~ My Favorite Things ~

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens

Bright cooper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with string

These are a few of my favorite things.

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Mary Engelbreit Cross Stich Santa
Completed by M.Joy, 2006

Christmas really is my favorite time of year. Yes it can be stressful with the shopping, decorating, wrapping, baking, and endless family functions and parties...but it is also a magical time. The twinkling lights, the mysterious elf on the shelf (the elves for my niece and nephew are Buddy and Snowflake), the jolly Santas, singing Silent Night by candlelight, the absolute pure belief of children, the peppermint bark..the list goes on and on. I love pulling out my decorations each year and decorating my house. Yeah it takes time and energy and my house usually is a complete disaster area during the decorating, but it's all worth it in the end. I also love the shopping and getting to pick out just the right present for everyone on my lit. This year, I got to enjoy Christmas a little longer because my house was completely decorated by Thanksgiving and most of my shopping was done soon after that since I was having surgery. It was very nice to be able sit back and enjoy the magicalness (yes, I think I just made up a word) of the season.

In the spirit of Christmas (and the song), 

I thought I would share some of my Christmas favorite things with you.

Willow Tree Nativity
It sits on my mantle during the year and gets moves to the entertainment center for Christmas!

Really Woolly Nativity
One of my favorite decorations!

The Mantle
Notice George's Stocking!

The Piano
(one of my favorite things in my house)
The garland is lit...but half the lights have gone out.
I painted the "Believe" platter this summer and the plate is the 2012 plate from my Christmas china.
And...the red cylinder lamp on the right has "joy" carved all around the sides!

And now for the trees!

The Fireman /Firetruck/Dalmatian Tree in the guest room

The Georgia Tech Tree in the office

The "Joy' Tree in the piano room

The main tree in the great room...it looked much better with all the present under the tree!

And a few of my favorite presents...

Two new "Life Is Good' shirts from Amanda
I absolutely love them...and they are totally perfect for me!
M. Joy + Piano Playing + PBJ = Sheer Happiness

My sister and her family spoil me at Christmas!
Vera Bradley purse and messenger bag
Lilly Pulitzer insulated cooler tote

Coach Poppy Perfume from "Santa"

New luggage from Santa...and Mom and Dad!!
There is a medium bag inside the giant one.

The last time I got real luggage was 16.5 years ago at my high school graduation...

so glad to finally have real, grown-up luggage. 
Now I don't have to borrow my parents' every time I travel. 
I see a Connecticut, New York, Michigan trip over Spring Break to see some of my favorite people!

And last but certainly not least....


An awesome print from my parents!

There is a story behind this one. If you know me at all, you know I love dalmatians. My mom's father, better known as Chief or GP, was a captain in the Atlanta Fire Department and when I was growing up, my grandparents always had a Dalmatain as a pet...first Chief and then Fritz. After GP passed away, I decided to carry on the tradition. I first had Buzz and now George (and maybe I might have my sights on getting George a little brother or sister...just maybe). My mom was out to eat with some friends at the Applebee's in Monroe and they were about to start redecorating the restaurant. The waitress told them that if they saw anything they liked to let her know and she would send the manager over. The manager came over a few minutes later to tell them about the redecorating and to give them $5 coupons to use after the redecorating was over. My mom had seen a street sign that said "Dalmatian Street" and asked the manager about buying it. He said that a man at the bar had just left to go get cash to pay for the sign, but it the man didn't come back, then it was hers. Well, as luck would have it, the man did come back and pay for the sign. But...as my mom was walking out to leave, she saw this print hanging above the door. She asked how much it was and the manager told her to make an offer...she did and the deal was done! I love it!! Just have to figure out where I am going to hang it!

I know this post has been long, but I want to leave you with 2 short videos. Both of the videos really do help us remember that among the presents, twinkling lights, Santas, and cookies, there really is a true meaning of Christmas...the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

Pity Party

Going to be honest...this post is a bit of a "pity party on paper" (just need to get my thoughts out) and it is certainly going to be jumbled and long..I've warned you in advance.

I think we have all said the following at some point or another: This is not where I thought I would be in life.

We've said in response to good situations, bad situations, and probably just in response to the mundane-ness  (I think I might have just used a word that's not real...oh well) that life can get into. I, too, have uttered that phrase...a lot lately...boy for 2 different reasons. If you had told me 3 months ago that I would be sitting at home, unable to drive, and recovering from major wrist surgery, I probably would have laughed and then kicked you in the shins for even bringing up the thought. When I had surgery two summers ago, I thought that it would solve all my wrist issues. Well, we now know that just wasn't the case. Dr. A didn't do anything wrong...I haven't done anything wrong (except for falling last October and landing on my wrists)...it's just the way the cookie crumbles...or in my case...just the way my wrist crumbles! I have been very teary the past few days...thanks to hormones (thank you Mother Nature), my anxiety about heading back to work, missing my friends, not being able to drive for at least another 4 weeks, and as a friend pointed out today, trying to work all the narcotic pain medicine out of my system. I get like this sometimes and I honestly can't put my finger on what triggers the tears and the sappiness.

