Double Rainbows in Geneva

Bruce and I are back in Geneva, Switzerland working with U of M Flint's Global Program. We were lucky enough to go through the first program. Now the second cohort is graduating and we are back to help with graduation (video/photography and general planning.)

It has been a lot of fun - because we met the new cohort last year - and this year we got to see the result of all of their hard work with their projects. It's interesting how the same program can result in such diversity among projects from the first group to the second and even among groups.

Today we introduced the group to the double rainbow video and song on youtube. If you haven't seen it - I embedded both below. And then tonight in Geneva a down pour came through just around dusk and you would never believe it - a double rainbow. Coincidence, I think not.





Tomorrow, Bruce and I will run 10 miles in Geneva for marathon training. We might also go to the farmers market across the border into France (if it isn't pouring rain.) However, I am not complaining about the rain - when we got here it was in the high 80's - today was a high of low 70's. Much more comfortable - especially when staying in a place without air conditioning.

On Sunday we leave Geneva for a week of travels. Our duties here have been split - so we are able to enjoy some traveling before getting back to work. On Sunday, we fly to Budapest, Hungry. I am very excited, because it is some place completely new for both of us. Many of our travels have been places one of us has been before and we want to share it with the other person. Hungry is totally new.

It's been a great summer of travel. I am still enjoying the memories of Prince Edward Island and my new love for Poutine. Now we are having totally different experiences on the other side of the pond.

Alpine Horns, Cheese & 100's of Japanese Tourists

So we headed back to Hotel Edelweiss this year to dine at the Restaurant Edelweiss. It is a basically a tourist trap - it is a pretend German-Swiss Alpine Fondue restaurant with real life Umpapa band. This band plays not only the the accordion, the soprano saxophone, the cowbell, the saw, the bowl (yes the bowl,) the flugelhorn and of course the Alpine horn.

We arrived about 45 minutes early, if the website says open 7/7 days a week it means open 7 days a week at 7. We arrived very hungry at 6:15 pm. We quickly made 7 pm reservations for 8 and then proceeded to try to waste 45 minutes - in the adjacent neighborhood - 15-20 of those minutes where spent eating our appetizers of ice cream/gelato. Then we were ready approximately 10 minutes before they opened.

As we patiently waited the first bus load of Japanese tourists arrived. Then we watched them walk right past us into the restaurant. Luckily we had a reservation (which clearly their tour group did too.) As we walked down into the restaurant we saw three very long tables. The first was filling with the first bus, then the second bus arrived as we were sitting down. As we ordered our drinks the third busload arrived.

Clearly they had pre-ordered too because as they sat down the wait staff (who looked as if they might hate their lives - I swear as the third bus arrived I heard one lady walk by and say oh shit) started bringing them their food. We on the other hand were deciding which delicious buckets of cheese we would order - now most of you would think - Jennie - those buckets of cheese are called Fondue - but we on the other hand know that it's FUN-do.

We went to FUN-do with our new UM-Flint global Cohort. Kira (3/4 Danish 1/4 Norwegian 100% South Dakotian friend,) Emily (of Maryland,) Sarah (who's moving to Chicago,) Marissa (the UT Lawsuit student,) Paul (from Walpole Island) and Meghan (of 7:11 fame) and of course Bruce.)

Kira & PaulMarissa & Sarah

Bruce, Jennie, Emily & Meghan (pictured above)

Then as we waited for our cheese the band started rockin' out. First the cowbells - then the Alpine horn. I am proud to admit that my husband rocks the Alpine horn!! Yes, they invite everyone to try the Alpine horn - Bruce was being shy - but after his perfomance last year, I couldn't let him pass it up (oh yeah - we went there last year.) So he bugrudginly agreed to play if I myself would play. So we got in the line with those from the tourist bus group. And Bruce went last and totally rocked it again - he plays the off to the races song (or at least that is what I call it.) He got applause from the entire restaurant. I love going to these places - maybe this is why I love Frankenmuth.

