Katrina

testing

2008-06-25T04:26:04Z

Nick is not helping me much - but wants me to figure out how to work my online journal. Both Nick and Zack think I type too slow - they are right...

Winter Park Weekend

2006-03-06T11:39:05Z

March 3-5 (weekend)- I had a great, relaxing but full weekend. 7 of us
girls went and stayed in 2 little apartment condos in Winter Park. I knew
only two of the girls, so it gave me a chance to meet more people. Both
mornings we made blueberry pancakes and Canadian bacon. Saturday night we
went for pizza. Sat afternoon, 4 girls went skiing, but it was too icy for
snowboards - so 3 of us girls went for coffee and journaled for a bit,
then we snowshoed for a few hours, then back to read and relax. I got
blisters 25 minutes into snowshoeing (I borrowed another girl's boots) so
I went back to the car - got 2 Bandaids, and then walked through the woods
on my own (the snow was quite packed). Very peaceful and beautiful,
reminded me of Alaska. Although I don't like 6 months of winter, I do
enjoy some snow on the ground and in the woods. I also worked on my
report cards a bit. On Sunday we drove home around 10:30 - and beat all
the traffic. I will have to leave early again next time. I then finished
all report cards and comments, cleaned house, finally put Christmas decor
away (Oops... embarrassing!) unpacked from the weekend, and went to
church. Then a friend picked me up and we went to see The Boyfriend, a
1950's musical directed by Julie Andrews. Cute! Two things this
weekend... I need to get out into the mountains/woods more, if only for a
couple hours and I want to see more theater. This week is busy with
conferences Tues, Wed, and Thurs, and class ALL weekend - plus my paper is
due (5-10 pages) - haven't started, so this will be a FUN week.. not! But
it must get done, then I can play more!! : )

INXS concert and more...

2006-01-31T04:20:49Z

Weekend, Jan 27...29- Friday social w/ girls from work. Fell asleep
watching TV at 10:15 (Bed @ 10:45pm- exhausted!) Sat- Women's brunch at
church, great to meet more people and see some from the fall retreat.
Love being able to walk to and from church, so calming. Home to study for
a while. Took an hour nap (again exhausted, even after 9 hours of sleep).
Went for a run around Wash Park - ran the full half hour - was excited
for myself! At night, out w/ girls from church for friend's (Kim) bday.
Went to a bar called 5 Degrees and then a dance club called Hush. It was
fun to dance again. Bed @ 1: 30pm. (Later than I thought - glad I had a
nap.) Sun- Church @ 10am, again walked. Back at the Apts, they were
having a free brunch to advertise for a daily breakfast bar. I had a
freshly made omelet, a pancake, and juice. They also had bagels, coffee,
and all sorts of goodies. Back home to take a 2 hour nap (am I fighting
something??), study, and run at our little gym. Talked with some people
who moved down from AK in the summer. Stayed up to late- 11pm, because I
was working on school stuff. Mon, Jan 30- Left school at 4:20 pm today-
YIPPEE!! Came home, ran 1/2 hour, showered, made salad for dinner, then
time for my ride. Two other friends and I went to the INXS concert
tonight - very fun! At first I wasn't sure why I said yes, but there were
many songs I could sing and dance to, as well as memories. Now it is
11:20pm and time for bed! That's a fast 4 days, and here comes a fast
week ahead!! Hold on...

Master's program has started...

