March-a-thon, in pictures

March-a-thon is always an impressive thing to see.  It's impressive to experience in any way and is completely awe inspiring when you see how well the band directors wrangle over 700 kids and get them from point A (the high school) to point b (the last elementary school on the route).  It's a well orchestrated gathering of parent volunteers, teachers and of course, the band themselves.

Just a gathering before the actual march.

 I am fortunate that my daughter doesn't mind that her crabby old mother comes along on this journey.   I was able to share in this experience today and had a lot of fun.
We gathered, starting at 7:30 am and fed the kids (no easy feat!).  By 8:45, the band was outside the band hall and getting out, ready to march.  
They left the band hall and marched out from behind the band hall, past our practice field and on to one of the major streets in town, which they crossed.

This is a small portion of the band, crossing the street.

 

 They got to Anderson Elementary (our first stop) by 10:00 am.  There, they got drinks as it was hot already, used the rest room and then were ready to go again. 

Arriving at Anderson Elementary.

 

 

 They marched across Main Street (I bet THAT was impressive!), then arrived in our neighborhood, at the Bethany Lakes Park for lunch.  They were *very* hot by the time they got there.  We handed out water and Gatorade, plus they ate lunch.  My son came over from the house and brought his sister lunch since she forgot to pack hers.  I took him with me when we left to go off to Lowes and Tom Thumb.  I figured it would be good for him to spend a little bit of time with me.

Arriving at Green Elementary--end of the line.

The last stop after Lowes and Tom Thumb was the Twin Creeks neighborhood.  We got to the elementary school about 45 minutes before the band did.  It gave me time to rest a little, drink my coke (I'd had water in the car on the way over to the school) and wait for the band.  I don't know what the exact temperature was today--I think it was over 100 for sure.  The forecast called for it to be 104 today.  I am in awe of those kids, marching in 100+ degree heat and playing their instruments.

Here's even more inspirational to me:

Mandi at the end of 10 miles!

March-a-thon

Today is March-a-thon, which is the fundraiser for the high school band.  My daughter is marching 10 miles, after which, she's going to a pool party.  I'm going to help set up and distribute water to our kids.
It will be enormous fun!!

I won't be taking very many pictures because I'll be ahead of the crowd, but I'll try to get one or two.

Adventures in grilling

We bought this crazy looking thing a week ago and brought it home on Saturday.  This is our "Big Green Egg", which is a combination smoker/grill.  It is made of ceramic.  The inspiration is from a Japanese cooker called a "kamado".  This is a new version of that type of cooker.  It uses charcoal in a fire ring, which is at the base of the egg.  See the metal plate at the base?  That's a vent and where you clear out the ash.  The charcoal is about at the top of that ring, about 1/4 way up.  Then you have a ring, then you have the grate.  There's also something called a "plate setter", which is ceramic as well.  You can put it in, feet down, which allows you to put things on top of it and do things like pizza, breads, etc.  If you put the plate setter in feet up, you can then put your grill on top of that, then put a drip pan underneath.  That prevents flare ups from the fire getting drippings in it AND it keeps the grill a bit cleaner.

We started out small--we made hamburgers and hot dogs in it on Saturday. I also made some chicken legs for lunches for this week. Those will last all of tomorrow as my son and daughter will likely eat 2 of them and the hubby and I are taking them for lunches.  Today, we made a roast and baked potatoes.  I don't think we'll be making potatoes any other way now.  These were just too good!  We put them on the grill for about an hour, then we wrapped them in foil and finished them baking.  The roast was incredibly juicy and not at all dry.

I am going to try my hand at roasting vegetables too.  We have an eggplant in the refrigerator which was supposed to be for ratatouille, but as we do not have bell peppers, we will just try grilling the eggplant.


Next weekend I'm going to make several things that can be cooked easily on Monday and for the rest of the week.  I'm already planning for next week. 

