Here is our idea for this year (as of yesterday):
This photo of Maho Bay Camps is courtesy of TripAdvisor
Maho Bay Campground ... in ST. JOHN'S!!!
More to come!!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Potential Vacation Spot
So we change our mind about vacations all the time. We are serious vacationers, and really like going to cool places.
Here is our idea for this year (as of yesterday):
This photo of Maho Bay Camps is courtesy of TripAdvisor
Maho Bay Campground ... in ST. JOHN'S!!!
More to come!!
Here is our idea for this year (as of yesterday):
This photo of Maho Bay Camps is courtesy of TripAdvisor
Maho Bay Campground ... in ST. JOHN'S!!!
More to come!!
Spin Class Number 2
I'm so excited to be teaching spin. It is killer to wake up at 4:30, but I am usually so nervous about it going well that I am awake anyways! This is the week 2 playlist for the class.
On a side note, these playlists are usually just about 60 minutes long.
(1) Warm Up: Sound of Sunshine by Michael Franti - you warm up to it, duh. (3:44)
(2) Positions 2 & 3: Stereo Love by Edward Maya featuring Vika Jigulina (4:07). Turn the resistance to an 8, and stand up. Keep the pace of the music, after the music build at about a minute and a half, move to position 3. At about 2:18, turn up the resistance to a 9 and go back to position 2. Finally, for the last minute of the song, work at position 3.
(3) Hill #1: Uprising by Muse (5:05). Start on a 6 for resistance, when the singing starts, turn it up to a 7. After the chorus, bring it to an 8, for the next chorus a 9, at the pause - make it a 10. Back to the chorus, back to a 9, and at the second pause, finish the song on an 8 for resistance.
(4) Jump #1: Get Your Freak On by Missy Elliot (3:31). Count down from 8 to 1, 7 to 1, 6 to 1, until you get to 2-1, then reverse, having students stay up for the first 8 counts, down the for second, up for the 7 counts, down for 7 counts. You should be able to do this twice.
(5) Pace with class member resistance adjustments: Take Me Out by Franz Ferdinad (3:57). As the song goes, have class members turn up their resistance, after starting on a 6. They can turn up a 1/4, a 1/2, etc. They should work as hard as they want to work while keeping up the pace of the music.
(6) Heavy pace with long jumps: International Love by Pitbull (3:57). Turn the resistance to an 7 and have everyone keep up with the pace of the music. When you get to the chorus, have everyone stand and go as fast as they can. After the first chorus, turn the resistance to an 8, and do the same thing.
(7) Johnny G's: Someone Like You by SafetySuit (3:58). Start at a 6, at the start of the chorus, crank it up 4 turns, stand up, and push through that 10 with all you got!
(8) Hover: London Bridge (Edited) by Fergie (3:45). Resistance up to an 8, stand at position 2, and freeze everything but your legs. At the chorus, resume regular position 2, then change to position 3 and freeze everything but your legs. At the chorus, resume position 2, and repeat.
(9) Jog/Sprint: Misery Business by Paramore (3:31). Continue on the resistance of 8 and being at position 2. Have everyone go at 85%, and on the chorus, go all out!
(10) Hill #2: Shake It Out by Florence and the Machine (4:38). Turn the resistance down to a 6, and pick it up on the chorus.
(11) Special Jump: Sail by AWolnation (4:19). Have everyone go up on the first "sail," then down on the next, and so on and so forth.
(12) Standing Hill: Crawl by Kings of Leon (4:06). Start at a 7, everyone standing, and crawl your way to a standing 10.
(13) Pace Run: B.O.B. by OutKast (4:19). Have everyone keep up with the pace of the music .... wowzers!
(14) Cool Down: Miracle Worker by SuperHeavy. Cool it down you know!
On a side note, these playlists are usually just about 60 minutes long.