2006-01-19T11:59:29Z

(F-Su), Jan 13-15- I am enrolled in a Master's program called "Integrating
the Arts through the Curriculum". It will be held once a month, all
weekend and will last 22 months. There is a cohort group of 24 of us who
will be together during the length of the program. It is through Lesley
Univ in Cambridge, but they fly instructors out to meet with us. One
class lasts two months. For this first class, I have 3 textbooks and 13
articles to read in a month! Talk about a lot of work. I don't even read
a novel for enjoyment in less than a month. Now picture books - that I
can handle. : ) Class lasted on Friday from 5-10pm (I was 20 minutes
late.) I MUST leave school by 3:30ish, or I will be late. But from my
house on the weekends, it only takes 20 minutes. Whew. Sat & Sun we had
class from 8-5pm. Classes were fun because we were actively drawing,
dancing, acting, sharing, writing... all things to do with the arts. I
know I will really enjoy this program! Sat night, I was home for a 1/2
hour before I left to meet friends for the Play-off games at a nearby
sport's bar. And Bronco's won - so we are playing Steelers this weekend.
I do not know too much about this whole sports cheering... so luckily a
friend, Jen, was able to give me tips and explanations throughout the
game. If you can't beat' em, join 'em, right?! But only during the
Play-offs! : ) Needless to say, I was not very social, as I was quite
tired. Sunday evening, I drove out to Boulder to attend a church service
with another friend, Kelly. This service, only held Sunday night, is more
contemporary, similar to Changepoint. They have just started this more
contemporary service, as it is at a Presbyterian church. I enjoy both the
music and the message, just wish it wasn't as far away. We met another
guy and the 3 of us went out to an Irish pub afterwards for a drink and
some heartening conversation. He recently just moved out to Boulder from
AZ. Most people I've met have recently moved out here, within the past
year to five years. Not too many are from here... I had another good
weekend, but was quite exhausted. Starting to get a sore throat, again.
Two friends were sick on Sat. I was so relieved that Monday was a holiday
- I needed that!

Back in Denver after PA Christmas

2006-01-19T03:00:24Z

Well hello... it's been a while. Mon, Jan. 2- Up at 5:10am, could not
sleep any longer. Decided to clean my room for 30 minutes - unpacked one
of my suitcases from the holidays. Then showered and had instant oatmeal
(as I have no groceries from being gone). I would like to try reading the
Bible again. I did well in 2004, but not last year. So I read a bit of
Genesis and relaxed. Wanted to leave by 6:30, but left at 7:15am. No
traffic because MOST people had off! Great day at school, only had 18/21
kids and they were very calm. Stayed at school until 5:45pm, then to
Barnes and Safeway. Talked with Mel for a while, Dinner: potato soup,
carrots, bread and vanilla ice cream. Watched Beauty and the Geek TV show
(kinda funny). Read a bit. Bed at 9:30

Week of Oct. 6-14

2005-10-15T17:39:14Z

Oct 6-8, Weekend - Women's Retreat through Pathways church. Picked up 2
girls to carpool down past Colorado Springs. We had to leave later
because of work, so we missed most of Friday night. Shared a room with 3
other girls. Great weekend time to reflect, share, sing, play, visit,
pray, listen, as well as go horseback riding, complete a challenge ropes
course, and eat lots of good food. It was at a 450 acre Christian camp in
the mountains with a view of Pikes Peak. Everyone was very outgoing and
friendly, as well as dedicated to God and their faith. I am excited to
see some familiar faces at church now. Oct 9, Mon - Snowfall city goes
wild. Schools are delayed by an hour or two. My school usually starts at
8:30, but instead we started at 10am. That gave us extra prep-time, as we
are supposed to be there on time. WOW! Many broken trees and branches
due to the wet and heavy snow. Since electricity went out, then many
intersections didn't have streetlights and driving anywhere was a bit
crazy. I thought it looked very pretty and wasn't too worried as they
predicted temps in the 70?s for the weekend. Oct 10, Tues - Left school
at 4:45pm (early for me, but that's going to change). Ran 25 minutes
along Wash Park. It was only 6:45pm, but very dark. I ran along a busy
road and passed many other runners, but would like to have a running
buddy, as the days will keep getting darker sooner. Oct 12, Wed - My
other 1st grade teaching partner and I planned afterschool and then talked
with another teacher friend, Jen. Left school after 8pm - too late! Oct
13, Thurs - Afterschool snacks and margaritas at Erin's house (3rd grade
teacher). About 7 of us teachers from school were there. We all get
along well and enjoy talking and hanging out - nice company and
conversation. Then tried out the workout room at my apartments. Ran on
the treadmill for 30 minutes, walked about 12 minutes. Since it is too
dark, this is another nearby option to keep in shape. Oct 14, Fri - After
2 months of being back from Japan, this is the first time Dawn Marie and I
have been able to make our schedules fit together. We met for dinner and
a beer downtown at Breckenridge Brewery and then relaxed at her apartment
for another hour. It was nice to finally catch up finally.

