning, thinking it would really wire me up. I guess this may have been the day I learned about proper fueling before a run. During one of the ends, I had a feeling that had only been previously induced by stomach flu. I drove myself past the point of exhaustion on the way up the hill and nearly collapsed by the time I reached the top. The next few minutes are blurry as my full breakfast came right back up, twice maybe three times in all. After a few minutes of self-control, I felt amazing. The funny thing about athletes is that most of them congratulated me and were proud to call me a teammate. My mom also gave me a big hug for my first real heave. Seriously, strange. I remember the morning fondly and secretly wish it was just as publicly appropriate to do again. I can recall several cross country meets, basketball games and even a few intramural games when the same feeling comes up. I am usually forced to withdraw some of my energy, however, to benefit the aroma of a gym.
In the past few weeks, my running has suffered due to an over-exertion in the other part of my busy life. It finally took a very important person other than myself to give me a reality check. Perhaps the reason I feel over-stressed is that I’m not running. This person told me that my body is a lot more capable than I think it is – a mantra I have lived by since that morning when I saw my breakfast at the top of Big Bear Hill. Once I realized my lack-of-running-induced bad attitude was starting to affect others, I didn’t have a choice. I got on the treadmill the other night and ran into oblivion. I had that feeling again and seriously considered going through with it. I am too pleased, however, with the newly-fresh work-out center our University just designed and decided against it.
My point once again reverts back to the people who influence me to push myself to the limit and then give more. I would never have the ambition or strength to stand in front of a classroom every day or truck up a mountain (or Big Bear Hill) if it wasn’t for the people in my life. Our experiences are surface-deep without others to share them with.
Happy Trails.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Stand Up Eight
Oh, technology, I loathe you. I have yet to be convinced that hundreds of 12 year olds really need laptops in school. The computers are practical in some circumstances, but I have regrettably found that they have caused more harm than good. Classroom management is thrown for a loop with the laptops, and the amount of immediate information students have access to creates a learned helplessness. I worry that we’ve lost the days of organic pencil and paper and original creativity. Technology is incredibly useful for the mechanics of education, not necessarily for the creation of it.
Yesterday, my day started in a way that I figured would only trigger a release of more problems. My historic Dell shut down on me when I attached it to the computer/projector adaptor. In order to avoid blank stares from the students for a few minutes (which can feel like hours), I slammed my laptop closed and used my words instead of my cursor to explain. The plan was to have the kids describe a picture on the screen using the new verbs and adjectives we just learned. Of course the malfunction then had a huge effect on that plan - a blessing in disguise. Instead, I gave them a verbal image to describe. A family at a picnic, a fight at a hockey game, and a car stuck in the snow. Their imaginations ran wild, as the students thoroughly enjoyed listening to each other’s work and creating their own.
I love “logging out” from the world every now and then, but the reality is that it helps us share information, quickens communication and adds versatility. In the mean time, I am just trying to find a fair medium between my love and hate for electronic brains.
My good-fortuned day yesterday must have triggered something in the Gods that don’t like me to have too much fun, as I seem to have ‘kick me’ on my back today. The snow put a beautiful glaze over campus last night, but it also swallowed my car (karma from yesterday’s activity I think). Through the shoveling and brushing, my phone in my pocket got a nice shower and has gone to the same world my laptop went yesterday. I also left my lunch at home and overslept my morning run. Breathe in. Breathe out.
Stand Up Eight – the title of the post, which is tied to significant memories and experiences in my life, and perhaps I’m in the middle of another. The quote comes from the saying “fall down seven, stand up eight.” Meaning what you want it to mean, but essentially telling myself and others to get back on the horse, tell the sea how big your ship is, it’s about the fight in the dog, and never, never, never quit.
Happy Trails.
Yesterday, my day started in a way that I figured would only trigger a release of more problems. My historic Dell shut down on me when I attached it to the computer/projector adaptor. In order to avoid blank stares from the students for a few minutes (which can feel like hours), I slammed my laptop closed and used my words instead of my cursor to explain. The plan was to have the kids describe a picture on the screen using the new verbs and adjectives we just learned. Of course the malfunction then had a huge effect on that plan - a blessing in disguise. Instead, I gave them a verbal image to describe. A family at a picnic, a fight at a hockey game, and a car stuck in the snow. Their imaginations ran wild, as the students thoroughly enjoyed listening to each other’s work and creating their own.
