There is a plethora of reasons why I love summer. Of course, there is the obvious. After all what teacher doesn't love summer break!! And if you find a teacher who says she doesn't like summer break, she is lying! I also love soaking in the sun, sleeping in each morning, going to lunch with my peeps, sewing Thursdays with Barb and Rosie, and reading beach trash novels just to name a few.
But a little hidden summer pleasure for me is unexpected company. I love when people just stop by unannounced on a beautiful, sunny, summer Saturday or Sunday afternoon. I mean think about it. How many times have you been out for a drive on a gorgeous warm summer day, and you start to get nostalgic about someone or someplace that means a lot to you? You wonder what they are doing or if the place is still there. The next thing you know your car is on autopilot and heading to the person or place of long ago. I consider it the highest form of honor if Rick and I are the recipients of such a visit.
Yesterday, Rick and I were honored with the unexpected visit of not one but two different groups of people. (So glad I spent an hour that morning cleaning up the house!!! Too bad I hadn't taken a shower yet!) Our first visitors were Dick and Yvonne Wolfe. When Rick worked at Matesich's Distributing, he delivered beer to their drive thru in Dresden, Ohio. A friendship was born that has lasted now for over 25 years. The guys share a common interest in business and politics. We womenfolk share a love of gardening. As soon as the Wolfes were out of their car, the men went inside to inspect Rick's recent remodeling efforts. Yvonne and I were walking the grounds to marvel at the flowers in my gardens. She caught me up to date on their health. (Both of them are in their 80s). Of course there is the karma thing. I had said to Rick on Wednesday that I thought about Yvonne when I was cleaning out the attic. Years ago, Yvonne got rid of all of her Christmas decorations. She said she no longer decorated because it wasn't what Christmas was about. I was appalled. You see I, at one time, was a Martha Stewart wannabe. Now, 15 years later, I get it. I told Yvonne about it and we got a huge laugh out of it. After an hour's visit, they were off to Dresden. There were many hugs and promises to get together soon for lunch.
It was back to work in the yard! After all it was a beautiful day and the thistles and weeds were calling our names. The next thing we knew the dogs were going crazy again. Now who could be here?!?!?! After all we very seldom get company, but now twice in one day!?!? There to our amazement was Rick's brother, Doc, and his daughter, Adrianne. You see Adrianne is 23 years old and lives in NYC. We don't get to see her often. The last time was Christmas Day. She is home for a week. There is a family gathering scheduled for today, but Rick most likely won't be able to attend because of work. So, Doc and Adrianne came to see Rick in case he can't make it today. We loved it. We got to spend 2 hours of uninterrupted time with her. We didn't have to share her with Aunt Suzy, Uncle Brad or Uncle Tim! We talked about her job. She works with the AmeriCorp in Brooklyn. This year she will be a team leader! She has a new apartment with Erin, a grad student at NYU School of Interior Design. She is contemplating going back to school. She wants to get her masters in social work. I encouraged her to follow her heart. I also encouraged her to do something with her photography. She is an amazing artist! We also talked about visiting her this summer. She wants to show us the city and her new life. I promised I would work on Uncle Rick! He is not an adventurist. He is a homebody. He uses the dogs as an excuse not to travel, but deep down he just likes to be at home. After a lengthy visit, they were off to Coshocton.
Yesterday was a great day! I have to admit, I didn't get any of my list done for the day. But who cares? We were honored that we got to spend time with people who are dear and near to our hearts. Now I ask, "Would this have happened if it were a cold, dreary winter day?" Lovin summer!
Make Each Day Count
Denise
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
50th Birthday World Tour
In 315 days, I will be 50 years old! Can you believe it? Given my college antics, this is an accomplishment in itself. I made a promise to myself a long time ago that I would embrace the milestone instead of fighting against it. My friend, Cheryl Lorence, says it will come whether we want it to or not. So, we should do it with grace. I couldn't agree more with her. Now, while I am as about as ungraceful as they come, I will try my best to follow her example.
I've discussed turning the big 5-0 with some of my friends. Some refuse to even discuss it, right Terri P? Some have been crying for months now. Others are looking to miracle cures such as Botox. Then there are the ones like me who are planning big events to commemorate the big day. I am a follower of the go big club. I am planning what I'm calling my 50th Birthday World Tour. After all if Charlie Sheen can have his 2011 Meltdown Tour, why can't I have my own world tour?