I'm going to

Eye surgery (again)

I had Lasik in January of 2009.   As of June, 2010, we found that my vision had deteriorated.   I went in for a follow up and they said that most likely I'd need a touch up. They had me wait a month, then come back in again.  They wanted to make sure it wasn't changing radically. It didn't change between last month and this, so I am now scheduled for a repeat surgery on the 9th of August.  Let's hope that this one is good.  I don't want to go back to glasses yet.   I lived with them for 33 years. Being without them for the past year has been so wonderful!  I love not having to fight with glasses to see distances. Plus, in martial arts, it's hard to keep them from sliding down my nose!! 

As I said, I had my follow up today.  We scheduled the surgery for the 9th. I can't go to work that day and am wondering about the following day.  They assured me that I'll be able to drive--I will have my left eye still.  I will have a contact lens in the right eye that will stay there for about a week.  I see the doctor on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.  I should have asked Dr. Boothe if I could go to Tai Chi on Monday.  I think I will go anyway--it's non impact and I don't lean over at all during the movements.   For Tang Soo Do, that's a question mark.  I am not sure if I want to go or not.  It will be "Pirate Tang Soo Do" if I do go...I'll have to talk to Master G about it.

Tai Chi wisdom

Tonight, my Tai Chi instructor said something that resonated with me.  She said that all the ideas of perfection we have are to be left behind because there is no perfection.  Her suggestion was to do the technique and if it brings you happiness, if you're smiling inside, then you did it right.   It's thought-worthy, especially in light of my determination to be 'perfect'.  I got something out of class tonight that I would never have thought I'd pick up.

In class, we did "Move around the world to the left". It is a neat technique.   When done slowly (note to self...MOVE...SLOWLY...), it is very pretty.  Some of the Forms Class students came in and worked with one of the other instructors.  They were working on the "Four Corners".  It was beautiful.   I'm glad I'm taking the time to slow down and learn the Tai Chi.  I needed to re-think and re-focus.  
I was thinking on the way home from work tonight that I needed the break I've taken from martial arts.  I'm getting re-balanced in Tai Chi.  It's about balance.  

Burn out

I'm suffering from burnout.  I have been seriously burned out from my normal martial arts classes because I have had problems with remembering my forms and I get very frustrated because I'm a perfectionist.  I demand nothing but perfection because I have this silly idea that I HAVE to be top notch.  However, you cannot be top notch if you don't practice.  If you don't practice, you can't achieve the silly ideal of perfectionism you may be carrying around in your head.  
This describes me.  I get aggravated because I don't know the Korean for my techniques.  I don't work on learning it.  I get aggravated because forms I know I should know, I forget.  I get mad at myself because I think that I "should" do something perfectly because I'm a black belt.  Then I get caught into a nasty cycle of beating myself up and yelling at myself for doing things wrong.

This led to a lot of thinking (my best friend says I live in my head too much!).  I've sent stupid emails to my instructors, telling them that I'm having issues.  I've met with the owner of the school.  He finally laid it out-I need to make a serious decision to get it together and decide what really want.  I've got a yes or no question to answer for him.   I just haven't decided what that answer will really be.   Is it in my heart to put in the hours and hours of training and beat myself up to get into top shape and attempt to work toward my second Dan?

Ultimately, I think it all boils down to that.  I had this plan when I first got my Dan that I'd be a first Dan, then two years later, I'd be a second Dan, then three years after THAT I'd earn my third Dan...so, if I was "on track" on the old "plan", I'd be a second Dan, pushing to earn my third in another year.  Well, things don't always work out the way we plan.   I'm still at first Dan.  I haven't taken my training seriously.    I blow it off more than anyone  I know.

I'm working on figuring out what I want to do.  To try to work toward that end, I enrolled in an "Introduction to Tai Chi" class through the Parks and Recreation department. I had my first class last week (7/12).  I enjoyed that class and went back last night.   I enjoyed that one as well.   I truly feel that it is helping me.  So far, I've only attended two classes, but I learned a little bit about the history of the art, plus I have learned how to "turn the ball" and "wave hands like clouds".  I am practicing the things I've learned thus far, which is a far cry from what I've been doing with my TSD.  I don't think I'm going to give up the TSD yet, but I'm thinking that for now, my concentration is going to be on healing myself (my leg still isn't right after that kick *months* ago!) and getting my mind together.  Then I can pull it together, go into class without any expectations and I'll be able to concentrate on training with out putting any stupid burdens on myself.

