Less Than a Month Left of School

It never ceases to amaze me how fast the school year goes. I got a text from one of the UNC throwers this afternoon that said he was heading to his last college class...ever.

1.) I can't believe I've spent four years at UNC already. I guess I've been at it awhile. I've even started getting wedding invitations from my athletes.

2.) I can't believe school is almost out...again. I've agreed teach the first session of summer school, so I guess I'll get just a bit more school in, but I"ll be doing it on vacation.

This year has felt a little less eventful than all the rest of my years. On a whole, it has been a lot less stressful than years past, even though I'm trying to teach, coach, and get my Master's all while entertaining psychotic dreams of working out sometime in this decade.

Summer always seems to creep up on me since I spend my spring with my head stuck in track and field land, add the classes of Facilities Management and Strength and Conditioning on to it and I'm back to my jock days. I haven't even gotten my garden ready yet!

I haven't made many plans for this summer, but I know I'm excited for it. Visions of backpacking, visiting buddies and family, gardening, and reading are bouncing around in my head!

attachments

It’s always the little things that get me. I’m doing fine, going along on my merry way when wham something happens and a ton of crazy life questions pop up.

It dawned on me I have a thing for mugs but not just any ol’ coffee mugs the ones in MY cupboard. I believe it all started with the white mug my Grandpa Harms and I used to both love. I have it now, it’s tucked away and we both said it made the water taste funny and I LIKED IT. I also have a big huge mug my parents gave me that has dopey and the seven dwarfs on it, a mug with cats from my Grandma Harms, a beauty that my friend Christie gave me and finally the Steamboat mug that is no more.

Tonight I broke it. In it’s final moments it held coffee. It was significant to me only because it reminded me of a specific journey I took to Steamboat. On this particular trip I had a wonderful time in solitude, which I think is a journey that I’ve learned to appreciate over the last few years. The mug was a reminder of the larger things I’m fond of or in other words, attached to.

It brings me to ponder a larger topic, our attachments. It's a mug. It’s just a mug, but I was sad. Is it bad to be attached to such things? A specific mug, a specific place, a specific memory???? The eight bucks I'll pay to get another one won't replace those. There are many philosophies out there and some strive to ween people from attachments, so that we don’t suffer when things are gone. But what if the suffering is good for us? What if the absence of something makes us appreciate what we have even more?

If we don’t have attachments how can we truly appreciate something? With so much of the world in the gray area of isn’t it kind of nice to have some black and white? Some concrete things that we LOVE? The world is changing all the time. I think it’s nice to appreciate the beauty of some things that stay the same. It's not wrong to be attached to them. Its a complete cop out not too get close to something because you don't want to feel bad when it's not around. I think learning to deal with loss is an important aspect in life we can only truly appreciate when something we really love leaves us(and I'm not talking about my mug anymore.)

Theodore Roosevelt said, "Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat." I believe the same is true for attachments.

I know it was just a mug, but I liked it.

SNOW DAY! HIP HIP HOORAY!

The skies opened up and dumped on Loveland last night and I was lucky enough to have school called off (and I knew last night so I didn't set my alarm!) It's really as though I have a day and a half off as we were to have parent-teacher conferences tonight til seven! I thought about going skiing but after a quick look at the road conditions on I-70, I thought I would stick to the original plan of skiing on spring break next week.

Snow days historically have been filled with knitting and cooking for me and today is no exception....except I'm adding homework to the mix so I can play next week. I've already gotten up and tried my hand at making some homemade hummus and I think I did a pretty good job! (I'll write out the recipe and post!) I've also put on a pot of white chili and mopped the kitchen floor! (can you tell I'm feeling fairly accomplished by 9:30 am)

Weekend In

I cannot remember the last time I went home Friday and stayed home the entire weekend. I think the farthest I got from my house was maybe a mile and a half. Between all the weekends with track meets and the pressure to "do something" the weekends I do not have track meets I don't hang out at home much. It was really nice.

