It Wasn't Pretty - But I Finished

Today, I finished the 10 mile Crim Road Race. We started the run at 8 am and it was already 78 degrees. By the time I got to the 7th mile - I was so hot. This is when I am glad that I am a wimp and I listen to my body - because when I felt that I was going to pass out or blow chunks like many other people did - I just stopped and walked. I finished the race in 1:52 minutes, which isn't breaking any records, but I finished. I have been coming to the Crim Road Race as long as I can remember and this was the first time I ran the 10 miles (with Bruce.) It actually was the first for a lot of people in my family. My Aunt Janet ran her first 10 and my identical cousin Kellie (who came in from DC for the race) ran her first ten.

The 7:11 crew came in town for the big event (MIA Tony and Meghan.) We had fun hanging out and the next event is Urbana, OH for a football game. It should be fun. Well as much fun as you can have a high school football game. Actually we will have more - because that is just our style. It's only been a couple a weeks (2) but it was great to see our friends again. Joe brought Lori and Quinn Robert's fam was back in Ohio because his little one was sick. Karyn ran the 10 too she was our winner - however she couldn't stay for the festivities because she was celebrating her 10 year high school reunion tonight. However I cannot verify this and who knows she may just want to get home to jump on her new trampoline (which by the way sets her up perfectly to compete in the 2012 Olympics.)After the race, it's a tradition in my family to hang out for the big party. Bruce said to my cousin Kellie today that it's about the race not the party. Kellie quickly informed him that he was wrong, and this is a clear sign that he is a new comer to the family, because it is about the party, the race is just a nice event before it. Now when I say party think - huge tent with food and beverages, with live music (DJ at first but then a live band.) This year's high light was the Contours - the one orginal member in the band showed up with his three fill ins for a concert. Now Bruce had to work tonight - so when he left early - he wasn't shamed, not by me or the family. However, I was told that I need to start schooling him on the ways of the Crim. However if you have ever met my family - you would know that it is always about the party. We love to laugh and have a good time and if there is no party - we find a way to make one. Below is a picture with me an my youngest cousin Olivia - she will be 7 this year - which makes her 23 years younger than me - you do the math. She ran the Teddy Bear Trot which is a quarter of a mile - she said to me that when she grows up like me - she will run the 10 mile too - hopefully I will be able to still run it with her.

We stayed at the party until after 2pm. Then we headed back to Lapeer County. My dad and mom drove me (which was a good thing, because I was exhausted.) Plus they had to come get their dog which was at my house I just got out of a much needed shower - I am sure my parents probably appreciate it more than I do. Now I am helping my mom upload her first video to YouTube. Then it will be time for a well deserved nap! So another 10 miler done, however next week will be a big challenge, Bruce and I have an 18 miler on the training schedule. I am hoping for very cool weather, because as I said today - I am a cold weather runner!

Screen Porch Loungin'

For those of you who are G. Love Fans, I am sure you see the reference. Tonight I am on the screened in porch enjoying a little out doors, but not too much hence the screen, with the cats and dog. After a couple days of big storms with lots of rains the temperature is a lovely 65 with a breeze and no humidity.

Today, was the last day I had students reporting for the 2007-2008 school year. I still work until the end of June, but I will bide my time with working on my curriculum for next year. You know inventing new things to ruin my students lives, most adults would call it work/projects/tools to help them learn. But remember here I teach high schoolers who tend to have an eye for the dramatic.

When I got home today, Bruce and I headed to the park for a run. We have been pretty good keeping on track for our marathon training. Since May 5 - I have run 62 miles. I am sure all of you avid runners know that isn't a huge accomplishment, but for me it is. So far, I am injury free and feeling good. However, I am knocking on wood, because we all know that I don't have the best injury free record.

Breaking News from Almont: Water Tower Terror (Bruce's Title)
And to answer your question, yes I was in the car when I did this awesome video.

Crazy Winds & A Wild Storm...

They predicted wild weather today and it turns out they were right for once. I was rushing down to Partridge Creek in Utica to return some things after the world's longest graduation ceremony. Bruce's class video taped a graduation for a small school today and despite the fact there were only 60 some graduates it took 2 hours. Wow! So at 4:30 pm I knew that if I got down there I would have 45 minutes to run my errands. Well right before I got there the ran came and so did the wind. It was blowing so hard that it literally lifted Amber (my car) off the ground. I parked and ran into Nordstorm, well tried to run inside. The wind was blowing so hard, I could not pull the doors open. The tornado sirens were blaring. I had to put one leg on the other door (yes I was in a skirt, but drastic times call for drastic measures) and pull the door open. Now why the two women that were just sitting on the chairs at the doors watching me struggle did not rise to help me, I don't know. But note to anyone sitting at Nordstrom's watching a panicked woman in a rain storm, help her. When I finally mustered up the strength to get inside, I had apparently attracted the attention of all the sales people (who also just watched me.) They came over to see if I was ok, which was nice. But no one in Nordstrom's seemed to realize that there was a tornado warning outside and it was raining sideways, or the wind was so strong that trees were bending sideways - it was almost surreal.

