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2008/11/23

Grab the tissue box

     One of the BEST books I have ever read, and it took me months to do so!
     I had heard about this story at the end of the school year last year, and I was interested, and I simply added the book to my "Want to Read" list!
     A Carnegie Mellon professor named Randy Pausch is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and he basically decides to accept the invitation to be a part of the lecture series known as Last Lecture in which retiring professors give their last lecture. Of course, he shares what is really valuable in his life by giving his Last Lecture (literally and figuratively).
     Then this summer I was teaching a summer class, and a fellow teacher asked me if I had read it and talked to me about it.
     This woman also happened to be my neighbor, and so one day last summer I came home and found the book on my doorstep.
     I didn't start reading it because I had several other books I was reading or that were waiting to be read.
     I took my cheerleaders to camp in Ellensburg at the end of July, and one of my girls was totally upset one day. I asked her what was up, waiting to hear some sort of team drama, when instead she told me that she had read a book a couple months earlier about this inspiring guy, and her mom had called to say he died that day.
     I thought to myself that I had to read the book. When I returned home life was busy with vacations, my horse, moving, and then school started, and cheer was in full swing.
     Well, I just read the book this weekend, and let me tell you it touched my heart! What a story! What a message!
     He connected with me as a parent, as a spouse, as a sibling, as a child, as a teacher, as a student, as a co-worker, and more importantly as a human being.
     I cried and I laughed. And, then today, I watched the video of Randy Pausch's last lecture, and I was equally affected. WOW!
     Here's the link to his website. And, here is a link to watch the video of his last lecture.
     I will definitley be giving this book as a present to many people during this upcoming holiday season.

2008/11/12

Pay it forward

     Many years ago I had a person come into my life who made me realize that ANYTHING is possible if you put your mind to it.
     When I was a freshman in high school, I ripped my ACL in my left leg. I was a three varsity sport athlete, so you can imagine how I felt like my life was over.
     I lived in Oroville at the time, and my mom took me to a specialist who was up from Wenatchee working at a satellite campus in Omak.
     So, into my life walks Dr. Ed Farrar. Little did he know (or maybe he really does realize his gift), but he would change my life completely.
     Yes, he was my surgeon, but even more he was my inspiration in the moments that I wanted to give up. He told me that I could play sports again, if I dedicated myself to my rehabilitation.
     He is a mountain climber in his free time, ya know, the BIG mountains in Nepal :)
     Well, he was going on one of his climbs, and he gave me one of the t-shirts that he had made up for the expedition. He told me to remember that I could climb any mountain in my way, any time.
     He was right.
     I have since climbed so many mountains, and someday, I will even climb one that is not metaphorical, Mt. Kilimanjaro.
     Dr. Farrar was far more than a doctor who repaired my knee. He was someone I believed in who also believed in me. I played softball six months after my surgery, and I continued sports throughout my high school career, and on into my adult life.
     We were so impressed with him that he became our family doctor providing orthopedic treatment for my mom, dad, brother, and even my son! Yes, he has helped three generations of our family!!
     Tragically, Dr.Farrar was hit head-on by a car while he was riding his bike to work (something he did every day). People who know Dr. Farrar, know that he was a champion for bike safety, and for the sport in general. His son is a professional bike racer.
     You can read about his accident, and the tribute bike ride here.
     And, what's even more inspiring is reading his journal and his guestbook. You see what an incredible influence his gift has been on so many people in so many places.
     He is doing better, but he certainly has a LONG rode ahead of him. Please keep him and all of the people in his life in your thoughts!

2008/11/11

I AM proud to be an American!

Too cool! At the Veterans Day assembly at my step-daughter's elementary school, the first graders were responsible for singing the Marines' Hymn! She was so cute because she was so proud in telling everyone that she was singing for her brother!!

OK, so here's a video to celebrate today!

We have the freedom to do just this!

     Today me and the litte one are staying in our PJs, watching movies, baking cakes, reading, and just enjoying this day off. And, don't for a minute think that we don't appreciate it and truly realize what a gift it is!
     We sent a Veterans Day care package to Cody (with lots of stuff to be shared with his fellow marines).
     We are so proud of him, and for all those who have and are serving our country.

MySpace Marine Corps Graphics

2008/11/09

Top Chef

      I'm stoked for Top Chef to start this Wednesday. This season is in New York!!

2008/11/08

2008/11/06

The little things...

     I read a great article the other day in which a lady talked about the little things for which she was thankful.
     I do mention all the big things often, like family and friends, our pets, and my career, and...you get the gist, I'm sure.
     SO, the little things list, an abbreviated version.
1. a cup of coffee in one of my favorite mugs
2. flannel pj bottoms
3. time to read
4. sitting with a cup of a coffee (in one of my favorite mugs), while wearing flannel pj bottoms and reading a book that I don't want to put down (all while the pellet stove is cranked up and everything is toasty)
5. good hair days
6. when I get a real letter or card in the mail
7. a cuddly blanket
8. rain puddles (they make me feel like a kid)
9. Scooby Doo socks (wearing those right now)
10. the drawings on our fridge

     What simple things make you thankful?

2008/11/03

November already?

     Before we know it...Christmas will be here. Yikes!
     I love November. I love Thanksgiving. I love Veterans Day (which by the way does not have an apostrophe): 11/11. I love the first snow. I love how all the leaves are on the ground. I love getting everything ready for winter. I love pumpkins (those are in October, but we have the pie in November). I love the end of football season. I love the start of basketball season. I love that we will elect a new president. I love shopping the day after Turkey Day. I love the movie Sweet November. I love packing away all the summer stuff, and buying new snow boots. I love the rain. Yup, I'm thankful for November.

I love Halloween!

     We had such a blast for Halloween! It was the end of a LONG week, seeing as how it was Homecoming at our school, too.
     We did the whole trick-or-treaing, and our little one scored the candy, holy! She was an adorable rodeo princess, and EVERYWHERE we went people would give her a handful of candy, instead of just one!
     Then we headed up to our best friends' house to hang out! Good times. I love the Lockwoods. They are such good people.
     This was a good Halloween. Jordie was home, too! School was nutso; we had a Freaky Friday, where we had a reverse day. We went from periods 7-1 instead of 1-7. I was pretty out of sorts, LOL!
     Having a Freaky Friday reminded me of the movie, the older version. I remember when my mom took my brother and me to see it at the drive-in. It was one of my favorite movies.
     So, good times for Halloween this year!

Vote!

     This is THE election. Did you vote? Will you complain about who becomes the leader of our nation, and yet your voice is silent?
     I was shocked and naive to find out that tricks happen to try and keep people from voting, and that it is historical in nature. As in tricks have happened for as long as we have been voting.
     For real, people have sent emails and flyers out saying things like that this election has such a gi-normous turnout that the Republicans are voting on Tuesday and the Democrats on Wednesday. Or how about, if you have an outstanding parking ticket and you show up to vote, you will be arrested.
     Wow! I am shocked at these tactics, but why am I? Maybe I am more surprised at the fact that people would actually believe any of these to be true.
     I am excited for tomorrow! My vote went out in the mail weeks ago ;)