I love my chiropractor!!

I have been under the care of a chiropractor for many years and after much searching, and recommendations from friends, have found one who is absolutely the BEST!  He has taken care of my shoulder/neck when I was in all that pain last year and then again this year.  He has had the care of my back for over a year now. 

I went to see my chiropractor tonight since I was in so much pain, I was having issues with sitting up straight.  I needed to see my doctor for sure.  
My back was so tense, he had a hard time adjusting my spine.  I had to put my hands on my chest as I was laying face down on the table in order for him to get my spine to move.  It felt WONDERFUL!!  We talked about how to prevent the "lock up" from happening again. A lot of it involves trying to avoid stress (hahaha!!) at work.  

I'm glad I was able to get in to see my chiropractor tonight.  I'm now resting a little easier. 

Soon to be end of school

School is winding down for the kids and I've been wondering about what the summer will bring for them.  My daughter is about to be a sophomore in high school.  It just doesn't seem like she's that old!  I know she is though, because I have the DVD to prove it.  As a Band Booster, I got a DVD of the football/band season.  It is a great thing!!  I've watched it from start to finish at least once.

My son's about to head for a new school too as he starts the fifth grade.  I was worried about the state mandated testing that both kids had to undergo, but was told by his teacher that I'll get the results on Tuesday (and school is officially out on Friday!!).  He obviously didn't fail because they didn't make him go back for further testing.  I believe my daughter was the same way.

I've got the little guy signed up for football the week after school gets out.  It'll be his first taste of football.  He has been telling us that he's going to be a running back for the University of Texas Longhorns (ummm, he better earn a scholarship!!) so this will give him a small taste of the game.  If he likes it, I'll sign him up for flag football and then move him into a regular football league.  

It's hard to think that in just 5 short days (literally as my daughter will be home early every day!), school is out.  Time to figure out what the summer is going to bring for us.

Gardening fun

Yesterday we spent most of the day in the back flower beds.  We pulled out the pansies, which were on their last legs and replanted the beds with salvias and celosia.  I also got a couple of Asiatic Lilies and planted them.  There's one already in the flower bed, so the two we bought just compliment that.  We also got some peppers and some basil, along with a tomato.  I'm happy to have my garden in.  I've really missed getting my hands dirty!

This is what the flower bed looked like before we installed the plants and the mulch I went out and picked up.  I got Cedar mulch because it has "bug conrolling properties" and it smells pretty.  That, and it'll help improve the soil from everything I've heard.  

While digging toward the back of this bed (where the light green bush is at the back of the picture, toward the grass), I found some sort of volunteer plant.  It looks like it's some sot of bulb grown plant.  We'll see what it springs up into.   I decided not to pull it out.  I'll see if it grows anything wonderful when it sprouts.

We also planted a couple of pepper plants and a dill plant in this flower bed.  The dill is over by the house, near the golden plant at the back of the bed.  I hope it'll do well.  We planted it because we like to eat salmon with dill and it's nice to have that fresh dill in the garden.  I'm also going to plant some basil and enjoy that.  The tomato is in a pot by itself.  I hope that I get some good tomatoes from it.  I bought the plant based on what the container said, that it can grow well in a container.

I

This evening's walk

Back to training!!

I am sooo excited!!  After over a month off, I'm going to be back into my martial arts training as of tomorrow!  I'm going to the dojang to practice with one of the head instructors.  This is making me VERY happy and very excited because I'll be able to get back into working out and getting my mind wrapped around the idea of being a martial artist seriously.  I'm literally jumping up and down for joy.  I'm happier than I have been about almost anything.  There are a few exceptions, but for the most part, I'm thrilled as anything to be able to get back into martial arts!!!  