First week of school...

2005-08-28T22:39:08Z

Wow, first entry in a while. Well, school started last week. I have 21
students who seem eager to learn and parents who seem eager to help. I am
excited for the change. They are a bit chatty, but I must admit, school
is a bit boring when you have to practice routines slowly and
repetitively. I just want to jump in and start the learning process!
This weekend was fun! Friday night we met with some of the staff at a
nearby bar for a drink. Then 4 of us went to dinner. Saturday, I went
with a teacher friend hiking in the Red Rocks and then walking into the
mountains in what appeared to be a very popular mountain bike trail. (We
saw at least 15 bikers). I will have to try and bike it sometime. Then
we went out for dinner in Evergreen. Today, another teacher friend and I
met for coffee for almost 3 hours. She has a cute puppy only 2 months
old, so we were quite the social people, as everyone wants to visit for a
chance to pet her. Then I did 3-4 weeks worth of laundry, about time!
Not it is dinner time and school planning time. I think I will try my new
Teriyaki meat from Costco and some broccoli. I am sitting by the pool and
everyone is having a BBQ - smells delicious! :) Hope to send an E-mail
out soon with my address and phone number- stay tuned...

4th of July weekend

2005-07-04T19:39:41Z

Sat, June 2- Signed up for downtown apt, but am changing mind. Picked up
by Kistinn's brother @ 1:30pm to head to Vail. Terrible traffic. Kistinn
and I went for a walk through some gardens and got some coffee then hung
out with her relatives for the evening. About 9 of us for a BBQ cook-out
and good conversation. Bed @ 11:30, up at 6:15am. Sun, 3- Left the house
@ 7am to raft along the Colorado River (her uncle owns a raft). At first
there were many dark clouds and it was cold, but they quickly scattered
for a beautiful day of white water. We stopped at an island for lunch to
make yummy turkey wraps. Then Kistinn and I drove to Grand Junction.
However, on our way, her car started smoking and we heard clunking noises.
Something happened to her radiator (blew up) and she had cable pieces all
throughout her engine. Two guys stopped to help. She has a Land Rover
and full warranty, so we waited for a tow truck. Then we had to go to the
Eagle Airport to get a rent-a-car. The truck driver was going to make us
hitch-hike from the exit and at the last minute decided to drive us (a
whole 5 miles extra). His good deed for the week... In GJ, we showered,
bought some fruit, cheese and bread, and headed out to Fruitta to watch
the fireworks at 10pm. Good show. They ended at 10:30 and it took us
another TWO hours to leave the lot, and we left right away! It was good
to meet her sister and other relatives. Slept on her couch. Up @ 6:45am
to got to her work (had a project to finish). Got to see her jewelry from
Italy - very impressive. Then took Greyhound back to Denver (brakes died,
so changed buses and was an hour late) but made it safely. Arrived about
2:30pm. Ready for a shower, food, laundry and then meeting the Gleasons
later to watch baseball. It'll be great to see my godparents again, and I
enjoy spending time w Kathy too! Only one more day, then I'm off
traveling for 3 weeks. It has been quite warm here, I will be happy for
some cooler temps (but they won't be from MN, CA, or Japan.)

Arriving CO.

