Here we go again...

Ok, on Monday August 25th, I will begin my 18th (yikes!) year in education. I cannot believe it has been that long. So think about it. My first year I had a class with kindergarten to 5th graders (self contained special ed). Those kids would be between 23 to 29 years old!!!! Holy Diver!! as my friend Wendy would say. I still remember most of them. Some have become very successful adults, and some have not. One of my fav's, Dustin, still comes to visit me. I love that boy, well man now.

Of course all of this reminds me of my dad. My dad was an educator and I remember him always commenting about what year I was starting. He always said that one thing about being in education is that you always get a fresh start each year. No other career gives you that opportunity. I agree completely. I also think of my dad because it was a year ago Aug 14 that he passed away. Those of you who know me know the story. Dad was 80 and lived a full life. Knowing his Catholic guilt, I'm sure he had regrets. However, I don't think he felt he missed out on anything. What was amazing was that at his calling hours, there were people there that my dad taught in high school eons ago that commented on how he changed their lives. As an educator, how can you beat that. Even if it is just one person you influenced. What an opportunity I have every day I go to work. I love my job!
Here's to year 18!! Gosh, can you believe it, Dad?

Dilemma---Lochte or Phelps?

So I am a huge swimming fan. I am a swimmer, still to this day. I swim a mile at least 3 times a week. I am cheering on Michael Phelps. Holy crow, the man can swim and swim fast and well. He is amazing. So my dilemma. Tonight Michael Phelps swims against Ryan Lochte in the 200 IM. Do I cheer on Lochte or Phelps? Why cheer on Lochte? He happens to be the son of my high school swim coach. She was pregnant with him the last year I swam in High school ( oh my God I am old!). So, it is like GO Lochte! But it would be cool for Phelps to win 8 gold medals . This can only happen if Lochte does not beat Phelps in tonight's 200 IM. BTW, that was one of my races. I have to go for the underdog, Lochte. Tomorrow, we shall see ( cause I can't stay up that late). Let the best man win!!

The News Stick

I was watching the World News tonight. Unusual for me these days as I get most of my news from NPR. Anyway, I was waiting to watch the Swimming at the Olympics. I'll post my connection to that later. So the intro shows the montage of stories. Here they are...... coupled stabbed in China, War between Georgia and Russia Imminent, Bush condemns Russia(I don't agree with Russia, but Bush needs to zip it), Edwards confesses to his affair (You are so low and I can't believe I actually wanted you to be VP!!), Bernie Mac dies ( so sad, he was Hysterical!), Michael Phelps ready to make history.

Focus for me, The Olympics. So all this scary garbage is going on, and yet there are young people halfway across the world who are trying to make history by strength and effort. I know when I was that age, I didn't pay attention to the crazy world. So I wonder if they are aware of the global goings on, or not.

Kudos to the athletes who are giving their all and while reaching for their own goals, give the rest of us the glimmer that there is still honor and integrity in the world. ( yeah I know that some still cheat) But there is something about cheering for Michael Phelps to help him beat a record made in the 70's, or Dara Torres who is my age who can swim a 50 meter almost 5 times faster than me. Thanks for the hope!!!

Caitlin the dancer

Caitlin went to Princess Dance Camp last week, video attached(She's in Pink). She was sooo into it that I signed her up for regular dance classes (OMG). Anyway, they will last all year with a performance in June. Is it true my girl is a Prima Donna? If so, where the heck did that come from?

I Think Therefore I Swim

I have never thought better than when I am swimming in a pool. Ok, mowing the lawn comes in a close second. I know it is very strange, but then again so am I. So I swim laps (ave. 40) about 3 times per week. It really is the one exercise that I can continue to do and still enjoy. I change it up with H2O aerobics and running on my treadmill the rest of the week.

Anywho, I really think my best in the pool. Maybe it's because I am totally isolated from everything and everyone. I can usually think through a problem in about 30 laps. Do I solve every one? Not even close! But heck, I sure feel better afterward.