I am a little apprehensive as well, but I don't think I'll let it bother me much.  The one leg I have been having problems with since I was kicked is a bit sore, but I need to make sure I get myself using it.  I'm going to start stretching tonight so that I can start working on building muscle strength.

School play

The fourth graders put on a play tonight called The Empty Pot.  It was a really neat play.  The kids acted it out, narrated, and played music, along with singing.  It was really a cute play.  I read a review of the book at Amazon.
The music teacher said that the kids read the book in the third grade and that they wanted to put it to music.  It was a lot of fun.
The little guy was one of the "Proclamation readers" along with our real estate agent's daughter.  That was kind of neat.  She's really tall and he's still short, so it was an adorable mix.  I kept hearing a couple of kids behind us talking about my little guy and the young lady.  What's really funny is that the young lady doesn't really talk to the little guy at school and yet they did this play together.  
I didn't get very many pictures that were any good because we were in the bleachers and I didn't have my camera with a good range with me.  The little camera I had does the trick for close up and bright light shots, but not for distance and low light.  I'll see what I can salvage later...like tomorrow.

 

Duck Wrangler

Our new house is in an awesome neighborhood.  There is a park across the street and there are lakes in that park.  There is a huge profusion of ducks in the area.  We always see them in someone's yard as I'm taking my daughter to school.
This morning we were treated to a fun sight and giggles.  As we turned onto the street, we had to slow down because there was a lady in the street, trying desperately to shoo a pair of ducks out of the road.  The ducks had taken possession of the street and weren't budging whatsoever.  This lady had left her car idling on a side street and was trying to shoo them to the curb.  They were determined that they were ducks and as such, they owned the street.  We sat in the car until she'd gotten both of them up on the curb.  It made for a fun morning because we got a good laugh at the thought of our neighbors being "duck wranglers".   The street the ducks were on faces the park and the lakes, so there are *always* ducks out in the grass and in the yards facing the lakes.  Everyone has to slow down and we do have a "duck crossing" sign on the side of the street to warn people that there are ducks there.  
Amanda and I giggled and laughed all the way to her school.  We were laughing so hard, in fact, that I drove off after dropping her off and let her forget her backpack in the car.  I had to turn around and take it back to her--I was halfway to work when she texted me "MY BACKPACK!!  YOU HAVE IT!!"  
It's a good thing we have cell phones, I guarantee!

I'm still smiling at the thought of the people wrangling ducks.  It's too funny and made for a lovely way to start my day.

Killing time

I'm at lunch, at work, killing time.  By this time tomorrow, I'll have the Internet back at my house, if all goes well.  I'm not going to spend all day online though, because I'm still unpacking.  The master bedroom is loaded with boxes, the living room, where the piano is, is loaded with books on the floor.  I haven't finished finding the kids' rooms.  I've managed to misplace a set of keys belonging to my daughter.  I have to look for those.  That's on the list.
Lots of things "on the list".  LOL.

I should be able to slot some time to upload pictures tomorrow night and will share them with people.  I'm really enjoying the "toss" and "keep" options of organizing.  Makes me appreciate people who organize things for a living!!

I haven't disappeared!!

We don't have internet at home and I refuse to go to Starbucks for another session with the wireless.  I need to spend time getting my house in order.

Pictures will be forthcoming.

The great outdoors

We took our first walk tonight in the new neighborhood.  Our daughter had a friend over (they painted her room, including the blinds and the window sill!!), so while they were taking a break from the painting, we went out and took a walk.  There's a park across the street (to the west of us), so we walked over there.  They're in the process of putting in a Veteran's Memorial in this park.  It's really neat.  I have to get some pictures of it and post them.  The memorial has 5 marble pillars, one for each branch of the Armed Services.  Behind each pillar is a wall that has bricks inset into it with the names of servicemen who have either passed away or are still living.  There were a couple of them that were involved in both World Wars.  To me, that's incredible!  One of them had been in the Army in WW1 and joined the Navy for WW2.  

The weather was perfect for walking.  It was cool, but not too cool.  I loved it!  I can easily make my mile a day without any issues.  (That's a doctor prescribed thing that I'll mention later.)