The whole thing started with my brother Mitchell. I wanted to go to Key West to celebrate the big day. He said no. He is disgusted that I will be turning 50 and have never been out of the United States. I beg to differ. I have been to Niagara Falls and Toronto, Canada. Apparently it doesn't count because I didn't need a passport at the time nor did I have to get on an airplane to get there. He is a travel snob! Because he is a flight attendant for World Airlines, he thinks we should all be jetting around the world at every possible moment. To rectify the situation, he is taking me to Italy for my 50th birthday. He is also taking my mom who will turn 70 that year as well. To round out the estrogen tour is my sister Paige. I'm so excited!! We will go in June 2012. I have bought all kinds of travel books and have talked to many people about the trip. I've gotten all kinds of suggestions! (BTW, if any of you have any not to be missed hot spots, please let me know! I would love to hear your suggestions!)
Then, the most amazing opportunity came along this year at school. Beth Adkins, the senior English teacher, decided to put together a proposal to take students abroad. The school board approved it and the International Travel Group was born. Mrs. Adkins and I will be taking 17 students and 6 parents to London and Paris in March of 2012! How exciting is that? It will be so much fun seeing England through the eyes of 17 and 18 year old students.
Now, how many people can say there are going to Europe twice in 10 weeks!?!?!? Well, besides my brother-in-law Randy who travels all over the world for his job that is! I say move over Countess Luann de Lesseps, there is a new jet setter in town! All joking aside, I realize how fortunate I am to be able to go on these two amazing trips next year. I, for one, am looking forward to ringing my half a century birthday in such beautiful countries with such wonderful family and friends. I'm one lucky girl!!!
Make Every Day Count....
Denise
Monday, June 13, 2011
What the hell was I thinking?
No, really! We all have those moments when we sit back and say, 'what the hell was I thinking?' That was me this morning after I completed my first day of 5K '"training". And I use the term training very loosely!
As I approach 50, I have started my bucket list. There are some really great things on it like seeing Aerosmith in concert, traveling to Europe, and learning to speak Italian. Then there are the 'what the hell was I thinking' items like skydiving and running a 5K. I happened to mention my bucket list to someone on Friday. They told me about this great app called From the Couch to the 5K(C25K for short.) Well, I checked it out and decided to download it and give it a try. It has 9 week training schedule. You run for 3 days out of 7. Now we all know that 9 weeks is a bit of an ambitious goal. Does the author of the app realize that I'm not really a couch potato, but more of a technology junkie. I can sit at my computer for hours on end. So, for someone with close to zero athletic ability and a bit on the chubby side, I really think it's unrealistic to think I will be able to run 3.2 miles at the end of 9 weeks. But I'll give a whirl because miracles do happen.
So, today was the first day. I got up at 7:30 and ate a little breakfast. I got my iPhone ready and off I went. The work out for the day was to walk briskly for 5 minutes, and then run for 60 seconds, then walk for 90 seconds and repeat for 20 minutes. The ultimate goal was to run for a total of 8 minutes. I would have to say that I ran for may be 6 1/2 minutes. I only managed to run for the full 60 seconds once! Several times though I came within 5 seconds of the goal. The application will tell me when to walk and when to run. I, however, adjusted the plan to suit my own needs. See, I'm a visual person. I have to be able to see the end in sight. So, I would look down the bike path and predetermine how far I would run. If I got to that spot and felt I could go farther, I would. If not, I would stop running and start walking again! I know, I'm such a rule breaker!!!! I could never follow the directions.
I can only imagine what I looked like running. We all have seen those people running who look like they are about to die. Well, I'm pretty sure that was me today. When I finished I was gasping for air! I have a newfound respect for those people who are giving it a try! I told my friend Tricia about my experience today. She laughed and said, "Well, I hope you at least looked cute doing it!" Really, Tricia? You've been my friend for 10 years now and know that the only time I've looked cute is when I was wearing my zebra striped coat and silver purse. Let me tell you, my hair was sticking straight up and I had on a pair of old black sweat pants with bleach stains and a long sleeved t-shirt with an unfortunately placed rip. I didn't notice the tear until I walked in the house upon my return. Thank goodness I had my bra on!
