no inhibitions

What I wouldn't give to go back in time and change whatever it was that makes me so shy/embarrassed/prudish/not able to do things like this...dance in the middle of a crowd by myself with everyone watching.

The thing is that even though this little girl is rockin' out by herself, no one is looking at her and judging her.  Instead, they nod their head with approval and think to themselves "Wow!  She must really be enjoying herself." And you know what...I bet she is!

fun, no fun

So my friend had this amazing idea for her birthday...Pedal Pub! (In other cities it's called other things, such as in Milwaukee it's the Pedal Tavern.)  Since this was one of the options I had for my birthday I was quite curious to try it. 

Must admit...not as fun as I thought it might be.  Turns out that it is actually hard work, a.k.a. wear work out clothes if you choose to do this.  Also, the one in Chicago doesn't have it's liquor license therefore...no drinking on the Pedal Pub...which to me, means that at this point in time, it needs a new name.

Besides the fact that we worked our tails off and couldn't drink on the Pedal Pub, we did have an excellent time...but then again, that's the company I tend to keep.  By the end of the ride the majority of us had had enough to make us feel pretty loopy and one (the birthday girl) had so much that she was no longer able to pedal.

Oh yeah, and my elbows are painfully scraped up from the ride...:(  All in all...not sure I would do this again.

message

Anne, its like 700 rings before your voicemail comes on...and you sound like an android on your voice machine...just saying.

Um...just calling to see how you're doing and also wondering if your plans after work on Monday. Wanted to treat you to something for your birthday and cut you a check.  So, hopefully you had a good birthday.  Sorry I missed it.  Um yeah, I was thinking maybe mani/pedis, cocktails, dinner...something like that, to celebrate the birth of you.

Anyway, give me a call back when you can, otherwise I'll see you when I see you and we can think of something else.  Alright bye.

*Best message ever!*

freedom

Today and tomorrow are my last two week days of freedom until holiday break, December 24, 2011.  Decided to spend today relaxing at my friend Jamie's* pool.  Here is the view...

*a.k.a. Luke's pool

*3 of 365

girlfriends

Last night the celebration continued...Shlee and I went out for dinner and drinks near her as this place had wonderful outdoor patio seating.  People watching in that part of town was fantastic as well as extremely distracting.  I definitely had the best seat in the house!

While chatting, I heard a familiar voice pass us...turned out to be a bestie from home...one that is taking me out on Thursday for another birthday celebration...SMALL WORLD.  We met her outside on the sidewalk and began to chat.  At the same time, Shlee ran into a friend of hers and went to quickly see his new place.  Across the street, Jill and I decided it was time to catch up while waiting.  Shlee joined us after a few minutes for some good times...I love when my circles of friends collide!  We noticed an extremely large/over sized chair and voila...

*2 of 365

new decade

Today's the day...the start of my third decade!  I am in complete awe of how lucky I am and have been in my 30 short years of life. 

I believe the festivities began on Wednesday of last week when some friends came in town for a mini vacation.  They treated me for dinner at Rainforest Cafe...my choice because of their little ones!  Friday was planned by one of the greatest guys on the planet <3!  He planned everything from dinner at Nui Sushi (freaking amazing!) then drinks after dinner at Faith and Whiskey.  Saturday was the day that I planned...or really planned the start then everything else was up to the group.  Because of my late time change to the evite, Caleb and I met up with some early comers at Third Rail then we walked over to Market Bar for some rooftop drinks before dinner.  Dinner was quite tasty then we headed to Lumen, Mad River, and Barleycorn Lincoln Park.  So many of my favorites showed up!  Loud voices, laughter, and love surrounded the weekend! 

 

Last night, I realized that it was officially the last night of my 20s.  In order to say good-bye to another great decade we met at Kirkwood for a few drinks and great conversation.

Today, my actual 30th birthday, looks like facebook is blowing up with well wishes from friends and family.  My parents came into town, Dad to a Cubs game with his friend and Mom and I to West Side Story at the Cadillac Theater later tonight...but first...early dinner at Chen's.  Planning on meeting up with my pops upon our return from the musical.

Plans for continuation...special dinner on Thursday with some of my hometown besties then meeting a Cali friend for lunch.