Friday I went for my first post-op visit with Dr. A. I was a little anxious about it because a) I passed out when Dr. A removed my stitches after the 1st surgery and b) my dad was coming with us to have his thumb looked at. I mean, I wasn't so much anxious about my dad being there...just that there was someone else that I felt the need to look after...and if you know me, I have a tendency to try to make things run smoothly for people and make sure everyone (but myself, usually) is happy and comfortable. When I have big appointments like this, Mom and I usually try to go to lunch at someplace we normally don't get to go to...like Flying Biscuit, Highland Bakery, Bakeshop (so sad it closed), etc. Since my dad was coming along we went to The Varsity. It was fun...nothing like a naked dog and some fries. Mom and I both said we still want to do our "girly" adventure at my next appointment with Dr. A in January. The appointment was a little stressful for me...at one point there were 7 people in the room...me, mom, dad, Dr. A, the tech, my OT, and her OT student. It took a minute before we all got situated! JH slowly cut off my splint and dressing my surgery and then Dr. A came in. I laid down to hopefully prevent a repeat of passing out (it worked!) and Dr. A took off the gauze, the steri-strips, and pulled out the running stitch in the incision. The incision is healing, it's just still in progress and was open just a bit. Dr. A decided to put on more steri-strips to help keep it closed as it continues to heal. I can take them off in the next few days when it looks like the incision has closed. He also talked a lot about what he did in surgery and really explained things to me in detail, which I appreciate. I have no idea how my wrist got so messed up, but I'm thankful I have a surgeon who can fix it! My wrist hurt some after everything was taken off because after having so much support around it for the past 11 days, it just hurt from not being supported. I was trying my best to hold it still and in a neutral position...but it's hard! Dr. A then talked to my OT about what the plan was. I headed downstairs with her to the OT department and she got busy making my new splint. I knew I was getting a new splint...but I just wasn't prepared for it. The last time I had a double-hinged elbow splint. They're big, cumbersome, and a pain to make...but it allows the elbow to bend and straighten...but they are a royal pain to sleep in! Dr. A and my OT decided to put me in a sugar-tong splint. It's much smaller than the double-hinged elbow splint...sleeping is much easier in it...but I can't straighten my elbow...and I can't take it off and on my myself. It goes from my hand up to my elbow and wraps around my elbow so i can bend my elbow, just can't straighten it much past 90 degrees. Why is the elbow involved if it's my wrist we're dealing with? Well, because your wrist and forearm motion start at the elbow so they have to block your arm at the elbow to keep your forearm and wrist from moving. It took awhile to make the splint and by the timer we were done, I was hurting. I was trying to get used to the splint, I was in pain, and I was tired. And I cried. As we left. I just couldn't help it. And I really couldn't explain it either. Just the way I deal with things.

New splint....learning to love it!

The rest of Friday was pretty much a bonafide pity party and I was the only one there. I decided to just let myself cry in an effort to get the tears and emotions out...it obviously didn't work...as I'm sitting here with a tear rolling down my cheek. Yesterday was better. Some good friends, including my OT and dear friend JH, were driving out for a Girls' Night In at my house. One girl was bringing her dog, Charlie, so that she and George could play with together...and play they did. George was quite the host...never really barked or cared that Charley was playing with his toys and chewing on his bones. It really was fun. They brought everything to make dinner...home made lasagna...delish! We really had a good time. And JH even took my splint off twice so I could rest my arm and she relined it. They use panty liners to line the splints because they absorb (you'd be surprised at how much your arm/hand sweats), they're disposable, and they're relatively cheap! This is now going to be mom's duty! JH spent the night and this morning she let me take a shower without the splint on...no cast bag on my arm! It felt so good to actually wash my arm. I tried to get some of the junk off near the incision, but it was a lost cause. We then went to breakfast and she took me to run a few errands. When we got home, she got ready to leave...and the tears started again. Like I've said, I'm just teary. I called my mom and could hardly talk from being so choked up.

The other part of the whole "This is not where I thought I would be in life" thing is that I honestly never thought I'd be 34 and single. Yes...I'm going there. Sorry. And it's times like this that just bring it up to the surface and make it worse. Not being able to drive is no fun. at. all. And what makes it worse is there is not a "honey" I can call to say "hey, please stop at the store and bring home bananas and milk." Nope, I have to call good ole' mom and dad. Now, don't get me wrong. I am so thankful to have them close by and so willing to help. But, let's be honest, this whole thing would be easier if there was a Mr. involved. That along with the holiday season has just kind taken me over the edge. I think not working and being on pain meds has totally messed up my calendar...how in the world can Christmas be 2 weeks from Tuesday? I mean, I'm just about ready. I did most of my shopping before I had surgery...my house is decorated...and my Christmas cards have been sent...but, wow...it's sneaking up on us. And what's up with the weather? (Told you the post would be jumbled and random). It's hard to think about Christmas when you walk outside and start sweating from the heat and humidity! Luckily I think we are going to get some relief this week with some cooler temperatures.

So that's where I am...a bit of a teary mess...anxious about going back to school...ready to fast forward through the next 4 weeks without fast forwarding through the holidays or winter break...catch 22, I know. Praying that I wake up with the regular M. Joy back and have closure to this pity party!

Update Edition: Half-Marathon #4 & Surgery

As usual, I'm updating the blog a good month (plus some) after the last update. I promise 2013 is going to see more frequent updates. It's not that I don't have a lot to write about, I just never find the time (or in all honesty...make myself sit down) to write! But...I've been home for quite a few days following wrist surgery so now is the perfect time to write an update!

First up....Girls' Weekend & the Savannah Rock 'n' Roll Half-Marathon

To be honest, I wasn't sure this weekend was going to actually happen. The week leading up go the weekend was a wee bit stressful as we dealt with someone not being able to go, figuring out who was riding with who, etc...but it all turned out great...for the most part. I was so glad to just hit the road on Thursday night. There wound up being 6 of us for the weekend. It was interesting...2 of the girls only knew each other and didn't know the rest of us...they only knew the girl who wound up not being able to do. We had a great time. We stayed in the historic district in a townhouse (the Jasper House) run by Savannah Bed and Breakfast. It was awesome. I highly recommend them. We actually found them by using AirBNB, a website where people can list their vacation homes, etc.