When I got home, I collapsed in my chair and processed what had transpired on my first attempt. First I was amazed that I even survived. Secondly, I had to eat some personal crow. You see I work with a bunch of marathon running fools. I have always made of fun of them because I just couldn't figure out why they would do that to themselves. They always blather on about endorphins and adrenaline and stuff. Well, they are right. After my heart stopped racing and I could breathe normally again, I had to admit I felt pretty good. I had so much energy and was ready to conquer the day.
Of course tomorrow will be the real story. How will my 49 year old body feel in the morning!?!?!? After all the last time I ran on a "regular basis" was my sophomore year of college. Let's be honest here, it was for about a 4 week period and it was all over a stupid boy! According to my brother Mitchell, however, the only running I did then was to outrun the cops. Isn't he a real hoot?
Now that I've opened by big mouth and told all of you, I have now have a partner in crime. My friend Kendra and I are in talks to run a 5K together. Luckily she is just like me with her athletic abilities. So, this could be a match made in heaven. Only thing is she is about 10 years younger and a lot lighter in the weight department! Hopefully though we can encourage each other to fulfill our dreams of being runners! May be we can be ready in by April 28 for the 3rd Annual Panther 5K Run which my National Honor Society students sponsor! Wouldn't that be cool for my students see their advisor getting into the spirit of the race?!?! Or they can see my demise when I cross the finish line and die!!! I have set a pretty lofty goal for someone who doesn't normally like to exercise. I'm pretty sure the biggest hurdle will be my mindset. I need to start thinking like an Olympian and not a middle aged, chubby woman. Here's to another adventure!
Make Every Day Count.....
Denise
As I approach 50, I have started my bucket list. There are some really great things on it like seeing Aerosmith in concert, traveling to Europe, and learning to speak Italian. Then there are the 'what the hell was I thinking' items like skydiving and running a 5K. I happened to mention my bucket list to someone on Friday. They told me about this great app called From the Couch to the 5K(C25K for short.) Well, I checked it out and decided to download it and give it a try. It has 9 week training schedule. You run for 3 days out of 7. Now we all know that 9 weeks is a bit of an ambitious goal. Does the author of the app realize that I'm not really a couch potato, but more of a technology junkie. I can sit at my computer for hours on end. So, for someone with close to zero athletic ability and a bit on the chubby side, I really think it's unrealistic to think I will be able to run 3.2 miles at the end of 9 weeks. But I'll give a whirl because miracles do happen.
So, today was the first day. I got up at 7:30 and ate a little breakfast. I got my iPhone ready and off I went. The work out for the day was to walk briskly for 5 minutes, and then run for 60 seconds, then walk for 90 seconds and repeat for 20 minutes. The ultimate goal was to run for a total of 8 minutes. I would have to say that I ran for may be 6 1/2 minutes. I only managed to run for the full 60 seconds once! Several times though I came within 5 seconds of the goal. The application will tell me when to walk and when to run. I, however, adjusted the plan to suit my own needs. See, I'm a visual person. I have to be able to see the end in sight. So, I would look down the bike path and predetermine how far I would run. If I got to that spot and felt I could go farther, I would. If not, I would stop running and start walking again! I know, I'm such a rule breaker!!!! I could never follow the directions.
I can only imagine what I looked like running. We all have seen those people running who look like they are about to die. Well, I'm pretty sure that was me today. When I finished I was gasping for air! I have a newfound respect for those people who are giving it a try! I told my friend Tricia about my experience today. She laughed and said, "Well, I hope you at least looked cute doing it!" Really, Tricia? You've been my friend for 10 years now and know that the only time I've looked cute is when I was wearing my zebra striped coat and silver purse. Let me tell you, my hair was sticking straight up and I had on a pair of old black sweat pants with bleach stains and a long sleeved t-shirt with an unfortunately placed rip. I didn't notice the tear until I walked in the house upon my return. Thank goodness I had my bra on!