I feel like I got a lot done and at the same time did nothing so I suppose that is a successful weekend. The most exciting thing was installing a new programmable thermostat in my living room. I know it sounds dorky but it was on my "to do" list.

I've been sticking to my diet. I have one more hard week before I can start eating things like fruit again, so I spent a lot of time preparing meals for the upcoming week, which I am NOT looking forward to...

IT IS PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES.

This is the week that even though I get Friday off, on Monday and Wednesday I am at the school from 7AM to 7PM with my only breaks being my 40 min lunch and my planning period. Tuesday and Thursday I attempt to pack in a good practice with the throwers because we have a meet Saturday and Friday we usually spend as a prep day for the meet. YIKES. LONG WEEK. and last week was CSAPS and the week before that the quarter ended.

GUESS WHO'S READY FOR SPRING BREAK?????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BUT! I did truly have a nice relaxing weekend. Both good buddies Cathleen and Elissa came by so I got my fill of some things I truly love, buddies, coffee, cooking, movies, knitting, reading, sunshine, walks, and making improvements on my home. Awesome.

CSAP Time of Year

I have about 15 minutes before I'll have to shut off my computer, lock up my cell phone, and hide the calculators.

It's CSAP! But never fear, my days at Resources For Disabled Students prepared me for a lifetime of proctoring tests.

I know the kids hate them, I hear this all the time but I thought I hated the Iowa Basic Skills and I didn't LOVE the ACT but kids also hate broccolli.

I personally love them, while actively procotoring I usually have a little time to chill and do some lesson planning and/or grading. I may occasionally throw some "historical research" in and read.

February oh February, cut me a break!

February may just be the busiest time of year for me. I used to think it was April but it's definitely February. Speaking to a fellow coach Saturday I mentioned that I "just need to get through February." When she said she felt the same, I realized it wasn't just me but EVERYONE that is swampped this time of year.

I've been feeling a bit under the weather the past couple days. I skipped a few days of practice to protect my throwers from getting it and to get a bit more sleep. I think I have got more sleep in the past few days than I did all of last week. (so no surprise I'm sick right?) I've done a pretty spectacular avoiding the common crud this year, but I defintely got hit this week.

Northern Colorado Track and Field is coming up on its last meet before indoor conference, which will be in Bozeman, Montana (I wish I could throw in my skis and hit the slopes for a day) I'm actually anticipating the long bus ride when I'll have a chance to knit, study for classes, and read the awesome new kindle that I got for my birthday. (book suggestions anyone????)

My masters classes have been a bit slow rollin for me and this weekend will require a little "make-up" time hitting the books. I did manage to score some extra time to complete my modules for strength training as the book company sent my package to Georgia (as well as over charged me) and it still has not made it's way to Loveland.

Practice times, which have caused me an unreal amount of stress this February are nearly sorted out (of course we only have a couple weeks left of indoor practice) and despite all the drama with facilities, my throwers have continued to do well. I'm very proud of a third year student, Sean Conlin, who has exceeded far beyond expectations and continues to hit new personal records at each meet. I have been posting videos on youtube for my throwers to watch and analyze and I think it's been helping make up for crazy practice times.

As for teaching, my students are finishing up a unit on the scientific revolution and enlightenment and are headed toward the French Revolution. My classes have been fabulous this semester, Roosevelt seems to have a pretty savy sophomore class.

For those of you who follow, I haven't done much to my house lately as it just so dawned on me last night, at this point, I think it would be a victory to have all my laundry done.

Lastly, I hope everyone is enjoying the Olympics. I absolutely adore the Olympics they are one of the most romantic things I think to exsist, both ancient and modern.

Thanks to All for the Birthday Wishes!

I'd like to extend my sincereist thank you to all who called/wrote/text/post birthday wishes! I had a great day Monday and I definitely felt very loved.

