Running Down a Dream

It's been a couple of weeks and I have quite a few updates.

This past Sunday I ran the Capital City River Run Half Marathon in Lansing. I ran the half in 2:02:18, about a 9:21 pace. It was SO much fun and I was on such an adrenaline high the entire time. The 2 hours flew by and the run was absolutely beautiful. I could feel a huge smile on my face throughout the run and I could not shake the thought, "Wow! Look at what I am doing!"

Here I am crossing the finish line!!!

http://timeframephoto.exposuremanager.com/p/11ccrr-hm_9-930/11ccrr-hmfinish-1144_11_126_7_6

I am so grateful for all of the support I have had from family and friends throughout the training for the half. I absolutely could not have done it without all of you. On Sunday night after the race, I was already looking for my next race. I'm thinking the 5/3 River Bank Run 25k in May ... anyone up for it?!

As of today, I am almost finished with my third week of school at St. Paul. September is flying by and my 6th/7th grade students make each day unique. I'm not going to lie and say that everything has been a piece of cake. I have definitely shed a tear or two out of stress and anxiety but overall I am having a blast. The key is to remember to take it one day at a time. And as my favorite assistant principal says, "always choose family and sleep." I love teaching middle school (for some crazy reason) and I could not be more fortunate to be teaching at St. Paul.

The wedding plans for Bill and I are coming along. In less than 9 months, I will be a Mrs. and I will be happily moving in with my husband. Knowing this is down the road gives me so much joy. Bill and I have been blessed with our mothers who have now turned into our wedding planners. The four of us had lunch last Sunday to go through wedding plans, ideas, and inspiration. All I can say is it's coming together beautifully and you all better be ready for the party of your life.

If you find yourself bored and next to a computer, here are a few things to keep you occupied ...

1. Our principal at St. Paul writes a blog (http://spcs2011.blogspot.com/). The blog shares her thoughts but it also has all the valuable information about our school. Check it out if you want to get to know St. Paul a little bit more.
2. I have been obsessed with this website for new recipes (http://foodgawker.com/). There are literally thousands and they have a lot of variety.
3. This is one of my new favorite songs and music videos (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHEOF_rcND8&ob=av2n) that makes me very happy to have great family, friends, and Bill.
4. I have been reading Bright's Passage by one of my favorite musicians, Josh Ritter. His first novel came out this summer but thanks to a gift card from a lovely cousin, I could finally buy the book! Check out the review and I am hoping you check out the book! (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/03/books/review/book-review-brights-passage-by-josh-ritter.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=bookreviews)
5. If you like pretty things and you like dreaming about pretty weddings ... this one's for you. Enjoy (http://www.kissthegroom.com/).

That's all for now. I hope you are well. Be in touch!

xo

Kait

Back to School!

Well, it finally came. The first day of my career as a teacher and my first day of teaching at St. Paul. It was exciting, fast paced, and busy. I am just now coming down from my adrenaline high! Here are some exciting highlights from my first day:

• One of my students gave me a red apple. I can officially call myself a teacher.
• When my students found out I was getting married next summer, that kicked off 15 minutes of questions. "What color is your dress?" "Who are your bridesmaids?" "What's his name?" "How did Bill engage you?"
• While making our classroom social contract, one of my students suggested that we limit our "spasm attacks". "Trust me, Ms. K, I am spaztastic."
• I had forgotten the 6th graders are very (and I mean very) into Michigan State vs. U of M
• I have learned one thing about teaching. No shoes will ever be comfortable or worn in quite enough.
• My 6th graders are very similar to my class of 25 sophomore boys I had while student teaching at EK. I feel well prepared.
• My colleagues at St. Paul are supportive and inspiring. It is an incredible community.

I cannot wait for tomorrow. It will be the first full day of school and I will meet all of my new students. I know this year will be challenging but I cannot wait to see what adventures I will come across. I still cannot believe that God has entrusted me with this career. How awesome!

“I have come to believe that a great teacher is a great artist and that there are as few as there are any other great artists. Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit.”
- John Steinbeck

xo

Kait