The half-marathon was great. I was s-l-o-w (as usual) and my lack of training did not really help. The course was  pretty good...just very, very flat! I was tuckering out about mile 10 and thankfully at about mile 12, Jen and Annie came to the rescue. They walked and ran with me as far as they could and then I somehow mustered enough energy to run through the finish. It wasn't pretty...but I finished. Half-Marathon #4...in the books! Perhaps my favorite part of the whole weekend was finally buying a shirt from One More Mile. I have blogged about them before (Half-Marathon #1 Blog Post). Anyway, I finally bought a shirt from them...it says "Running slow is not a character flaw, quitting it" and it is perfect for me! I may be slow, but I'll never quit!

Before the race...sporting my new shirt!

After the race...sporting my new medal!

Haven't signed up for anymore races right now. Going to take a break and let my wrist heal.

Surgery Recap

So if I could replace one of my body parts, it would without a doubt be my left wrist. It's just a pain and as Dr. A said, it's going to be my achilles heel. I had an arthrogram (a procedure where they inject contrast material into the joint and take 'live time' x-rays using a fluoroscopy to see if the material has leaked out of the joint) and an MRI on Oct 30 and then went back to see Dr. A the next day. The arthrogram showed that nothing leaked out of the joint and that the TFCC repair was holding and the MRI showed that one of my tendons was aggravated. My ECU tendon which helps pull your wrist back after you bend it down was irritated and was likely also moving out of place when I rotated my wrist...hence the painful popping. Dr. A, Jen, and I all agreed for him to do an open surgery procedure where he would clean up the tendon, reconstruct the sheath it was supposed to be in, and then tie things really tight. I had the surgery last Monday (Nov 26) and have done pretty well with it. From what Dr. A told my mom (and me when I was in post-op) and from what he has told Jen, my ECU tendon was sitting on the side of my wrist, the tendon to my little finger was also very irritated, the TFCC was intact, but very stretched so basically not able to do its job, and my wrist had a lot of synovitis in it. He put things back where they were supposed to be, tightened things v-e-r-y tight, and cleaned up all the junk. I go back tomorrow for my first post-op visit...will have the big splint from surgery removed (yay for being able to move my elbow again), have the stitches removed (if there are any), and will go down to OT to have a new splint made. We think it will be another 6 weeks before I can drive and before I can start doing any type of movement with my wrist again. This surgery has been way more painful than any of the others. Dr. A actually prescribed me Percocet because he knew I'd be in more pain. The day after surgery was bad...I was taking 2 pills every 4 hours and counting down until I could take more. I actually had to call in and ask for something else to be called in because I knew I would need more to get through the weekend. He called in Vicodin, a less potent pain killer, and it has helped...just not as well as the Percocet. So...I'm 9 days post-op and feeling pretty good....still in some pain, but it's definitely better than before and manageable. Hoping for good news tomorrow!

Splint from surgery...and very swollen and gross fingers!

Best way to keep cold fingers warm? A fuzzy sock!

George taking care of his momma!

Big Ole Bloggity Update!

So it seems that I only do blog updates like once a month these days...I promise as soon as life slows down (if it ever does) that I will work on my blog-updating habits! But for now, here is the run down of the last month and a preview of what's to come!

Wedding #2....NYC!!

Two weeks after Jen's wedding, I took off for NYC for Randy and Cristina's wedding. It was a fun-filled 4 days that included a trip to the famed Macy's at Herald Square, Annie (amazing) and Jersey Boys (hello, 3rd row seats!) on Broadway, lots of rides on the subway, exploring the Children's Center at the NYC Public Library, piano playing at Steinway Hall, good eats, randomly finding the Scholastic Store in SOHO, running 7 miles in Central Park, and last but certainly not least, a beautiful wedding and fun reception! Worst part of the whole trip was coming home, getting unpacked and settled into bed, and then waking up at 1:30 am with the dreaded stomach virus. Ugh! But very thankful I got sick after I was home...there is no way I could have come home if I had gotten that sick in NYC! Here are a few pictures from the adventure...

Wooden escalators at Macy's

Sunday morning run through Central Park 

The original Winnie the Pooh stuffed animals

So sad that this amazing and iconic music store has closed

Randy and I at the wedding after party 

Amazing Steinway piano I played

Happy Birthday!

Amanda's precious little girl, Penelope Jane, turned one last Sunday. It's so hard to believe she is already a year old! I remember waking up to a text at about 2 am telling me that she had arrived. I, of course, made her cake...with Amanda's help and artistic direction. It was a great morning of celebrating Penelope's dedication at church followed by a delicious lunch and birthday party. I haven't downloaded the pictures yet from my camera...so as soon as I do, I will update it here!

School

School is going okay. I found out in a round about way that I didn't get a job at the county office that I had applied for. Actually, I didn't even get an interview. Still a bit confused about why I didn't get an interview, but it is what it is. I do have a renewed energy and passion for my job and am ready to tackle some big projects, like weeding our collection, reorganizing some of the book sections that just don't make sense, and making some new displays for the media center. Book Fair is right around the corner and as crazy and stressful as it is, I really do love it! It really satisfies my desire to own a children's bookstore (like Shop Around the Corner from You've Got Mail). Stay tuned for some hilarious stories from Book Fair...there are always a few!