I haven't been able to keep up my blog as much as I like with the start of a new track season, teaching, and masters classes but things are going smoothly for the most part.

I am taking Facilities Management and Strength and Conditioning this semester through Adams State College. When I am done with the Strength and Conditioning class (pending I pass the national test) I will be a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

My throwers have been doing very well. I've been taking a lot of practice and competition video for training purposes but if anyone is interested, you can see my throwers at www.youtube.com You'll have to do a search for my username, "csuthrower".

Other than that and in any spare time I have I've been playing some volleyball to get a little exercise in... some yoga here and there and still knitting away! I hope all is well and thanks again for the birthday greetings!

Dual Certification!

It just dawned on me that after this spring I will be eligible for dual certification in my teaching license for both secondary social studies and physical education.

It's a crazy time for education in Colorado. They will be cutting about 260 million from the budget (if I can remember right) yikes. I've heard that Greeley schools and Longmont schools will be cutting teachers next year.

Our superintendent has come by and said that the priority of the school district is to not cut any jobs, even if that means a salary freeze (which I'm already anticipating)We've been assured our district is in better shape than a lot of schools.

Sooooooo..... dual certification seems like a good thing for me right now as I could potentially do more for the school. I'm feeling proud of myself!

Yoga! Where Have You Been!?!

As it just so happens...I'm extremely out of shape. This started about 5 years ago when I finished up college. Being able to smack down a few volleyballs for an hour twice a week doesn't quite cut it.

Let's face it. I'm not a huge runner. The idea of going jogging in -13 degree weather sends my hand right to the snooze button. Plus after spending 4 days a week in the weight room for 5 years and even more on the side, I'm a little burnt out on traditional workouts. I like to hike and ski and volleyball off the extra pounds. But as I mentioned before it's just not cutting it anymore so back to the fitness world I go.

Even more reason to bite the bullet and get back into fitness is the issues I've had with my non-existent thyroid. Although it's regulated, it's nothing to mess around with.

I've always dabbled in yoga and I've really always liked Bikram's yoga...mostly because of the intensity but it's expensive and its hard to go knowing I'll be in class at least an hour and a half (did I mention in a very hot room???) Therefore with a little inspiration from a special couple...I'm stepping away from Bikram's taking the yoga video tour.

I have discovered that corepower yoga has yoga on demand and you can get a week free, and it's not super expensive if you do join. but since I have a blockbuster subscription I will take my free week while I anticipate the first yoga video to arrive from my queue.

Lucky to have a background in athletics and a personal trainer of a sister, I'll eventually work some cardio back into my volleyball-yoga routines.

The goal???? Lose 21 pounds. I'm giving myself a year to do it, because I want it to stay off as opposed to a crash diet. Its an attainable goal and I think my body will be very happy with me. Plus I'm excited about the opportunity to get up in the morning and crank out some exercise before get in my OWN shower before I head to work.

How can you be a Division I track coach and not be in shape? REALLY. It's time.

Where Did Melissa Go?

Sorry about the absence of posts. Unfortunately I don't have much to catch everyone up on.

UNC Track has started full time pre-season conditioning meaning we as coaches (and this includes weight room time) are allowed 20 contact hours a week. Previously I had been going to UNC about twice a week and now I've bumped that up to four (or five) days a week until season begins (then I'll hit 5 or 6)

Having a student teacher has been great, although I definitely have not got as much work done on other things with her teaching my classes as I've thought. She is doing a absoulutely fantastic job, I still can't believe I get paid and credits for someone else teaching my classes but I suppose it's a little karma coming back from when I did my student teaching. The students at Roosevelt have been very well behaved this year and I'm happy to say I've liked teaching more and more with each passing year. Perhaps its the widening age difference, perhaps I'm just getting better at it, who knows.

I've been knitting quite a bit. I gave up on the sweater mostly because I thought it was ugly and instead have been working on a purse and a scarf. I've also recently crocheted a baby blanket and counting up all the little ones around, I have to make a few more!