Everything has been so amazing and I don't think I could ever thank everyone that I need to thank in the way(s) they deserve...

Oh yeah, I have also decided to begin a 365 picture documentation of my 30th year.  The first picture is a cheat since I didn't actually take it today (more so on Friday) but it fits the situation perfectly...

*1 of 365

inspired

This past weekend I was in awe...in complete awe of the 45,000 runners from all over the world who chose Chicago as their location to run 26.2 miles (a.k.a. the Chicago Marathon).


Here are some of the most memorable parts of viewing my 6th Chicago Marathon.


*Standing at Mile 1 of the 26.2 mile race to watch...

     -the wheel chair athletes

     -the set up of the official race clock

     -the official start of the marathon with police motorcycles and pace cars

*Watching the elite runners race by mile 1 4:30 seconds after the race started.

*Cheering on my friend Thomas at 5 different beautiful Chicago locations

*Runners helping each other finish the race (check the middle of the photo...the guy in yellow is being helped by the lady in white)

*Carnival acts...juggling and costumes!

*Behind the photos of the ever popular Marathon Photo guys who happen to be at EVERY race.  Smile at mile 21!

10.10.10 was a great day!  Congratulations to all of the runners who trained for weeks and weeks and gave it their 100% best.  You have all inspired and motivated me to want to be a better person.  There were certain moments during the race where I almost teared up a little and other times in the race where I realized that I can no longer say that I can't do something.  Oh yeah...and a shout out to Thomas who raced the marathon in 3:26:and change :)

thankful praises

...sometimes it's nice to get recognized...

"Hello Specials Team,
I just wanted to send a huge thank-you to all of you for the great job you are doing! It was brought to my attention this morning that during teen challenge yesterday the students were asked to share a high and a low for the past week and for many of the students their high point for the past week occurred during a specials class. The students in teen challenge are struggling on a variety of fronts and it was great to hear that specials is the outlet that is meeting their needs. Keep doing what you're doing!


Kristin" (a.k.a. the boss)


"Hi Anne,



Forgot to tell you that it was great to see my kids using a rubric to evaluate their peers during art today! I don't do that with them as much as I'd like, but I think it's really important! Thanks!



Kelly" (a.k.a. awesome 1st grade teacher)  


...remember to thank or recognize the people in your life...you never know...your positive praise might make their day :)

back into racing shape

well...almost :)


Bucktown 5K


Place in the women's age group 24-29
372 


Time
32:16


Pace
10:23


not too shabby for the first 3.1 miles run/walked since June...

day one and two

well, here we are...31 hours and 23 minutes into Paleo and still going strong!  Fortunately, I have a couple wonderful people supporting me...including one great cook...


last nights meal: chicken breast, spinach with garlic, roasted tomatoes


today's breakfast: 3 egg whites, raspberries, blueberries


today's lunch: pastrami rolls (slice of pastrami wrapped around broccoli slaw...yummy and crunchy!), celery with sun butter, apple slices, broccoli and cauliflower


today's after school snack: whatever I don't eat at lunch and almonds


lbs dropped to date: 3 (it's early...probably water weight :)

paleo what!?!

Who's your friend that loves to try crazy fad diets...yep...that would be me :)

New diet challenge...the Paleo diet! In other words, for the next 30 days, I will only be eating things that were around 10,000 years ago. (Yes, I can eat bison...this little guy better watch out ;)

After a bit of preparation, some suggestions, and googling (is that a verb now?) I have a Paleo shopping list and a weeks worth of lunches.

This diet is interesting in that it wants you to completely strip certain elements from your diet...elements like grains, dairy, and legumes that are possibly having a negative effect on your body and energy levels without us even knowing! For 30 days, I will be cutting out all of the "inflammatory, insulin-spiking, calorie-dense, nutritionally sparse food groups" to let my body "heal, recover and reset from whatever effects those foods may be provoking."

Reasons why this may be a good idea for me...? Why not?!? During the week/month of my 29th birthday I realized a few things:

1) I tend to eat healthy but am always willing to make exceptions with reasoning such as "you only live once" or "well...it is Wednesday :)" or "we don't have birthday breakfast at school everyday" or "it would be rude to not eat this wonderful spread of Portillo's."

