On Friday, Einar sent me a text message telling me that he had been laid off. We're extremely grateful that I have (seemingly) stable employment at my 3 jobs, but I am still trying to come to terms with how this is going to impact our finances. I continue to look for a full-time job, but there aren't many openings. And I haven't heard anything from any of the places I've applied, except for the one offer that I declined.
Three people on three consecutive days last week asked me if I've considered returning to teaching. Perhaps God is nudging me? I do not have my Wisconsin license, and I haven't yet looked into what would be necessary to obtain it. There is some appeal to being back in a classroom, but I know Madison is an extremely tough district to get into because of an overabundance of licenses teachers. I might look into it, though. I've got to think about it a bit more before I make a decision.
It's Restaurant Week in Madison, which means I'm working a bit more than usual. Hopefully the restaurant will be busy, and I'll make a lot of money!! I hope people are generous.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
UPDATE! (Inspiration)
I was cleaning at the church this morning, and I saw the youth director. She asked if I'd heard yet how much money the middle school bake sale made. I told her I hadn't heard but was anxiously awaiting an email with the total. She told me: $1,150!! Can you believe it?! A spur-of-the-moment bake sale, suggested by a sixth grader, raised $1,150 to be donated to an organization directly involved in Haiti. Again, I say, AMAZING!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Inspiration!
Last Friday, after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, I received an email from one of the middle school students at church. It was sent to all the middle school students and parents, and in it, she proposed having a bake sale on Sunday morning and donating all the money to Haiti Partners MCC, a non-profit organization started in our church. Within a few hours of her email request, I had 10 emails from parents and students expressing their willingness to help and commending the girl for her idea and initiative. This girl is in 6th grade, and according to her mom, she really wanted to DO something to help.
So, yesterday morning, before and during Sunday school, baked goods starting coming. I'm sure there were more than 10 families that brought something to sell. There was quiet an assortment - banana bread, cinnamon rolls, chocolate croissants, brownies, cookies, peanut butter fudge, cupcakes, lemon bars, and even full loaves of bread that could be pre-ordered for pick-up on February 7. The kids took care of everything: signs, accepting payments, decorations, bagging up items, counting money. It was amazing!! I don't know how much they made, but I heard that before worship started (with about half the items sold), they had raised over $600. Amazing. Inspiring. And such a good experience for them, especially for the girl whose idea it was.
So, yesterday morning, before and during Sunday school, baked goods starting coming. I'm sure there were more than 10 families that brought something to sell. There was quiet an assortment - banana bread, cinnamon rolls, chocolate croissants, brownies, cookies, peanut butter fudge, cupcakes, lemon bars, and even full loaves of bread that could be pre-ordered for pick-up on February 7. The kids took care of everything: signs, accepting payments, decorations, bagging up items, counting money. It was amazing!! I don't know how much they made, but I heard that before worship started (with about half the items sold), they had raised over $600. Amazing. Inspiring. And such a good experience for them, especially for the girl whose idea it was.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Training
I got out of sync with my 20K training this week. I'm scheduled to do my training runs on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, but I didn't go on Monday. But I went yesterday, and I'll go tomorrow. I still plan to do my "long" run (4 miles) on Saturday in order to get back on track, although I am considering switching my training run days to Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday for an easier-to-manage schedule. I guess I will just play it by ear at this point.
I had Bella with me again last night for my 30-minute run. She is a pretty good running partner, although she would prefer to go faster! Sometimes she will stop suddenly, and she only seems to do this when she is only a pace in front of me. It can make for a challenging experience. . . And since it was warm-ish yesterday, the sidewalks were a little more treacherous than they were last week when it was so cold. I headed out about 4:45, just when the sun was setting and the temperatures were dropping. All of the melting that happened during the day was beginning to refreeze, and I was having a hard time telling if the sidewalks were wet or icy. I'm hoping I don't run (pun intended) into the same problem when I go out at 6am.
One of the things I'm supposed to be doing during this training is getting used to a long run pace. I haven't been focused on this, but I know I should be. I believe an investment in a digital watch would help with this. I'll keep you posted.
There are a couple women from church who are considering doing the 20K, too. I think it'd be really fun for us to do this together! When the long runs get longer, it would be nice to have a couple running buddies. One of them has started training, but I don't think she has registered for the run yet; the other is seriously considering it. And if you are in the area on May 1, please plan to come cheer us on!