2005-07-04T19:26:25Z

(M-W) June 27-29, Flew in about 7:30 am, took an hour nap, then drove out
to meet the principal and three other new hires. They are wonderful. 41
year old from Conn is my 1st grade partner, there is a 27 year old
intensive needs teacher form Seattle and a 28 yr. old from Denver, really
sweet, teaching 3rd. We all took a tour of the school, then our principal
treated us to lunch. Another new hire is a mom of two but so full of
knowledge and experience and also very sweet - teaching 3rd. We had the
conference that evening and the next two days. They fed us big meals for
breakfast and lunch and the information was great! My principal is so
full of energy with lots of ideas but also respects all her teachers!
Such a change from my old school... Also, I saw a teacher from my 1st
grade at Kincaid was at my conference- she moved down here 2 years ago.
Small world! Tues night, Dawn Marie and I went food shopping, shopping at
REI, made salad for dinner and then worked out. Called Jamie for her
bday, bedtime @ 10:30pm. Wed- Visited her sister and family. Made shrimp
stir fry. Called mom for her bday. Thurs- Drove out to school to meet w
principal about curriculum, then went w co-teacher to apply at district.
Dawn Marie and I planned to make chicken salad, but left the chicken out
all night, so walked downtown to eat dinner at Breckenridge. Yummy
burgers. Fri- Walked around downtown on 16th Ave (pedestrian walkway) -
very fun. Went in Visitor's Center and got excited at all the things I
have to learn, such as a free walking tour of downtown Denver! Then spent
time w Dawn Marie before she left. Kathy and her friend Julie picked me
up @ 12pm, to have lunch at Cheesecake Factory. Great salad, but since
they only stamp at night, it was a $12 parking garage. On the way to
Kathy's place (very cute), the girls showed me a tour of nearby parks,
universities, malls, and we looked at the outside of 2 homes Kathy was
interested in buying. Then Kathy and I toured a few possible apartment
buildings for me. After much thought (living downtown vs. living
elsewhere)... I think I want to live near downtown, but not right in the
center. Then we went for Mexican food and at the last minute decided to
watch War of the Worlds. Good but typical total destruction. Home about
12ish and exhausted - long but a great day of fun! : )

Leaving AK

2005-07-04T19:01:23Z

Fri, June 24- Movers come. Fill a 7'x7'x3' crate. Now, as I sit in
Denver, I wonder... what do I have? Met someone about my car, no go.
12:30 lunch w Annette (teacher from 1st year of teaching) at Brewhouse.
very nice to get together again. Liane was supposed to come but somehow
missed us. There were three teachers from Kincaid who took me under their
wing and encouraged me all the way - and for this I am very thankful.
Later about 4pm, hike with Leslie up Flattop and Peaks 2 and 3, then for
milkshakes. Bath. Met Alex for movie - watched Bewitched. Was good but
knew there was so much I should be doing to prepare for my move. He
helped save files on my computer. Bed at 1:30am. Sat, 25- Up at 7am.
Becca met me to take goodies (computer, queen bed and frame, desk,
shelves, chair, framed wall pictures and more) to thrift. They showed up
with a truck and trailer. Then met about car again, no go. Final hike:
Emily, Taro, James and I all went out to Eagle Lake. @ of the 4 did not
want to continue due to dark clouds and the possibility of rain - but we
went anyways. It only sprinkled a little and was great weather to keep us
cool. Yummy Thai food in Wasilla. Home to pack and bed @ 12:30pm. Sun,
26- Slept in, church, packed, lunch with Foster Grandma Sydney and Fred at
Applebees ( I will miss them.) Hung out w Starr, dropped off boxes at
airport (made me open them all). Em came to pick me up, dropped off car
at Kara's and got a flat. Two strike-outs before leaving - I better leave
fast! Em and I had a burger and ice cream on the way to the airport then
my flight was delayed 30 minutes, so we had more time to chat. Left for
Denver at 12:35am - slept a little on the plane.

Last night for packing - WHEW!

