Well I am finally seeing some fruit of all of my running labor. The scale shows that I have lost 11 pounds. I was so excited that I couldn't wait to tell everyone about my weight loss. Yesterday at church, I was sharing how proud I was of the fact that I have stuck with a program and that I had lost some weight.
Later that day, I was at Kohl's and ran into a friend that I had not seen in at least 2 years. She looked at me and pointed to my stomach and I thought for sure she was going to compliment me on my weight lost. She asked "When is your baby due?" I was shocked. At first I was going to play along and make up some due date because I knew she would be so embarassed. I said "I am not pregnant!" She felt terrible and I kind of shook it off and told her not to worry about it. Down deep I was mortified. I wasn't sure what to do as I walked away...so I did what any vain woman with low self image would do... I went to the lingerie department and bought a girdle.
Little bit of advice...unless a woman is wearing a shirt that acually says "baby on board"...don't ask her if she is pregnant.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Thursday, September 21, 2006
WHY AM I RUNNING?
That's a question that I ask myself everytime I leave to run. I am training to run a 5K October 14th with my best friend Sandi. Oprah has Gayle...I have Sandi. She asked me to do this with her and I said yes without thinking. When I began...I could barely run 1 minute...now I am up to 24 minutes. Each time I leave to run, I ask God to give me feet with wings because I know there is no way I can do this on my own. Usually, in the middle of my run, I think about quitting. Who would know...I would...and of course God. So why do I do it?
1) I do it first and foremost for God. Everything I do... I need to bring glory to Him. It's a time that I spend in worship as I listen to praise music the entire time. There have even been times that I have ran a short distance with my hands stretched out to him. He energizes me.
2) I do it because it has taught me to be disciplined. I know I have to do this if I want to finish the race. You can't train for one day. Especially if you are as out of shape as I was.
3) I do it for all the women who have been and who will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Each time I think about quitting, I think about each woman, in the midst of her chemo and radiation, who wants to quit. I think of my mom who faced her cancer with grace and with determination. She didn't quit and neither will I. I am excited about running the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer run on October 14th. I am excited to run alongside women who are the most courageous and awesome women you will ever meet. I am excited to run in the midst of pink shirted women who's shirt symbolizes their survival of breast cancer.
Monday, September 18, 2006
I LOVE MONDAYS
After a busy weekend, I look forward to Mondays. This is the day that I can get caught up on cleaning and re-group from the weekend. Also on mondays I try to write down what I hope to accomplish this week. Now that I am working a few days a week, I have to organize me time a little better.
Last Thursday and Friday I taught 8th grade social studies. I loved it. I really enjoy that age. The hightlight was on Friday when a student came and told me how much fun he had and he hoped I came back. Another boy wrote "I love Mrs. Trachsel" on the white board. I think this was because I allowed them to do their homework in groups.
We had another whirlwind weekend. Friday night we went to the football with good friends. Saturday, we drove 6 hours to watch Ashley run 21 minutes. It was worth the trip. We had a chance to visit with Ashley, family and even a dear friend that we hadn't seen in years. SHe was a former youth from our church who has just as goofy as she was 4 years ago.
Austin had a soccer game this weekend as well. An interesting thing happened as we were walking to the game. An older man and his dog pulled up beside us and asked how old the children were playing today. This seemed like an odd question. His car had out of state license plates. After we spoke to him, he pulled over and watched the field for a short time. This made me very uncomfortable. The field is also beside a playground and a busy library. I hated to categorize this man, but everything inside me said I should let someone know about this. At halftime, I went into the library and explained what I saw. I pray that this was just coincidence....but better safe then sorry. It's a shame that the news is full of stories of children being harmed.
Last Thursday and Friday I taught 8th grade social studies. I loved it. I really enjoy that age. The hightlight was on Friday when a student came and told me how much fun he had and he hoped I came back. Another boy wrote "I love Mrs. Trachsel" on the white board. I think this was because I allowed them to do their homework in groups.
We had another whirlwind weekend. Friday night we went to the football with good friends. Saturday, we drove 6 hours to watch Ashley run 21 minutes. It was worth the trip. We had a chance to visit with Ashley, family and even a dear friend that we hadn't seen in years. SHe was a former youth from our church who has just as goofy as she was 4 years ago.
Austin had a soccer game this weekend as well. An interesting thing happened as we were walking to the game. An older man and his dog pulled up beside us and asked how old the children were playing today. This seemed like an odd question. His car had out of state license plates. After we spoke to him, he pulled over and watched the field for a short time. This made me very uncomfortable. The field is also beside a playground and a busy library. I hated to categorize this man, but everything inside me said I should let someone know about this. At halftime, I went into the library and explained what I saw. I pray that this was just coincidence....but better safe then sorry. It's a shame that the news is full of stories of children being harmed.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
MONEY...THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL
I feel compelled today to use my blog to journal what is in my heart. Many of you know that I lost my grandmother in May. What a tragic lost. I miss her so much and I wish she was here now to solve some problems...but I am also thankful to know that she isn't here to see how people are behaving. Growing up...you never wanted to disappoint Nee. I know...she would be so disappointed in the behavior of some people. Especially those she called friend. Why is this going on? MONEY!!!