Wrist

My lovely left wrist has been acting up a lot lately. I saw Dr. A about 6 weeks ago and got a cortisone injection. He also gave me a prescription for Lidoderm patches...which are basically patches of lidocaine. They have helped and while they don't take all the pain away, they definitely make the pain more tolerable. The goal then was to get me through the 2 weddings and make sure I could play the piano somewhat pain free. I went back this past Wed to see Dr. A to see what the plan is. My wrist is swollen and is clicking a lot (which are my bones hitting each other) and it just plain hurts. All the time. It also gets "stuck" and feels like things are catching when I move it in certain ways. The plan for now is to have an MRI (hopefully next week) and will then go back to Dr. A to get the results. He talked about an open surgery procedure where we would go in and basically tie all my ligaments as tight as can be. Guess it just depends on what the MRI shows. When I had an MRI 2 years ago, it didn't show that I had any ligament tears, but when Dr. A got in there during surgery, I did have a tear. I'm saying a prayer that this MRI shows exactly what is going on with my wrist...the good, the bad, and the ugly! Thinking that if I have surgery, it will happen the week after Thanksgiving...that's my plan at least.

Now, let me vent for a second (or a minute...or for a paragraph). Why in the hell do some people feel the need to give out medical advice like its candy?? I have had a few people make some rather ridiculous comments about my wrist....like "you need to find another hand surgeon" or "you need to get a second opinion." Thanks, but no thanks...Dr. A is surgeon #2 and I absolutely trust him and know that he will do what is best for my wrist. I am also not going to leave the great OT's that work for the practice, so in case you are wondering...if I have surgery and need OT afterwards, yes, I will be driving back down to Buckhead for OT. Someone else asked "what did you do this time? Ummm, the answer to that is nothing. I didn't do anything to make it hurt, it just does. I was just born with crappy wrists and 30 years of piano playing, 4 years of cake decorating, and 7 years of book checking-out and shelving have certainly not helped the situation at all. But...I'm not giving up piano playing at all (the other 2 are still out for debate), so I have to deal with what it does to my wrists. 

My wrists = My business = My decision

Your injury/illness = Your business = Your decision

Hopefully, we all see how that little mathematical equation works. 

So what's coming up in the ever-excirting life of Melissa Joy??

Next weekend is a girls' trip to Savannah for the Rock-n-Roll half-marathon...#4 for me! Getting very excited about the weekend away. You know there will be a blog post to recap the weekend so stay tuned!

Wedding Weekend Recap

First things first...I know I have been MIA in the blogging world, but life has just been filled with lots of fun things...like helping one of my best friends get ready for her wedding and some not so fun things...work, my dad being in the hospital for a few days, etc. Life is going to be busy for the next 6 weeks with a trip to NYC to see another one of my best friends get hitched and then another weekend trip to Savannah for the Rock'n'Roll half-marathon. Hoping things will calm down after that...just maybe!

But now onto the fun stuff....the wedding!!! It was amazing. The whole weekend. Just incredible. She looked stunning...he looked handsome...and they're now Mr. & Mrs. Bayer!! Everyone had a fantastic time at the rehearsal dinner, wedding, reception, and the after party. It was hands down one of the best receptions I have ever been to!

So without further ado, here is a quick (kinda) rundown of the weekend...

Friday

No school!
Last minute errands...car wash...mani and pedi...George to doggie camp
Last minute wedding things...reception place cards
Rehearsal at church
Dinner at SOHO in Vinings...delicious!
Dessert = seriously. amazing...
belgian waffle with almond toffee ice cream drizzled with chocolate & caramel
Kidnapped the bride so we could get some sleep!

Saturday

Hair and make-up done at the house

(Crystal from Authentic Beauty was fantastic!)

Snacking and relaxing
Headed to the church
Helped Jen get ready...her dress had a corset back and it took some time to lace it up...
She looked simply incredible!!
Picture time
(Alison Church was wonderful)
4:00....Wedding Bells ringing!
Simple but sweet ceremony
More pictures
Headed to the reception.... and accidentally left the bride's shoes at the church...oops!
Reception at The Vinings Club
Wine
Wedding Party and Mr. & Mrs. Bayer Introductions
Nat and Jen's 1st Dance
Wine
Dancing with Groomsmen
Dinner
Wine
Dancing
(DJ was awesome!)
Laughing
Chocolate Fountain
More Dancing
More Wine
And continue dancing and drinking...and more dancing and drinking
Jen & Nate left....I missed it because I was in the bathroom
Loaded up my car with reception stuff...cake, presents, etc.
Headed to the after-party at Meehan's
Fun (except for about 5 min) until the wee hours of the morning!

Sunday
Woke-up with a m.a.j.o.r. headache (way too much wine)
Hung out (read laid around) with Jen, Nate, Sarah, and Meredith until most of the family had left
Showered (amazing how much better you feel after a shower), packed, and checked-out
Help Jen and Nate load up everything...wedding dress, tuxedos, luggage
Dropped everything off at their townhouse
Drove home...
...realized when I was 2 min from home that I had her keys, make-up, meds, and sunglasses
Slept for a bit
Picked up a very sleepy George from the kennel
Drove back to Atlanta to give Jen back her stuff
Drove home...again...
and at the advice of a friend, stopped and got a cheeseburger and fries for dinner
Finally Home...
Exhausted...
Emotional...

Monday
Went to school for an hour to do the broadcast and finish editing a video
Came home and c-r-a-s-h-e-d!

Not the best picture quality...but it's the only one I have right now...will post more when I get them!

I think I might have finally recovered  from the weekend. I always feel kind of let down after a big event such as this...I really can't describe it...just been emotional. I really can't believe the weekend is over...it was like it was just yesterday that I got the text that Nate had proposed...and now they are married! They are now honeymooning in Hawaii and I hope they are enjoying every minute of being newlyweds! I am going to spend the next few days relaxing....and making the final plans for the next big wedding weekend, which is next weekend. Another one of my dearest friends, Randy, is getting married to the love of his life, Cristina. I leave for NYC and their wedding in 9 days!! I am playing the piano during their cocktail hour so I have some hours of practicing ahead of me...anyone want to come over and listen? It is sure to be another fantastic wedding weekend! NYC in October + wedding of 2 of my favorite people = perfect way to spend a 4 day weekend! Stay tuned for a post!