When I got home, I collapsed in my chair and processed what had transpired on my first attempt. First I was amazed that I even survived. Secondly, I had to eat some personal crow. You see I work with a bunch of marathon running fools. I have always made of fun of them because I just couldn't figure out why they would do that to themselves. They always blather on about endorphins and adrenaline and stuff. Well, they are right. After my heart stopped racing and I could breathe normally again, I had to admit I felt pretty good. I had so much energy and was ready to conquer the day.
Of course tomorrow will be the real story. How will my 49 year old body feel in the morning!?!?!? After all the last time I ran on a "regular basis" was my sophomore year of college. Let's be honest here, it was for about a 4 week period and it was all over a stupid boy! According to my brother Mitchell, however, the only running I did then was to outrun the cops. Isn't he a real hoot?
Now that I've opened by big mouth and told all of you, I have now have a partner in crime. My friend Kendra and I are in talks to run a 5K together. Luckily she is just like me with her athletic abilities. So, this could be a match made in heaven. Only thing is she is about 10 years younger and a lot lighter in the weight department! Hopefully though we can encourage each other to fulfill our dreams of being runners! May be we can be ready in by April 28 for the 3rd Annual Panther 5K Run which my National Honor Society students sponsor! Wouldn't that be cool for my students see their advisor getting into the spirit of the race?!?! Or they can see my demise when I cross the finish line and die!!! I have set a pretty lofty goal for someone who doesn't normally like to exercise. I'm pretty sure the biggest hurdle will be my mindset. I need to start thinking like an Olympian and not a middle aged, chubby woman. Here's to another adventure!
Make Every Day Count.....
Denise
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Terrell Pryor
Anyone who knows me, knows that I don't like Terrell Pryor. I haven't since day one. I always thought he was arrogant and self-absorbed. I've always thought he was trouble just waiting to happen. The current situation at OSU only validates my original assumptions.
Well, I woke up this morning to find out he is gone. My first reaction is ' don't let the door hit you in the ass on your way out'. (This is one of my favorite Judyisms!) Of course my next reaction is what a coward. As much as I detest him, I am angry that he is walking away. He has created this maelstrom of chaos, and now he gets to walk away with little retribution. I know I'm contradicting myself, but I have mixed emotions about the whole situation.
First and foremost, Terrell Pryor is arrogant. He is the pebble in the ripple effect. His decisions to thumb his nose at the NCAA rules was the beginning of the end. I listened to an interview on the Fan 97.1 this morning. They interviewed one of Terrell's closest friends. When directly asked if he thought Terrell knew the rules, the friend responded with (and I'm paraphrasing), 'it doesn't matter if he did or not. Terrell does exactly what he wants without regards to rules and regulations. He knows that he's going to the pros regardless.' It's this attitude that helped bring down the Buckeye Nation. If I'm honest I do have to say that Terrell isn't solely responsible. He and Coach Tressel are 50/50 partners in this mess. Coach made the decision to sit on the evidence instead of report it. But Terrell's attitude put Coach in the situation to have to choose.
Secondly, Terrell Pryor is a coward. He gave his word at the beginning of this disaster that he would not leave the Ohio State University. He promised that he would return to the field after his 5 game suspension. He pledged his allegiance to his team and the fans. What does he do when the water gets hot? He releases a statement through his lawyer that he is leaving OSU. He doesn't have the guts to tell the Buckeye Nation himself. With the snap of his fingers, he's gone and moving on to the next phase of his life. He just gets to walk away from the mess he created. If this isn't the definition of coward, I don't know what is.
Thirdly, Terrell Pryor is not a man. One of the reasons he gave for leaving is his teammates. He says he doesn't want to hurt them. He feels staying will somehow be detrimental to the team. Really dude? It doesn't matter if you're on the team or not, you already have hurt them. Walking away won't erase what you've done. The sanctions will still come down on OSU and your teammates whether you are there or not. The only difference will be that they will suffer the consequences while you are trying to find your way into the NFL. A man would one not have put this friends in this situation to start with and two would never walk away and let the others pick up the pieces. I'm pretty sure there is some specific rules in the man code that addresses such treachery. His reputation has taken a huge hit.
