teach.run.pray.

Yesterday, I ran in my first half marathon since October. I've been training for it and had my hopes up for a PR (personal record). I've been working so hard to improve my strength and speed, and I've been successful. I'm no elite athlete, but I'm consistently running right under 10 minute miles on my long runs, and on shorter runs I've maintained the low 9s and a lot of times under 9 minute miles.  I've been pretty proud of myself, so I had my hopes up for a PR yesterday. The past year has been a tough one for me in regards to my health. I've been sick a lot. Within the past year, I've had the flu twice, 5 or more sinus infections, an immune deficiency, regular nausea, fairly constant hip and low back pain, extreme bloating that makes me look pregnant, and many other weird and disgusting things. Much of the bloating and nausea I've blamed on IBS flare ups - until they got worse than they ever had.  It has been enough to make me feel like a cra

A run post is long overdue. I've been running, but I haven't been moved to write about it for awhile. But, today, I really need to share my run with you. It has been eight days since my last run. The past week has been rough on me. My energy level met extinction. My body attacked itself and by Friday evening I was sick. Another sinus infection attacked, so I missed my long run on Saturday, and I couldn't muster the energy to run on Sunday. Luckily, today I have the day off. So, I ran. After all, I have a half marathon coming up on Saturday and need to get some miles in. I decided to drive out to Furman University and take the Swamp Rabbit Trail up to Traveler's Rest and back. That route would give me the 8 miles I needed. However, I told myself it would be ok if I had to turn around early if I started feeling bad. Also, I told myself not to look at the time on the watch and just let the music carry me through my run. Relax. Release. Let go. Run. After my lunge mat

It's a three day weekend. I've been looking forward to this three day weekend. I've had plans of running, cleaning our house, reading, crocheting, writing, and relaxing. I had NOT planned on starting my three day weekend with a cold and sinus infection. But, life doesn't always go as we plan, and maybe, just maybe, that vulgar apple cider vinegar and lemon juice drink will do the trick in getting me well...fast. Anyhow, I thought I'd take advantage of my time sitting on the couch and write a little.  On Thursday night, I stayed out way past my bedtime (10:30 p.m.). I went to a local venue, Gottrocks, to see a band, Tuesday's Sermon. My husband, brother-in-law, and father-in-law have been making guitar amps. Local musicians have been trying it out, and they really wanted Shane Pruitt, guitar player for Tuesdays Sermon, to try it out. And, since I really like Shane's style, I wanted to go too. Plus, I'm really proud of their guitar amp - it's prett

As we all know, yesterday was Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day, in my eyes, is just another approach for colossal corporations to makes loads of profit. But, maybe, I'm just cynical. I do, however, want to share my feelings about this day from a teacher point of view and from a wife point of view. Teacher Nadia February fourteenth is just another day in the classroom for Mrs. Granger. I do not buy Valentine's Day cards or gifts for my students, mainly because I have so many, but also because love isn't about stuff or candy. Let's be honest here, the cards get trashed and the candy gets eaten. Then, it's all over.  I know it's fun for the kids to have parties and eat a bunch of sugar and hand out gifts (that profit all those colossal corporations), but it really isn't necessary. The sugary treats create an abundance of energy and belly aches - both of which can be challenging to deal with in elementary school. But, before you judge me and call

Dear Betsy DeVos, Congratulations on your victory. You have been handed a huge responsibility. Your mammoth contributions may have won you the title of Secretary of Education, but I promise, you have not won the battle - not by a long shot. As a matter of fact, I'm quite certain the current administration and yourself have underestimated the fight public education school teachers have within themselves when they feel a threat to "their kids." I've been a special education teacher in public schools for eight years. I have always taught in title 1 schools. I'm not sure you know what title 1 schools are, so let me break it down for you. Title 1 schools are given federal funds in order to serve a large low-income student population. These funds are used toward technology, books for students, extra faculty to reduce class sizes, basic school supplies, programs that enhance student growth and achievement, professional development opportunities for teachers, individu

So many stories are in the waiting room - just sitting patiently to be called out into the world. I keep an idea journal with me, thank you cousin April, and the list of ideas get longer each day. I imagine the person I'd be if I could just sit and write my stories for a living. More enlightened - that's what I'd be. Less of a hot mess, that's what I'd be. Lighter, that's what I'd be. If you've read my other posts, you'd know I attended the Women's March, here in Greenville, a few weeks ago. I wrote about my experience at the march and why I chose to go. What I didn't include was the story about the rest of my day - after the march. I left the march invigorated, empowered, inspired. I finally felt less isolated and more connected to a community. I had energy and a burning desire to use it in a way that would connect me to my neighbors - to those neighbors who were like me and different from me. All in all, I felt good leaving the march -