Sunday morning I felt like the clouds had parted and the sun began to shine, directly on me. After a long summer putting off the church search, I girded up my strength and took the leap to visit a new parish on Sunday morning. Reticient to try a new Episcopal church, having been let down by so many, I hoped that the neighborhood of this church and its simple website would lead to finding a great “hidden gem”. My hunches could not have led me to a more wonderful place.

Simply sitting in the parking lot, I was able to “check” a lot of things off my list. Once I entered the worship and education building, I was greeting with boisterous children, a bright, open, and sunny sanctuary, well but casually dressed men and women of every race. I was greeted warmly by several parishoners. The service was traditional but connected, it was clear that many parishoners were truly engaged in the liturgy, as if it were brand new. The sermon was based on a traditional parable but at the same time thoughtful and relevant. The choir, on their first Sunday since summer hiatus, was excellent.

This was a great worship place and space. My immediate connections with the people tell me so much about the church. I only pray that God has given me this blessing not as a fleeting occasion but perhaps as a home.

Peace.

I have always taken great pleasure in the first day of school. This year was no exception. Every school year seems to bring a little something different, a new job, new room, and always, new kids. My first impressions this year find me with mixed feelings. Particularly in the area of curriculum development. Being consistently torn between constructivist leanings and allowing the children’s own curiousity to guide the curriculum and being stuck in the rut of traditional scope and sequence. So much of it is about control. Spending my life as a Type A control freak, but so desperately desiring to give kids a break from this control. This type of discovery leads to all the things a Type A might not be able to handle, noise, unanticipated outcomes, and a general sense of uncertainty. What will they think of today? Will we actually get to two part harmony in fourth grade if we spend a significant amount of time in research?

There are many so much stronger than me who already know the answers to these questions and the way to develop meaningful curriculum while at the same time mastering essential concepts. I am thankful that I am blessed with the time and patience of students and colleagues to discover this balance for myself, sort of my own constructivist lesson.

The first week of school is always a new discovery. As it comes to a close, I hope I have taken in the lovely moments, assessed our starting point, and look ahead to 160 more days of learning.

I had a great discussion yesterday with a colleague with whom I share many values. We were lamenting the state of public education and the “failing” schools who are failing because the test scores count for all students, including the ones with a lack of proficient English and those in need of full special education services. We, like so many in our field of education, find these to be great injustices. This conversation went on like so many others, talking in circles about society, social responsibility, immigration, testing, working etc. etc. etc.

We ended our cyclical conversation which I know we will come back to many times and said our goodbyes. Then this morning as I ran round the lake the second time, I passed a mother and her school age (testable age of about 9) son. I was pleased they were exercising and walking together, but horrified to see that instead of engaging in conversation, they were each zoned out to their ipods. In the interest of full disclosure, I too had my ipod on this morning as I ran 15 miles, 9 of which I ran solo. My mind raced with worry for this child. What a perfect opportunity to spend time in conversation with your child, as the summer days are fleeting. A time to bask in the beauty of nature, talk about the upcoming year, talk about baseball or girls or ps3. Of course I do not know the entire story, but my mind was consumed with worry that this child was not engaging in dialogue with his mother.

If he is not having conversations with his mother whilst they exercise, is he talking in school? Is he thinking critically? Is he engaged with his peers or do they all shut themselves up in a white headphoned world?

I think back to those test scores and know deeply that the teacher cannot raise them alone. Educating our children is a two-way street, a partnership in their future. Each adult that is responsible for leading a child to knowledge must play an active role for the child to realize the value of learning. It doesn’t have to mean using high-falutin’ words at dinner or having “geography quiz” on car trips (Thanks, Mom and Dad) or even throwing every technological advance at the child. It is as simple as talking. Talking to our children. Engaging them in things they want to talk about, they need to talk about or they might not observe on their own.

