5K. Check.

A few years ago, the words Tammy and run didn't belong in the same sentence.  But, about three summers ago, I began jogging.  At first, I was amazed that I could even make it a mile and slowly over time, I've added distance.  One of my biggest problems is that once I get into shape during the summer, I don't tend to keep it up once school starts and the weather gets colder. 

Last summer, I ran three miles a couple of times and had thought about doing a 5K but it's been one of those things that I just never committed to.  In June, my friend convinced me we should do the Glo Run in August.  At the time, I was running close to three miles so that really didn't scare me (except for the fact that I run incredibly slow), but I was afraid of entering a race in August.  There is the obvious factor, heat and then, the fact that August is just so crazy with school starting.  In the end, I decided that maybe a run would keep me motivated.  Well, the brutal heatwave of July didn't help me with my training.  I didn't run much at the end of the month and then just as I predicted, I was completely exhausted those first days of school.  However, within the past two weeks, I made it a point to get in at least three runs/week. It was difficult at first but I did it and felt confident I could finish. 

The obstacle I feared most- heat wasn't even a factor.  The course was flat but during line-up, minutes before the race, it began to rain, making it very slick.  It was really difficult to keep a good pace because there were so many walkers with little regard to those trying to run.  I ran off the pavement a few times just to get around people but there were so many holes. I felt like I was constantly weaving through people, all while not killing myself on the millions of glo sticks people had dropped on a very dark trail.  It wasn't until the last mile did I feel like I really had a decent steady pace. So, in the end, it wasn't my best time but my goals was to finish.  And, that I did!

Back To School

Back to School meant lost of changes....

The kids started 3rd grade at the Intermediate Elementary School and I started my new job.  They were super excited to go back to school and I was excited and a little nervous.  It's kind of weird to be a "newbie" again after eight years of teaching.

 

I am really fortunate that the kids just go to school with me and then walk next door to their school.

 

 

This is the home I inherited in early June.  I actually didn't get pictures of the large lifeguard chair or other sea creature that lined the other walls.  I'll just sum it up as an extremely bright room.  In addition, to packing up my old room and moving, cleaning out files that were close to 20 years old, and de-cluttering my new room,  I also felt the need to paint and make it my own.  So with the help of my husband, we painted and I spent more of my summer than I would have liked worrying about weather I would get it all ready in time for school. 

 

BEFORE SHOTS

 The ALMOST Finished shots...

 

I didn't get to everything I hoped to accomplish but I am happy with my new home in many ways.  It's been really nice sleep in a few extra minutes, not have to drop kids off in the morning and make the drive.  I'm enjoying my new students, so many familiar faces and being a part of a school system in my community.  At this point we are 12 days into the school year and so far, we are all transitioning well.

Last Summer Getaway

Early in the summer we decided that one of our summer getaways would include taking in a baseball game.  After looking at the calendar, we decided to travel to Kansas City to watch the Royals take on the Rangers.  I'm not really much of a baseball fan but I enjoy going for the atmosphere and family adventure. Papa Russell also decided to join us.

A few years ago, we went to an extremely overcrowded Schlitterbahn water park in San Antonio so we were very hesitant about trying another one.  However, several friends urged us to try the one in Kansas City.  Well, I've decided we must be cursed.  On the day we arrived to the water park, it was posted that the newest part of the water park, with three of the large slides was closed.  We soon realized that 3 slides, meant half of the park was now closed.  It wasn't nearly as crowded as the San Antonio park but with only four other slides open, this mean the lines were extremely long.  We waited an hour for a 30 second fun thrill.  No one wanted to wait again in line. We made the best of our day and spent most of our time in the lazy wave river. There were a few other mishaps in the park but I won't go into detail.  I'll just leave it as it didn't meet our expectations.

Saturday evening, we went to Oklahoma Joe's and enjoyed some really good BBQ.   In fact, if you ask the kids, they will tell you that one of their favorite things about the trip was all the great places we ate. 

 Sunday, which just happened to be my birthday, we headed to the ball park.   I'm sure Rick felt like it was his birthday more than mine! :)  We were super thankful for cooler temperatures.  Jax enjoyed the game but I'm pretty sure Baylor was a little bored.  It did go into extra innings and even though I was originally cheering on the Rangers, by the ended I just wanted someone to win!

Another Summer's End

I can't believe I just typed those words, but it is reality. We've been lucky to spend several days hanging out with friends at our pool but we decided we needed to get in one last day to celebrate another summer's end.  The kids enjoyed ice cream and singing along to some of their favorite songs.  I don't think any of them, with the exception of Delaney are super excited to start school again, but I do think they are a little excited to start a new school and see their friends again.

For me this won't go down as the most relaxing summer on the books.  My transition to Skiatook has been labor intensive, moving, painting, and unpacking.  Not to mention, my mind hasn't really stopped thinking about school knowing that I will be teaching a new grade. I am, however, thankful for a few months of  less activities, more time to spend with my kids, and no routine.  So, ready or not...it's back to school time!