(1) Warm Up: Sound of Sunshine by Michael Franti - you warm up to it, duh. (3:44)
(2) Positions 2 & 3: Stereo Love by Edward Maya featuring Vika Jigulina (4:07). Turn the resistance to an 8, and stand up. Keep the pace of the music, after the music build at about a minute and a half, move to position 3. At about 2:18, turn up the resistance to a 9 and go back to position 2. Finally, for the last minute of the song, work at position 3.
(3) Hill #1: Uprising by Muse (5:05). Start on a 6 for resistance, when the singing starts, turn it up to a 7. After the chorus, bring it to an 8, for the next chorus a 9, at the pause - make it a 10. Back to the chorus, back to a 9, and at the second pause, finish the song on an 8 for resistance.
(4) Jump #1: Get Your Freak On by Missy Elliot (3:31). Count down from 8 to 1, 7 to 1, 6 to 1, until you get to 2-1, then reverse, having students stay up for the first 8 counts, down the for second, up for the 7 counts, down for 7 counts. You should be able to do this twice.
(5) Pace with class member resistance adjustments: Take Me Out by Franz Ferdinad (3:57). As the song goes, have class members turn up their resistance, after starting on a 6. They can turn up a 1/4, a 1/2, etc. They should work as hard as they want to work while keeping up the pace of the music.
(6) Heavy pace with long jumps: International Love by Pitbull (3:57). Turn the resistance to an 7 and have everyone keep up with the pace of the music. When you get to the chorus, have everyone stand and go as fast as they can. After the first chorus, turn the resistance to an 8, and do the same thing.
(7) Johnny G's: Someone Like You by SafetySuit (3:58). Start at a 6, at the start of the chorus, crank it up 4 turns, stand up, and push through that 10 with all you got!
(8) Hover: London Bridge (Edited) by Fergie (3:45). Resistance up to an 8, stand at position 2, and freeze everything but your legs. At the chorus, resume regular position 2, then change to position 3 and freeze everything but your legs. At the chorus, resume position 2, and repeat.
(9) Jog/Sprint: Misery Business by Paramore (3:31). Continue on the resistance of 8 and being at position 2. Have everyone go at 85%, and on the chorus, go all out!
(10) Hill #2: Shake It Out by Florence and the Machine (4:38). Turn the resistance down to a 6, and pick it up on the chorus.
(11) Special Jump: Sail by AWolnation (4:19). Have everyone go up on the first "sail," then down on the next, and so on and so forth.
(12) Standing Hill: Crawl by Kings of Leon (4:06). Start at a 7, everyone standing, and crawl your way to a standing 10.
(13) Pace Run: B.O.B. by OutKast (4:19). Have everyone keep up with the pace of the music .... wowzers!
(14) Cool Down: Miracle Worker by SuperHeavy. Cool it down you know!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
The First Time
So here is playlist 1. I had a minor failure with one song - but hey, there always has to be a first time.
(1) Warm-up: Waka Waka by Shakira. You know, typical warm up stuff - gentle bike ride, deep breathes in, some shoulder rolls, stretch up with interlaced fingers and to the sides, and some single leg riding.
(2) Seated pace run with a sprint: Let's See How Far We've Come by Matchbox 20. I like to keep this at low resistance, have everyone keep with the pace of the music, and sprint full out on the chorus.
(3) First Hill of the Class: Home by Marc Broussard. Find the pace of the music, start a low resistance, and gradually make your way the hill til you're at a standing hill.
(4) Coming down the hill: Jai Ho by Ar Rahmand. Stay up on that standing hill and gradually make your way down.
(5) Jumps: Till the World Ends by Britney. Make sure you are on a good resistance, and have everyone standing. Then . . . if you are super human, do a 4 count jump and a 2 count on the chorus. Since this was a first time thing, I was a little over-zealous.
(6) Weighted Surges: Super Bass by Nicki Minaj. Turn the resistance to an "8" (feels like your going throw mud), and go for it on the chorus. When the chorus is over, turn up the resistance, and repeat until the end!
