October 16, 2010

What's Up? A Bunch of Rambles

First off, I got a little crazy redesigning the blog. What do you guys think? Still trying to play w/ the colors a bit b/c I'm not pleased w/ the text colors of the links on the sidebar.

So, I feel pretty recovered from Wineglass, been running 7ish every day or so. More importantly, I am ready to get out there and do stuff! Meaning, 3:01:33 just left me craving for more. And... I do have 2 spring marathons picked and planned already, but I will keep them a secret for a little bit longer. I am super excited about both. For now, I have a couple halfs picked and some shorter stuff, too.

With regards to track, we MIGHT be close to affording repairs! There have been some really generous donations lately, which I am extremely appreciative. The problem is that I have been waiting over TWO weeks to find out how much money is in our account. Why, you ask? Well, the county and the school give each sport a variable amount of money each year. That amount is subject to change, whatever the Athletic Director wants. (Connect some dots here. K is AD...) So, I didn't know how much were getting. I called the secretary and asked for our balance. Long story short, she has YET to get back to me. I emailed called, and called again. What is the deal? I am really becoming frustrated b/c if by chance, we DO have the funds, we need to make the repairs NOW. And... someone told me that there is MORE damage to the track now, thanks to the geniuses that drove trucks and other vehicles out there for the Homecoming festivities. I mean, the team hasn't won a single game in over a year, but go ahead and ruin the chances of a team that could actually win. Alright, that might have been more bitter-ex wife talking, but still... why is the most successful team in the school beating its head against a wall just to have basic repairs accomplished????? Whatever happens, the season opens after MLK, with first meet allowed the last week in Feb. So, I would really like to get this underway soon!

In other news, my classroom has kept me super busy. This year, I am teaching the "inclusion class", which means I have the highest number of special needs students in my room. I could really say a lot right now about my thoughts, but I will just keep it to one. As a teacher, I pity the "average" child. We have so many programs and "special" tools to help below-grade level and above- grade level students that the "average" child is nearly forgotten! In my room, I honestly need to clone myself about 5 times to deal with the needs of my students. Don't get me wrong, they are the lights of my life and I wouldn't change a thing, but I leave each and every day totally exhausted. On top of that, it seems that the children in my school become more neglected each year. I have a student that was actually homeless last year. Child and mother lived in a shelter in a big city near our town. (Trying to keep privacy here.) That in itself absolutely breaks my heart. On top of that, this child is amazing. The child is smart, funny, sensitive, everything a parent could ever want. So, they moved in with relatives for the year. Until now, when the family members had a huge falling out, forcing child and mother out. He withdrew from school Friday, after a very tearful good-bye.

So, not much on the running front. I am constantly reminded how fortunate I was to have grown up in such a great home w/ loving parents that constantly worked to meet my needs. I am overwhelmed at times at the condition of my students' lives. Nothing I can do is ever enough...

9 comments:

  1. Anonymous10/16/2010

    ahhhhhhhhhhh you can't keep us in the dark about your spring marathon! (says the girl who always keeps her friends in the dark hahah)

    glad you're feeling recovered from wineglass. and that you're hungry for more. i'm living vicariously through you :)

    but yay for being close to getting repairs done. that's very exciting and i'm keeping my fingers crossed for you.

    p.s. i like the new look :)

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  2. Glad you are feeling excited about running again. I hope you that after all your hard work last year you are able to get the track repaired. I give you huge props for getting up and doing what you do every day. I know I would not have the emotional strength to do your job!

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  3. I'm excited to hear more about your upcoming running schedule. And I understand your need to change your blog looks. I'm toying around with mine as well. Nothing is really working yet!
    Being a teacher can be totally draining, especially emotionally. Great job for being able to handle it!

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  4. Anonymous10/16/2010

    Love the new blog look! Have you thought about switching to wordpress? I'm enjoying the features more than blogspot. Can't wait to hear about the races you've picked for 2011!

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  5. Love the new blog look, it's easier to read I think! Good news that you're making progress with the repairs too!

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  6. Your blog background is really pretty. I like the text colors, btw. Really sad about the sweet kid, I hope he'll be able to find the future of good things he deserves, somehow. And bravo on the near track repair! Does sound super frustrating waiting, but just knowing you're closer is wonderful.

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  7. Yeah, I never thought about it, but there are so many special programs now for below average and above average that it would seem that the "average" get neglected. It's good you treat everyone equally. I love the blog re-design. I re-did mine a few weeks ago and I love the fresh new stripes!

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  8. You know, it's really refreshing to see those individuals who are really passionate about what they do, it makes all the difference:) In my experience working with kids, teachers and coaches who care really make a difference. Thank goodness somebody notices the "average" ones, also.

    Nice face lift, if I say so myself!

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  9. Love the new look! Any clues to which marathons? I plan to do the Suntrust National Marathon on March 26. Is that on your radar?

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