So perhaps, every so often, we turn the ipods and instant messaging off. We take our walks without the ear buds or eat dinner without john stewart or spongebob in the background. For it is in this talking that we will grow and we will teach our children to grow.

I am waking up this morning sore and stiff, but in the best way. My body is saying-“you went all out and now we must rest.” Yesterday was the IronGirl 2007 Columbia Triathlon.

May I first say, before the official race report, that it was awesome to see so many people out cheering whom I knew and said my name. There is nothing like hearing Go Sarah and seeing a friend! Sandy, Joe, Pat,Shane, Maggie, Paul, Angela, Rebecca, Ron, Jane, Emma, Cait, and Tom, and of course, Jose all gave me a reason to push a little harder and smile! Also, knowing that Wendy, Jane, Joanne, Victoria, Patti, Liz, and Denise were all out racing gave me such great joy. What a privilege to know such strong women.

I was a little nervous as the drizzle hit our car as we drove to the park on Sunday. But I had prayed for overcast skies, so I suppose I was getting my prayer answered. We arrived and I was Body Marked, SO COOL. I now felt like a real triathlete (my first race didn’t have marking). I ventured alone into the transition area and found “Big Blue” (my bike) where I’d left her with her protective baggy on the saddle. I started to set up my space which was about the size of a shoe box. I put out all the gear, the shoes, the socks, race belt, sunglasses, helmet, extra towel and felt very good about my space.

My group, dark green caps 25-29 A-L did not start the swim until 8:04, so I had an agonizing hour of watching each previous group jump off the dock and enter the water. It gave me a chance to cheer for the girls as they each started their first leg. Finally the time came, we were summoned to the line and I went right to the front, just to avoid being kicked as much as possible. I jumped into the yummy green water and waded out near the start. It was the longest five minutes ever. I worried about my too big chip which I had waterproof taped to my ankle. Finally, 3-2-1 start. Head in and pulling away, right away someone kicked my chip and there went the tape, so my chip, though velcroed, had a long flappy thing hanging off my ankle. Needless to say, my kicking in the water wasn’t exactly fierce. I continued to pull away and stayed with the first few ladies until the first turn, when they took off. We started to pass orange, yellow, and red caps and I only had one almost kick in the face from a young lady swimming elementary backstroke. I kept sighting and was starting to wonder when this swim was going to end. The practice swim was so fast, but this swim went on for-EVER. There was a short time when I felt like I was the only one in the lake. The first four green caps were way ahead and then it was me, this soon passed as I caught up to the last orange buoy. Then I dodged lots of colors of caps to reach the beach. Finally, I felt sand underneath my hands and started to stand up. Then I almost fell down (darn vestibular system, right Maggie?!) but though embarrassed, recovered to reach the path. I looked at my time and was really shocked, 19:32 was not what I had hoped for, but what can you do when you are officially upright and on dry land?

I trudged up the mud and through 15 lanes of bikes before reaching my spot where I found Big Blue. I dressed and geared up as quickly as possible, but it was truly slow at 3:39 before I trudged up the hill, saw Jose (yea) and clipped in to start the bike.

Ah, the bike. The part I most dread. Luckily, PS had done a great job of working on my chain and I was peddling very easy in the big ring until I got to Carroll Mill. I listened to Jose’s advice about getting into the middle without jumping and it worked! I was able to switch down in preparation for Mt. Albert. Screaming cheers to the ladies as I ascended, I was able to get all the way to the black mailbox without jumping to granny!!!! This was such an ego boost. Plus, I was playing tag with another gal on a blue cannondale synapse, we were buddies for about 9 miles. I jammed through that neighborhood feeling very excited and pleased with myself. I knew that going down the hill from GCS, I would find two lovely sisters, their lovely significant others, and two adorable blonde nieces cheering quite loudly. I gave a wave and hammered up Folly Quarter all the way to the middle school where I made the nice turn and headed home. I picked up a lot of speed, though interrupted slightly by a very rude Land Cruiser (who honks at cyclists during a bike race?), and waved again at the family before trudging up the GCS hill in the BIG RING!!!!!! Heading home was very nice and I tried as much as possible to cheer for all the ladies around me, who knew I would pass people? The final turn into the park was very emotional as I completed the course three minutes faster than ever before and I knew the best was yet to come.