I love “logging out” from the world every now and then, but the reality is that it helps us share information, quickens communication and adds versatility. In the mean time, I am just trying to find a fair medium between my love and hate for electronic brains.
My good-fortuned day yesterday must have triggered something in the Gods that don’t like me to have too much fun, as I seem to have ‘kick me’ on my back today. The snow put a beautiful glaze over campus last night, but it also swallowed my car (karma from yesterday’s activity I think). Through the shoveling and brushing, my phone in my pocket got a nice shower and has gone to the same world my laptop went yesterday. I also left my lunch at home and overslept my morning run. Breathe in. Breathe out.
Stand Up Eight – the title of the post, which is tied to significant memories and experiences in my life, and perhaps I’m in the middle of another. The quote comes from the saying “fall down seven, stand up eight.” Meaning what you want it to mean, but essentially telling myself and others to get back on the horse, tell the sea how big your ship is, it’s about the fight in the dog, and never, never, never quit.
Happy Trails.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
"Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart"
I love Valentine’s Day. I also love St. Patrick’s Day, Mardi Gras, Cinco de Mayo, April Fool’s Day, birthdays at any age and even the occasional Flag Day. The popular, overrated holidays that many love to hate have a dear spot in my heart. We see monotony, routine and schedule too much in our lives that our true selves are intrinsically begging for spontaneity. I have my fair share of calendars, assignment notebooks and color-coordinated folders. I understand the comfort that comes with consistency and the responsibilities we are consequently accountable for. However, when a day comes along that allows some kind of celebration, a deviation from the norm is exactly what we should allow. Rejecting celebration is never an option on my end of town. So celebrate we will.
Valentine’s Day is an extra special Hallmark Holiday. Working in the restaurant business, I have learned that the past four days and Valentine’s itself are the busiest we will see. Pretty reds, whites and pinks take on a season of their own, and chocolates line the grocery store. In school, we especially see a heightened sense of spirit. And all of this for who the heck knows why. I’ve done my abbreviated research and learned that something about a saint and a massacre gave us a holiday about love. OK, whatever. We may not understand why, how or when the obsession came into place, but I commend all those who take advantage of Valentine’s Day and the other forgotten holidays worth celebrating. I’ve been known to share a few margaritas, chips and guacamole on Cinco de Mayo, pinch those not wearing green on St. Patty’s Day and pull harmless pranks on April Fool’s Day. All for the mere reason of ‘why not?'
I know a handful of those who commit themselves to celebrating anti-whatever day. Drinking into oblivion and cursing all the love birds on Valentine’s Day has become a holiday in itself. I say it’s a recipe for depression, and Scrooges aren’t just for Christmas. I can recall several Februarys when my mom, dad, dog and closest friends were whom I had to call my valentines. They were probably the best and most loyal I’ve had. The chocolate tastes just as good. Being miserable is an option, not a requirement.
Throughout the past four years, my love has only multiplied after meeting new people in college and beyond as well as grown for those I miss back home. I am fortunate enough to have a handsome man to call a Valentine this year, and I truly enjoy making the day special for the sake of love. I am also lucky to spend the day in middle school where the magic still lingers.
“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough”
Oprah Winfrey
Happy Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is an extra special Hallmark Holiday. Working in the restaurant business, I have learned that the past four days and Valentine’s itself are the busiest we will see. Pretty reds, whites and pinks take on a season of their own, and chocolates line the grocery store. In school, we especially see a heightened sense of spirit. And all of this for who the heck knows why. I’ve done my abbreviated research and learned that something about a saint and a massacre gave us a holiday about love. OK, whatever. We may not understand why, how or when the obsession came into place, but I commend all those who take advantage of Valentine’s Day and the other forgotten holidays worth celebrating. I’ve been known to share a few margaritas, chips and guacamole on Cinco de Mayo, pinch those not wearing green on St. Patty’s Day and pull harmless pranks on April Fool’s Day. All for the mere reason of ‘why not?'
I know a handful of those who commit themselves to celebrating anti-whatever day. Drinking into oblivion and cursing all the love birds on Valentine’s Day has become a holiday in itself. I say it’s a recipe for depression, and Scrooges aren’t just for Christmas. I can recall several Februarys when my mom, dad, dog and closest friends were whom I had to call my valentines. They were probably the best and most loyal I’ve had. The chocolate tastes just as good. Being miserable is an option, not a requirement.