16 Days Down...

Too many left to go!

Is it January yet? Or for that matter, is it June?

Obviously, this vent session blog post is about school. Let's just say that it has been a less than stellar start to the year. Maybe it's because this is my 13th year and I'm just in a rut. Maybe it's because things are changing at school...and not necessarily for the better. I tend to think it's the later of the 2. 

I, unfortunately, have uttered the words "I love my job...I just don't like coming to school" too many times in the past 21 days (if you count the 5 days of pre-planning). And I really honestly do love my job. I love seeing children (and teachers, too) excited about books and reading. I love making sure things are organized. I love planning technology-rich lessons. I love being able to help teachers when the technology just isn't working. And, sure, there are parts of my job that I don't absolutely love. RBES goals...not quite how I like to spend my time. Shelving books...not exactly how I want to spend my time as a media specialist (and I really don't shelve that often). Dealing with the book room...not sure how this became my responsibility, but it has...and I wish it would magically appear on someone else's "To Do" list. 

But...these are not the reasons I don't enjoy going to school these days. Those are just part of the job

The reasons are along the lines of things like not feeling I am trusted to do my job (I am the only person in the school who is certified as a media specialist), getting multiple reminders about the same thing, being told I need to write a "manual" for the broadcast studio because of a minor mishap (a "manual" for the studio which contains 2 computers, 2 cameras, 1 video editing machine, an audio board with 10 inputs, a video switcher with 4 inputs, a green screen, a teleprompter, and 2 different VCR's...might as well be a novel), being told how to spend the money I receive from the county (again, who's the certified person), having to write detailed lesson plans (I could rattle of the AKS all my lessons teach)...I could go on and on...but I'll stop. Should I wonder why I have literally cried my way home at least once a week since school started? It's just plain ridiculous! This kind of stress shouldn't enter the picture until like November...not in July, the day we went back for pre-planning. 

And then there is the whole not being a classroom teacher thing. I have said it before and I will say it again, the classroom teacher has the hardest job at the school. They are literally on the front lines with the students day in and day out. However, that does not mean that the rest of us are just kicking out feet up and chilling for 8 hours a day. When you don't have student test scores directly tied to you, you're viewed (and treated) as though you're just not as important at the classroom teacher. Almost like a second class citizen. I work my tail off at school...creating lessons, dropping what I'm working on to help a teacher in need, constantly analyzing our collection to see where I need to weed and where I need to add more items, creating curriculum related lessons, and let's not forget turning the library into a bookstore for a week and a half two times a year for book fair...it's never ending. Just like the classroom teacher. Those of us who are considered "support staff" aim to do just that...support. But unfortunately, support sometimes just doesn't make the grade. 

This afternoon was kind of the "last straw." I found out the week before last that I had been nominated for Teacher of The Year...quite an honor if you ask me! I looked over the application for a few days and quickly realized that it was definitely geared towards the classroom teacher. It's a county-wide application so I can't really blame anyone at my school. I debated filling it out and then after a ridiculous (read horrible) day last week, I decided I wasn't going to fill it out. After talking to a few people, they convinced me to take the time to fill it out. So I spent last Thursday evening writing about how I collect data, my teaching philosophy, my community involvement (that was a no brainer for me!), and my professional development experiences. Today the finalists were announced...and they were all classroom teachers. And I know there was at least one other non-classroom teacher who submitted their application. Just another reminder that what we do doesn't count as much. Now, I know I wear my heart on my sleeve and yes, it bruised my ego a bit...but I think what has upset me more is the realization that the committee doesn't see as much value in what we as non-classroom teachers do as compared to classroom teachers. This was the second time in 4 years that I have been nominated as a media specialist and not been chosen as a finalist. Not really sure I want to ever find out if the 3rd time is the charm.

Think I should have taken the advice of a colleague who was also nominated for Teacher of The Year. A few of use were discussing it and she said she wasn't going to fill out the application. When asked why, her response was "I know I am a good teachers. I don't need to know that I'm not popular." Think there a lot to be said with that statement...

Thanks for reading...time to crank up the school laptop and start playing around with some new software so I can teach the teachers how to use it...not really my job, but that's how I roll!

...puddle...

Have pretty much been a puddle of tears since I walked in the door at 6:04 pm.

Not sure why.

Not sure if it's because my heart is hurting from reading the blog updates from 2 precious young ladies who are each in the throws of a relapse of cancer.

Not sure if it's because I'm just plain tired.

Not sure if it's because for the first time in 12 years, I am absolutely not looking forward to going back to school.

Not sure if it's because I'm starting to stress out about how crazy-busy the next few months are going to be.

Not sure if it's because I have a pending birthday...which means another year of being single and childless has passed.

Just not sure why.

Hashi-what?

Apparently I have hit middle-age. Not really sure when that happened, but I seem to have one foot already in the door...or at least my thyroid has already decided to go there. I went to the doctor 2 weeks ago for my yearly physical. Okay, let me be honest...this is the first time I've had a physical in a l-o-n-g time. I mean I go to the doctor when I'm sick and for other things, like blacking out at the beach, so it's not like I haven't graced the door of the doctor's office in eons. It's just been a while since I have had the whole workup done at once...EKG, blood work, urinalysis, getting poked and prodded, talking about diet and exercise, and when I've last gone to other important doctors like the eye and girly doctor. And in my defense, I have had blood work done twice in the past year and have had 2 EKG's and an echo-cardiogram, so like I said, I've been to the doctor. But I digress. So I went and had the physical done. It wasn't so bad, well except for the whole sticking a needle in my arm to draw blood part (which I am just going to have to get used to)...and the only "weight" thing she said was to keep on running. We talked a little bit about how I have lost about 30 pounds and I happened to mention to her that it has been a s.....l.....o.....w.....process. She said slow was good and just to keep up what I was doing. When I left, they said they would call if there was anything of concern on the blood work and if everything looked great, they would send me a postcard. I was totally expecting the postcard.