(7) Position 2 and 3: American Boy by Estelle. Stay on a position 2 until the end of the chorus, then position 3, and repeat until the end.
(8) Johnny G's: Numb by Linkin Park. Start on a 6 and turn up that resistance to a 10 for the chorus.
(9) Pace Run: Bang bang by K'naan & Adam Levine. Low resistance and keep the pace of the music, the whole song!
(10) Standing Hill: Jump on my Shoulders by Awolnation. Turn the resistance to 8 and up you go. Follow the rhythm to make your way up to a 10 and back down to the 8.
(11) Pace with resistance: Lisztomania by Phoenix. Turn down the resistance and have your class turn the resistance as much as they want, but when you say. Keep up the pace though!
(12) Hover: Goodies by Ciara. Turn the resistance up to 8 and stand up. When the moment is right, freeze everything but your legs. On the chorus, unfreeze, and move to position 3 and freeze.
(13) Last Seated Sprint: Beat It Cover by Fall Out Boy. Sprint on the chorus but keep up the pace in the middle.
(14) Standing jog with a sprint: Shake It by Metro Station. Stand up and turn up the heat and go all out on the chorus.
(15) Cool down: Valerie by Amy Winehouse. Time to breathe again!!
That's #1, and when I have more time, the rest will appear too!! Happy Spinning!
(1) Warm-up: Waka Waka by Shakira. You know, typical warm up stuff - gentle bike ride, deep breathes in, some shoulder rolls, stretch up with interlaced fingers and to the sides, and some single leg riding.
(2) Seated pace run with a sprint: Let's See How Far We've Come by Matchbox 20. I like to keep this at low resistance, have everyone keep with the pace of the music, and sprint full out on the chorus.
(3) First Hill of the Class: Home by Marc Broussard. Find the pace of the music, start a low resistance, and gradually make your way the hill til you're at a standing hill.
(4) Coming down the hill: Jai Ho by Ar Rahmand. Stay up on that standing hill and gradually make your way down.
(5) Jumps: Till the World Ends by Britney. Make sure you are on a good resistance, and have everyone standing. Then . . . if you are super human, do a 4 count jump and a 2 count on the chorus. Since this was a first time thing, I was a little over-zealous.
(6) Weighted Surges: Super Bass by Nicki Minaj. Turn the resistance to an "8" (feels like your going throw mud), and go for it on the chorus. When the chorus is over, turn up the resistance, and repeat until the end!
(7) Position 2 and 3: American Boy by Estelle. Stay on a position 2 until the end of the chorus, then position 3, and repeat until the end.
(8) Johnny G's: Numb by Linkin Park. Start on a 6 and turn up that resistance to a 10 for the chorus.
(9) Pace Run: Bang bang by K'naan & Adam Levine. Low resistance and keep the pace of the music, the whole song!
(10) Standing Hill: Jump on my Shoulders by Awolnation. Turn the resistance to 8 and up you go. Follow the rhythm to make your way up to a 10 and back down to the 8.
(11) Pace with resistance: Lisztomania by Phoenix. Turn down the resistance and have your class turn the resistance as much as they want, but when you say. Keep up the pace though!
(12) Hover: Goodies by Ciara. Turn the resistance up to 8 and stand up. When the moment is right, freeze everything but your legs. On the chorus, unfreeze, and move to position 3 and freeze.
(13) Last Seated Sprint: Beat It Cover by Fall Out Boy. Sprint on the chorus but keep up the pace in the middle.
(14) Standing jog with a sprint: Shake It by Metro Station. Stand up and turn up the heat and go all out on the chorus.
(15) Cool down: Valerie by Amy Winehouse. Time to breathe again!!
That's #1, and when I have more time, the rest will appear too!! Happy Spinning!
So I think I'm a SPIN instructor
What to do next?
I always thought that would be an easy question to answer. I graduated from college, got married, got a good job, went to Europe, got another REALLY good job, and graduated from my Masters degree program. Naturally one would assume my next step would be children. However, it seems that we'll be waiting for those plans to come to fruition.