Throughout the past four years, my love has only multiplied after meeting new people in college and beyond as well as grown for those I miss back home. I am fortunate enough to have a handsome man to call a Valentine this year, and I truly enjoy making the day special for the sake of love. I am also lucky to spend the day in middle school where the magic still lingers.
“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough”
Oprah Winfrey
Happy Valentine’s Day
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Coffee and Mile 22
I often dream and long for the days when I do not have to set an alarm clock. I could not live my life without one, but I take a very small, significant joy in resting my head at night knowing that a piercing, resilient beeping will be silenced for just one day. I believe letting your body wake itself up when it’s ready is one of the healthiest habits we can occasionally give way to. Like a former post of mine says, I have small treasures in life that I look forward to daily and weekly – things that keep me excited and motivated. A fellow student teacher whom I spend time with says she looks forward to the 24-minute FRIENDS episode she watches each night. Another says he gets candy each Friday from his mentor and then one who gets to expel any tension by working out after school each day. Among many others, I would say mine is sleeping in on Sunday morning. I’ve started to realize that I think this is what Sundays are for.
I have always said that I don’t want a job I have to wake up for; I want a job that wakes me up. In combination with my alarm, I think I’ve found that. A little bit of excitement gives me a jolt in the morning, and coffee usually relieves any grogginess still remaining. I am thankful for the crutch as I am constantly competing to equalize my energy levels with middle schoolers.
As a quarter of the way through this experience, I am starting to have and feel the same experiences that a seasoned teacher would. I am familiar with all of the students and their behaviors, and the students are comfortable with me. This means more meaningful discussion and more discipline. I have been saturated with education up to this point at Drake yet still have so much to learn. My time in college is nearing its end – less than 100 days. Yet my time as a student teacher is nearly just beginning. I can relate this pattern to only one phenomenon I have experienced in my life – Mile 22.
I have hit the spot more times than I’d like to mention, but the marathon marker is notorious for its ability to shove all runners straight into a wall. Your legs scream and your mind is so high that ‘right foot, left foot’ becomes rocket science. At this point, the only option to retain a relentless forward motion is to search your heart for any remaining desire, grasp on as hard as you can and just. keep. going. This finish represents triumph, but it also opens doors to more possibilities.
I relate this feeling to where I am now by considering what I have already learned and accomplished. Since August 2008, I started on a path, a trail, a 26.2 mile run in order to reach the finish. I stand here staring down the last 91 days of my college experience. I have hit a point, a mile 22-phenom, where the reasons, desire and heart of all the training is what remains. I am exhausted, but I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else. The people I meet in education and on the road are some of the most kind, funny, and personable people I will ever know. Those who can combine the two lifestyles are truly fortunate.
“Dreams can come true, especially if you train hard enough”
Dean Karnazes
Happy Trails.
I have always said that I don’t want a job I have to wake up for; I want a job that wakes me up. In combination with my alarm, I think I’ve found that. A little bit of excitement gives me a jolt in the morning, and coffee usually relieves any grogginess still remaining. I am thankful for the crutch as I am constantly competing to equalize my energy levels with middle schoolers.
As a quarter of the way through this experience, I am starting to have and feel the same experiences that a seasoned teacher would. I am familiar with all of the students and their behaviors, and the students are comfortable with me. This means more meaningful discussion and more discipline. I have been saturated with education up to this point at Drake yet still have so much to learn. My time in college is nearing its end – less than 100 days. Yet my time as a student teacher is nearly just beginning. I can relate this pattern to only one phenomenon I have experienced in my life – Mile 22.
I have hit the spot more times than I’d like to mention, but the marathon marker is notorious for its ability to shove all runners straight into a wall. Your legs scream and your mind is so high that ‘right foot, left foot’ becomes rocket science. At this point, the only option to retain a relentless forward motion is to search your heart for any remaining desire, grasp on as hard as you can and just. keep. going. This finish represents triumph, but it also opens doors to more possibilities.
