March Madness 2018
8 years ago
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Homeless Kit
I'm posting this story that I heard last night, as a reminder of just how spectacular the people in my life are:
"So we were driving home and I saw a homeless man sitting on the side of the road and I decided we needed to do something to help. So we drove home, I got some shirts, a granola bar, and a powerade, put it in a bag, and drove back out to where he was. Unfortunately he was gone by the time we got back. So now we have a homeless kit in the trunk for the next time I see a homeless person"
Any guesses on who this was?!
Friends don't get much better than that :)
"So we were driving home and I saw a homeless man sitting on the side of the road and I decided we needed to do something to help. So we drove home, I got some shirts, a granola bar, and a powerade, put it in a bag, and drove back out to where he was. Unfortunately he was gone by the time we got back. So now we have a homeless kit in the trunk for the next time I see a homeless person"
Any guesses on who this was?!
Friends don't get much better than that :)
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Newest Accessory
I'm excited to try out the gift Sarah gave us bridesmaids - an apron from Anthropologie!
I may not be the best in the kitchen, but at least now I can look the part.
I may not be the best in the kitchen, but at least now I can look the part.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Dam to Dam '11
Dam to Dam went very well this year. First, there was no rain, unlike last year when it poured for the first 6 miles or so. Second, we ran it about 3 minutes faster than the year before, which I was happy with, considering the most I had run pre-race was 8 miles. We ran it in 1:53:57. I was 151 out of 788 females in my age bracket and 657 out of 3761 total females.
A few highlights from the race stick out:
*The crowd: Even though I was extra excited to see a few familiar faces, like Lucas and the Holtgrewes, just seeing people lined up at different points of the course made a huge difference. I always seem to get that extra boost I need when I see people clapping, cheering, and ringing their cowbells.
*Flags: At about mile 7, along the Morningstar hill, (the biggest hill of the course) there were flags lined up along both sides of the road, representing all the Iowa soldiers who have died in action, since the first Dam to Dam race in 1980. There was also a group playing bagpipes and drums at the top of the hill. I got goosebumps as they played"Amazing Grace" as we ran by them, and it was a great way to keep things in perspective as I ran up that hill.
*Inspiring Words: Between mile 10 and 11, we overheard a conversation between 2 girls as we ran by them. The one girl was saying how she couldn't keep up anymore, and the other girl said to her, "yes you can. You are the reason I am running beside you right now" She continued to push her friend along with encouraging words. It was an awesome conversation to overhear.
*Smiles: Although there were several photographers stationed at different mile markers towards the end of the race, we only have 1 photo each on record of this year's run, but it was our best photo, I'm sure. For the last photo op, Jake thought we should flash a smile, and here are the results:
His photo should be on an ad for next year's race, we've all decided.
*The Isiserettes: As you round the last corner, and run the last 400 meters or so, you can hear the drums from the Isiserettes beat. I LOVE running past the Y and seeing the drummers and dancers as I give everything I have left in me, in those final meters to the finish line.
*Cheer Squad: After finishing the 20K, we were able to cheer on other members of Team Hot Sundae as they ran the 5K - J-rod, Les, and Stacy all did a great job and it was fun to see them run to the finish line.
*The Afterparty: Food, free beer, and my runner's high - all while being surrounded by the other runners and all the supporters make for a great atmosphere at the finish line. I saw a lot of familiar faces, including an old friend from college who I hadn't seen in nearly 4 years! A great way to end this year's race.
A few highlights from the race stick out:
*The crowd: Even though I was extra excited to see a few familiar faces, like Lucas and the Holtgrewes, just seeing people lined up at different points of the course made a huge difference. I always seem to get that extra boost I need when I see people clapping, cheering, and ringing their cowbells.
*Flags: At about mile 7, along the Morningstar hill, (the biggest hill of the course) there were flags lined up along both sides of the road, representing all the Iowa soldiers who have died in action, since the first Dam to Dam race in 1980. There was also a group playing bagpipes and drums at the top of the hill. I got goosebumps as they played"Amazing Grace" as we ran by them, and it was a great way to keep things in perspective as I ran up that hill.
*Inspiring Words: Between mile 10 and 11, we overheard a conversation between 2 girls as we ran by them. The one girl was saying how she couldn't keep up anymore, and the other girl said to her, "yes you can. You are the reason I am running beside you right now" She continued to push her friend along with encouraging words. It was an awesome conversation to overhear.
