Year 6

This last school year took forrreeeever and it flew. This is the second year in which I taught seniors that I also had as freshman... and unless I change schools, it's going to keep happening from now on. I better get used to it. But, I really didn't think that A.) I'd be at the same school long enough to see this happen even one time--let alone twice now B.) I didn't think I'd still be living in San Diego this long and 3.) I mean C.) I didn't think I'd still be a teacher.

I've come to realize--this year especially--that all the things I thought I didn't like, I really do like. A lot.

A.) My school: with it's bumbling, spineless administration and incompetent, whiny counseling staff, with toilet paper fires in the boys' bathroom, super-glue in all the locks, black widows in the bathrooms, and the Ag. Department's sheep pens situated in such a way that when the wind blows just right it smells like the 5 freeway in Central California... and my "Coven" of supportive teacher-friends.

B.) San Diego: with the airplanes flying over my house and interrupting my thoughts or hulu viewing, with foggy mornings and sunny 75 degree summers, with the loud-ass green parrots and the tan, skinny-ass North County cougar moms with BMW SUVs and with its running paths and trails along every shoreline possible and the best f'ing seafood and Mexican restaurants on the planet.

C.) English Teacher: with the "spit out your gum," "yes you have to do this," "are you kidding me right now?" "this is good crap you're learning," "i'm totally blowing your mind, I can tell," "yeah, macbeth is pretty much a d-bag," "your essays are why i drink so much wine at night," and... "i'm really, really proud of what you guys did these last few weeks and I'm truly going to miss laughing with you every day."

Year 6. It was a good one.

Totally unrelated but related in every way possible: The following video is about the school dress code was created by teachers in North County at High Tech High School. My life's goal for the next school year to emulate this... (the video is really long and sort derails at the end. you'll get the point after the first 2 minutes.) My FAVORITE line is, "Caught wearing tights for pants."

Off Again, On Again

It seems to be a crazy time of year for many of my blogosphere buds, and the same is true in my sphere. We had a visit from the in-laws 2 weeks ago, my mom last week and a half crazy foster dog somewhere in between. It's been fun and busy. It's been funsy. Which, of course, means "busy fun." I'm sort of in the mood to make up words. I had my freshman doing that today in imitation of the poem "Jabberwocky" by Lewis Caroll. But, my point: I'm feeling a funk setting in. What do I do with myself now that the excitement is over and my schedule is lackluster?

I suppose it's time to focus on the pre-30 goals I made specifically for this year of my life:

1. go to Europe and see a really real castle
2. Run a marathon in under 4 hours
3. Grow my hair out again
4. Get a paycheck for writing something
5. Take the GRE, apply for grad school

I've only checked off one so far...and I have exactly 9 months (as of the 14th) until my 30th birthday! I think I've got #3 well underway (I had to set something ridiculously simple, just in case the others proved too much). But, my goal to run a marathon in under 4 hours before 30 is beginning to feel ridiculous. I haven't been on a serious run in weeks; calling Monday night co-ed softball games "fartlek training" isn't going to fly anymore (especially since I'm not a very good hitter).

I was reading this month's Runner's World and found my newest training schedule inside. All I have to do is decide when to start the 16 week training program...and that will be determined by the race I decide to enter.

I'm accepting suggestions for flat/enjoyable marathons that take place in mid to late fall (2010). I'd love to hear what your favorite races might be at that time. I'm considering New York City. But, is that too big and intimidating? Should I try for a small one closer to San Diego...or family in Northern California? Anyone know much about good Central Cal races in the fall? I just can't decide.

In the mean time, I'll be doing my maintenance runs during the day while sighing and studying and dreading the training chart, which will soon become my "social life," at night.

Break 4 Hours or Bust!
(I'll post the training schedule soon.)

An Email...

I got this email from my husband after the second sleepless night with the new dog...

Dear mommy, sorry I didn't let you sleep so good last night. I'll do better tonight. I did a couple of good things this morning. I did really good on my new training leash. I walked right next to daddy. I also pooped where you want me to. I'm trying hard. Love, El Guapo