Today I am speaking in Amish country to a group of women and I will be sharing the Gospel. I wish I could cancel. My anger got the best of me last night...and I can't believe the effect it had on me. I believe my mom summed it up best last night when she said it was like we are seeing death occur again when you begin to see relationships crumble.
I ask that you pray that my family and I come through this in a way that glorifies the Lord. I also ask that each one of you evaluate your relationships. Relationships with family and friends and most importantly God is the most imporant thing in this world. Money will disappear and material possessions will fade away. Friendships and family are important.
Is there someone that you need to say I'm sorry to? Is there someone that you need to call, email, write? Do it today. I am praying for a few of these situations for myself and some friends. I hope healing comes.
I feel so strongly about this. Don't just say "I'll pray about it"..NO!! Do something about it. Truly...what is there to pray about...YOU know God wants you to heal that relationship. Pray that he will open doors and help you do it...but there really is no time to wait. JUST DO IT!!! Friendships are too important to treat as disposable!!! I think this is especially true for those of us who profess to be followers of Christ. He was all about LOVE! Love thy neighbor thing...remember.
I will now step off my soapbox.
Today I am speaking in Amish country to a group of women and I will be sharing the Gospel. I wish I could cancel. My anger got the best of me last night...and I can't believe the effect it had on me. I believe my mom summed it up best last night when she said it was like we are seeing death occur again when you begin to see relationships crumble.
I ask that you pray that my family and I come through this in a way that glorifies the Lord. I also ask that each one of you evaluate your relationships. Relationships with family and friends and most importantly God is the most imporant thing in this world. Money will disappear and material possessions will fade away. Friendships and family are important.
Is there someone that you need to say I'm sorry to? Is there someone that you need to call, email, write? Do it today. I am praying for a few of these situations for myself and some friends. I hope healing comes.
I feel so strongly about this. Don't just say "I'll pray about it"..NO!! Do something about it. Truly...what is there to pray about...YOU know God wants you to heal that relationship. Pray that he will open doors and help you do it...but there really is no time to wait. JUST DO IT!!! Friendships are too important to treat as disposable!!! I think this is especially true for those of us who profess to be followers of Christ. He was all about LOVE! Love thy neighbor thing...remember.
I will now step off my soapbox.
Saturday, September 09, 2006
JUST CALL ME MRS. T.
Yesterday I received my first call to substitute teach. The call came at 6:30 am for me to report to a 4th grade class at 7:25. I was so excited. I even curled my hair. I felt like it was the first day of school.
I reported to my classroom and found the lesson plan. Yes, they actually expect subs to teach. I had to teach math and social studies twice. I thought...how hard can it be? How many of you remember the difference between a parallelogram, a concave or comvez polygram. Do you know what a trapezoid is? I didn't. I tried to look on the computer, but I didn't know how to log in. I wasn't sure what I should do. Maybe I should be the "cool" sub and blow off any work and just play games.
I decided to frantically search the textbook and I finally found definitions that I could use.
In came my class. Smiles came on their faces as they realized there was a sub. I remember my days in school. We loved the subs. We assumed that they didn't know anything. If they did...why weren't they full time teachers. ha ha
I greeted each child and told them who was in charge. No not really..I told them if they behaved I would give them candy. It worked.
I had a great day. I taught for 2 hours. Hada 2 hour break and taught for 2 more hours. You have to love lunch, recess and art right in a row.
I was exhausted when I got home. Next time...I will wear more comfortable shoes...and bring more candy
I reported to my classroom and found the lesson plan. Yes, they actually expect subs to teach. I had to teach math and social studies twice. I thought...how hard can it be? How many of you remember the difference between a parallelogram, a concave or comvez polygram. Do you know what a trapezoid is? I didn't. I tried to look on the computer, but I didn't know how to log in. I wasn't sure what I should do. Maybe I should be the "cool" sub and blow off any work and just play games.
I decided to frantically search the textbook and I finally found definitions that I could use.
In came my class. Smiles came on their faces as they realized there was a sub. I remember my days in school. We loved the subs. We assumed that they didn't know anything. If they did...why weren't they full time teachers. ha ha
I greeted each child and told them who was in charge. No not really..I told them if they behaved I would give them candy. It worked.
I had a great day. I taught for 2 hours. Hada 2 hour break and taught for 2 more hours. You have to love lunch, recess and art right in a row.
I was exhausted when I got home. Next time...I will wear more comfortable shoes...and bring more candy
Thursday, September 07, 2006
MY DAY
Here is a quick snapshot of my afternoon/evening.
