It’s one of those nights that I feel the need to write, but don’t have anything very specific to write about, so prepare to read random crap in no particular order (feel free to click the little X in the upper right-hand corner). This evening I was determined that once I got home, I was going to plop on the couch with a blanket, and be lazy. I haven’t had any down time recently, and I am just tired. I am trying to get through the book Divergent (which I really like) so I can pass it along to Addison, and can’t even seem to find time to read for any length of time. I typically read before I go to sleep; the problem is I read only a few pages before my eyes become heavy and the light too bright. Once I finish this blog, I will read. I will keep my eyes open. I think I can…I think I can…

Why am I so tired, you wonder? Like most of you, my life is non-stop. Because this is my first year teaching eighth grade, I have to put more hours in to develop curriculum and research materials, and because I teach language arts, grading can take ten to twelve hours out of a weekend. I try to get to school by 7:00, and leave by 4:00.  Sometimes I get out earlier and go for a run, and sometimes I stay later trying to stay ahead of the game.  Add to that my job at the gym, a husband, four dogs, two 17 year olds (who are in numerous extracurriculars), and an attempt to increase my running mileage, and time is limited. I do not complain (openly – I complain in my head all the time) because this is the life I choose, and I am so very blessed to have a job I love, to spend my day with kids who inspire me, to have a family that needs me and wants me around, and to have a home to care for.

Running…I am still on the fence about running the Kentucky Derby Half next month. I ran eight miles Saturday, and it went surprisingly well. During the run I went through a plethora of emotions. At several different points, I thought This is so stupid! I can’t possibly run 13.1 miles! My knee still hurts. Even after surgery, the stupid thing still hurts. And then a mile later my thoughts would evolve to Maybe. Just maybe I CAN run 13.1. I don’t feel that bad.  Another mile and I would begin to panic about that particular race because last year I had to drop out. Would I hyperventilate in Churchill Downs? That’s where my knee gave up and the pain became too much to handle. Do I really want to face that possibility again? Honestly, no. If the timing were different, I would try the Flying Pig Half in Cincinnati in May, but we have a wedding that weekend. The only spring half that works with our crazy schedule is Louisville.

So, this weekend I will try to run nine miles. If that goes well, I might sign up. Might. Might not. I have to work on getting it through my rather thick head that it is okay to run slower, and to be grateful to finish. I have completed four half marathons, and my times were 2:13, 2:09, 2:04, and 1:59:43. I am very unlikely to ever break two hours again; this I know. Can I be satisfied with 2:20 or 2:30? I am going to have to be. I plan to run with a friend, and I want to be able to just enjoy the time with her – to enjoy HER moment. I think my soul needs it. Stay tuned…

Zumba…I haven’t taught Zumba in two weeks, and it’s okay. I miss the people who were in the classes, but am enjoying more freedom in my evenings. I have taught Monday and Tuesday evenings for the last two school years, and am grateful now for time to run, fix dinner, and do what I choose.  I never dreamed that I would enjoy teaching early morning classes, but am now teaching three 5:30 am classes a week, and I love it! I get up early, teach Tabata or HIIT, shower at the gym, and am still at school by 7:00. It’s a great way to begin the day. I am so very grateful for the people who get up early to come to the classes; they make my job fun!

I bought Oreos today. That’s a confession. Benita and I were at Walmart, and there was this big, beautiful display of Oreos. I have said before that though I am great at working out regularly, I am not so great at eating healthy foods. And I am awful at passing up temptations. Just call me Eve. Only my tree would have had chocolate, not apples, and I wouldn’t have shared with Adam. Thus far, I have only eaten five Oreos, but the night is still young, and I haven’t poured a glass of milk yet. I saw that someone had posted some broccoli recipe on Facebook, and there was a caption that said ‘This recipe should be illegal’. Broccoli? Seriously? There is no flippin’ way broccoli can be that good. It could possibly be tolerable and puke-proof, but that’s it. Oreos and milk…that’s good.

Here’s a list of the upcoming events for the next two weeks (I know you don’t care, but I’m on a roll, so I am going with it):

• Baby shower tomorrow for a dear couple who are adopting a baby boy in a couple of weeks.
• Addison is in the high school play this weekend, and she and her best guy friend are playing twins. I cannot wait to see her acting debut!
• Going to the in-laws Saturday, and will not only get to see them, I will get to see my totally gorgeous, sweet, intelligent step-daughter, whom I adore.
• Next week is the last week before spring break. After state testing this week, we are going to do some FUN writing assignments.
• Going to Chicago – my very favorite city – with Bethany, Addison, and Benita over spring break. Taking a bus (a bit apprehensive about that) .  I have a surprise for the girls, but they might read this, so you all have to wait.
• And then?  Tennis season starts! I love tennis season. All of the girls have played, and I so enjoy watching them. This year our German daughter will also be playing, so I will be trotting back and forth between courts.
• BIG wedding in May. Cathy Gelarden and I not only owned a business together, we also raised six girls together. Her oldest, Baylie, is getting married, and my oldest, Morgan, is in the wedding. My two year old grandson, Layne, is also in the wedding, which should be…interesting? It will be a great weekend!

I told you it would be random, and if you made it this far, you are probably wondering why you bothered. There is nothing enlightening, entertaining, or awe-inspiring. I’m just a regular nana with a regular life doing the regular old things. It’s time to get the Oreos and milk now! Have a fantastic Wednesday night.