2) I am the happiest that I have been in a long, long time...possibly ever. I'm in love with an incredible man, one who makes me want to be a better person yet also embrace all of the wonderful things about me that already exist. Not his fault but sometimes I would prefer to hang out with him drinking beer or red wine while watching football, 30 Rock, and/or Glee than head to the gym.

3) I love working out and really want to be able to call myself a runner. Lately with this ever growing happy belly (a.k.a. spare tire) it's much harder to run/workout and feel confident seeing that I am lugging around extra lbs.

This is not a punishment rather an exercise to prove to my body that it is worthwhile and that I would like to keep it happy and healthy for as long as I can...not to mention to feel comfortable and confident in my own skin :)

Exhibit A: Check out the two girls...one who looks like she may or may not be in an adventure outing ad (not me).  Then check out the girl with the cookie in her mouth (me).  Hmmmmm...

Exhibit B: Awesome bike ride. Beautiful view. Tight clothes that show off an interesting and ever growing belly bulge. Not a baby...well, kind of...a food baby.

Looking forward to showing off some Paleo sized results!!!  Stay tuned...better yet...follow the blog!

25th hour of the day

constant busy work

diligent, active...weekend

alas, fresh breath, ah

Still waiting for that 25th hour to get it all done...

not a princess

As hard as it is to believe...today I realized that I am, in fact, not a Disney princess.

While heading outside to turn off the lawn soaker in the front part of Kevin's "lawn," I noticed about 10 little sparrows playing in the water. After watching them frolic in the water for a few minutes, it was time to turn off the water and carry on.

Making my way back to the lawn soaker created puddle...the little sparrows flew away. Remembering that all Snow White or Cinderella had to do to get her little friends back was sing, I tried it. It did not work :( That is the moment I realized that I am, in fact, not a Disney princess.

failed

Diet Trials (Flat Belly Diet) lasted for about 1.5 days...barely. If I have to eat...no, rather look at, another grape tomato I might vomit a little. For lunch on the first and second days of the Flat Belly one is supposed to consume 1 pint of grape tomatoes...1PINT! For those who aren't quite sure how much that actually is...it's one container from the grocery store...a whole container.


The other reason the Flat Belly didn't work very well, for me, is because we went to DC for the weekend. My plan was to stay on FB Diet for all of Friday but I didn't quite calculate airport food into the situation...next time.


Now DC on the other hand...AMAZING! The weather was beautiful and my family was quite full of surprises. Not necessarily the surprises like "We're pregnant" or "We just bought a new house" more so their surprising comments like "You have to marry my cousin." Hmmm...I hope the bf isn't shy and knows that wine was involved ;)


All in all the trip was pretty amazing. 9 mile run Saturday morning followed by a stroll around Georgetown, drinks at the top of the W overlooking the White House and the National Mall, followed by dinner at PS7 which is ranked in DCs Top 100 and an amazing set of desserts at Hook by the soon to be famous Heather...and that was all on Saturday. Sunday included brunch at my aunts on Capitol Hill, a walk to and around Eastern Market then DuPont, and complete with a trip to Red, White and Bleu (Adam's wine and cheese shop) just in time to finish the bottles from a tasting!


Great trip for sure...even if it didn't include a diet. Guess I'll just have to try again...

diet trials

As my friends will tell you, I have tried almost every diet in the book. Yes, I would like the pleasure of looking like a supermodel but at the grand age of 28, I am sure that will never happen. Instead, I must settle for some sort of goal...such as Thomas's Law...134. This is, and will remain my goal weight until I reach it...to which I am sure, I will love! As one jerky ex-boyfriend told me once "as soon as you are happy with your body, the battle is lost."

We need to get this 152lb (currently with happy belly) body into 134lb form. Now, some may think it's crazy for me to be so open about my weight (big or small by whomevers standards) and this process but...it's me. Please don't get me wrong, all people...and I do mean ALL people both love and hate their bodies. For the most part, I love/am completely content with mine. However, lately, especially with "happy belly" I could tighten up and slim down.