Keeping things pretty low key, as I'm trying pretty hard not to get sick. I am definitely behind on the leaves that are in my yard! Hopefully in the next few weeks I can find some time (and be dedicated enough) to winterize my home a little bit better than what it is now by putting on some storm windows, putting plastic over the windows in the basement, etc.

Finally my master's classes are still going pretty well. I'm taking Sports Management and Sports Psychology. Most recently I've been reading Sacred Hoops by Phil Jackson for sports psychology. I find it a little ironic how I read much of this information on my own, but when I'm forced to, I procrastinate. It's annoying.

I hope everyone is doing well. I'll try to post some pictures soon!

Feeling Generous?

Several times in my blog I have mentioned my dear friend Loree. I consider Loree one of my closest friends, and I was unbelievably proud of her when she made the 2008 US Olympic team to compete in the hammer event. (Go Loree!)

When Loree finished her career at CSU, she had been an All-American six (yes six) different times and she set two (yes two) NCAA collegiate records. I have often thought of her as a "first round draft pick." However she's not in a revenue sport.

She's recently decided to move to Arizona, and to do so, needs some financial support to continue to train. If you have any interest in Loree, her endeavors, or perhaps sponsoring this OLYMPIAN in her quest for a return to the Olympics in 2012 please check out her website!


website of the of Loree's training facility

Loree's website

website for donations

Busting Out My Running Shoes

I got a call Sunday from an old high school friend that said, "run the 5k at Cornfest" like a moron I agreed.

The kicker as I've been thinking about how I'm going to get my legs in shape for a just over three mile race is that I swore (in my more in shape days) that I would never train for a 5k. That "anyone" should be able to go jog three miles. I'm a little afraid that now I'm going to severely eat those words, so now I've got to figure out how to get in shape in a little less than two weeks.

There is more to it than pride, I know I'm going to get it handed to me, but I remember when Adam fresh out of chemo was running this it is now in my mind a nice little tribute to him and all he went through and so if someone like Adam could run it in the state that he was in, so can I.

I can tell you all I'm in no shape now for what "anyone" should be able to do and I'm expecting some support! I'm pumped for Cornfest and I can't wait to see all my friends and old classmates! I can't believe it's been 10 years!

Go Rams!

I just thought I would send my congratulations to the Colorado State Rams who stomped the Buffs this weekend. Here's the link to the CSU press release.

"I'm proud to be a CSU Ram!"

Back into the Swing of School

I've almost been back to work a month! I can't believe this is my sixth year teaching! I have to admit this has gotten much easier over time. While life has been a bit crazy there have been some changes that I've definitely welcomed.

1.) My first student teacher to train. I was lucky to get a great student teacher this semester. She has a great attitude and works very hard. It made me feel good to know my school must be confident in my teaching to allow me to train another.

2.) I'm not coaching any high school sports this fall! I love coaching, but I have consistently had a jam-packed schedule since I began working (technically I've never had just one job) and this fall I've had an opportunity to do things like (go to the hospital for the first two weeks of school to visit dad or Gus) work on my house, prepare for the upcoming track season, and continue my education. I'm no less busy, but I'm doing more for me.

3.) Work on my grad classes. This sememster I'm taking Psychology of Sport and Administration of Sport. While taking 6 credits, I think it will be manageable because it will be until December rather than a 6 week class.

Of course, I've managed to get a cold already this late summer (I refuse to say fall yet) and I'm still getting used to getting up before six, but life is good.

30 days left!

I have exactly 30 days left of summer vacation. AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH! I quite honestly feel like I have done nothing I set out to do this summer except for start classes (and grow some still baby tomatoes and cucumbers)

30 days.

I guess I should be used to the urgency that comes every summer about this time. I HAVEN'T EVEN BEEN CAMPING OR BACKPACKING YET!