Like I said, I have mixed emotions about him leaving. Of course now that he is gone, my beloved Buckeye Nation can begin the process of healing. We will face whatever sanctions the NCAA imposes on us with integrity and humility. We will learn, overcome and become stronger. We will hold our heads high. The same cannot necessarily be said for Terrell Pryor. He will have to live the rest of his life knowing that he walked away from a situation that he caused. He left others to deal with his wrong doings. I hope he can sleep at night. Having said that though, I do hope that someday Terrell Pryor will realize what he's done and be able to take responsibility for his actions. After all he is only 20 years old. Just like every one of us, we all have made huge mistakes in life. We learn from them and use those lessons to make us better. This situation will never go away for Terrell until he too can learn from what he did and use it to better himself. I look forward to that day when he can accept and whole heartedly apologize to what he has done.
Until then I will put my focus on Coach Fickell and the team. They have my total support this year and years to come. Good Luck!
Make Every Day Count.....
Denise
Well, I woke up this morning to find out he is gone. My first reaction is ' don't let the door hit you in the ass on your way out'. (This is one of my favorite Judyisms!) Of course my next reaction is what a coward. As much as I detest him, I am angry that he is walking away. He has created this maelstrom of chaos, and now he gets to walk away with little retribution. I know I'm contradicting myself, but I have mixed emotions about the whole situation.
First and foremost, Terrell Pryor is arrogant. He is the pebble in the ripple effect. His decisions to thumb his nose at the NCAA rules was the beginning of the end. I listened to an interview on the Fan 97.1 this morning. They interviewed one of Terrell's closest friends. When directly asked if he thought Terrell knew the rules, the friend responded with (and I'm paraphrasing), 'it doesn't matter if he did or not. Terrell does exactly what he wants without regards to rules and regulations. He knows that he's going to the pros regardless.' It's this attitude that helped bring down the Buckeye Nation. If I'm honest I do have to say that Terrell isn't solely responsible. He and Coach Tressel are 50/50 partners in this mess. Coach made the decision to sit on the evidence instead of report it. But Terrell's attitude put Coach in the situation to have to choose.
Secondly, Terrell Pryor is a coward. He gave his word at the beginning of this disaster that he would not leave the Ohio State University. He promised that he would return to the field after his 5 game suspension. He pledged his allegiance to his team and the fans. What does he do when the water gets hot? He releases a statement through his lawyer that he is leaving OSU. He doesn't have the guts to tell the Buckeye Nation himself. With the snap of his fingers, he's gone and moving on to the next phase of his life. He just gets to walk away from the mess he created. If this isn't the definition of coward, I don't know what is.
Thirdly, Terrell Pryor is not a man. One of the reasons he gave for leaving is his teammates. He says he doesn't want to hurt them. He feels staying will somehow be detrimental to the team. Really dude? It doesn't matter if you're on the team or not, you already have hurt them. Walking away won't erase what you've done. The sanctions will still come down on OSU and your teammates whether you are there or not. The only difference will be that they will suffer the consequences while you are trying to find your way into the NFL. A man would one not have put this friends in this situation to start with and two would never walk away and let the others pick up the pieces. I'm pretty sure there is some specific rules in the man code that addresses such treachery. His reputation has taken a huge hit.
Like I said, I have mixed emotions about him leaving. Of course now that he is gone, my beloved Buckeye Nation can begin the process of healing. We will face whatever sanctions the NCAA imposes on us with integrity and humility. We will learn, overcome and become stronger. We will hold our heads high. The same cannot necessarily be said for Terrell Pryor. He will have to live the rest of his life knowing that he walked away from a situation that he caused. He left others to deal with his wrong doings. I hope he can sleep at night. Having said that though, I do hope that someday Terrell Pryor will realize what he's done and be able to take responsibility for his actions. After all he is only 20 years old. Just like every one of us, we all have made huge mistakes in life. We learn from them and use those lessons to make us better. This situation will never go away for Terrell until he too can learn from what he did and use it to better himself. I look forward to that day when he can accept and whole heartedly apologize to what he has done.
Until then I will put my focus on Coach Fickell and the team. They have my total support this year and years to come. Good Luck!
Make Every Day Count.....
Denise
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Our Yearly Conversation
Every summer Rick and I have the same conversation. While in the midst of shoveling a truckload of mulch, Rick always says, "I think we should sell this place and get a condo." I always response with, "As soon as the remodeling is finished, we can." The conversation ends and the spreading of mulch continues. This has been going on for years, and I figure it will continue for many more years to come.
