Insatiable

I've almost conquer this small section of the globe...




...good thing Megan just moved to Rhode Island and Josh still lives in Texas.

Here is the insatiable part...



...so many places to go!

I'm running a marathon in a few hours. Staring at the computer is my new way of calming myself, for this supplies much needed visuals during my hours alone. As I run, part of of my thought patterns drift to traveling (plus, I have great conversations with my close friends). Having these maps fresh in my mind will help me answer running-queries such as, "Where exactly is Guam?" or "When I go to Kenya, what other countries could I dip into?"
There is my rationale for the maps...what I am just not typing is that I am anxious! I am trying to exhale deeply, stretch out of obligation, and listen to Aaron's compliments...these are all great parts of my life, but still the heart rate is up, UP, UP!

The "Loneliness of this Long Distance Runner" will be written during this marathon (I am a brilliant author when I run) and hopefully that prose will remain, even after I unlace my shoes, and end up here.

Ohhhh, yessss, marathon number four is just about here...I will be using your vibes and energy tomorrow morning, many thanks in advance!

marathon route

We will conquer this long run on Sunday, April 30th. Will you be there to scream?

Marathon and Fundraising

Chavez Teachers run 131 miles!

Chavez Parkside teachers are running 131 miles to raise money for a school piano!

On April 30th five Chavez Teachers, Kerri Bowers, Anna Pellicioli, Kyle Cole, Beth Gibbons and Emily Isaacson , will each run a full marathon (26.2miles ) to raise money to buy Chavez a piano! We are asking faculty, staff, family and friends to pledge money to help us reach our goal of $5,000 to purchase a piano for our new music program!! Help us raise the money and together we can get a piano for Chavez Parkside!

How you can contribute:

1. Pledge per mile for all 131 miles (ex. $1 per mile x 131 miles = $131.00)
2. Pledge per mile for one runner ( ex. $1 per mile x 26.2 miles = $26.20)
3. Pledge a lump sum of money (ex. $50)

Who you contact to pledge:

1. Sign up in the teacher’s lounge
2. Contact Kerri, Anna, Kyle, Beth or Emily directly
3. E-mail: kerri.bowers@cesarchavezhs.org
4. Send a check to Cesar Chavez Charter Schools.

All checks should be made out to Cesar Chavez Charter Schools. Make sure you write Marathon for Parkside Piano in the memo section. Mail check to: Bryan Patten, Cesar Chavez Charter Schools, 709 12th Street SE, WDC 20003.

Also, if anyone is interested in coming to cheer us on, the marathon is on April 30th in Frederick, Maryland. The race begins at 7:30 am and ends at Keys Stadium on Stadium Drive. We would love to see you there!

Back to reality

Reality:

• Today is Emancipation Day in DC.

• I work and run daily with an Italian and when she told me that she would rather dine with Pres. Bush than Berlusconi, I just had to learn more. Italy is happier, hopefully.

• Gas is insanely expensive. I don't own a car (and never plan to again), but couldn't help but gasp as I went by the neighborhood pumps today: $3.09 and maybe no relief in sight. Ride more bikes!

• Less than 2 weeks until marathon #4!

I am back from:
Shouldn't vacation be what we are always on? I know, I know...vacations must come to an end. However and hopefully, vacations supply us with the fuel needed to resume the work, school or life we are escaping. And, when it is over, we return eager and reinvigorated. I was just on vacation, and it was lovely and I am happy to be back to my life where I work at a school.

• I played lots and learned lots about disc golf. This fine sport can be yogic, I am great at throwing a 143 straight into trees, and marvelous at tossing the Valkyrie. I will play much more of this!


• When you can go to Asheville, NC be sure to eat at the best veggie restaurant ever (a bit pricey, but no doubt the ohhh's and ahhh's will surpass the agony of shelling out a few more bucks).
  

• Also, when you are in Asheville scoot over to the hot springs located on the French Broad River. (Hot mineral water, babbles of a passing river and stars overhead, yes you should.)
  

• It may not shock those of you who know me but, I am again at war with poison ivy. Unlike recent wars, this battle looks like an easy victory for the skin, not the oil (I will keep you posted).
  

Up up and away...

I am officially on Spring Break!

Regularly scheduled programming will resume around April 17th. Until then, have some fun and soak up fleeting rays of sun with a smile.

Shipwreck

Ahh, this takes me back...


Aaron and I ventured to South East Asia a few years ago. While bouncing back-and-forth from Thailand to Vietnam, we met these wonderful friends. This crew had a wonderful time together on a small Vietnamese island. Collectively, we broke through many cultural barriers, shared, became friends, boogied down at a sketchy night club, and have even traveled together since. I have managed to keep in touch with most of the beautiful people in this picture. One of the lovely women pictured here just re-sent this too me, to jog the memory a bit. It truly did take me back to a great time and place.

There is nothing wrong with a mid-day daydream, right? Because as I sit in front of this computer at school, I can not see my dry-erase board nor the maps on my classroom walls...all I can see are the jutting rock piles, crystal blue waters, and the smiley faces of the people I love having met...thanks Sandra, take me away anytime!