*Smiles: Although there were several photographers stationed at different mile markers towards the end of the race, we only have 1 photo each on record of this year's run, but it was our best photo, I'm sure. For the last photo op, Jake thought we should flash a smile, and here are the results:
His photo should be on an ad for next year's race, we've all decided.
*The Isiserettes: As you round the last corner, and run the last 400 meters or so, you can hear the drums from the Isiserettes beat. I LOVE running past the Y and seeing the drummers and dancers as I give everything I have left in me, in those final meters to the finish line.
*Cheer Squad: After finishing the 20K, we were able to cheer on other members of Team Hot Sundae as they ran the 5K - J-rod, Les, and Stacy all did a great job and it was fun to see them run to the finish line.
*The Afterparty: Food, free beer, and my runner's high - all while being surrounded by the other runners and all the supporters make for a great atmosphere at the finish line. I saw a lot of familiar faces, including an old friend from college who I hadn't seen in nearly 4 years! A great way to end this year's race.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
The Next One For One
Yesterday, Tom's launched it's next step in the "One For One" campaign - eyewear.
There are 3 different styles of sunglasses, several colors to choose from, and a virtual try-on feature to help you decide. They are a little pricey (more expensive than the shoes), but it's a great cause.
...and have I mentioned how much I love Blake? :)
There are 3 different styles of sunglasses, several colors to choose from, and a virtual try-on feature to help you decide. They are a little pricey (more expensive than the shoes), but it's a great cause.
...and have I mentioned how much I love Blake? :)
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Spanish Summary
As if I haven't written enough about my trip...I truly appreciate you sticking through these last few weeks of posts and allowing me to recount my Spanish adventure. I was asked a lot of questions about my trip, the most common, both from people in Spain and friends/family here, being: "What do/did you think of Spain?"
My answer to this question goes as follows:
From my experience in Spain, I noticed several things that I truly appreciated - things that are so different from my world here....
*Everything moves slower in Spain. Living in a world where fast isn't fast enough and everything and everyone is always "go, go, go", it was refreshing to slow down and experience the slower side of life.
*The lifestyle there is so much more relaxed than it is here - businesses closing for "siesta" every afternoon and closing on Sundays and holidays, for example. I felt as though people there "work to live", whereas I feel we (Americans), in general, "live to work". Meeting friends for a cafe con leche is a must do, pretty much on a daily basis, and usually occurs in the afternoon.
*Fashion is huge. Everyone is dressed as though they walked straight out of a magazine, especially children. I swear I never saw a little girl not wearing a dress and most boys were wearing tights, shorts, and little button ups or polos. Among adult women, I mostly saw skinny jeans or leggings, tanks and cardigans, blazers, scarves, and flats. I also noticed a big nautical theme in many of the stores. Umbrellas are an added accessory during the Spring/rainy season (April/May), and everyone carries them.
*So much more walking goes on there, as well as reliance on public transportation. I guess that's probably true of bigger cities here in the U.S. too, but living in a smaller city, I really appreciated that aspect of their lifestyle.
*I love the history and age of buildings and structures there. I walked into dozens of churches that were thousands, upon thousands years old and one thing I always thought of, as I was admiring these beautiful, well preserved buildings, was how sad it is that our answer here, it seems, is to tear down and build new.
*The scenery I saw on a daily basis - mountains, blue ocean water, lots of green spaces, etc. never got old. It was something I appreciated seeing each day.
It goes without saying that my trip was an amazing experience, one that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. I love to travel - it ranks as one of my favorite things in life - and I am so blessed to have had this opportunity and to experience all that I did.
My answer to this question goes as follows:
From my experience in Spain, I noticed several things that I truly appreciated - things that are so different from my world here....
*Everything moves slower in Spain. Living in a world where fast isn't fast enough and everything and everyone is always "go, go, go", it was refreshing to slow down and experience the slower side of life.
*The lifestyle there is so much more relaxed than it is here - businesses closing for "siesta" every afternoon and closing on Sundays and holidays, for example. I felt as though people there "work to live", whereas I feel we (Americans), in general, "live to work". Meeting friends for a cafe con leche is a must do, pretty much on a daily basis, and usually occurs in the afternoon.