4:30 Ally's football game
6:15 Austin's soccer practice
6:30 Alex's cub scout meeting
7:00 Austin's band meeting
7:30 Pick up Austin at practice
8:00 homework
8:30 baths and bedtime
It may look like an exhausting schedule...but I found joy in the midst of chaos. I realized that I am thankful to have healthy children who can participate in activities. Not every evening is like this. We strive to truly find balance in their activities. I'm just glad that gas prices are down.
On a humorous note:
Last night our family left church and got into our car to leave. Thankfully I realized that we were one child short. I went back into the church to find Alex crying. Yes, we had forgot one child. I asked him if he had asked anyone for help. Actually, I was wondering how many people knew that I had left my child.
All is well and Alex benefited from his trauma with a special treat.
4:30 Ally's football game
6:15 Austin's soccer practice
6:30 Alex's cub scout meeting
7:00 Austin's band meeting
7:30 Pick up Austin at practice
8:00 homework
8:30 baths and bedtime
It may look like an exhausting schedule...but I found joy in the midst of chaos. I realized that I am thankful to have healthy children who can participate in activities. Not every evening is like this. We strive to truly find balance in their activities. I'm just glad that gas prices are down.
On a humorous note:
Last night our family left church and got into our car to leave. Thankfully I realized that we were one child short. I went back into the church to find Alex crying. Yes, we had forgot one child. I asked him if he had asked anyone for help. Actually, I was wondering how many people knew that I had left my child.
All is well and Alex benefited from his trauma with a special treat.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
WEDDING WEEKEND
Wow!! What a weekend. The highlight being 2 wedding ceremonies that we attended on Saturday. The first was a re-commitment ceremony at our church. This couple had been through a very rough year and chose to renew their vows 17 years to the date that they first married. They came down the aisle as a family and each child participated in the ceremony. I don't cry very easy...but I have to say that tears welled up in my eyes several times. They truly represent what it means to become "one". I admire this couple very much and they way they have walked this journey together.
Our second wedding was at the Western Reseve Historical Museum. It was a Jewish ceremony for a young Russian couple. I loved the tradition of the ceremony. The Bride came down the aisle with her parents to the song "Sunrise Sunset" from Fiddler.
The Bride had to circle her groom 3 times as a symbol of forming protection around him. She looked like Cinderella. Earlier in the day, the Groom had to come to the house of the Bride and "pay" the Father for his daughter. He had to drink a certain drink and then he had to search for his bride. Based on some clues...he finally found where his bride was. A ribbon is placed on the door of where she is waiting. SHe was actually in my neighbor's living room. The groom finds his bride and they go to the wedding together.
The reception was incredible. Our children were invited so they were able to experience this with us. We sat down to a 9 course meal which included lobster and other russian foods we did not recognize. We tried everything and can I say that I love caviar.
The entire reception was in Russian. We left at 11:30 pm and they had yet to even cut the cake. For everyone that stayed...breakfast was served at 1:00 am. There was no chicken dance, hokey pokey, or electric slide, but the all russian band kept the crowd happy as they danced many traditinal russian dances. I forgot to mention one of our courses came to the table with "sparklers" lit. Also, when the bride and groom danced their first dance, miniature fireworks went off on the stage, along with smoke. It was a wonderful experience. For a moment...I wished that I was Russian. They are a very tight community and seem very family oriented. Occasionally someone would come to our English speaking table and translate.
The weekend was topped off with a quick trip to West Virginia.
Our second wedding was at the Western Reseve Historical Museum. It was a Jewish ceremony for a young Russian couple. I loved the tradition of the ceremony. The Bride came down the aisle with her parents to the song "Sunrise Sunset" from Fiddler.
The Bride had to circle her groom 3 times as a symbol of forming protection around him. She looked like Cinderella. Earlier in the day, the Groom had to come to the house of the Bride and "pay" the Father for his daughter. He had to drink a certain drink and then he had to search for his bride. Based on some clues...he finally found where his bride was. A ribbon is placed on the door of where she is waiting. SHe was actually in my neighbor's living room. The groom finds his bride and they go to the wedding together.
The reception was incredible. Our children were invited so they were able to experience this with us. We sat down to a 9 course meal which included lobster and other russian foods we did not recognize. We tried everything and can I say that I love caviar.
The entire reception was in Russian. We left at 11:30 pm and they had yet to even cut the cake. For everyone that stayed...breakfast was served at 1:00 am. There was no chicken dance, hokey pokey, or electric slide, but the all russian band kept the crowd happy as they danced many traditinal russian dances. I forgot to mention one of our courses came to the table with "sparklers" lit. Also, when the bride and groom danced their first dance, miniature fireworks went off on the stage, along with smoke. It was a wonderful experience. For a moment...I wished that I was Russian. They are a very tight community and seem very family oriented. Occasionally someone would come to our English speaking table and translate.
The weekend was topped off with a quick trip to West Virginia.
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