We're still moving things and packing.  The oldest has to go through her closet, I'm tossing books out to the half priced book store and the cat is confused.  All in all, we've had a highly productive week.

Wish list

Since we haven't had a house to live in for many years, I'd forgotten all the FUN one can have in making it a home!

I've starting a wish list for the house:

Lawnmower (electric only, no gas)
Edger (electric)
Weed whacker (same, only electric)
Extension cord to handle the electric weed whacker (the guy at Lowes told us what we need)
A million dollars (in my dreams!!)
A lawn service (that would be ME)
To be moved in NOW...(We're doing it slowly to do it right)
Cleaning service (oh yeah, me again)
A new shower enclosure (the door is kaput on the one we've got...but my bathtub is a whirlpool bathtub with a jet!  WOOO HOOO!!)
A fully seeded and green lawn (we have to plant the seed sometime soon)
Unlimited funds for landscaping
A pickup truck for the hubby (this is because his stupid car bit the dust last week! AGAIN!!!!  Alternator this time and it was pricey!!!)

Here it is....

Introducing....

 My new house.  This picture was taken last Sunday, after it had snowed on the first day of Spring.  I think it's actually kind of neat...the owners put the house on the market and got a picture of it on a snow day in February, we saw it the Monday after it went on market, offered on it by Thursday and...now we're getting ready to move in.  I'm so happy about this!!

Closing!!

I am now a homeowner!!  Woo hoo!!!  I'm so happy and excited!  I'm extremely giddy with excitement!! We signed all the papers at 1:00 and by 4:30, they'd funded the loan, so it's official!  I own a house!!

I'm so happy to be able to get out of this apartment!!  I've had more than enough of strange things here.  This apartment has charged me for an "allocated water" bill, which meant that whenever someone moves out, the rest of the community gets hit with the water they didn't pay for or use.  I'm actually looking forward to finding out what my "normal" water consumption will be now that we have a house. We have a sprinkler system, but may not run it that often.  I know that is a huge water use. 


We've started packing and purging.  My kids are learning how to pack and purge.  My daughter went through a bunch of her things, tossed out things she knew she wasn't interested in anymore and is a lot happier.  My son is just annoyed because we packed up the video games and he won't get to play them for a week or more.  (OOPS!!)


Sunday the 28th is the start of our move.  I'll take my vacuum over to the house and clean, then get busy and tape off the teenager's room and get it ready to paint on Monday.  I also have someone coming out to measure windows for replacement on Monday.  On Tuesday, we get the washer, dryer and refrigerator.  Things are moving along!!

Countdown to closing

One of the hardest things about this house buying journey is over--the loan process is complete.  Now it's on to the packing, cleaning, purging that goes with getting rid of 7 years of living in this apartment.  I have so much stuff to throw out, I'm surprised I haven't filled a thousand trash bags yet.  We have started, but haven't made much of a dent in the packing.  My husband wants to wait until mid-April to move in, but...I'm impatient and want to start moving in NOW.  If i had my way, I'd go ahead and close early, then move in tomorrow.   I have to wait another two weeks though.  Oh well.

This will give me a chance to weed through my books.   I am book collector.  I love to read, and don't visit any libraries except my own these days.  I will probably end up with 5 or 6 boxes full of books.  I think that will be my packing project for today.  If I can get my books packed up, I feel like I will have accomplished something. 

I also have to pack up the contents of my closet---I have all the belts I earned at my old martial arts school in the closet.  When we get to the house, I'm going to design a belt holder (or buy one if I'm too lazy to build it myself) and put my belts out somewhere on display.  I think I have something along the lines of 9-10 belts, not including my black belt.  In my old school, the belt rankings started with white (every school does, I believe), then went to yellow, yellow with a black stripe, orange, orange/black stripe, green, green/black stripe, brown, brown/black stripe, red, red/black stripe, blue, blue with a white stripe, blue with a black stripe, half black/half blue and finally, black.  I'm presently using my blue belt at BTK because our Dan belts are navy blue.