The second transition was as quick as I could unclipping and lace locking, sometimes I wish we just had one pair of shoes! Under 2 min was good enough considering the distance all the way from row 15 to the final portion of the race, the RUN!

I was very excited at first and started to pass quite a few ladies feeling really confident. I tried again to hoot and holler for everyone around us, it was amazing to see all of the ladies trudging up and down those ridiculous Centennial hills. I hit the 1 mile point and checked my watch 7:15!!! Holy Cow, I knew I would quickly fade as I was passed by two gals in my age group going so fast I could barely speak, they were gone in a flash. I pressed on through the “pretty section” with the straightaway through the green trees just past the bridge. This is normally a serene spot, but I let out a holler for the ladies anyway. I knew it was coming, the hill. I made the turn left and concentrated on moving my arms to get up and around the hill on the extra loop. I heard the music and found M&P at the water stop! Yea! Cheering. Gatorade, yum. It helped me fly down the hill and around the fields, and then back up the hill to more Gatorade and Cheering. Seeing Maggie made me kick harder down the last hill and go back into the park. I saw Victoria in her muscular greatness and Wendy in her pink skirt and knew we were having a great day! We hit the 3 mile mark and it was time to turn it up .4 to go with only one last hill. Some random man said “nice kick Sarah, finish hard”. Ok, I am able to follow directions under pressure, so off I went and blasted up the hill. The last bit was all about speed, so pushing those arms forward I sprinted towards the line, knowing that I could get under 1:55. And so I crossed the line in 1:54:09!!

And it was OVER! 9 months of training and complaining and it was finished! I met my time goal very nicely and felt so good about my bike that I have not yet put it in the basement as I had planned. All my hearty thanks go to all the coaches and friends and family and training partners who have helped along the way. Guiding, Teaching, Leading, and Coercing me into this triathlon thing. For I could not have crossed the line at all without you.

For the record:
Swim: 19:32 T1: 3:29 Bike 1:03:10 (16.6 mph) T2 1:42 Run 26:18 (7:45) TOTAL: 1:54:09
AG place: 31st swim, 52nd bike, 18th run 29/255 AG 131/1556 OA

A Blessed Day.

The summer is about to come to a close. While I officially have one more week of summer rest, every teacher knows that entering the classroom on the day one returns is like asking to be hit with a tsunami of tasks. This is particularly true for me this year as I am moving to a new classroom! A blessing, but an undertaking that I hadn’t quite fathomed before.

Every summer, I place in front of myself personal and professional tasks of a monumental size. And, every summer as I reach mid-August, I find myself lamenting the tasks which I did not accomplish rather than the things that I did. So I shall now have a moment of self horn-tooting to reflect upon that which I was able to accomplish in a short nine weeks time.

1. Completion of two three-credit graduate courses for which I received two A’s. During which I read, four text books including the ever enlightening 600 page “School Law”, two reams of paper’s work of law case study and analysis, wrote 10 mini-papers, 1 case study, 1 research paper, 1 interview project, and two finals. (All in six weeks time)

2. Re-wrote the summer grant manual for our school with a colleague. A thoughtful and reassuring experience.

3. Rode over 100 miles on my bicycle (cumulatively), Ran at least 100 miles in my running shoes including several 16-20 mile feats. Swam for hours…

4. Completed my first triathlon, my second is Sunday.

5. Tried many new recipes for family dinner including Beet Risotto, Harvest Turkey Burgers (Rachael Ray 365) and Mini Greek Kabobs. (all excellent)