Last night we ate dinner at Festivus (the Swiss call it the Swiss Day Festival - we embrace the Seinfeld name.) Today, we picked up my mom early from airport! It's our last day in our Geneva - tomorrow we head Venice.

Tagging Alone on the Class Field Trip

Chateau de Menthon Saint Bernard
This is allegedly the castle that inspired Walt Disney in Sleeping Beauty. However, to me I agreed with the tour guide who thinks it's more Beauty & the Beast. The family that owns the castle, and has owned it since 1000 AD, still lives in the castle.
Bruce and I, outside the castle.
Meghan, me and my new friend Kira from South Dakota. She maybe my only friend
from South Dakota.
Picture of me in Annecy, France.
Another shot of the Old Town in Annecy, France.
Bruce and Kira rockin' the hats at the French Hat Shop.
My other new friend Emily - as we made a quick stop for ice cream - before we had to be back at the bus.
Meghan & I posing in Annecy.
the end.

I heart Gaudi in Barcelona

So we went to Barcelona for the weekend. We left early Friday and were lucky to arrive to a hotel room that was already to go. We dropped off our stuff at hotel and started wandering down La Rambla - it is a vibrant street with a market (that rocks.) We enjoyed some fresh fruit and some great fresh juices. Then we walked through the old town and explored the shops. It was typical European Old Town with winding roads and you don't know what cool shop or restaurant you will find around every corner. We ate at a Tapas buffet for lunch. They count your sticks to figure out how much you owe - it was 1.60 Euro for inside and 1.75 for outside.

Due to our super early flight and very hot weather, we were exhausted come 2 pm. So we decided to embrace the Spanish culture and take a siesta. We woke from our short siesta and went for a Tapas dinner at a place in La Raval called Bar Lobo - it seemed cool and hip - it might not be - but it fooled me into thinking it was cool.

The next morning we headed to La Sagrada Familia - the cathedral that Gaudi started building before his death - but more than 100 years later it is still not finished. Meghan, Bruce and I decided that we needed to return when the cathedral was finished in 30 years. We also headed to the Park Guell, a park designed by Gaudi, orginally for the rich, but to his disappointment was opened to the comman man - Meghan, Bruce and myself. However, what is amazing like Barcelona and every other city in Europe I have been too is that we manage to find every hill in the city and hike up it. We topped off the night with Sangria made from Champange and Oranges, it rocked!!! I also had Montchego cheese - it was delicious. Wolfgang introduced me to this cheese in Berlin (ironically.)

For instance the next morning we headed to the Olympic Park that was on a hill. We walked up what could be the steepest part of the hill followed by hundreds of stairs. However, on the way down we did find that had we come through the front we could have taken escalators all the way up, but really what fun would that have been. It was worth the hike though - there is something rewarding to stand at the top of the hill and that overlooks the city and know that you walked up the entire way.

We didn't do much shopping in Barcelona due to the fact that the Euro is an international conspiracy against us - in other words the exchange rate sucks and that means I usually stick to building my pin collection - which is under 10 dollars a city.

Then late Sunday night we headed back to our homebase the John Knox Center in Geneva - home to the U of M Flint Global Program. The next trip Zurich and Liechtenstein - a very small country - which is home to a stamp museum and a castle. All which were in my presentation in German 1 class.

Back in Geneva

Well I am back in Geneva, sitting in the classroom, but this time I am just using the Internet. There is no homework to be completed. I have come back to Geneva to serve as a mentor for the new U of M Global Cohort. Three members of our 7:11 club returned this year, Bruce, Meghan and myself. Our mentoring tour of duty doesn't really start until next week, however we arrived early because we wanted to adjust to the time change.

Last night we went to our favorite dinner spot in Geneva called Fifty-Fifty. Then today we woke up early to go running. We just did 2 mile to get ourselves acclimated to the hills - however I think the hills of Prince Edward Island helped. Usually my first time trying to run up the huge hill here is unsuccessful, but this time I made it all the way up with no problems (well it was a very slow climb - but none the less I did not stop.)

