Procrastination

So if you're wondering why I've posted so much today it is because of one reason.... report cards need to be done tomorrow and I am SO TIRED of grading. I get a lot of other things done when I should be grading research reports, summaries and book reviews.

The Bolder Boulder

Today was what is becoming a family tradition... the Bolder Boulder. This is my third year running or partly running and walking the Bolder Boulder. The first two years the whole family did it. Since my parents are helping Amanda move it was just Paul and I. Luckily I convinced some people at work to run with me. Thanks Courtney and Haley! :-) Now, I have never been a runner and I don't know if I really want to be BUT I try.

This year Paul signed up for the middle school challenge and there was a training schedule to follow. I thought, "This is exactly what I need..." Well I did a pretty good job following the schedule for the first 4 weeks and then the long hike happened which required a week of rest and then I never got back on the bandwagon or horse or whatever I should have gotten back on. This isn't unusual, this is normally how to "train" for things.

A group of us at work found the perfect "teacher outfit" in a catalog appropriately named Homeroom. We decided that it would be a perfect idea to buy this hideous one piece, denim, pantsuit and to pass it around as our own "Sisterhood of the Travelling Pantsuit". The rules are that you have to wear the pantsuit in different locations, the first was on the beach in Mexico, take a picture and then write a journal entry about it. Now I promised since before our pantsuit arrived that I would run the Bolder Boulder in it. I was trying to back out last night as I thought it might rub and that 6.2 miles is a long way to run uncomfortable but after talking to Courtney it was decided I would try to run the whole way. If need be I would let Courtney wear it part way. Well.... I'm so proud that I was able to run the whole way in our travelling pant suit. It was a little hot but not too much more uncomfortable than just running.

The race went pretty well. Courtney and I ran almost the whole way. And yes we were in the MF wave, I think we should have been in the BAMF wave, HA! It was a good time as usual and since I did not properly train... I won't be able to walk tomorrow. :-)

Amanda Moves Away

My sister, Amanda, moved to Seattle last Thursday. I spent quite a bit of time last week trying to help her get ready to move. We did important things like:

Going out to eat at a wine bar in Estes Park called Cheese. The wine and cheese was delicious. If you're ever up there I'd definately recommend it.We also went and ate at the Silver Grill Cafe in Fort Collins with the Book Club that doesn't read books.

We also had a beer at Odells, ate at Coopersmiths and then saw a chick flick. All are very important to do before you move away from Fort Collins. I of course did help with the packing and loading of the truck. And paid with many bruises the next day.(Here is Amanda's cat Mars relaxing while we start moving.) We of course had some cupcakes to eat while moving. If you read my blog enough I think you're realizing how much I really LOVE cupcakes. They make everything better, even having your best friend move away.

I'll miss you Amanda but I'm already planning my visit to the Northwest... preferably when the sun will be out.

Ditch Day

Paul and I decided to take today off of work. We have a couple of days to use and my day at work today was going to be long so...we just didn't go. The weather cooperated with us and we decided to go hiking. Well, I gave Paul some ideas and he decided we should go hiking. (On the list was: Blackhawk/Central City, Estes Park, hiking, or bike riding on the Poudre Trail.)

We went to the Round Mountain trail which is up the Big Thompson Canyon a little ways. Neither Paul nor I had ever been on this trail so it was new to both of us. It is a 4.75 mile trail to the summit of Round Mountain. I thought we'd do our normal hike, go until we get tired. Paul had other ideas. He thought today should be the day I actually make it to the end of the trail. I'm glad we made it all the way, although I would have been pretty happy with 4-6 miles of hiking today instead of 9.5. The trail was pretty empty, we only ran into 3 other people in our 5 hour hike. This must be the advantage of hiking on a Monday. The scenery was nice. There were many great views of Loveland, we saw a herd of deer and the weather was perfect. The only downfall was we had to rush to get home and take Maddy to her vet appointment, oh and now we are moving VERY s-l-o-w-l-y due to our very tired legs. Here are a couple of pictures from the summit.

TGIF

Last week was a long week. I'm not sure if it is because it is getting closer to the end of the year or because the weather wasn't great, but at any rate it was long. For example, Tuesday morning felt like at least a full day if not two. I guess I'm just glad the week is over.

Last night was our school fundraising dance. Last year it was a Sock Hop and this year is was a '70s disco. Our parent group does a great job of decorating and organizing and our music teachers (who are a married couple) are the official DJs. It really is a good time. I like to dance...BUT I have no moves so it works perfectly for me to enjoy dancing at a school dance. :-) My kids already know I'm not cool and the parents don't care. Part of being a '70s disco is dressing up. There were some really awesome outfits there, unfortunately I didn't take pictures of them and the ones that I did are of different students and I won't post them. But my friend and fellow teacher showed up with a great afro wig.

We had planned that after our dance we'd head to a local bar for dueling pianos. I'd never been to this bar and after last night I think I would only go on dueling pianos night. The Piano Men were great and very entertaining. Here is part of our crowd lined up at the bar. Since we got there pretty early and we had scouts out to save a good table we were right next to the pianos. They started right away with picking on our table. Especially Janelle aka Sweater Vest girl. She was a good sport, as always. They finally got her up on the stage so here she is with one of the piano men, I think his name is Kaz? It was a great time and I can't wait to do it again.