Well, as you have probably guessed...I didn't get a postcard, I got a phone call last Thursday saying that my thyroid levels were not right and that I needed to come back in. I made the appointment for Monday and proceeded to spend the next 3 days reading any and everything related to thyroid issues. I pretty much had figured out what the issue was and was prepared with a few questions for my doctor. So the bottom line is that I have something called Hashimoto's disease. It's an autoimmune disorder that causes your body's antibodies to attack the thyroid gland and cause it to not work as well, resulting in hypothyroidism. Hashimoto's typically strikes women who are middle aged (since when did 33 become middle aged?!?) Symptoms include being tired and sluggish feeling, weight gain or increased difficulty in losing weight, sensitivity to cold, and lots of other really random things. Hypothyroidism means your thyroid is basically under performing and it can affect every system in your body because the hormones that the thyroid produces T3 and T4 (the easy names to call them) help do a lot of stuff in our bodies. The good news is that it is pretty easy to fix with medicine. The medicine, Synthroid, just replaces the thyroid hormones in your body and does their job...which includes revving up my metabolism! Yay for a metabolism that works!! The bad news is that there is no cure and I have to take the medicine for the rest of my life. And the really bad news, or the worst news in my case, is that getting the dosage right can take some time. If the dose is too high, it will send your body into overdrive and it can do heart damage...not good. So I have to have blood work every 3 months until my levels are right.

So here's to a lifetime of Synthroid...and a metabloism that actually works. Can't wait to get all my energy back and see how the weight loss goes now!!

hiatus. no more.

So I'm going to be honest. I've been on a hiatus recently. But not just any hiatus. A hiatus from running. Which is not good. Not good at all! The last time I ran just to run and not for a race was...get ready for it...71 days ago. The date was March (MARCH!!) 25...one week after the Publix Half-Marathon. Since then, I have only run 5 times...and they were all 5K's...The Color Run, Girls On The Run 5K, Stache Dash, Virginia Highlands Summerfest 5K, and Starlight Stride 5K.

I don't have an excuse. Life just got busy. After the Publix half, I wasn't feeling very much like a runner...and I let my mind take over. I have said it before and I know I will continue to say it, but running is just as much mental as it is physical. And it is especially true for me. So life got busy. I got really sick after spring break. My parents' dog, Britches, got very sick while they were on a month long trip. The end of the school craziness. Life. Life always happens. And just like that, I was out of my running routine. And once I was out of my running routine, I was out of my eating routine. I was only half watching what I ate (and drank)...and unfortunately, a few pounds have found their way back to my hips! Thankfully, I think I know a way to get them back off!

So the bad news is that I took a running hiatus. But...the good news is that the running hiatus is OVER! As of tonight at 7:15, when I put on my heart rate monitor and laced up my running shoes...the running hiatus has been kicked to the curb. As soon as George realized what was going on, he went bananas...barking and howling...'cause he knew we were going on a run. We didn't go super far...almost 3 miles...but it was enough for both of us. Going to take some time to get back up to knocking out 5-6 miles at a time. I don't have any races on the calendar in the near future. Actually, the only race on the calendar at the moment is the Savannah Rock 'n' Roll half-marathon on November 3. I have my sights set on the Atlanta Marathon Relay on Oct 28, the Thanksgiving Day half on Turkey Day, and the Hot Chocolate 15K in January. I'd also love to get my hands on a Peachtree Road    Race # since I didn't get chosen in the lottery. 

So...take that hiatus. I am officially kicking you to the curb!!

And...maybe...just maybe...I'm beginning to wrap my mind around the thought of possibly conquering a HUGE physical challenge...maybe...just maybe. 

::Captivating::

My small group is starting a new series this week that I am so excited about. We are reading the book  Captivating by John & Stasi Eldridge and doing the guide that goes along with it. I read this book when it came out in 2005 and learned a lot about who I am, who God created me to be, and what it truly means to be a woman created in God's image. But...that was in 2005 and it's now 2012...fast forward 7 years to 2012...I am a different person in a different stage of life. I am now trying to figure out what it means to be a 33 year old woman who is passionately pursuing God while trying to balance a professional career, my volunteer work, and my relationships with my friends and family...oh yeah, and search for Mr. Right. Some days I am a raging success story...and some days, I fail miserably. But, it's a journey; a journey that I will continue on all the days of my life.


In the first chapter of the book, there was a quote that really struck me...like someone finally said what I have been feeling. It says,

"We feel unseen, even by those who are closest to us. 

We feel unsought- that no one has the passion or the courage to pursue us, 

to get past our messiness to find the woman deep inside. 

And we feel uncertain- uncertain what it even means to be a woman; 

uncertain what it truly means to be feminine; uncertain if we are or ever will be."

It's true. I do sometimes feel unseen....feel unsought...and feel uncertain. But I know that God has a plan and part of that plan is for me to see myself as He sees me...to see myself as a beautiful creation who was created in His image. The authors also quote a great song written by Bethany Dillon called Beautiful. 

"I want to be beautiful

And make you stand in awe

Look inside my heart

And be amazed

I want to heart you say

Who I am is quite enough

I just want to be worthy of love

And beautiful."

It is a powerful song that speaks truth about what it means to be a woman and our desires. Listen and I think you'll agree. Enjoy!

Total. Utter. Complete. Randomness

Was told I needed to update my blog so here goes....