*Fashion is huge. Everyone is dressed as though they walked straight out of a magazine, especially children. I swear I never saw a little girl not wearing a dress and most boys were wearing tights, shorts, and little button ups or polos. Among adult women, I mostly saw skinny jeans or leggings, tanks and cardigans, blazers, scarves, and flats. I also noticed a big nautical theme in many of the stores. Umbrellas are an added accessory during the Spring/rainy season (April/May), and everyone carries them.
*So much more walking goes on there, as well as reliance on public transportation. I guess that's probably true of bigger cities here in the U.S. too, but living in a smaller city, I really appreciated that aspect of their lifestyle.
*I love the history and age of buildings and structures there. I walked into dozens of churches that were thousands, upon thousands years old and one thing I always thought of, as I was admiring these beautiful, well preserved buildings, was how sad it is that our answer here, it seems, is to tear down and build new.
*The scenery I saw on a daily basis - mountains, blue ocean water, lots of green spaces, etc. never got old. It was something I appreciated seeing each day.
It goes without saying that my trip was an amazing experience, one that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. I love to travel - it ranks as one of my favorite things in life - and I am so blessed to have had this opportunity and to experience all that I did.
Aventura de Espana: Dia Ocho
We had planned on going to Trubia and doing part of the Ruta del Oso, to go on a bike ride and see the bears that live there (fenced in). Unfortunately, it turned out to be a rainy day, so plans changed.
We ended up having a relaxed day in Oviedo, starting at a cafe for breakfast with some of Emily's friends, then we walked around and went in a few stores, and finally when the rain let up, we spent some time in the park.
It was Raul's birthday, so to celebrate, they had people over for a bbq and we indulged in a lot of good food, including turkey burgers, shrimp, kabobs, and potatoes .
With some of Emily's friends at the BBQ
When the clock struck midnight, just as Cinderella's carriage turned into a pumpkin, ending her fairy tale evening, so was my Spanish adventure coming to an end. I had to get on the 12:30 overnight bus and head back to the Madrid airport.
After a 7 hour bus ride, 3.5 hour wait at the airport, a pat down from the TSA agent at security, 12.5 hours of flying, and 2.5 hours of driving, I finally arrived back home, with all of my luggage, my sanity, and most importantly, memories that will last a lifetime.
We ended up having a relaxed day in Oviedo, starting at a cafe for breakfast with some of Emily's friends, then we walked around and went in a few stores, and finally when the rain let up, we spent some time in the park.
It was Raul's birthday, so to celebrate, they had people over for a bbq and we indulged in a lot of good food, including turkey burgers, shrimp, kabobs, and potatoes .
With some of Emily's friends at the BBQ
When the clock struck midnight, just as Cinderella's carriage turned into a pumpkin, ending her fairy tale evening, so was my Spanish adventure coming to an end. I had to get on the 12:30 overnight bus and head back to the Madrid airport.
After a 7 hour bus ride, 3.5 hour wait at the airport, a pat down from the TSA agent at security, 12.5 hours of flying, and 2.5 hours of driving, I finally arrived back home, with all of my luggage, my sanity, and most importantly, memories that will last a lifetime.
History Lesson
Gather 'round boys and girls and listen as special guest, former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin gives us a history lesson on Paul Revere!
...and to think people actually want this woman to be the leader of our country.
...and to think people actually want this woman to be the leader of our country.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Aventura de Espana: Dia Siete
I started the day by going with Emily to her school. First, she had a conversation tutoring session with the technology teacher. Ironically enough, he doesn't own a cell phone, he has no credit cards, and does not have internet at home :) Then I observed another one of her classes, who had the same assignment as her other class, of bringing in something that represented Asturias. These kids were younger than her other class and were quite wound up, but once again, I was impressed with their English skills, especially when comparing it to my Spanish skills when I was in high school.
After her class, we headed to the market and walked around for a while, since our time was cut short due to the rain on Sunday. I bought a few things for family and friends and a bracelet for myself.
Then Raul picked us up and the three of us headed to Gijon, a city not too far away from Oviedo, and walked around for the afternoon.
Before heading back to Oviedo, we stopped for lunch at an outdoor cafe, overlooking the port. We all did the "menu del dia", which turned out to be a TON of food, but it was so good. My least favorite was the hamburger (seen in the last picture), but I had to remember I wasn't in Iowa anymore.