I stayed in the store until the storm passed. However, I was probably the most freaked out shopper these sales ladies had seen in quite some time. Once the storm passed, I started my trek back up M53 to Lapeer County. As I drove you could see the storm damage get worse. When I got to the small town of Almont it was probably the worst. That's where the picture from above came from. Water was just spewing out of the water tower, which meant I had to pull over and snap a photo. Then the journalist in me had to call channel 4 and WWJ to let them know what was going on. WWJ had me on live (yes I was part of their storm team coverage, I know I am lame.) I got to tell Bill Ripota about my drive from M-59 to I-69 along M-53- practicing all those techniques I learned as a producer.

I am home safe and sound now. But needless to say, I am still pretty worked up from this whole ordeal. I am sure this isn't the worst storm I have lived through - however, it is the worst storm that I have been in and not been near home or some kind of reasonable shelter.

So when I got an email from the 7:11 club about reuniting to run a race on March 29th, I thought sure why not. March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. The average high is in the low 50's. Well tomorrow morning - the Flushing 5k will be brisk at best. At race start (9am) the "real feel" temperature will be a chilly 17 degrees.

I am not promising any land speed records, though I am sure I will try to run fast to get to warmth. I am still recovering from my run in with the flu last weekend. Bruce and Karyn will be running the 5k with me, Tony and Robert will be doing the 1/2 marathon.

In other news we are one week out from Spring Break 2008. Bruce, Karyn, Meghan and I will be heading to Europe for a quick 10 day trip. Starting in Prague - then working with students on a film in Bratislava, Slovakia and returning home from Vienna. I am excited about the trip - the only drag is that the dollar sucks right now - so that makes the trip more expensive. But you only live once and I am hoping to win the Mega Millions - so cross your fingers.

Also breaking news, I will be attending my first George Michael concert with his biggest fan, Olive this summer in Chicago. Olive's fandom trumps anyone I know, including me. Yes, even after winning the "G. Love's Biggest Fan" contest, I am no match for her devotion. So clearly you can see why I am so excited. Also I do appreciate George and I have never been to a George concert.

When You're Done with Winter...
... but Mother Nature isn't.

So tonight the weatherman is predicting more snow - so Monday we had a high in the 50's and tonight they are predicting snow. Not an inch of snow, but many inches. I am done with winter.

Another reason was me landing on my butt after falling on ice. I am now icing down my shoulder which is throbbing in pain.

However I just looked at Weather.com and noticed the the winter storm warning has been canceled - though all my students were hoping for another snow day. I actually would prefer no snow and school.

I was going to work on my paper - but do to my injury I am taking a small break with America's Next Top Model. The biggest news this week is Twiggy is gone. Our new judge is Paulina Porizkova, who I must admit I don't know who she is, but I am sure I will grow to love her like Twiggy. Well maybe not because who doesn't love Twiggy.

This week's shocker was the barbie doll girl who up and left during judging. Her name was Kim and well she didn't love the fashion thing. It was very anti-climatic. Despite the early departure of Kim they still had an elimination. Atalya was the first to be eliminated. It's the beginning of the season so it's hard to miss the girls when they leave. The good news is this week - it's make over time. Also I heard other breaking news - the CW has renewed America's Next Top Model for another season, so after this cycle there will be more.

Five Words: Should have used a tripod. Consider it more art and less photograph.
Well anyway - happy lunar eclipse - with the crazy day I had I can hoping that things get better tomorrow!

It's Winter in Attica

Snow Day #2

Ok, so I must say that I love teaching and it's not all about making a difference with kids, because don't get me wrong that is great, but there is also a secret benefit that only mother nature can provide: the SNOW DAY.

This morning my phone rang at 5:40 am and it was my boss - saying, "Good morning, Jennie, there is no school today." I do my best to try not to sound too happy, because it is my boss on the phone, but hey who in the working world, regardless about how they feel about their job, doesn't want a free day off once and a while.

So my day so far has consisted of sleeping in, eating at Arby's, enjoying Tim Horton's coffee, a trip to Home Depot with Bruce, shoveling the driveway and watching Eli Stone on the internet, because I missed it last night and forgot to set my TiVo because I was busy finishing a paper on propaganda. I chose to write about President Bush and the "Axis of Evil." I am not how well I did, but I can say now that it is done.

Enjoying the January Thaw

So when I got home today, I put on my shorts - yes shorts and went running. Bruce and I did a nice three miles in the beautiful Attica park. We weren't the only ones enjoying the thaw - there were several people walking the track. School is back in full swing. We started our graduate classes today and I had all my students in class. The ones that came back today felt the shock of school hit them, why well they all were ready to talk about break and I was like - hey, this is our third day back - we are in full swing.

I am sitting at the table listening to the NBC evening news and all the political craziness of the primaries. It's Decision 2008. I have taken two "who are my candidate" quizes and it looks like I should be voting for Dennis Kucinich. Who's Dennis Kucinich? Well he's a congressman from Ohio and he is pro peace. That's all I really know - other than all the match games say he is my man.

