tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-153789612024-03-13T09:47:27.358-07:00Daily Reactions of a ChemistSo I survived graduate school. Trying to survive being a wife, mom, and chemistry professor. I know I'm still a chemistry nerd that sometimes teeters too close to the stress. What better way to deal than to blog?Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04457395286623791088noreply@blogger.comBlogger1344125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15378961.post-91954925579351330052019-08-24T08:38:00.003-07:002019-08-24T08:38:50.119-07:00Unplans and Lessons of the SummerI'm a planner. And while I've relaxed a bit over the years, I like to have at least an idea of things to accomplish and to stay busy. The middle part of my summer was a new experience for me and definitely not part of my summer plans. The Monday after I returned from back-to-back conferences, I woke up at 4 AM with abdominal pain. By about 2 PM or so, convinced by friends and family, I headed to the ER as the pain got worse. They took care of me pretty quickly at the ER as well as gave me something for the pain. Turns out I had diverticulitis, an infection in my colon. I barely ate the next ten days dropping a lot of weight quickly. The pain, nausea, and exhaustion stayed around most of the time. I'm thankful it was summer and my kids were older. I was in bed much of the time. I was back in the ER two weeks after my initial visit, for more severe abdominal pain. After having a dismissive ER doctor who I think thought I was after drugs, my Mom got me into her GI doctor. Two scopes later and a lot of blood work, I finally got some answers. Thankfully, nothing super serious, but I've developed some major food sensitivities. I'm on a strict diet now, and I've felt much better the last month or so.<br />
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As I reflect on this experience, and didn't get to do everything I had planned on, I learned a few things...<br />
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1. Being sick from eating is awful. I had no energy and felt nauseated almost all the time. I thought of my friends who have had to figure out food allergies over a longer period of time. Or the friends who have health issues that aren't as easily managed as my condition. This experience gave me more empathy for others and more awareness about food allergies when I'm cooking or providing food.<br />
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2. Doctors can be dismissive and make you feel like you're crazy. I was familiar with the stories and research that show that<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/03/well/live/when-doctors-downplay-womens-health-concerns.html" target="_blank"> females in pain are more likely to be ignored or downplayed</a>. But I was still surprised at my first ER visit. I was getting discharged from the ER, but I had so much pain, both my mom and nurse were having to get me dressed and into the wheelchair because all I could do was cry. Turns out I was having a reaction to the morphine they had given me, but all the doctor said was, "The pain will lesson as you heal." During the second ER visit, the doctor dismissed me even though they didn't know why I was in pain and couldn't eat. I couldn't get into the referring specialist for another two months. In the doctor's words, "Unless you're bleeding, I can't order a scope or anything. You'll just have to wait for the specialist." I am so glad my mom was with me and called her GI specialist as soon as we left the ER. Her specialist's nurse listened to my symptoms and said, "Yeah. She needs to be seen soon. We'll work her in." Less than a week later, I had a colonoscopy and the start of a bunch of tests. So everybody, but especially women, stand up for yourself and find a new doctor if your symptoms are being ignored.<br />
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3. I enjoy food. Like, I really like food. I especially love chocolate and pastries, but I've had to give both of those up (at least for now). I discovered I can live without those things. I also accepted that it's okay to be sad about food. I think it was day 4 of only being able to eat chicken broth when I had my first emotional breakdown. Being hungry doesn't lend itself well to being rational. I did learn though that overall, even though I was around a healthy weight and a runner before, I was still overeating. Or rather, overeating on unhealthy food. With the healthier diet, my sugar levels stay more level and I feel better. I'm slowly figuring out what to eat, too, so I can run (I'm back up to a slow five miles).<br />
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4. I knew this, but it was a great reminder: I have a great team around me. Friends and family taking care of me, Josh, and the kids. Encouragement and prayers. Listening to my complaints and cries. I'm very thankful.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04457395286623791088noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15378961.post-39838663268757231272019-06-09T21:32:00.002-07:002019-06-09T21:32:59.034-07:00Summer Projects in Academia The spring I was finishing up my dissertation and nursing a newborn, Josh, Casen, and I flew to a university so I could interview for a chemistry professor job (it wasn't OC). During the whirlwind days of interview, the subject of summer teaching came up. I was surprised and dismayed when I was told I would be expected to teach summer classes; it wasn't really an option to just teach during my 10-month contract. I had been counting on having my summers free, especially while my kids were little. Fast-forward eleven years, and I'm enjoying working in the summer. Last summer was the first time all three kids were in school full day, and I had the whole month of May with my semester being over, but the kids were still in school. Just like last summer, I was able to acquire research funding for the first six weeks after the spring semester. The timing works out nicely with the kids being in school 3-4 weeks of that time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salicylic acid complexed with Fe(III), <br />picture courtesy of my RA</td></tr>