I relate this feeling to where I am now by considering what I have already learned and accomplished. Since August 2008, I started on a path, a trail, a 26.2 mile run in order to reach the finish. I stand here staring down the last 91 days of my college experience. I have hit a point, a mile 22-phenom, where the reasons, desire and heart of all the training is what remains. I am exhausted, but I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else. The people I meet in education and on the road are some of the most kind, funny, and personable people I will ever know. Those who can combine the two lifestyles are truly fortunate.
“Dreams can come true, especially if you train hard enough”
Dean Karnazes
Happy Trails.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Thinking on my feet
Running sparks my life with adventure. Each time I run, no matter how long or how far, I have a new experience. The day it gets old, I will stop. I have returned lost dogs, chased my own lost dog, chased charming sunsets and sunrises, played threatening games of Frogger on the street, helped move furniture, gotten lost in the darkness of rain and snow, been to the top of the world and at times have felt like I’m at the bottom. Regardless of the day or adventure, I feel (and would argue for any other runner as well) better than I did before the run started- 100 percent of the time.
Because of a body’s remarkable ability to adapt and surprise itself, I often try to attribute this to the mind as well. Several of my blog posts are products of ideas from a run. Although one’s body is working harder than it possibly has all day, a run can put the mind at ease. Ideas spark in my running shoes and my chosen career will forever benefit from this, just as it did today.
Last year, Woodside Middle School received a generous grant and was fortunate enough to provide each 7th and 8th grader with his or her own laptop for the year. With obvious restrictions and rules coinciding with the privilege, the students have been beyond thrilled to call something their own, nonetheless a laptop. Classes have changed drastically and I am learning more about teaching just by incorporating technology each and every day.
Today, the students’ fantasy world was put on hold. Apparently when something is made in mass quantity, glitches and breakdowns are much more likely to occur. The repairs to the computers are actually quite comical, as the consultants in town are using “dignified tape” to fix the internal wiring. In reality, the students could care less about what’s going on with the computers and were just genuinely sad to see them go for the day – kissing and hugging them goodbye until Friday. As staff, we knew this was coming, but the ambush came sooner than expected. Frustrated and anxious, my mentor and I scramble for ideas for the remainder of the week as the students’ writing workshops have all come to a screeching stop – considering the entire workshops were just taken away. Before parting, I say “I’ll think of something, don’t worry,” and leave for the day.
I have a plethora of lesson plans, materials, discussion questions and videos that I can prepare any day of the week, but I wanted something original and something that related to the writing prompts the students were working on before they were bushwhacked. So, I went for a run. It didn’t hurt that we are having a wonderful nice-weather tease at the beginning of February. The night was a blessing and the roads always are. Needless to say, I think I’ve got something for tomorrow.
Because of a body’s remarkable ability to adapt and surprise itself, I often try to attribute this to the mind as well. Several of my blog posts are products of ideas from a run. Although one’s body is working harder than it possibly has all day, a run can put the mind at ease. Ideas spark in my running shoes and my chosen career will forever benefit from this, just as it did today.
Last year, Woodside Middle School received a generous grant and was fortunate enough to provide each 7th and 8th grader with his or her own laptop for the year. With obvious restrictions and rules coinciding with the privilege, the students have been beyond thrilled to call something their own, nonetheless a laptop. Classes have changed drastically and I am learning more about teaching just by incorporating technology each and every day.
Today, the students’ fantasy world was put on hold. Apparently when something is made in mass quantity, glitches and breakdowns are much more likely to occur. The repairs to the computers are actually quite comical, as the consultants in town are using “dignified tape” to fix the internal wiring. In reality, the students could care less about what’s going on with the computers and were just genuinely sad to see them go for the day – kissing and hugging them goodbye until Friday. As staff, we knew this was coming, but the ambush came sooner than expected. Frustrated and anxious, my mentor and I scramble for ideas for the remainder of the week as the students’ writing workshops have all come to a screeching stop – considering the entire workshops were just taken away. Before parting, I say “I’ll think of something, don’t worry,” and leave for the day.
I have a plethora of lesson plans, materials, discussion questions and videos that I can prepare any day of the week, but I wanted something original and something that related to the writing prompts the students were working on before they were bushwhacked. So, I went for a run. It didn’t hurt that we are having a wonderful nice-weather tease at the beginning of February. The night was a blessing and the roads always are. Needless to say, I think I’ve got something for tomorrow.
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