So, what next?
My friend Katie and I are taking crochet, which we both need wine to double crochet properly. I've worked on scrapbooking my European adventures. I'm thinking about teaching a course at Essex Community College but right now, the cover letter is holding me back.
I do, however, have my certification in cycling instruction. I've only been at it for a month or so, which means creating playlists can be very time-consuming. So I thought I would help people like myself and write up my "spin" playlists to share the love.
I always thought that would be an easy question to answer. I graduated from college, got married, got a good job, went to Europe, got another REALLY good job, and graduated from my Masters degree program. Naturally one would assume my next step would be children. However, it seems that we'll be waiting for those plans to come to fruition.
So, what next?
My friend Katie and I are taking crochet, which we both need wine to double crochet properly. I've worked on scrapbooking my European adventures. I'm thinking about teaching a course at Essex Community College but right now, the cover letter is holding me back.
I do, however, have my certification in cycling instruction. I've only been at it for a month or so, which means creating playlists can be very time-consuming. So I thought I would help people like myself and write up my "spin" playlists to share the love.
Monday, January 17, 2011
The Bread of Life
From DeAnna:
It's nice to know God is on my side. I decided to do a little search for something to read before an actually delicious bowl of Muesli this morning. Remember that fasting is not my forte, it seems that the devotional I found seems to be exactly what I needed to read. The key verse - I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which people may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." John 6:48-51.
Jesus must be the daily dose of food that we seek. The intention of this is to grow closer to God, not to become holier than thou, but to find His peace and understanding. Just a little something to nibble on this morning.
It's nice to know God is on my side. I decided to do a little search for something to read before an actually delicious bowl of Muesli this morning. Remember that fasting is not my forte, it seems that the devotional I found seems to be exactly what I needed to read. The key verse - I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which people may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." John 6:48-51.
Jesus must be the daily dose of food that we seek. The intention of this is to grow closer to God, not to become holier than thou, but to find His peace and understanding. Just a little something to nibble on this morning.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Hmmm.
From DeAnna:
So I've never been one to give up food at the expensive, of well, anything. With a new season of our lives coming upon us, beginning with a decision that John and I made about attending the new branch of Trinity - Echo Community Church, we have decided to take part in the church-wide fast for 21 days. This began with John stating - I'm doing the fast, you can do it with me if you want. Being the good wife I'd like to consider myself to be, I said of course I will follow along with you.
Boy, is that a wrong reason or what? The purpose of this venture is not to please my husband. For awhile I have been trying to reconcile within myself to stop seeking everyone else's approval, because it just turns up in heartache or disappointment. Not to say that getting my husband's approval is going to be thrown to the wayside. However, whether it has been people at church, my friends, the cool people, or even students, I've always wanted to just be "liked." While I know there aren't many people out that who want to be hated, most people do enjoy having others think well of them, but I have an uncontrollable urge to be liked.
So now, I think I started this fast for the wrong reason, to please my husband. A direct result of this misjudgment - misery. In Matthew 6: 16 -18, Jesus talks about fasting - "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Here I've been walking around somber-faced, denying "delicious food," and drooling over tostitos like a hypocrite! Worse yet, even though I've only been a little bit hungry, with the type of fast I've been doing, I still actually enjoy the food I'm eating and feel better as a result.
It's really funny how God works in our lives, not that I want to be a hypocrite - but I sure look like one now. I think God is giving me a whole new purpose for this fast. For a little while, I've only been seeking a surface level relationship with the only One I need approval from - God. In John 5:44 Jesus is confronting the Jews about persecuting Him for working on the Sabbath. Then He discusses the testimonies they've heard about Him, asking why they don't believe in Him even though they've heard of Him, and says, "How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?"
Approval from God should be enough to sustain anyone. His praise, and the opportunity to one day hear "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness," (Matthew 25:21) should be the ultimate motivator. I guess I've got to learn how to make it mine. So on with the fast, I'm seeking.