Tomorrow we are leaving for Barcelona, I am very excited because this is my first trip Spain. We made Meghan practice her Spanish - but the bad news is that her soon-to-be Sister-in-Law is Spanish and pretty much said that they speak a dialect - so her Spanish is worthless. We are hoping that they will be used to English speakers because they are used to tourists.

I don't have many pictures yet - but will post some when we get back from Spain.

Back Home As a Graduate

So I am just going to throw this out there - I don't feel much different, not smarter, better looking, older - just nothing. I expect it's like a birthday - when the day finally comes you don't necessarily feel a year older (however that could change come this birthday.) If you have been away or just arriving to this blog - I graduated from grad school on 08.08.08 in Geneva. Thanks for watching: Dad, Uncle Jack and Aunt Mary Ann!

Bruce and I finally arrived home at 1 am on Thursday morning - Thank You Continental. (I hope you read the sarcasm in that.) Since then I have been a cleaning mad woman. I think you could call it nesting. I just am trying to get everything put away before the school year starts. Which should have started on Friday - but the union worked it out so it starts next Wednesday, but these extra days have been much needed.

There is a great relief to graduating though. I don't have this looming feeling that I should be doing something - more important than cleaning. This year, I always felt like there was something else more important or more productive that I should be doing. Anytime I relaxed - I couldn't relax because this guilt would creep in and well there is no point to that.It is also strange too not seeing your friends and professors everyday - when that became the norm for a month in Geneva. Now we are spread across the country and a great deal of planning must go into our next visit. Which for most of us will be next weekend - when we run the Crim. Bruce and I are running the 10 mile, but I am not sure what the rest of the 7:11 crew is planning on doing. I am excited about the Crim, because not only will it be great to see my friends, it will be great to see my family because whether they run or not they are all known to frequent the party afterwards - which has to be everyones favorite part.

As for TiVo - well that is a long story for another post - maybe even today. But for the most part I have been an Olympics addict. When I mean addict, I will watch anything from Badminton to Crew to Fencing to Gymnastics to Kayaking to Swimming. You name it, I will watch it. And I get emotional - I cry like a baby - it's not pretty. But as I write this I think I should be near a television because something must be on that I have to watch - to think of it, I am not even sure when the Olympics end.

7:11 Club runs for the last time in Geneva

We took off this morning a little early because three of us are on the graduation committee (Bruce, Meghan and I) and we had to meet to discuss graduation (which is today.) Here's the link if you want to watch at 12:30 pm est.

This morning we took our 2nd annual photos of the 7:11 club on the rock.

The serious picture. We wanted the to dress up our shirts a little hence the tie.

A happy club.

The very happy club.

Look at that gun show!

Wrapping Up Grad School

It's August 6th and I literally have two days left of graduate school before graduation. And to top that off Friday isn't really class it is graduation. Which you can watch live on August 8 (that's 08.08.08) at 12:30 pm EST if you choose. Click here for a link.

Today, I am doing laundry and finishing up the last minute touches on our project. Bruce and I are going to spend a couple days in London after we are done. It should be nice, we are treating ourself to a nicer hotel - it's a graduation present to ourselves.

As I look back at this past 15 months - it's been a whirlwind. Bruce and I started this program expecting it to be challenging and fun, but it fair exceeded our expectations. Most of the course has been online - but as it has probably become really clear if you read this blog - we also spent two summers in Europe. Along with everything we have learned in class, we learn so much more while at our residency in Geneva. We have also had a lot of fun - who knew grad school could be so much like undergrad when it comes to fun.

I've had a chance to go to the United Nations, meet leaders of influential NGO's (non-governmental organizations,) learn new technology, learn how to write grant proposals, travel, join a running club and make new friends (just to name a few.)