In my life, I have done everything as simple as measuring everything I eat to entering all caloric intake through livestrong.com to the South Beach diet. Each holding it's own and showing body improvements as long as I stick with it. Problem is...I don't stick with it. Maybe for a week or so but not on the weekends and definitely no longer than two weeks. In a month my friend is getting married. Now, she needs to lose no weight at all for if she does, I am afraid she will disappear altogether. However, her fiance would like to lose a few so this week, they started the Flat Belly Diet. I am in the wedding and would also like to lose a few so I have made the executive decision that I too will be doing the Flat Belly Diet.

This crazy diet will unofficially begin tomorrow and officially begin on Monday, April 12. Not officially starting until the 12th because we are headed to Washington DC this weekend to enjoy all that the city has to offer. I will be blogging about the Flat Belly processes...successes and challenges beginning on April 12 and ending Thursday, May 13 (32 days later). I can do this!

two pounds per inch

A little before this past holiday season, I had an interesting conversation with a couple of my guy friends. We were discussing, in depth, the appropriate weight of a girl.

At first it was as simple as "she has to weigh less than me" but then turned into a complex theory...we'll call this theory Thomas's Law.

According to Thomas's Law a girl...excuse me...a datable girl must be no more than two pounds per inch tall. For instance, I am 5'7" or 67" tall. In order for me to find my datable weight I would take 67 x 2 (for the 2lbs/in). The most I could weigh at my datable weight would be 134lbs.

Humph...who are we kidding...I might have been that weight at the beginning of high school but after I learned about how much I loved sports (tennis, soccer, gymnastics, cheerleading) I quickly put much muscle mass onto my frame. Since then, with the exception of the freshman 10-15 in college, I have dabbled in the 145-155 category...no where near the two pounds per inch rule. In fact, for my weight to be acceptable, I'm going to have to grow to be 6'2"! ;) Or...I will just have to live with being 2.2lbs/in.

After I realized the truth that I was undatable it was time for a massive reconstruction plan on my diet and exercise lifestyle. My plan was to exercise more, eat healthy, watch portion size, etc. Trouble with that...I was already doing pretty well in all of those areas. I have always worked out 3-4 times per week and I eat extremely healthy during the day and at night with the occasional cupcake and alcohol intake.

and then karma rears her ugly head

Royally screwed is how I can describe myself over the past hour and a half. Whatever the deal is, I can honestly say that this must be my little taste of karma. Good news is that so far, everything has been pretty minor.


finished blog and left work by 3:05...not bad so far

pretty clear drive on North Ave from Grand-Damen

stuck behind slowest driver in the world

large truck blocked both lanes on North through the Western intersection

lots of horn and blockage happening...me in the middle...

park in lot to get security tag taken off gift

pay $6.25 for 15 minutes ($0.41/min)

head to Borders to get book club book (Gang Leader for a Day)

park in free lot

pay full price because my teacher card has magically disappeared

Again, nothing too bad...just a lot at once after a little while of only wonderful things.

somebody's hero and other small surprises

Life continues to unfold and each and every day brings something new or renewed.


ISATs (this wonderful testing...no child left behind b.s.) started yesterday and with the start of the test, as with the start of anything one is nervous/anxious about, all of the jitters have, as they say, left the building. This week is quite nerve-racking for the kids so I did my best on Monday to be their (each and every student's) personal test-taking cheerleader. Going room to room before students left school on Monday (why to get their good nights' sleep of course) reassuring students that they already have all of the tools they need to be successful and to do their best was a difficult job!


Many of the students, even though they have taken the ISATs before, definitely felt the pressure to do well. This concept seemed a little strange to me seeing that when I was in elementary school, I recall no pressure at all. In fact, I experienced the exact opposite of that. For me, the Iowa Test of Basic Skills just happened to appear on my desk once a year as a surprise. Yes, not a very good surprise but a surprise nonetheless. Now, with No Child Left Behind and the threat to close schools and fire teachers, students pretty much know the testing dates as soon as they walk through the doors in August. So much time is spent emphasizing the importance of the test that it's of no wonder why students are stressing out.


This positive burst of excitement and enthusiasm about the tests definitely helped boost their spirits...at least I'd like to think so. After the first day of testing, I made sure to go back to each of the classrooms that I had so generously pumped up to get feedback on the tests. Most students told me that they did really well on the tests and that they weren't as bad as they had previously thought. One boy in particular who had expressed his concerns of testing on Monday let me know that he was nervous at the beginning of the test but then realized that he completely understood what was going on in the test and in turn "rocked" the test. (As a teacher those words are music to my ears :)

Walking through the halls this morning, I was stopped by one of my favorite fourth graders with a "good morning Ms. Bell!" After the casual good morning response the conversation went as such:


Me: I know you did an awesome job yesterday...are you gonna rock the test again today!?!