Girls on the Run 5K

This 5K was awesome!! It was sponsored by Girls on the Run Atlanta. They are an amazing organization that "uses the power of running to provide girls with the tools to celebrate their bodies, honor their voices, recognize their gifts, and activate their personal power." Starting a Girls on the Run group at my school is now on my bucket list! I've even thought about starting a similar group for teachers called "Teachers on the Run" as a way to encourage teachers to be active and as a way to de-stress...I think it would be fun! Anyway, the 5K was a lot of fun. There were close to 700 girls running their first 5K as their culminating event to the 12 week program. It was just a fun environment to be a part of. It wasn't my best time...but honestly, it had been a

l-o-n-g time since I had really run so I was just hoping to finish and still be able to walk. Two really neat things about this race...all the number bibs have the number 1 on them and all the girls who finish the race get a medal! The race route was off West Paces Ferry and Northside Parkway near Pace Academy...it was hilly but the houses were beautiful. Overall, I'm glad I did this 5K and can't wait to do more with this great organization. 

Start spreading the news...I'm leaving today....

I want to be a part of it...New York...

Super excited that I might be heading to NYC for a few days this summer!!! Don't have the details worked out or even a plane ticket yet...but hoping everything works out so I can get away for a few days. The last time I really traveled was 2 years ago when I went to NYC and Boston over Spring Break. I've got the travel bug again and really just feel the need to get away from Atlanta for a bit. I don't know about you, but getting away and traveling is really good for my soul...gives me a break and let's me just be. I'm also going to NYC (or just outside) in October for a dear friend's wedding and there really won't be time for me to do any fun touristy things in the city on that short trip. There is a show on Broadway called Anything Goes that I am dying to see! This is the musical that we did my senior year of high school and I did all the piano accompaniment for it...it's also what was the beginning of the downhill spiral for my wrists! It's only planned to go through early September now so if I want to see it, I better get going! I wouldn't mind seeing another show or 2 while I am there either. My friend, Randy, who I go see up there also suggested we do a 5K in Central Park...what a great idea!!  Anyway...right now, we are looking at dates to see when the best time would be...and I am watching airline prices like a hawk...so far Southwest is in the lead. I won't bore you with all the details but the Southwest Visa card and I are going to be great friends...pay $304 for this flight to NYC....get the flight in October for f.r.e.e!!! 

And last but not least...

16...the number of school days left.

Enough said. 

Spring Break Rewind

A brief overview of the happenings of Spring Break 2012. . .in no particular order. . .

Cleaning

The Color Run

Lunch Date at McCray's

More Cleaning

V.I.P. Treatment at Stone Mountain Park

(it pays when you know the "boss"!)

Dust Bunnies

Vet Visit for George

Holy Week Services

Rearranging Furniture

More Dust Bunnies

Dinner & Drinks at Noche

Finally, A Clean House

(so clean in fact, I could put a For Sale sign in the front yard...not going to list...it's tempting!)

Easter Sunday at Buckhead Church

House Projects

Familiar Dinner at Chilis

Lots and Lots of Errands

Egleston

Time Spent with Toddlers

Brunch at 57th Fighter Group at PDK Airport

(I highly recommend this!!)

Sleeping In

Snuggles with George and Tucker

(not at the same time though)

A Few Tears
A Challenge To Put Myself Out There More

Catching Up on the DVR

Celebrating the Risen Christ

and finally. . .

No Spring Break is complete without...

The Masters!

Not ready to go back to school tomorrow, especially with how stressful the last few weeks before the break had been...but there are only 33 days until summer...and I still have my 3 personal days left....so make that 30 days until summer vacation!!!

Coloring...with a slash of running

This past Saturday, I got to experience the first ever Atlanta Color Run. If you are clueless as to what I am talking about, then go here! The Color Run is "3.1 miles of color madness" and is referred to as "the happiest 5K on the planet"...and I have to agree. It is more of an event than it is a race as they actually do not even time it. The goal is to run/walk/waddle/stroll/jog/skip/gallop/etc 3.1 miles while you are being doused with color at each kilometer and to just have fun! I won't bore you with all the race details, but I will share some pictures of the adventure. I am hoping this becomes a regular event here in Atlanta!

The "before" picture....

9,999 of my closest friends...all doing The Color Run!

Ignore the fact that it is sideways....I'm done trying to fix it...
Purple Color Zone

The "After" picture

So. Much. Fun!!

A sea of color at Piedmont Park

The official Color Shoes!

...because finishing never equals failure...

 I've been contemplating how to best write this blog post about Sunday's half-marathon for a few days and have finally decided to just sit down and write it. I think I can finally be honest about how it went without getting too upset...but I also thankfully at a place where I am hopeful about what I can learn from it and move on.

So...here goes....this is going to be long, so just bare with me...

I stayed with Jen on Saturday night so I wouldn't have to get up at the crack, crack of dawn to get down to the race. We were meeting some of her friends, Annie and Amy, from Team In Training in Midtown at Annie's place at 5 am...which meant we needed to leave Jen's at 4:30...which meant I had to get up at 3:45 to get ready...so much for not getting up at the crack, crack of dawn! We both got up and got ready...and hoped and prayer we had everything we needed for the race. We got down to Annie's and then we all set off for the North Avenue MARTA station. It was probably a little less than a mile walk. When we got there, the gates were closed but luckily, a MARTA police officer was right behind us to open up the station. We got on the train and headed just 2 stops down to the Peachtree Center station.