So I've never been one to give up food at the expensive, of well, anything. With a new season of our lives coming upon us, beginning with a decision that John and I made about attending the new branch of Trinity - Echo Community Church, we have decided to take part in the church-wide fast for 21 days. This began with John stating - I'm doing the fast, you can do it with me if you want. Being the good wife I'd like to consider myself to be, I said of course I will follow along with you.
Boy, is that a wrong reason or what? The purpose of this venture is not to please my husband. For awhile I have been trying to reconcile within myself to stop seeking everyone else's approval, because it just turns up in heartache or disappointment. Not to say that getting my husband's approval is going to be thrown to the wayside. However, whether it has been people at church, my friends, the cool people, or even students, I've always wanted to just be "liked." While I know there aren't many people out that who want to be hated, most people do enjoy having others think well of them, but I have an uncontrollable urge to be liked.
So now, I think I started this fast for the wrong reason, to please my husband. A direct result of this misjudgment - misery. In Matthew 6: 16 -18, Jesus talks about fasting - "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Here I've been walking around somber-faced, denying "delicious food," and drooling over tostitos like a hypocrite! Worse yet, even though I've only been a little bit hungry, with the type of fast I've been doing, I still actually enjoy the food I'm eating and feel better as a result.
It's really funny how God works in our lives, not that I want to be a hypocrite - but I sure look like one now. I think God is giving me a whole new purpose for this fast. For a little while, I've only been seeking a surface level relationship with the only One I need approval from - God. In John 5:44 Jesus is confronting the Jews about persecuting Him for working on the Sabbath. Then He discusses the testimonies they've heard about Him, asking why they don't believe in Him even though they've heard of Him, and says, "How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?"
Approval from God should be enough to sustain anyone. His praise, and the opportunity to one day hear "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness," (Matthew 25:21) should be the ultimate motivator. I guess I've got to learn how to make it mine. So on with the fast, I'm seeking.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Why Am I Still Writing?
For a moment I was motivated to write something. And in an instant - it was gone.
Cheers to the next time I am feeling up to the challenge of expressing myself in words 'cause it ain't happening tonight!
Cheers to the next time I am feeling up to the challenge of expressing myself in words 'cause it ain't happening tonight!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Holy Tamoley, It's freakin' hot here!
Today we just got back from Deep Creek Lake! It is like at least 10 to 15 degrees hotter here than it was there! The humidity is ridiculous!!!
So, I am happy to announce that I have lost approximately
8 pounds. Now, it was 9.5 last week, but I am pretty sure I might have picked up 1.5 on vacation, but I really worked hard to stick to my good eating habits the entire time I was there. Needless to say, I feel so much better about myself! Yeah, there are some areas still in need of improvement, but I don't feel like a fatty boomba putting on a bathing suit anymore! So that is my first official picture in a bathing suit, and it is my official jump for joy! Even though my face is screaming shock and horror. That was more for the fact that the water was like, I dunno, 60 degrees. But, whatever, you only live once!!
Deep Creek was a lot of fun! I got my mom to go kayaking for the first time. I will post those pictures as soon as I get the waterproof camera stuff developed. 
Also, we had a blast once John and my uncle's family got there. We even got my little 30 pound, 6 year old cousin, Faith, tubing off the back of the pontoon boat! She was hysterical! She told me she never wanted to get off of the tube. The artsy fartsy picture there is Faith and my aunt, Kim on the tube. John, of course, took that one!
Well, there isn't too much terribly more to write about. Well, except for the fact that we might get another son! We may be adopting a fella named Woodie! We would probably change that name though. Too many mean jokes! We are taking Mason to meet him on Tuesday! Since Woodie is two, we thought if they get along, why not? I'll keep ya updated on that one!
Well, it's hot up here, and I want to go watch my husband sleep! So, good night!!!