Yesterday 18 of us headed down for dinner at my new favorite restaurant in Geneva called Fifty/Fifty. While we waited for the group to arrive, we met a very cute young bartender - who was enamored with Meghan. But despite our pushing and prodding - she wouldn't go on a date with him. (And he did ask - she claims it was because he was only 19 - the general consensus: 19 whatever.) We were celebrating our friend Doug Hart's last night. Doug is heading back home to Michigan, because he just got a new job teaching in Lousiville, Kentucky.

The picture below is from our dinner that was made at our new room (yes we are in a loft room now that has a small kitchen.) It is much nicer than our older room, it's usually where the professors stay when they come. Bruce and I lucked out!! The key is it only has one bed - which means for other roommates it may not work.


This morning, I woke up and was ready to run at 7:11 am. We ran a short route with major hills because were we are in Geneva there is no course without hills. My only complaint is dehydration - it is so easy for me to drink water at home, but here I am just not drinking enough water.

After lunch we will head downtown to buy our class presents for a our professors. Meghan and I are hoping for a fondue dinner tonight - we will have to see if we can talk the rest of these hosiers (the 7:11 club) into it.

However the highlight of the trip was the 7:11 dance routine (performed by the boys of the group.) Now a word of warning this is the worst video ever due to the fact, that I did it on my small camera and I was laughing (hysterically laughing) the entire time. The music that you can't quite hear is Miley Cyrus - I will see you again. Yes, the Miley Cyrus that is Hannah Montana. Now because you can't see it - please know that our professors names are Jeff, Gary and Sharman.

Running & Research

We are almost through our first week and so far our days here in Geneva have been pretty intense with schoolwork. Our mornings are very typical – we meet at the rock in front of the John Knox Center at 7:11 am for our daily run. However, I feel that they hills maybe larger than last year. Most of our days and evenings are spent in the classroom in front of our computers - researching and writing our research papers on our Master’s Projects.

The good news is that despite all the hard work – we will play. Tomorrow morning we are leaving early in the morning for the city of Nice in the French Rivera. We are flying Baboo Airlines (insert giggle here), believe it or not it’s a Swiss discount airline. So far since we booked we have already had the flight times adjusted, Robert informed us that they literally have four planes in their fleet – however he did inform us that they were four new planes. From the historic streets of Paris to Geneva and now the 7:11 club is now hitting the beach, for a weekend of adventure, relaxation and of course fun. Stay tuned for the adventure.

Happy Birthday Olive

Last night we celebrated Olive's birthday with Mango Margaritas and the Cat Bag (as pictured above.) So this is year six of the cat bag and everyone commented on how well it's holding up. I have to agree.

Dinner was filled with lots of fun conversation - however at one point it steered to a conversation of being a fan. (G. Love = Me and George Michael = Olive) Of course there were was lots of discussion, especially with me because I carry the title of G. Love's Biggest Fan. We spent much time on how disappointed G. Love probably was when he met his "biggest fan." A married, midwest, teacher in her late 20's - who doesn't smoke pot. Yes - he was probably more disappointed than he could have ever been with his cure. They were teasing me last night when I said that meeting him was fun but it brought my obsessive fandom down a notch. I heard a lot of "what did you expect?" to be honest I don't really know how to answer that question. Did I think we would be friends? Did I want him to leave with that longing feeling and feeling of lose because he had missed his chance with me because I was married? To answer these questions - hmmmm - really I have no idea what I wanted. I am a self-proclaimed geeky (funny) lady (I would write girl but I am feeling a little older as of late, I have stopped getting carded, my mom told me I no longer look like I am in high school and all the kids at school keep calling me ma'am) - let's face it my patented dance is a horrible version of the robot and I have a serious relationship with my TiVo.

So why am I still pondering these questions the next morning - well it could be the fact that I am about to go to my first G. Love concert of 2008 - quickly followed by another in Chicago and to end the cycle with a concert in Berlin this summer (yes - he will be playing when I go to visit Germany this summer.) I am excited about seeing him in concert - it helps me feel a little younger. Well I better finish reading this chapter for my grad school class that has literally take me a couple days to read - it's only 40 pages, however I think those pages are filled with the same things they put in decongestant because I keep falling asleep the minute I pick it up.