We then made our way down to the race area which was at Centennial Olympic Park. I was meeting a friend, Lucy, who I had met doing the October 13.1 so we waited for her. We then checked our gear bags, stood in line for the bathroom, and then found our starting corrals. Lucy and I were in M...which is an improvement from the O I was in last year. Lucy and I talked and got each other excited about pounding out this half-marathon. We had been talking on Facebook and we were ready to push through the miles and get a PR. I was feeling really good about knocking some serious time off. I was hoping for somwehere around the 3:20 mark...3:15 and I would have been beyond excited...3:25 would have been great. Before we knew it, we were walking ahead towards the start line with the masses of people. Our plan was to run when we could (including all the down hills) and take walk breaks when we needed.

We got to the start line, turned on all of our gadets...heart rate monitors, Garmin watches, GPS phone apps...there was a wave of beeping at the start line...and off we went. We were chatting and generally having a good time and honestly, the first couple of miles flew by. We were making great time and feeling pretty good. I guess at about mile 4, I picked up the pace and got ahead. It was starting to get warm so I made sure I stopped at all the water stops. The next few miles really seemed to fly by. My running felt strong and I felt good. The 3:15 pace team for the half came up behind me and I stayed with them for a good bit, but sadly, they left me in the dust.

About the time I got to the Virginia Highlands area, which is the later part of mile 7 and the first part of 8, the heat really set in. There was an angel of a lady who was passing out ice...I sucked on some and also put a couple of pieces up in my hair so they would keep me cooler. I was waiting on a text from Jen for her to tell me she had finished. About the time I hit mile 8, she said she had finished. At that point, I still felt pretty good and just kept rocking along. I wasn't running as much and when I was, it was really s-l-o-w. I tried to be conscious about keeping my walking pace fast..but it was getting hotter and hotter.

When I hit mile 10, I was dying. I was hot, tired, and just gross feeling. I also noticed that they had put yellow flags out on the course. My legs felt pretty good, but my feet were starting to hurt some. I texted Jen and told here where I was and that I was dying out there. She sent me some encouraging texts back including one that said "5K to go!!"....never in a million years would I have ever thought that someone telling me I still had a 5K to go would be music to my ears!! I was beginning to let my mind take over and that is never a good thing. For me (and a lot of runners I know), running is almost more of a mental challenge than it is a physical one. By mile 11, I had been alone (with Lucy not too far behind) for a good 6 miles...and 6 miles is about my limit of miles I can do by myself. By the point, we were in midtown heading back to downtown and the hills are everywhere. I swear, everytime we turned a corner, there were more hills!

As we went through the Tech water stop, which I think is somewhere between mile 11-12, I started to fall apart. They had clocks at each of the mile markers and I knew my time was getting worse and worse with each mile. I was no where near going to finish under 3:30 and was just hoping to finish in 3:39, which is what I did the October half in. I texted Jen again when I was passing mile 12 and she told me that they were waiting for me on the side. After mile 12, they put signs up telling you how much further you had to go...3/4 a mile, 1/2 a mile, and 1/4 a mile. Jen, Annie, and Amy were at the 1/4 sign. They were giving out cold towels at the finish and Jen handed me hers. It felt so good to have something on my face, even for just a minute. I knew I wanted to run the last part across the finish line and it honestly took everything I had to pick my feet up and run the home stretch to the finish line.

Once I finished, they gave us water, a cold, wet towel, and a medal...in that order! I met up with Jen, Annie, and Amy and we just crashed in the grass. People were laying in the grass all over the park! We sat for a minute and then Annie went with me to get my official time (ugh!) and to pick up my shirt and medal from the 26.2 ATL challenge. They were out of the medals and said they would have to mail it to me which was a bit disappointing. I was looking forward to sporting 2 medals around my neck. Annie was then very kind and offered to go grab my food bag for me. We laid around in the grass for a bit more...all complaining about the heat and how it had affected out times.

We hiked back to Marta, walked down way too many stairs at the Marta station, and went back to Annie's. We originally had grand plans to walk go to The Flying Biscuit for breakfast/brunch but instead, we ate at Annie's out in the courtyard of the complex...and drank mimosas! It was nice to just relax and enjoy each other's company...and try to forget about the race.

Jen and I decided to head out so I could take her home and so I could hit the road back to the sticks. Once we were in the car and it was just the 2 of us, the flood gates opened. I was very upset about my time for the half and just plain disappointed. I felt like my time did not at all reflect how much and hard I had trained. I honestly felt like a failure. I was embarrassed and humiliated...and mad that the heat had gotten to me so much. Jen was very encouraging and she said something to me that has stuck with me...she told me to stop defining myself by numbers...be it weight, how far I ran, how fast I ran, how much weight I've lost, clothing size, etc. And it's true...I'm a numbers girl and I let them have WAY too much control over my thoughts and emotions. I dropped her off and then headed home...and I would by lying if I said I was okay. I wasn't. I cried...no, make that, I sobbed all the way home. I just needed to get all my emotions out.

So, looking back, I can say that I am still very disappointed in my time (3:43:47), but I am in much better spaces about it being a failure. It was not a failure and neither am I. I did what I set out to do, which was to finish my 3rd half-marathon. Sure, I didn't get the time I wanted, but that doesn't mean I didn't reach my goal. I know that there will be great runs and that there will be bad runs...I just never thought a bad run would be on a race! I definitely learned a lot about myself, my body, and running through this race. But most importantly, I learned that finishing never equals failure!

I've only run once since Sunday and I rocked a 5K on the treadmill at the gym on Wednesday. I ran a good portion of it...and upped the incline for the last mile...the hills killed me on the half and I know I need to get in some hill work! I'm looking forward to the next few weeks of low mileage...and the 4 5K's I've signed up for. After the half, a 5K will be a piece of cake!!!  Maybe one day...just maybe...I'll be able to call a half a piece of cake...but until then, I'll just keep running and walking and running and walking...