15 Minutes of Fame

Hmm. I have a minor complaint. Before I break into the fun news, I am slightly irritated that this new version of Blogger takes FOREVER to load up. I tried to post several times prior, but I couldn't get it to load. So, if anyone from Blogger reads this...

I will shortly become more known (but not famous). Today, at the rehearsal for the Grand Entry/National Anthem singing at the Rodeo, we were able to view the "Power of the Volunteer" tribute that the Rodeo puts on while people prepare the dirt area for the concert. Last year it was the "Power of (something related to Katrina)" and the year before it was the "Power of NASA." This year, since the Rodeo is spotlighting the Volunteer, they did a nice tribute to volunteers.

And I'm on the presentation many times! First of all, all of the volunteers spotlighted as "real people" are in the Show choir. The footage of us singing is played, and then they spotlighted 5 of us - and I'm one! They came to shoot footage of my teaching and that's up there. It looks fantastic! So as the stage is getting set up, watch the big screen and you get to see me, my students, my classroom and me teaching. And I have to admit, I look terrific up there.

So, the Rodeo starts tomorrow. One thing that hasn't been receiving a lot of attention is the Show Pride actors. If you walk around the Reliant Center, you'll see a number of people in costume chatting - those are actors who are from various decades informing people of what the Rodeo was like in "their" time. I'll be there mainly on the weekends and I'm wearing a wig, but look around for me - I'll be there. But don't be surprised if I deny knowing you (although I'll definitely chat with you, but I'll be in character).

I love the Rodeo and this year is going to be fantastic!

June, let me know which nights you're in the Cantina.

Cheers!

Easing the Tension

Woo-hoo! The TAKS test is done! At least, it's done for English teachers. Students all around Texas took the reading/writing part of the state exam that teachers, parents and students are all learning to hate (according to an ABC poll from this morning). Now English teachers get exhale and have fun with novels.

Also, I went on my first jog in over a month on Sunday. I completed a very slow 3 miles. My knee didn't bother me, but the rest of my muscles did. I struggled through all 3 miles, almost giving up at 2. It was a very humble experience. I'm pretty much starting from scratch. My plan is to run 3 miles every other day for a while until I feel up to going 6 miles again. I just want to run for fun for another two months, and then if my knee still feels fine, I'm going to start training for the Marine Corps Marathon in April (despite my past assertions that I'd never run in the summer again). I'm happy to start jogging again, despite the struggle. And my friends and family are happy, too - I've been told I've become quite a grump since I've stopped.

Perhaps a good reason why Sunday's jog was a struggle (in addition to first jog in a month... and second total in 2 months) is that I've caught the Crud. I've been coughing and hacking for almost two weeks, yet with no nose or throat issues.

But I don't care - the TAKS is over!

Long Time, No See

So, my knee isn't recovering as well as I'd hoped it would. In fact, I might have to go back to the doctor to get the MRI.

It's been 6 weeks and it still aches. I still can't put pressure on it if I kneel down, I still can't lunge, I still can't run. I tried running last week and lasted about 1 minute.

I've been using the elliptical machine at the gym, but I am getting increasingly bored with the gym. For a couple of days now I've done some Tae-bo (modified, of course), so at least I'm getting back into fitness.

Except for that, nothing else is new! Our grading period ends Friday and our state exam is in two weeks, so don't be surprised if I continue to post sporadically.

Cheers!