I had Bella with me again last night for my 30-minute run. She is a pretty good running partner, although she would prefer to go faster! Sometimes she will stop suddenly, and she only seems to do this when she is only a pace in front of me. It can make for a challenging experience. . . And since it was warm-ish yesterday, the sidewalks were a little more treacherous than they were last week when it was so cold. I headed out about 4:45, just when the sun was setting and the temperatures were dropping. All of the melting that happened during the day was beginning to refreeze, and I was having a hard time telling if the sidewalks were wet or icy. I'm hoping I don't run (pun intended) into the same problem when I go out at 6am.
One of the things I'm supposed to be doing during this training is getting used to a long run pace. I haven't been focused on this, but I know I should be. I believe an investment in a digital watch would help with this. I'll keep you posted.
There are a couple women from church who are considering doing the 20K, too. I think it'd be really fun for us to do this together! When the long runs get longer, it would be nice to have a couple running buddies. One of them has started training, but I don't think she has registered for the run yet; the other is seriously considering it. And if you are in the area on May 1, please plan to come cheer us on!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Happy New Year Wedding!!
Two friends of ours from Mount Horeb got married on New Year's Day. It was a nice wedding, and a great opportunity to reconnect with some former Grumpy Troll co-workers. One of them said she checks this blog every so often and has been disappointed that I haven't updated it in so long. So, in the spirit of a new year, I will resolve to keep this blog updated at least once a week.
I have also registered for the Lake Monona 20K (12.4 mile) run. That happens Saturday, May 1, so I have plenty of time to train!
I did my first training run last night - a relatively easy 30 minute jog. I took Bella with me, and I was a little worried about encountering unshoveled sidewalks in the dark with an exuberant dog. I think I jogged a little slower than I could have, but I managed to make it home without injury! I did fall once, though, when I had stopped to wait for a car before crossing the street and then took a step to get started. Fell right down. And Bella was looking at me like this was something I had planned. Kinda funny. I got back up, and we were on our way.
In case you haven't heard, in December, Einar and I bought a new-to-us car. We got a 2008 Civic Hybrid to replace my 1999 Saturn SL1. So far, it's been a good purchase! The rear driver side tire seems to be losing pressure, so I'm taking it to the dealer on Thursday to have them check it out. Thankfully, the sales guy (a friend of ours) had had to fill that same tire before we took delivery of the vehicle. I hope it's just a leaky stem or seal. I also had a minor incident with our neighbor's house one morning last week. I hit the passenger side mirror on his cable box, and a chunk of the mirror casing was broken off. When I took it to Zimbrick Honda to get an estimate on fixing (which means replacement in this case because it's remote controlled and has a reflector/blinker on it), I was told $305 for the part plus about $45 for labor!! Yikes. We've decided to hold off on that for the time being.
I continue to look for a full-time job. I was basically offered a position at Huntington Learning Center, but I turned it down because I couldn't deal with the schedule it required. I have applied at a couple other places, too, but so far, nothing has come of them.
I have also registered for the Lake Monona 20K (12.4 mile) run. That happens Saturday, May 1, so I have plenty of time to train!
I did my first training run last night - a relatively easy 30 minute jog. I took Bella with me, and I was a little worried about encountering unshoveled sidewalks in the dark with an exuberant dog. I think I jogged a little slower than I could have, but I managed to make it home without injury! I did fall once, though, when I had stopped to wait for a car before crossing the street and then took a step to get started. Fell right down. And Bella was looking at me like this was something I had planned. Kinda funny. I got back up, and we were on our way.
In case you haven't heard, in December, Einar and I bought a new-to-us car. We got a 2008 Civic Hybrid to replace my 1999 Saturn SL1. So far, it's been a good purchase! The rear driver side tire seems to be losing pressure, so I'm taking it to the dealer on Thursday to have them check it out. Thankfully, the sales guy (a friend of ours) had had to fill that same tire before we took delivery of the vehicle. I hope it's just a leaky stem or seal. I also had a minor incident with our neighbor's house one morning last week. I hit the passenger side mirror on his cable box, and a chunk of the mirror casing was broken off. When I took it to Zimbrick Honda to get an estimate on fixing (which means replacement in this case because it's remote controlled and has a reflector/blinker on it), I was told $305 for the part plus about $45 for labor!! Yikes. We've decided to hold off on that for the time being.
I continue to look for a full-time job. I was basically offered a position at Huntington Learning Center, but I turned it down because I couldn't deal with the schedule it required. I have applied at a couple other places, too, but so far, nothing has come of them.
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