Patatas con aoli (potatoes with aioli)
Lentejas con chorizo (lentil stew with sausage and potatoes)
Emily and I split the hamburger and fish and fried egg for the 3rd course
When we got back to Oviedo, Emily had two more classes, so we headed back to her school. The first class showed me around the school and explained to me what things were in English. Her last class did the Asturias item assignment. Some of the items were repeats, but one girl brought in a typical Asturian dessert, that resembles a crepe. It was fantastic!
After school, Emily had a quick tutoring session, so I walked to a nearby park and read a book until she was done. After that, we met up with some of her friends at a bar for drinks and tapas. We started out with our free tapa of bread w/ a raspberry spread, cheese, and sliced ham on top. Then we ordered a cheese plate with all types of different cheeses. Later, someone ordered fried baby sardines, which I had never had before, and although hesitant due to being able to see where their eyes once were, I decided to try it. I was not a fan, so I stopped at that one, but at least I tried it! After the fun evening came to a close, Emily and I headed back to her house and watched the newest episode of Glee before going to bed.
After her class, we headed to the market and walked around for a while, since our time was cut short due to the rain on Sunday. I bought a few things for family and friends and a bracelet for myself.
Then Raul picked us up and the three of us headed to Gijon, a city not too far away from Oviedo, and walked around for the afternoon.
Before heading back to Oviedo, we stopped for lunch at an outdoor cafe, overlooking the port. We all did the "menu del dia", which turned out to be a TON of food, but it was so good. My least favorite was the hamburger (seen in the last picture), but I had to remember I wasn't in Iowa anymore.
Patatas con aoli (potatoes with aioli)
Lentejas con chorizo (lentil stew with sausage and potatoes)
Emily and I split the hamburger and fish and fried egg for the 3rd course
When we got back to Oviedo, Emily had two more classes, so we headed back to her school. The first class showed me around the school and explained to me what things were in English. Her last class did the Asturias item assignment. Some of the items were repeats, but one girl brought in a typical Asturian dessert, that resembles a crepe. It was fantastic!
After school, Emily had a quick tutoring session, so I walked to a nearby park and read a book until she was done. After that, we met up with some of her friends at a bar for drinks and tapas. We started out with our free tapa of bread w/ a raspberry spread, cheese, and sliced ham on top. Then we ordered a cheese plate with all types of different cheeses. Later, someone ordered fried baby sardines, which I had never had before, and although hesitant due to being able to see where their eyes once were, I decided to try it. I was not a fan, so I stopped at that one, but at least I tried it! After the fun evening came to a close, Emily and I headed back to her house and watched the newest episode of Glee before going to bed.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Aventura de Espana: Dia Seis
Cudillero
An hour and a half train ride and we arrived to Cudillero, a town known for its quaint side streets and stair-cased alleyways. We walked from the train station, through the town, to the port, and took in the views of the mountains and ocean. We also climbed the stair-cased alleyways to a lookout point, which was a little tiring, but, when I saw a couple in their 60's doing it, I knew I could too :)
Cudillero
The Port
Views from the lookout point:
We had lunch at one of the restaurants on the port, trying the chipirones (squid with ink). Neither one of us were big fans, but with the help of patatas fritas y pan (french fries and bread), we managed to eat a few.
Chipirones
Upon our return to Oviedo, we made our way to the Santa Iglesia Basilica Catedral de San Salvador. It is a beautiful church with so many ornate decorations, altars, and statues. Unfortunately, no cameras are allowed inside so I wasn't able to take any photos of the inside, but I strongly encourage you to look online to get an idea of the beauty and history of this church. After a quick walk through of the church, we spent 2 Euros to tour the Holy Chamber, which contains the Chest of Agates, the Cross of Victory, the Cross of the Angels, and the Apostle Group. To see some pictures and read about these things, you can click here, if so inclined to do so. Also on the tour of the Holy Chamber, is the Santo Sudario, which is the cloth said to have cleaned and covered the face of Jesus after the crucifixion.
Side view of the Cathedral
Front of the Cathedral (with the very top cut off - oops!)
After the tour, I was off on my own again while Emily went to a tutoring session. I did a little more shopping and tried to use my Spanish a little more this outing, now that I was starting to get my voice back. Even just using simple, everyday phrases like, "hasta luego" made me feel like I fit in. After walking around for the majority of the day, I was ready to sit for a while, so after I was done shopping, I found a bench and just enjoyed watching people and journaling, while being serenaded by an accordion player down the street as I waited for Emily to get back. It was a great way to wrap up the day.
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