2005-06-24T05:41:57Z

Weeks of June 15-23: Between playing I have been packing, between packing
I have been playing! Wed, 15- Walk w Christy on Coastal Trail (she is on
her way to England) and lunch w Kara and Erin @ Snow City Cafe. Finished
packing @ Muldoon 2-10pm. Thurs, 16- Out to Talkeetna w Starr. We had
such a great day. Ate lunch @ the Princess Lodge (using our ticket from
the fundraiser). We had our own salad and shared pasta and dessert -
delicious. We got to see Mt. McKinley while eating lunch... what an
amazing sight! SO bold and beautiful! Then we did our own walking tour
of downtown Talkeetna. We could have stayed longer, but she had to catch
a flight. Fri, 17- Becca picked me up, Joy met us and we took another 21
boxes to mail to my new school. That's 42 boxes total from school. Then
we ate lunch at Benihana's, Becca's treat. Helped the Footes w packing.
Sat, 18- ?? (Not in my planner, have no memory - it is 11:30 at night.)
Sun, 19- Church @ 10am; Helped Footes for 2 hours; Dinner and a walk w
Leslie at her house. Father's Day - talked to daddy! :) Mon, 20- Emily
helped me pack 11am-8pm, what a friend! She helped me weed through alot
and stay focused! Work-out @ club Tues, 21- Lunch w Kathy at Qdobe (new
Mexican restaurant, deli style, pretty good.) Then REI; frisbee golf w
Kara and her friend; tennis w Kara, Tyler, and Mayo; Humpy's w Kara and
Tyler; my house for a card game called Snerts. Thought I would go to bed
by 12:30, but stayed up researching about churches in Denver. Saw some
guy friends at frisbee golf that recommended a couple places that are
similar to Changepoint (where I go now). They used to live in Denver.
Wed, 22- Proctored Emily on 2 exams, passed both. Then she helped me pack
some more. At 8pm, Freya, Emily and I went through the entire kitchen
sorting out what was who's. What a job, but we did it! Last night,
stayed up until 3:30am, packing. Tonight may be the same thing. Thurs,
23- Packing; Coffee w Joy and EJ @ New Sagaya; Packing; Drinks and dessert
@ Orso's w Leslie, Malai, and Jen. Footes came by to drop off bike seat
to return @ REI. Said my farewells until Japan @ 10:30... and they were
OFF!!! Matthew was asleep and couldn't say my proper good-byes. One more
Kirsch left, and soon I will be out. Neither Mel nor I feel sad, as we
are ready to go. I will miss the beauty of Alaska, but there is more
beauty to be seen in Colorado. And have no fear, the Kirsches/Footes will
be back, if only for a visit or a fishing trip (Kevin and his father!) I
am procrastinating and getting more tired, but know I must start packing.
Tonight is it, for the movers come tomorrow at 9am. Let's see if I can
have an earlier bedtime than last night>>>>?????

Not feeling too well - was it something I ate??

2005-06-15T03:33:52Z

I wanted to sleep in today, but was not feeling well. My back is hurting
again, whether from falling while roller blading or from exercise or...???
Also, I woke with the stomach bug, so I haven't felt too great all day.
Met with two estimates for moving... they haven't gotten back to me yet.
Then walked to New Sagaya for lunch w Starr. Had 7-Up and a scone,
something light. Then off to school. Still not done yet. Not my plan...
somehow it always takes me longer, but I will get it done. I have less
stress, which is nice(I think not working all day helps). Both movers
were surprised how little I had to move (yes me)! And the post office
thought I was moving the whole school, with 21 boxes sent today, and
probably at least 10-15 more boxes. But today's shipment cost me $264.
Not bad, when you think about all the books and lessons I am shipping that
cost much more. I didn't ensure anything, so I hope it all makes it there
safely! I should have numbered my boxes and made a list for me just in
case I lose a box, I would know which one. Oh well. Nothing I couldn't
buy again, if I had too. I was supposed to go hiking w my roomies up
Flattop tonight, but it took us 2 hours longer than we thought to mail my
boxes. (Rebecca helped me move and carry boxes w her husband's truck - it
would have taken me double or triple time without her!) Now I am home
and am going to sort through papers. For lunch/dinner, I had fries and an
Oreo McFlurry. Not the best meal, since I've been sick. I feel
dehydrated, so need to drink some water. Feel like relaxing in front of
the TV - hopefully something good is on! : )

Without work - I am more tired!