The thing is that neither one of us would be happy in a condo. We love our yard and our home. What we don't like is all of the upkeep that goes into maintaining our yard. Twenty years ago when we were young and full of energy, we started landscaping our yard. Our driveway is lined with a flower bed of daylillies and burning bushes. The front yard has a huge mound filled with various perennials. The garage and the house are landscaped all the way around each structure. We have a small pond and two raised beds around the patio. As if that isn't enough we have a small side garden and the shed is landscaped too!!! It is all beautiful and I enjoy it all summer long. We get all kinds of compliments from the neighbors and passers by. Not to sound like a braggart, but I have to say it is one of the nicest yards in the neighborhood.
Today we finished day 2 of the mulching and weeding. Let's be honest, Rick did all of the mulching this year....all six scoops of it! Thank you honey!!! (Just a note: I want props because last year I did most of the mulching myself!) We started around 11:00 this morning. At 2:00 I looked at him and said I have to take a break. The heat was getting to me. It was after all 90 degrees outside. Rick gave me a grateful look and agreed to a quick break. Well, 2 1/2 hours later, we woke up from our break! That's right, we both fell asleep in the living room. We couldn't believe it. What happened to us? Not so long ago we could work for 12 hours straight in 90 degree weather without a break. Now we are lucky to get 6 hours of work in in a day. I don't mind getting older; I mind losing my stamina! Rick and I are workhorses. After all we have remodel our entire house ourselves. (Disclaimer: After drywalling one room ourselves, we now hire that dirty job out! Being honest is the backbone of this blog. So, felt compelled to tell the truth here!) And we have done all of our landscaping ourselves too.
But as I sit here on the back porch icing my shoulder while taking in the smell of honeysuckle while admiring our work, I realize we still do good work. It just takes us a little bit longer than it use to. I also can appreciate all of our hard work more. With age comes wisdom and gratitude. I realize how lucky I am to still be able to work in my yard. Hopefully tomorrow morning when I wake with new aches and pains, I will still have the afterglow of a good hard day's work. I've been blessed by God.
Make Every Day Count.....
Denise
The thing is that neither one of us would be happy in a condo. We love our yard and our home. What we don't like is all of the upkeep that goes into maintaining our yard. Twenty years ago when we were young and full of energy, we started landscaping our yard. Our driveway is lined with a flower bed of daylillies and burning bushes. The front yard has a huge mound filled with various perennials. The garage and the house are landscaped all the way around each structure. We have a small pond and two raised beds around the patio. As if that isn't enough we have a small side garden and the shed is landscaped too!!! It is all beautiful and I enjoy it all summer long. We get all kinds of compliments from the neighbors and passers by. Not to sound like a braggart, but I have to say it is one of the nicest yards in the neighborhood.
Today we finished day 2 of the mulching and weeding. Let's be honest, Rick did all of the mulching this year....all six scoops of it! Thank you honey!!! (Just a note: I want props because last year I did most of the mulching myself!) We started around 11:00 this morning. At 2:00 I looked at him and said I have to take a break. The heat was getting to me. It was after all 90 degrees outside. Rick gave me a grateful look and agreed to a quick break. Well, 2 1/2 hours later, we woke up from our break! That's right, we both fell asleep in the living room. We couldn't believe it. What happened to us? Not so long ago we could work for 12 hours straight in 90 degree weather without a break. Now we are lucky to get 6 hours of work in in a day. I don't mind getting older; I mind losing my stamina! Rick and I are workhorses. After all we have remodel our entire house ourselves. (Disclaimer: After drywalling one room ourselves, we now hire that dirty job out! Being honest is the backbone of this blog. So, felt compelled to tell the truth here!) And we have done all of our landscaping ourselves too.
But as I sit here on the back porch icing my shoulder while taking in the smell of honeysuckle while admiring our work, I realize we still do good work. It just takes us a little bit longer than it use to. I also can appreciate all of our hard work more. With age comes wisdom and gratitude. I realize how lucky I am to still be able to work in my yard. Hopefully tomorrow morning when I wake with new aches and pains, I will still have the afterglow of a good hard day's work. I've been blessed by God.
Make Every Day Count.....
Denise
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