Coffee + Coding

On Wednesday night Tony came over for some "extreme coding" for our grad school project. As in the tradition of Geneva we drank coffee - lots of coffee. I am not sure why but coffee and coding just seem to go together. By the end of the night we were hopped up on lots of caffiene and everything became a good time. It was a good laugh and got me excited about this summer in Geneva. So here's to coffee and coding - however I am not going to lie - I prefer coffee over coding any day.

In other news we are just one week away from G. Love in metro Detroit. Yes, GLASS will be performing at the Royal Oak Music Theather on Friday, January 18th. I am very excited however, I will be coming from the Auto Show Charity Preview so I am not sure how much of the concert I will see and how close I will be, but I hope that Steve aka Travelin' Blues will be there.

I am really looking forward to February 2nd - that's when Olive and I will be traveling to Chicago to see G. Love and Special Sauce with Krista and Megan. And you can bet your bottom dollar that I will be in the front row of that show!!!

More New Year's Eve with the Club

(thanks to Heather's Camera)Is that the Skype Outs
or
a Band of Anne of Green Gables?
We might not be the best skiers but we
sure look cool! Nice snow pants!

The Boys with their Tips Up!

Karyn having fun on the slopes!

Heather, Sam, Zoe & Robert

Lori, Joe & "the Little Big Man" aka Quinn

The 7:11 Club*
*not pictured Meghan

Bringing in the New Year
with the Club

So we just got back from our Ohio where we rang in the New Year with the 7:11 club (well most of the club - Meghan was at the U of M bowl game in Florida. Meghan was missed.) We arrived in the evening on December 30th invading the lovely Smith household (thanks Robert & Heather.)

Bruce, Tony, Karyn, Heather and I brought Rock Band with us and well we Rocked Out! We formed the 7:11 club's band - The Skype Outs! We rocked it out for a couple hours. The band is based in Europe and so far we are focusing our time on our European fans. we had a lot of fun. We played for a couple hours. Yes, there were no teenagers or kids, it was six adults rocking out in the basement - I mean Europe.

Then on Monday we headed over to Mad Mountain Ski Resort in Ohio. Yes, I said ski resort in Ohio. It is surprisingly large and it's not man made. I really hadn't been skiing since high school. I was worried that I wouldn't remember but it turns out that it's like riding a bike. We meet up with Joachim at Ski Resort. As always he was dressed to impress. So I guess your could say our running club turned into the 7:11 Ski Club for the weekend. This was Tony's first time skiing. We pushed him pretty far - well we gave him approximately two or three times down the bunny hill before we loaded him on the chairlift. He fell a couple times, but believe it or not he was much - much better than most beginners. What can we say - we are fast learners! I had a lot of fun and so did Bruce. So much fun that we are already planning our next ski trip - will it be Pine Knob, Mount Holly or Mt. Trash-more (I mean Mt. Brighton.)

Then we went back to the Smith house and were joined by Joe's wife - the fabulous Lori and their sweet newborn son Quinn (pictured with me on the left.) We brought in the new year with laughing, telling stories of Geneva, planning our next trip this coming summer and of course more Rock Band. Yes you could say we are slightly addicted. I am looking at my pictures now and I am realizing that I didn't take many photos - which sucks, because I know someone took a good photo of all the 7:11 club (minus Meghan) just after the ball dropped. So if you have photos (KC, Lori or Heather) I will gladly take some. ;)

We woke up this morning (well some of us had to be woken up) and hung out. There was a lot laughter which is usual when we are all together. It was a great way to bring in 2008 - if this is any indication to what kind of year my 30th year will be - things are looking pretty good. We are planning our next event - we are thinking Florida: so Meghan get ready for a full house.

A New Look for 2008

So I am coming down from the holiday high. This week I think I consume more candies, cookies and cake in one week time than I do all year. The kicker is the holidays aren't really over yet.