I had a student who will be voting in the election take the quiz, when she did it, she said, I will not vote for Hillary Clinton, she answered the question - then Hillary ended up as her number 1. I won't vote in the Michigan primary because I don't like to declare that I belong to a party - even though I am probably a democrat if you want to call a spade a spade. But I won't be a card carrying member - because I am an INDEPENDENT. Even though my poll says vote for Dennis, I am leaning for Barak Obama - but I don't hate Hillary. I really waiver and I am fairly certain my man Dennis won't make it past the primary, considering ABC didn't even let him in the New Hampshire Democratic debate. So do you want to see who your candidate is? Here's the USA Today Candidate Match and here is one from Minnesota NPR station.

Well I should probably start enjoying my grad school readings.

Skiing Take Two
Today Bruce, Karyn and I decided to try our luck at skiing again. Yes we had so much fun in Ohio, we decided to try the slopes in Michigan. I had gotten my skis from high school from my parent's house, and believe it or not they were not the oldest skis on the hill.

Our goal was to go to Pine Knob to ski, well Karyn and I were having such a good time chatting in the car that we missed the turn off to I-75 and then we took back roads that literally took us to Mt. Holly. We took that as a sign and stopped the car. When we got out on the slopes there was freezing rain.

Which made the slopes quite slick. Also last week the weather was gorgeous about 37 and sunny, so needless to say our first words were, "um skiing in Ohio was much better," "when we were in Ohio," "this one time skiing in Ohio." Seems kind of ironic? But we finally got into it and we learned the secret to skiing at Mt. Holly: go to the back runs, the front runs are way - way to crowded on the weekends.

Next let's talk about the world's freaking fastest chair lift. Once you got in it that sucker just took off. As a girl that does not appreciate heights, I am sure you are wondering how I handle the chair lifts. Well I am fine as long as I figure that the fall won't kill me. Well needless to say I think this chair lift at Mt. Holly takes you faster up the hill than you ski down it, so I am pretty sure a fall from this sucker will kill you. Bruce was so helpful with his loving words as we are traveling at Mach 5 up the hill. I did it a couple of times, but I preferred the more leisurely chairlifts.

By the end of the day we were rock stars on the hill once again. I am having fun with this skiing nonsense, now I just have to figure out a way to get a discount. Are there coupons for skiing? I will investigate. Bruce and Karyn are investigating ebay for skis. As it turns out this downhill skiing business can get quite expensive. Maybe I can get sponsored - that being said if you would like to sponsor me, I am willing to wear your name on my jacket or snowpants, put stickers on my skis and or wear a helmet with your name all over it (however, you will have to buy the helmet and did I mention you will still have to buy my lift tickets?)

After skiing we headed in our HOT skiing attire to Great Lakes Crossing. I had never been before, because frankly I had never been inspired to go to a mall that has TJ Maxx as one of its cornerstone stores. But we went and it was fun. Bruce, Karyn and I ate at the fancy food court, then Karyn and I hit the Gap Outlet and H&M. I got a cute new shirt for the G. Love concert.

Now I am home and plan on taking a long bath and reading the girly magazines I got at Target. In other news, my folks called me today from San Juan - before there ship sets sail to the St. Thomas. As much fun as I had skiing, I am not going to lie, I am jealous of the chance to be in the warm sun. But the good news is my body is currently in snow pants condition - not bathing suit condition, so for the sake of all mankind, it's a good thing I am up here in the frozen tundra.

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

Tony Learns to Ski
(we are such good friends.)

Joe's Wicked Jump

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.

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.

Summer is Over

Yes today school's officially back in session. Today was the first day with students. Today was the official meet and greet. I set the rules and the tenor of the class for the rest of the year. (yeah right) They say as a teacher you shouldn't smile until Christmas break, but I of course break that rule because I can't help it, I am honestly glad to be back at work. I really enjoy teaching. This first week is pretty quiet, it's not until the feel comfortable that they try to put me through my paces. However I am seasoned now... yes at year three I am feeling even better than last year. However the big decision tonight: what to wear for tomorrow? I have already expired my super cute European dress/fabulous shoes from DSW. Whatever I wear it will be cool, tomorrow's high is 88, so despite the fact the school year has started, I guess summer really isn't over yet, at least according to our friend Mother Nature.

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.

Spring Snow?

Yes that is a blanket of snow covering my front yard. I woke up this morning to an 1.5 inches on my car and a very slow commute, which almost put me late to work because well I was not expecting it. Sure the weather man said it was possible, but I clearly heard dusting in all the reports, this is NOT a dusting.

I really thought it was spring. At least I am not in Marquette, which got 24 inches of the white stuff yesterday.

However, it is SPRING BREAK 2007 and I am not going to let this bring me down, when I will be enjoying G. Love and Cleveland in just a few short days.

This is unacceptable, this is S-word that has accumulated on our car. As I am looking out the window right now there is much of that unacceptable white stuff falling at a rapid speed. Someone better do something about this quick. I mean it because I can't take sitting through lunch tomorrow listening to all the guys talk about their trips to Florida and South Carolina, I may lose my lunch.