So, I am happy to announce that I have lost approximately
8 pounds. Now, it was 9.5 last week, but I am pretty sure I might have picked up 1.5 on vacation, but I really worked hard to stick to my good eating habits the entire time I was there. Needless to say, I feel so much better about myself! Yeah, there are some areas still in need of improvement, but I don't feel like a fatty boomba putting on a bathing suit anymore! So that is my first official picture in a bathing suit, and it is my official jump for joy! Even though my face is screaming shock and horror. That was more for the fact that the water was like, I dunno, 60 degrees. But, whatever, you only live once!!
Deep Creek was a lot of fun! I got my mom to go kayaking for the first time. I will post those pictures as soon as I get the waterproof camera stuff developed. 
Also, we had a blast once John and my uncle's family got there. We even got my little 30 pound, 6 year old cousin, Faith, tubing off the back of the pontoon boat! She was hysterical! She told me she never wanted to get off of the tube. The artsy fartsy picture there is Faith and my aunt, Kim on the tube. John, of course, took that one!Well, there isn't too much terribly more to write about. Well, except for the fact that we might get another son! We may be adopting a fella named Woodie! We would probably change that name though. Too many mean jokes! We are taking Mason to meet him on Tuesday! Since Woodie is two, we thought if they get along, why not? I'll keep ya updated on that one!
Well, it's hot up here, and I want to go watch my husband sleep! So, good night!!!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
I hate cleaning.
It's true, I am officially a crappy wife. I hate cleaning. I rather avoid it at all costs. However, the irony to this situation is that I hate messes and clutter. So I suppose I need to figure out which I hate more . . . messes. I just hate how things build up over the week. Not to mention that I am one of those, what you might call, pilers - I like to make neat little piles everywhere. To add to the piler method, John is a pack rat - so there are neat little piles of John's stuff everywhere. One of these days we are going actually finish moving into this house so we can stop making piles everywhere!!! It is just always so busy. Today John is helping a friend clean out his house so when the people who will settle on it and try move in on Monday, can actually move in on Monday.
Yesterday we went to John's group at work's picnic. John and his friends decided to play volleyball with these two girls who were just hanging out there. We are all playing, and the one girl has the nastiest language, and the other girl was very pretty with a little too much showing. This is all fine with me, my husband wasn't paying attention to them. However, we thought they must be in college. Oh no, we were really mistaken - they were 14 and 15 - freshmen in high school. 10 YEARS YOUNGER THAN US!!! It makes me wonder about having children. I don't know that I would let my children out of my house, ever. The more I teach, the more mistakes I see parents make when it comes to raising their children, and the more terrified I become of screwing up a human being. Oh well.
Last weekend was a cool, new first for me . . . I went backpacking for the first time. I actually really enjoyed myself, and would def. like to do it again. It is a lot of work, and the bathroom situation is probably the most uncomfortable thing ever, but the rest makes it totally worth it. We hiked Big Schloss - that is the rock formation in the background of the picture. I didn't quite make it to the top because I found a new fear of heights. I hate that I let things limit me, but unfortunately I don't like being out of control - and heights make me feel that way. What a run-on sentence - oh well. Oh, if you were wondering - yes that is a pack on Mason's back. He loves it. He runs around like a mad-man when we pull it out because he knows he is going hiking. He loved backpacking. He was so blitzed when we came home. I think he slept all Monday long. Well I suppose I should start cleaning so I can be finished. Hope the weekend is nice and doesn't go by too fast ..... I have my last 5 day week coming up ... then 4 days after that!!!
* The pretty flowers at the top are from the hike too!!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
It's raining on .... Saturday!
I just figured an update might be nice. It really isn't as if a ton of people read it, but really it is for my own benefit.
John is out hiking again for a second weekend in a row. Last week he hiked Tibbit's Nob - see video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6gbckwGXwI - Pastor Kelly really has too much time on his hands! However, it is pretty hilarious! This week he is in Shenandoah National Park hiking Old Rag. I passed on this one, I am going to the Exclusively for Women Expo with my mom. I should be getting ready for that soon. . ..