So now we are just days away from 2008-- which means resolutions (and of course the new look for the TiVo Changed My Life Blog.)

First the New Looooooook.

Well I must admit it's not my favorite, but I need to spend a little more time with the html until I can decide I can produce something better looking than this. However it is green, a color which I thoroughly enjoy - I know I sound like a kindergartener but it's my favorite.

What are my resolutions:

1. Run the Chicago Marathon
   This has been a goal of mine since 2001. I have technically been signed up and paid my money twice for this race. The first time, was after my first marathon and I was still working in the news biz. The race is in October and when September 11th happened, work became my number one priority. Then there was 2005. It was the first time I was training on my own for a long run, and I was doing pretty well. I had finished my 12 mile run, then I trip at work over the railroad tracks in Greenfield Village and broke my fifth metatarsal in my left foot. Which well stopped my training -- so this year (with the help of the 7:11 club) I am hoping that I will finally be able to register and run. My goal time is 4hours 30 minutes - which is 50 minutes faster than my first one. We shall see if I can do that. Anyone else in? Bruce?
   
   
2. Finish Graduate School
   This one is a no brainer because well it's a 15 month program and graduation is set for 08/08/08. But as I found out this fall classes can get a little much when you are trying to go to work and be a good student. I also need to put our grad school project into high gear, it's easy to let that fall behind with our other school work, work and well life.
   
   
3. Be More Organized
   Ok, I have a slight case of a type A personality, but sometimes it gets lost to the public, but it's always there. I crave organization and honestly without it, I don't sleep as well. Just ask Bruce, I have to make the bed before I can sleep in it. The question is why am I not organized. Well can you say, I have a lot on my plate. In reality I don't have as much as others, but I get so overwhelmed by the details - that I just get consumed. So in 2008, I am going to stop spreading myself so thin, instead, I am going focus on organizing Graduate School (set aside for school - so that I don't get too stressed out - don't wait for the last minute to get assignments done - which leads to burnout by the end of the semester,) my students (this one is hard, I need to set time aside to grade, so I don't get behind, and to realize that I can say no, and to organize my desk - stop the piles - start a filing system that works - but is not hard work for me) and my running (see number 1 - I need to hit the gym for at least 2 days a week even in the winter blahs - try to run in Marysville at 3:30 pm right after work - on the Helen 5k route.)
   
   
4. Write
   I love to write (if anyone who is still reading this) you know. I am not sure if I am the best writer, but that does not stop me. I have a secret dream of being both a fabulous children's book writer or chick lit novelists. I have many ideas and many book titles, but they are all in my head. So this year I am going to try to take them from my head to paper. Then figuring out if they are good enough for someone else to read them is another thing.
   

So that's just a short list. We will see how long these last. I think the hardest is organization - but I am committed.

Fall Semester: Over

Today I officially finished my first fall semester since my undergrad at the University of Missouri. Let me say (knowing that it could have been much much harder) it still wasn't easy trying to fit school in with work. Needless to say the "TiVo Changed My Life" blog has been neglected. To all my loyal readers (if any are left) I am sorry. Other things that have been neglected, well TiVo. I really haven't had time to stay current. There are really only two shows that I have been able to see all the episodes of The Hills and ANTM (which I will cover later.) So needless to say I am very happy to have a little break.

Speaking of break I got a small Pre-Christmas break on Monday - thanks to Mother Nature. On Sunday we had about eight inches of snow. Since it was Sunday, I was certain that the roads would be cleared by Monday morning, I wasn't counting on a snow day - especially because in order for me to have a snow day all 9 school districts that send students to my school have to be closed. During the 6 o'clock news - I saw on the TV that Bruce's school was closed. Then shortly after I got the call. The call that we all as teachers hope for the call from my boss (aka as the beginning of the phone tree) saying school is closed on Monday. Then of course I did the "woohoo no school" whoop (yes to my boss) I quickly recovered by saying, "I will see you on Tuesday."