Students: Yeah! It was easy and I'm ready!

Me: That's awesome (insert high five)! You're a rock star...actually you're my little rock star!

Student: You're my hero.

Me: (taken aback) Wow! Thank you. That's a big job, I sure hope I can make you proud.

Student: You already do.


Usually it's the teachers and parents who are expected to pass out the positives like candy in order to boost the confidence of our youth...but after sometime contemplating...who does this for the adults?


It's rare. It's unusual. It's magical. It's worth it.

It's the tiny reminders, like the hero comment, that remind me of the why...the why am I doing all of this? the Why do I care so much? It's the reminder that I'm touching lives and making a difference.


Thanks Neyda ;)

just this sort of day

Today is the zipper down, underwear inside out, stub your toe on a corner kind of day. It's the kind of day that would get a lesser person down. But not me...not today. I wouldn't change today for anything.


Speaking of the type of day...because of the birthday of Dr. Seuss, I had the pleasure of reading Dr. Seuss books all day long. Some old favorites like The Lorax, Yertle the Turtle, and The Cat in the Hat Comes Back. As well as a new favorite Fox in Socks. After pumping up the kids at this morning's ISAT assembly and reading so many Dr. Seuss books...creation struck...here is my ode to Dr. Seuss and the ISATs:


I just love getting students ready for tests!
Because getting ready for tests is just really the best.
Getting ready for tests, yes, yes sir-y-bob
Getting ready for tests, that's just part of my job.

The students are ready. Don't worry, they'll do their best.
The students are ready to rock these fine tests.

Months and years to prepare will be of big help.
All these months and these years of the best sort of help.
It's the teachers who care about all that they do.
It's wonderful, amazing teachers like you!

Valentine Schmalentine

Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of Valentine's Day. A time to celebrate love, loved ones, lovers...however, why are we just celebrating for one day? In reality, shouldn't we be doing this all year round?

I have not always been Negative Nelly (term stolen from Girls on the Run) about Valentine's Day. In fact, before this year, I was definitely an advocate for the love fest. This year something clicked. I have officially become a nay-sayer about celebrating love on this one special day and this one special day only.

It hit me as I was headed to the gym (the gym by my school...not the closest to me...actually probably the farthest away...but the one where people have let go of their New Year's resolutions which makes it therefore, fairly empty). The way to the gym is a long straight shot down Fullerton Avenue, the street where no one carries insurance and where everyone drives like maniacs. Coming back from my tangent...Fullerton Avenue was littered by an abundance of fluffy, plush, stuffed animals; pink gorillas, white teddy bears, and red dogs as well as red roses suffocated by a barrage of baby's breath. The question that repeated itself like a strobe light every time I drove by one of these stands, which was every block, was "What grown female or male would want love in the form of baby's breath and/or a stuffed monkey?" I'm sure there are a few but enough to evoke this much junk on the side of the street!?! Yes, cute to give to a child to celebrate a day of love. No, not cute to give to an adult.

Which brings me to my next question or rather point...the dinner. Question: What do adults to do on Valentine's Day if the stuffed animals are overrated and out? Answer: Why, go to dinner of course! Dinner at a fancy restaurant...usually a step or two above the norm. Example: If White Castle is where you take your dates, you might end up at Applebee's. If Long John Silver's if your norm, Red Lobster would be your upgrade. If a couple happens to be going to a restaurant where reservations are needed, make sure to call ahead...somewhere around the two week mark ahead. This will ensure your place at a pre-packaged, overly packed, usually fantastic place. Not only will the couple not get the best the restaurant has to offer but they will most likely not even get a choice of menu item. On top of all of that wonderfulness, a ton of expectations are laid like a blanket on the couple the second they walk through the door...sometimes even before they walk through the door...such as a photographer waiting patiently outside to capture the awkward Valentine's Day for all couples. What would normally be considered a great date at a great restaurant has now conveniently turned into awkward conversation and hopes for the future over an overpriced meal.