6. Enjoyed three trips to visit family for weddings and parties.

7. Had a fantastic visit with my bff in Kansas

8. Spent countless hours with two blonde angels who are under 5 and their fabulous Mommy.

9. Slept in a lot.

10. Spent one blissful hour at the pool of my childhood

11. Read three fiction books for useless enjoyment including Sammy’s House by Kristin Gore (daughter of you-know-who)

12. Read two nerdy teacher/arts books. Read one whimsical teacher inspiration book.

13. Participated in an awesome CSA.

14. Watched The Devil Wears Prada more times than seems reasonable to mention.

15. Spent a lot of time napping and playing fetch with one certain 15 pound furry creature.

16. Finally completed last year’s curriculum maps. (Now I will do them the “right” way for this year)

17. Enjoyed dinner over nightly reruns of The Daily Show with my dh.

18. Saw Shrek 3, Harry Potter 5, The Bourne Ultimatum, and Becoming Jane all AT the movie theater!

19. Wrote edited and sent 80 fundraising letters for Team Hole in the Wall.

Ok, so maybe I didn’t spend the whole summer solving world hunger or becoming the world’s best teacher, but I did find respite from a year of chaos. One week away, the cycle begins again and I’m grateful for this time I have had to catch up on perpetual lost sleep, rid myself of frenetic scheduling, and put constant motion on pause.

The time dwindles, but I will spend at least this hour in gratitude.

A lesson I learned this weekend. When you think it would be “fun” to pack four adults and two children under five in an 8 passenger SUV and drive 6 hours to and 8 hours from Long Island New York to spend approximately 12 hours with family,…..hit yourself in the head with a frying pan and get a train ticket or a plane ticket.

I love my family and had a great weekend, but it is going to be a long day of recovery from riding in a car.

Why is is easy to sit on the couch all day, but so darn hard to ride in a car all day?

Really glad its summer break.

Yesterday, I finally was able to see Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. It was a splendid film and I will not give you “spoilers” on this page, but as I watched I wondered if perhaps I was over thinking my reactions to several things within the movie. Even now, as the website plays its tunes on another firefox tab, I am drawn to some thoughts about the score.

Let me first admit freely that I love John Williams. I am a biased John Williams fan and, in fact, teach a lesson about him every year to my children at school. So needless to say I was a little worried that this particular film score would lose the HP identity. Given the darker nature of the films as they have been made, I was worried that the score would be too scary. Nicholas Hooper has done a marvelous job. Weaving the original Hedwig’s theme, by John Williams, into a lush score with a strong string emphasis. There is no shortage of trumpet and trombone fanfare, but he gives a strong showing in orchestrating many difficult aspects of the film. The Professor Umbridge theme is awesome. I love the string and bells oom-pahing their way as she pounds down the hall, awash in pink!

DJU (Dolores Jane Umbridge) is such a great character to me that I shall blog about her in my next post….

For now, a quote from the film: Besides, the world isn’t split into good people and death eaters. We have all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the power we chose to act on. That’s who we really are–Sirius Black

40 years ago this summer, a man named James Rouse, a prominent local architect and entrepreneur (and grandpa of Edward Norton!), had a brain child. To form a mixed use community where people could live, play, and work all in a central location. Where open and green space was crucial and where people of diverse walks of life could be one community. It was through this vision that he founded Columbia, MD. Within Columbia there would be villages that would have a range of housing options from rental apartments to single family homes. Each village would have cul-de-sac settings with communal mailboxes so that neighbors would meet and visit. Every village would have an accessible “center” with a grocery store, dry cleaners, bank, dining options, and local business. The villages would be linked together by a series of walking paths that were cut through the natural river and creek system in the area. The woodlands and much of the green areas would be preserved for the community to enjoy.