So what to do with a free Monday. What I should have done was work hard on my paper for my Intercultural Communications class, but instead I went to the Somerset Collection to finish my Christmas shopping. I am almost finished.

Speaking of snow that leads me to school. I have been pushing my students for the past week or so with book work. Which if you know my students is like Kryptonite to my students - I swear they think I am trying to poison them. So I made a deal with them - they will have a test on Friday regardless. Since it snowed - I thought let's get outside and take some cool photos: and have some fun while we did it. So today my kids (11th & 12th graders) came in their snow gear and we headed outdoors. We had tons of fun. The other perk is that my boss let me wear jeans to work which is a huge deal. Tomorrow we are back to the books and Friday we will be taking test. I know the other instructors at my school sometimes look at me like I have lost it - but hey we are creative types. The picture to the right is me right after being hit by a bunch of snowballs - it's my patented "get in line" point. It gets the kids shaking in there boots, trust me. I have some super cute photos of my students but we were warned this year about publishing photos of our students from school, from the school lawyer. So just imagine your a bunch of creative kids in snowpants with cameras, sometimes I call them my own paparazzi. Teaching digital imaging is a blast.

Now back to TiVo and ANTM. Last week the winner was announced. Salesha was the winner. Which I have to say she isn't my favorite winner. I really liked Jenah, because we was sassy, sarcastic and not so bubble gum. This season was ok, but I am ready for the next cycle. The best part of the season was Miss Jay. He had this fabulous growing Afro during judging. So Tyra I challenge you to get some sassier girls next season. I need to get rehooked. She has to be worried because Bravo is introducing a new show: Make Me a Super Model where the viewers get to decide.

Speaking of Bravo, tonight I am watching Project Runway, I am going through TiVo so I am going back and forth in the season. I must admit I love this show and I it is easy to get hooked. I don't know the characters like I have in the past, but I am enjoying it. Right now I am watching the show with Sarah Jessica Parker as the guest star.

Busy Busy

Ok, I know I am not the busiest person in the world, but in my world I have been busy busy. This past weekend, I made a long overdue trip to visit my sister in Chicago. It was fun hanging out with the Sahakadethian gang. The kids crack me up. I brought Sophie a Halloween Fairy Costume that I had gotten half off at Meijer. That was a big hit. Then Max is just well hilarious. He was cracking Bruce and I up. First he is pretending to be a dog, when we asked the name he matter of factly looks at us and says, "Terri." Now mind you, he knows no Terri, so it's just an odd name for him to pick out. It made us all giggle. (Well Bruce and I more so than anyone else, but none the less we were amused.

Then on Saturday we got to hang out with Megan! One of my former prize students who is now studying at Columbia! I am so proud of her, all grown-up living in the big city! I introduced her to the Chicago clan, yes she met Krista, Josh and the kids. We suckered in her into babysitting - while we hit the town. She was a hit with the kids, which I knew she would be.

Then it was back to Michigan and back to work and grad school. Bruce and I had a paper we both had to write. Plus I had a busy busy week at school. I ended the week (yes I started writing this blog nearly a week ago and I am just finishing up,) with a killer cold. But thanks to my new found friend Thera-Flu and sleep - I am now feeling much better!

7:11 Reunites For the Detroit Marathon

It's been a busy week that ended with a 7:11 reunion. We entered the Detroit Free Press Marathon as a team. Meghan flew up from Florida to join the festivities. The member noticabley absent: Joachim, who could be a first time dad at any moment. So he gets a pass.

The marathon is split up into five sections: 7.4 (over the bridge into Canada - Robert,) 5.4 (Canada through the tunnel back to downtown - this leg was me,) 4.7 (downtown to Belle Isle - Tony,) 3.0 (Belle Isle - Meghan) and 5.8 (to the finish - Bruce.) KC was going to run the half-marathon but it closed early so she joined another team to compete. The official 7:11 team time was 4 hours 14 minutes. Which we were pleased with. Ok, I am not sure for the rest of the team, but I was pleased with.