I am still waiting on whether or not I got into grad. school. Each week they seem to find something else I am missing from my application. I feel kind of stupid that I didn't do it right the first, second, or third time. It really isn't like me, but that's cool.
We have almost completed our front yard landscaping. John built a beautiful wall, and I planted a garden, but we still need to mulch. The next project is adding a deck to the back. Maybe I can actually help with that one! Sometimes I feel so useless. :( Oh well!
Time to get ready now, sorry for the lack of excitement!
John is out hiking again for a second weekend in a row. Last week he hiked Tibbit's Nob - see video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6gbckwGXwI - Pastor Kelly really has too much time on his hands! However, it is pretty hilarious! This week he is in Shenandoah National Park hiking Old Rag. I passed on this one, I am going to the Exclusively for Women Expo with my mom. I should be getting ready for that soon. . ..
I am still waiting on whether or not I got into grad. school. Each week they seem to find something else I am missing from my application. I feel kind of stupid that I didn't do it right the first, second, or third time. It really isn't like me, but that's cool.
We have almost completed our front yard landscaping. John built a beautiful wall, and I planted a garden, but we still need to mulch. The next project is adding a deck to the back. Maybe I can actually help with that one! Sometimes I feel so useless. :( Oh well!
Time to get ready now, sorry for the lack of excitement!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Another Hike . . .
I am happy to say John is home . . . after a rather eventful trip to Mexico! He really enjoyed himself, but the last day and a half were less than desirable. He experienced a canceled flight and Montezuma's Revenge. Not too pleasant at all!
Today we went on a 10 mile hike along the Appalachian Trail from Gapland, MD to Harpers Ferry, WV. That was really cool. I liked the hike a lot. It was pretty easy, especially along the C & O Canal.
I know I don't look terribly attractive in this photo - but it was taken with my phone, so that is my excuse... plus we were hiking! The picture is where we stopped for lunch, an overlook at the end of the first ridge, about 6 miles from Gapland. That ridge was really cool. There was a shelter for through hikers on the AT. It was this log cabin enclosure, and it had a sweet loft, and was really well kept. The outhouse wasn't so awful either! The log from visitors was also rather interesting. I think it would be really cool to hike the AT one day. Well, obviously it would be more than one day ... it would take months. But I think that would be on my list. I think it is on John's list as well.
Even though it doesn't look like the weather was too beautiful in any of these pictures - it rained shortly after lunch, then blue skies for the rest of the day. Harpers Ferry was BUSTLING!! There were boy scouts and tourists everywhere. Canons were even going off. I think I am too used to Harpers Ferry as a desolate little town in the winter. It actually got really warm, and I got a little sun on my face, which is kind of nice, all considering my paleness. Well the husband is calling ... so off to dinner. (Thankfully not like the dehydrated meal he made for lunch!)Sunday, April 6, 2008
I want to be cool like Molly Fromille
Hello all.
I just love Molly's idea of blogging. While I don't move around the country much, it is certainly more fun to write story-like synopses of our lives rather than just always updating facebook.
An update on our current status!
After getting married in August 2006, John and I prepared to buy our first home by living in a an apartment for a year. That's when we got our little bundle of joy: Mason! Mason is a miniature Australian Shepherd, with blue merle coloring, and beautiful blue eyes. He is an absolutely awesome dog!
Finally, after spending a year in the apartment, we finally were able to find a house.
John and I settled on the house in mid August 2007. We are really blessed to have such a nice home, and have been very happy with our remodeling. John easily learned how to install plumbing for the new powder room, and tile as well. He is really handy! I think the powder room is our biggest accomplishment so far - and I think you can see why - it is beautiful! (If I do say so myself!)