2005-06-13T06:22:08Z

At the Blues on the Green, Kara and I had a chance to catch up while
listening to music sitting in the sun. There were lots of people with
chairs, blankets and tents for the all-dayers. Luckily, we left just
before the rain came. After, we went to her friend's house where we made
spaghetti, played a card game called Snerts (fun and fast paced, a mixture
of solitaire and speed), and a game of Cranium (the newer version). Very
fun! That is a game I need to buy of my own. Got to bed after 1am,
again. Got up early this morning to watch and cheer on friends doing a
team triathlon in Eagle River. I was supposed to be the biker but decided
two races back to back were too much. Surprisingly, however, I am not
sore after Saturday's run and would have enjoyed doing the team race. (I
made the paper today with my run time - top 250) I did not get to see my
friends race, as I went out there at 9am, and they didn't compete until
12:30. Starr and I had church at noon. They gave a good message about
making sure that the "battle or cause" you want to fight for is worth it.
Makes you think about what really matters. Then we went to the MT picnic,
where we just missed the Footes. As we were coming, they were leaving.
The food was good, and we saw a few people from Changepoint we knew and
met a few others. It was fun! Then Starr and I walked downtown to the
Sunday market where our other roommate, along with her two sisters and
mom, had a booth selling knitted purses. Very cute purses, but they only
sold one- hard day. We were full from the Montana BBQ, but still managed
an icy drink, homemade ice cream and sweet kettle corn. YUM! Then back
home to roller blade from our house out to Kincaid. Emily met us on her
bike and the three of us relaxed on the beach for a half hour, then back
home - totalling 17 miles! I do have a couple blisters but the weather
was absolutely gorgeous today, so it is okay. I took a nasty fall down a
hill with big bumps from roots. I will have some nice bruises on my left
hip and side - but luckily it wasn't too bad. We got home about 9:30pm.
I took a bath, ate some more popcorn, watched a little TV and now it's
bedtime. These days are a lot of fun but very full indeed. Now it is
12:20pm and I am ready for a cozy sleep.

Women's Run - 5 miles!!

2005-06-11T17:55:43Z

YAY!! School is out. Thursday went well with the kids (stayed late,
until 10pm, packing and sorting). Then Friday, I packed more - I am going
through files and tossing out a lot - it feels great! Wish I could do
more... Then left early to meet the roommies for our last all-together
luncheon at La Mex. We all agreed this was one of the best roommate
situations - we got along great. I will miss the girls. Then I went to
our school social at 3:30 at Don Jose's. I was asked by a friend if I was
sad to leave Muldoon after 5 years, and you know what... I wasn't. I have
enjoyed my teaching, the friends I met and definitely the connections and
influence I had with the kids... but I am ready for a new challenge. It
feels good to be at that point. I don't make decisions very well or feel
confident in my choices sometimes, but I know I am doing the right thing,
and that feels good! Then at 7pm, I was off to an End-of-the-year BBQ at
Tyler's house. I wasn't hungry but kept eating, and not the healthiest
either (chips, margarita, fries, burger, ice cream...). Then met 2 of the
roomies for a movie at 10:30pm. It was Mr and Mrs Smith (with Angelina
Jolie and Brad Pitt). I wasn't too excited about it- I wasn't too sure of
the plot. But my roommates along with the rest of the theater were
thrilled - and they were right. It was a great movie: funny,
entertaining, romantic and most all movies with Brad Pitt are good!
Finally, to bed at 1:15am. Then today, I was up at 7:45 for the Women's
Run. Roommate Emily and I biked over to Mulcahey for the race at 8:45. I
did my best run in a while - 5 miles in under 44 minutes... that's less
than a 9-minute mile with my first mile at 9:30, making my other miles
even less. By the end, I was tired, and my diet yesterday was not helping
me any. After enjoying the food, company, and sun (it had started with
rain and clouds but turned into a beautiful blue sky day), we biked home.
During the run, I thought of many different memories I have enjoyed on the
trails - since that may be my last run on those trails. It's been a fun
time up here and I will be excited to return for visits in the summer.
Now I am ready for a bath. My plans for the rest of the day include lunch
with Starr and Emily and then Blues on the Green with Kara. (Listening to
Blues music while sitting on the lawns of Kincaid!) Packing, moving...
what?!

Must get out every day, even if for a short while...

2005-06-07T04:09:20Z

Great day! Only 3 days left of school with the kids. Proctored Emily on
her exam, so I ran out of time to visit the Footes. : ( Next time. It
is so gorgeous out, I went for an hour bike ride down by the water - so
pretty. I tried to stop and journal or take pictures but the mosquitoes
were hungry. Now a light snack, a bit of Friends, and off to bed. I
really enjoy taking pictures of the water, the city, the sunsets... almost
every shot is a sign of such Alaskan beauty. I will miss it up here, but
look forward to discovering the beauty of Colorado!