It was fun hanging out together. The race was fun too, the only complaint - they didn't have enough shirts in the right sizes, so all the girls ended up with Larges. Which means, I will be giving my shirt to Bruce. And we all know why most people (including me) run races: the free t-shirt. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day for the run. It was a little chilly in the morning but by the time we finished it was sunny and 75 degrees, a welcome relief for Meghan who left the 91 degrees of Florida to come here. I don't know if she could have handled the usual cold, wet rainy weather that accompanies the marathon. I was pleased too.

We are talking about our next run: Florida in January for the Disney Half Marathon. Yes, after we get together we make these crazy commitments that I end up regretting two weeks later when I am trying to squeeze running into grad school, work and life. But I guess it's a good thing because if I didn't have these commitments I wouldn't be running.

Which leads me to another topic of discussion being so busy that I have a TiVo full of shows waiting for me. Which I plan on trying to fit in some time this week and I also have some blogs to catch up on. But despite taking a long nap, it's 8:18 pm and I am tired. So I think I will start the week right and head up stairs to enjoy some sudoku and head to bed.

Small Car - 8 People - Geneva, Switzerland

This is the video of 8 people cramming themselves into a Colt Fashion.

7:11 Reunites For Bobby Crim

This weekend the 7:11 club came together again for the another run. The Ohio delegates braved the storms of the mid-west to drive to Michigan and run. Now that is dedication. Of course as always the weekend was jam packed with activities. On Friday night we went to KC's apartment in Grand Blanc to carbo-load for the big run on Saturday.

The drive from Lapeer was well very exciting. The rain was coming down in sheets. We listened to the radio which by the way did not really warn us appropriately that that same storm was causing a tornado just miles in Fenton. I think Bruce enjoyed the drive in jeep. I however was white knuckling the Oh Sh*t bar in the front seat.

We all had a delicious dinner prepared by KC. Everyone got their official Crim Packet and 7:11 club t-shirt, especially made for the run, we also called the Florida delegate to tell her that she was missed and remind her to buy her plane ticket for the next event, before they get too expensive.

Then we headed back to the Holladay Inn... Yes the Smith family Robear, wife and children came to Attica where they spent the evening with us. By the time we got their the two little ones were wiped out. However, Bruce, Robear and I managed to stay up for a little while and reminisce about good ole' Geneva!

We woke up early for the race, mainly because Robear needed his Tim Horton's coffee fix. Yes the man will drive 20 miles out of his way for a cup of Tim's java and Timbits. Thank God we only had to drive to Lapeer, which happens to be on the way. We got to Flint and the weather was a little rainy, but not too hot so I didn't mind that.

We started the 8K race in the pack but quickly went our own pace. Our motto "we'll wait for you" yes we may leave you behind, but we will wait for you at the finish. Well on this run, they all had to wait for me. I came in 20th in my age group 25-29 with a time of 50:38, just over 10 minute miles. Not great but not bad, considering this is the second time I have run 5 miles since breaking my foot in July of '05. Bruce took the lead for the club with a time of 45:25... You can go here for all the results.

I guess I could have pushed myself a little more because I had plenty of energy to dance at the party. But in away you could have called that my strategy. Unfortunately the only one who wanted to dance with me was the four year-old. I think that is just because they can't handle my moves. Yes I am killer at the robot. Those of you who have seen know what I am talking about. It was a grand time even in the rain.

I could have stayed longer but KC had a wedding and the out-of-towners needed to hit the road and I don't blame them. Because when I got home to Lapeer County I was exhausted, but that was quickly cured by a 4 hour nap. Yes, the joys of my life.

However if you are a runner, let me tell you how much I love the Bobby Crim race. It's a great time. I have always had fun and I have been going as long as I can remember. But if you go, make sure you stay for the party! Nothing is better than a bunch of sweaty runners cutting loose on the dance floor. Just watch out for my robot.

The next run - well we are thinking about the Detroit Marathon Relay in October. However we would need a couple more people to make up two teams... who's with us? I am serious.