I grew up in Columbia near the village of Harper’s Choice, attended Longfellow Elementary, swam for the Harper’s Choice Challenge, and attended the Slayton House Camp of the Arts. My friends lived on streets with great names such as Eliot’s Oak Road, Rivendell Row, and the best, Iron Pen Place (all Longfellow poetic references). I remember the year that Centennial Park was opened less than a mile from my house and it had a HUGE big lake and lots of grass. I remember loving that my friends came from many walks of life, both racially and socio-economically but I had no idea we were different. I thought we were all the same, because we went to the same school and loved Red Rover at recess. We had been together since Kindergarten, swimming together, going on Brownie camping trips together, and singing together in Chorus and in Alice in Wonderland. After fifth grade, I had to move, but it gave me great joy many years later in high school to hear that these friends had pretty much stayed together for years to come.

When I had the choice to settle somewhere and decide to start my “real life”, I knew I had to come to Columbia. The town has changed, not all of Mr. Rouse’s vision has been preserved, many new village areas are not as diverse and much of the Howard County sprawl is encroaching on the Columbia town lines. However, I chose to move less than a mile from my elementary school. I live on a cul-de-sac and have neighbors of diverse walks of life. I go to Centennial Park almost once a week to ride and am dreading swimming in that once “brand new HUGE lake” for my triathlon in the fall.

I have never been as happy living in Columbia as I was this past weekend. We met up with some friends at the park to enjoy the 4th of July. We set up our picnic on the edge of a large grassy area near the lake. As I sat back enjoying the breezy day, I looked around me. Every major racial group was represented in the park. Lots of families, enjoying good wholesome fun. Non-picnickers were enjoying the bike path on feet, skates, and bikes. Kites, dogs, and popsicles all got to be a part of the day. Ipods, playstations, and computers were not. All were welcome to come and go, use and care for the space, and enjoy nature. As I observed all around me, I couldn’t help but think that perhaps this was what Mr. Rouse had hoped for in his original vision for Columbia. I would hope that he would have been proud on this day. I was certainly proud to call myself a Columbian!

I have never been one to equate natural sounds with music. I like the sound of rushing water, or chirping birds, but I have never found it musical per say. Today, that changed a bit. I was concentrating on my breathing as RP and I ran round the track, mile repeats at 7:05 or less. I always find it interesting how we start with such calm heart beats and silent breathing until about halfway around the first lap when we get into an audible rhythm. Today the music created started with the pat-pat of our feet in a forward motion, in sync with one another. Then my breathing first, hee-huh, hee-hoooo, picking up tempo. Then hers, ooo-aahhh, ooo-aahhh. An occasional sniffle or spit (from me) to break the monotony. The breathing is fast and the patter is steady until the final, hewwwwww—ahhhhhh at the stomp of the step on the finish line.

It was the music made today that led me to think about connections with PE and music. How could the sounds our breathing make during physical activity become a musical piece?

Always the teacher right?

But today, the music made was organic in a way that not even singing can produce. It was primal in a way that not even the deepest jungle beats can replicate. Our breath, our feet, and for one short moment, a mind completely in focus. That is what I call beautiful music.

My RP and I are entering our third week of “Boston Qualifying” training. Our race(s) is on October 7th and we are following the toughest training schedule ever. This week was particularly brutal as the temp on Tuesday at 5:30am was 86 degrees. Today at 6:30 it was similar. We pushed through our 5×1000 @ -4:20 and today our 3 mi tempo at 7:40, but there was definitely no room for talking, breathing takes all of our effort.

I have progressed well in the last five years of running, making good improvements. But with my awesome RP I have come to realize that goals are not achieved by complacency. The fast runners are fast because they practice fast. The good cyclists are good because the ride, a lot. Time off is not an option. Listen to the body, of course, but not for two days. The next 14 weeks are about pushing the limits of the body in a new way. The goal is a 3:40 marathon, but really the goal is seeing how far the body can be pushed on a consistent basis.

Perhaps the mental gains of tenacity and courage will outweigh the physical results. At this point, the mental strength gains will provide a lasting benefit. One which can be transferred to many areas of life, not merely the race course.

14 weeks.