This weekend I'm headed to Laura and Grant's wedding which should be fun and its always good to see the Kroese bunch. Next week I have the USATF clinic (which I'm sure won't be all that exciting or maybe because I geek out over track it will be fascinating)

I have set aside the week of the 20th as my backpacking week. I also wouldn't mind doing some the week following.

As far as the coming school year goes, I have opted not to coach softball. I am ready to have a fall somewhat to myself (and throwing.) I've worked really hard this summer on throws coaching and I would like to focus on my number one passion for a bit, while working on my classes, plus I never have a lack of things to do.

Anyway 30 days. UGH. Where has the summer gone? At least this summer I'm not getting my thyroid yanked!

Renewed Motivation - Scraping Wallpaper

After a great trip to Haxtun for Tessa's 2nd Birthday, I returned home to do more work on my Introduction to Research class, work on my yard, and yes I decided to tackle a wall of wallpaper this week. (I picked the smallest one.)

Here is the wall, I want it done before I leave for my cousin's wedding this weekend so....

PS. I've also opted to try and get my closet doors painted this week.

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July 2009!

I decided to take a break from studying (I still have a quiz to do today before I go play) to write for my outdated blog!

The most exciting news I have to report is that I won Blues Traveler tickets for tonight at Red Rocks so my friend Kim and I are headed to Morrison.

Beyond that I've spent the last couple weeks working on my classes, and working out.

I've really enjoyed my Methods of Coaching Class. I recently did a book review on Bowerman and the Men of Oregon by Kenny Moore and definitely recommend the book to anyone. (Bowerman was Prefontaine's coach and helped found Nike) My Methods of Research class is not near as exciting. I've started reading Cantor's Dilemma for a required book review and that's been the most enjoyable part. The rest of the class has been filled with talk of research and statistics. UGH.

As far as working out goes, there are a bunch of women around Ft Collins who usually play in the volleyball leagues during the fall, winter and spring. But, since there is not too much organized ball, we constantly call up each other and meet at a sand court around town for an hour or two. I went climbing with Jeff again yesterday and I've decided that is a GREAT workout. Then I have my normal softball games on Sundays.

My garden is doing well, I have tomatoes and cucumbers growing both of which I'm very excited to eat.

As far as the next few weeks, I'm sad because summer is winding down and things are starting to get really busy again. Not to fear though, I still have some fun events. I'm driving my Grandma Harms to my cousin's wedding in Lincoln NE (that I even bought a new dress for) and I'm going to my niece Tessa's second birthday party. I'm doing a ton of stuff for track this summer and I'm about to get started with those things. I have a few days planned at the USATF level I certification class in Boulder that I'm glad they are offering in Colorado, then of course there is the NCAA test for coaches. Sadly I still haven't been backpacking and I'm hoping I can find time to do the Baker-Bowen loop in Rocky Mountain National Park/Never Summer Wilderness. I said I wanted to do Maroon Bells this summer but on this time frame I'm not seeing it getting done.

I hope all is well for everyone! I can't believe how fast the summer is going! (we go back Aug 7...AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH) Get ready for some vegetables!

MA Day 1 and 2

Yesterday I started my classes! I am typically NEVER this excited for school, but I'm enjoying the topics so far. It was a rough start.

I checked for my class to be on the WebCT first thing when I got up. They were not there, so I called the office, AGAIN. (we are now on a first name basis)they finally got me uploaded into all my classes and I tried to read my assignments. For some reason, even though I have the correct version of WORD they would not open. After an hour or more of problem solving, I got everything figured out. (Basically it just started working for whatever reason.)I found out I had two assignments due yesterday...cranked those out, listened to an online lecture for the first week, and ordered my books off Amazon.

One of my first assignments is to write a coaching philosophy. This really isn't very easy. I've done it before and it took me forever. While I could just use that one, I wrote it without as many years of experience or as many sports of experience so I decided to rewrite it and compare. I spent the majority of today brainstorming notes. When I wasn't brainstorming, I was reading a new book, In These Girls, Hope Is A Muscle, by Madeleine Blais. It was a beautiful day and I have to admit I was doing all this from a lawn chair, while sun bathing and drinking sweet tea. (WHY NOT.)