Now we are getting ready to update the outside to be ready for the summer. We are planning to add a deck to the back, along with a new storm door leading to it. There will also be some vegetable garden boxes added - because there isn't anything better than tomatoes from your own garden! We will also be re-landscaping the front of the house. It does not have much of a garden, and I really like flowers - so that will be great once it gets warmer!
We will also be painting our upstairs, and probably will do something with the basement during the fall months. Having a house is a lot of hard work, and maintaining it is hard enough, but remodeling and adding on is even harder, and more expensive! Thank God for tax returns!!!
Along with remodeling this summer, we will going to some fantastic places. John, with his dad, sister Julie, two uncles, and dad's friend, will be hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim the last week of June. While they are away, Mason and I will be with my parents in Deep Creek Lake. (I didn't know when the Grand Canyon trip was taking place when my mom and I planned that- otherwise I would be in Arizona!). Once July rolls around, John and I will be headed south to El Salvador, for a missions trip with the high schoolers from Trinity. I am really looking forward to that, and just hanging out with some cool teenagers! It is tough to always work with middle school kids!
Speaking of which, my job is going well, and so is John's! He will be finishing up his master's degree in Program Management, at Johns Hopkins, this coming winter. Hopefully, I will be starting my masters this fall at Towson, for secondary education. I am happy to be a student again, right now at least I think I am!
As for right now, we are blessed to be filling our time with friends, a small group, American Idol, and spring time hikes.
Well, it is still early, so I am going to go back to bed for a bit. Keep John in your prayers, because he is in route to Mexico to film a conference. I am sure he will be suffering in the 80 degree weather at a resort for the next five days!
I just love Molly's idea of blogging. While I don't move around the country much, it is certainly more fun to write story-like synopses of our lives rather than just always updating facebook.
An update on our current status!
After getting married in August 2006, John and I prepared to buy our first home by living in a an apartment for a year. That's when we got our little bundle of joy: Mason! Mason is a miniature Australian Shepherd, with blue merle coloring, and beautiful blue eyes. He is an absolutely awesome dog!Finally, after spending a year in the apartment, we finally were able to find a house.
John and I settled on the house in mid August 2007. We are really blessed to have such a nice home, and have been very happy with our remodeling. John easily learned how to install plumbing for the new powder room, and tile as well. He is really handy! I think the powder room is our biggest accomplishment so far - and I think you can see why - it is beautiful! (If I do say so myself!)Now we are getting ready to update the outside to be ready for the summer. We are planning to add a deck to the back, along with a new storm door leading to it. There will also be some vegetable garden boxes added - because there isn't anything better than tomatoes from your own garden! We will also be re-landscaping the front of the house. It does not have much of a garden, and I really like flowers - so that will be great once it gets warmer!
We will also be painting our upstairs, and probably will do something with the basement during the fall months. Having a house is a lot of hard work, and maintaining it is hard enough, but remodeling and adding on is even harder, and more expensive! Thank God for tax returns!!!
Along with remodeling this summer, we will going to some fantastic places. John, with his dad, sister Julie, two uncles, and dad's friend, will be hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim the last week of June. While they are away, Mason and I will be with my parents in Deep Creek Lake. (I didn't know when the Grand Canyon trip was taking place when my mom and I planned that- otherwise I would be in Arizona!). Once July rolls around, John and I will be headed south to El Salvador, for a missions trip with the high schoolers from Trinity. I am really looking forward to that, and just hanging out with some cool teenagers! It is tough to always work with middle school kids!
Speaking of which, my job is going well, and so is John's! He will be finishing up his master's degree in Program Management, at Johns Hopkins, this coming winter. Hopefully, I will be starting my masters this fall at Towson, for secondary education. I am happy to be a student again, right now at least I think I am!
As for right now, we are blessed to be filling our time with friends, a small group, American Idol, and spring time hikes.
Well, it is still early, so I am going to go back to bed for a bit. Keep John in your prayers, because he is in route to Mexico to film a conference. I am sure he will be suffering in the 80 degree weather at a resort for the next five days!
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