My next assignment is to read a book and write a book report on a coach of my choice. I'm leaning a little toward Bob Bowerman since the assignment specifically called for someone who is not super popular. (as say Wooden)

Needless to say, this sort of thing is right up my alley. I love to read about sports and I'm looking forward to taking a walk to the book store and/or library a which are both a few blocks from my house and finding a new book on sports to add to my collection.

A New Beginning

I begin my classes in quest of my MA in Coaching tomorrow. I'm pretty excited. This summer I will be taking Introduction to Research and Methods of Coaching. I already took Methods of Coaching in college when I began working toward a coaching minor but the undergraduate credits cannot count toward my masters.

I'm fairly excited about this and I'm definitely a little nervous to begin since it will be online through Adam's State College as opposed to the traditional classroom. Did I mention I've never taken an online class before? I went through the tutorial cd they sent me but it didn't do a whole lot for me.

I'm very happy to begin. I wanted to start this last summer and just missed the deadline for admission for summer classes. More so, I'm very happy to begin because I'm working toward a personal goal as well as something I think will be very good for me to accomplish. I wish I would have been more studious in my undergrad years, not just for better grades, because I now read for pleasure the information I blew off when I was in class.

Lastly, I never imagined that I would have aspirations to be a career coach, but it seems to be something I really enjoy and I consider it one of the greatest jobs I could ask for. Hopefully I can use the information I gain over the next few years to work at becoming a "master" coach.

Wish me luck!

Where Has The Sunshine Gone?

I know in mid-July it will be hot, so I don't want to necessarily complain, but the lack of summer-type weather here in Colorado has made my life pretty mellow.

Even though I'm missing my Colorado sunshine, I have gotten a few things done and enjoyed some great company. Yesterday my dad was in town and took me out to eat right before my first doubles sand volleyball game.

Let me digress on this doubles sand volleyball. I'm playing in a woman's league with my friend Deb who is the setter on my competitive team in Loveland. Since we're playing woman's ball the net is at least a decent height for me to hit over jumping out of the sand but the problem I encountered last night was that I forgot the court was shorter. I've played so much indoor ball and so little outdoor ball this was quite an adjustment, especially since most of the "game" that I have consists on hitting the lines. Ugh. Deb and I spent most of the first match (which we lost) figuring this out. We rallied back figured things out enough to pull out a win in our second match, but I feel I need to go do some plyos in the sand.

Other than that, I've again been working in my house. I have moved into the room that I finished working on and made an office/study out of my old room since I start my Master's classes on Monday. My first two classes will be Introduction to Research and Methods of Coaching. I'm a little nervous about it because I've never taken an online course and I'm not sure what to expect. I've called the coaching office probably five times in the last two days and so I'm sure they are ready for me to get started as well.

If the weather continues to be the same I will have a forest of a lawn by next week but I can't help it because ITS TOO WET TO WORK! Perhaps this afternoon I'll take some photos of the hail damage, which I should add, some of the plants have come back more than I thought I would, but I'm going to have to let go of a few of the pepper plants that the hail demolished. I can still replant the lettuce.

Beyond that, my days lately have started letting my two cats out, one of them catching a bird and bringing it back into the house as a nice little dead present for me. (yesterday this was Bo, today it was Jack) GROSS. After cleaning up the dead birds, I have been reading,cleaning and painting in my basement. Tonight the "Yurty Girls" are getting together for pedicures (I'm only going to socialize, my feet are beyond help) and tomorrow there is a BBQ for my friend, Trey, who just finished writing his proposal for his PHD and is leaving for Virginia on Saturday.

I'm desperately wanting to do a little camping so as soon as the sun shines for more than a half hour....I'm outta here!