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I ended up collaborating with a mechanical engineer on a materials project, which is related to both of our PhD work. As I was writing the proposal for a research grant, I got to geek out over scientific journal articles about materials chemistry, and I remembered why I love that area. I had a young, but independent research assistant who worked hard and smart. One of the hopeful outputs for this research is a joint laboratory experiment between my chemistry students and my collaborator's engineering students.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Vancouver</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">University of British Columbia hosted the conference</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conference time</td></tr>
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The summer research time also gives me time to write. My philosophy collaborator, Myron, and I are working on revisions on a paper and a book chapter. Fingers crossed, there's some publications this year. I just got home from two conferences. I got to go to Vancouver to present a new philosophy of science paper about scientific realism and molecular structure.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graduation in the Rose Garden at UBC</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did manage to get a couple of runs in when I wasn't working.</td></tr>
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I always have most, if not all, of a presentation done <i>before</i> a conference, but that didn't happen this time. As a result, Myron and I had a lot of work to do at the conference, but the presentation got done, laying a nice foundation for a longer, more thorough one later related to quantum field theory in the summer. It also gave us some time to talk through ideas that are hard to do without being in person.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making the case for being a realist about molecular structure</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Explaining some chemistry history</td></tr>
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Then I took a red eye flight back to OKC so I could hug the family and do laundry before leaving later in the day for the second conference in Lubbock. This conference was an interdisciplinary conference for academics at Church of Christ schools.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LCU campus was immaculate</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning session</td></tr>
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I presented in a session about Writing in the Sciences with my emphasis on having science majors write both technically and non-technically. There's nothing like getting to know colleagues while riding in a van for six hours. I ended up in a van with profs from other disciplines and as luck would have it, I was the navigator (<i>I know. If you know me well, 'navigator' might not make sense, but with a map, I'm not as directionally-challenged.</i>). The driver was an English professor who after asking me about my presentation, provided me with a framework for my scattered thoughts (<i>I didn't have that presentation ready yet, either. Folks, it's been a LONG semester!</i>).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding to dinner</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ran into my cousins unexpectedly made me happy</td></tr>
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Conferences allow for such good opportunities to visit about research and learn how to make your work better. I also got to see some friends - science and bible profs - from other schools. As always, it was fun to catch up, heart-soothing to process rough times during this past academic year, and encouraging to talk about the future. I'm thankful for the friends I've made in my profession.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got to see college friend, Melanie. <br />We survived undergrad as chem majors. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Telling Amanda and Ben, "Until next time!"</td></tr>
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I arrived home to Casen's favorite YouTube videos of the week, L Child and H's dance contest, and family movie night. My summer seems to be marching along, and I'm about to enter the part where I work more from home, but work less overall, and play in the sun with the kids. Life in academia isn't so bad.<br />
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<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04457395286623791088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15378961.post-18538917154690431722019-05-27T21:25:00.001-07:002019-05-28T07:03:09.913-07:00Mamaw<div style="text-align: center;">
We get these moments</div>
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Sad times, but deep and rich too.</div>
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Hand-holding, hugs, words of love.</div>
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Telling her goodbye is hard.</div>
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Tears, faith, and hope in what's next.</div>
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We get heart-soothing times, too.</div>
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With family, those people</div>
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Who have loved you your whole life.</div>
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We get those meaningful times.</div>
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Opportunities to talk</div>
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About what is important</div>
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And how death isn't the way -</div>
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Not how it's supposed to be</div>
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Leads to words good for the heart</div>
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What love is, relationships</div>
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Working towards the day when</div>
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Life's how it's supposed to be.</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04457395286623791088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15378961.post-1368572383611452122019-05-08T11:08:00.000-07:002019-05-08T11:10:12.971-07:00It's Been Awhile...11 months!<br />
...which isn't totally surprising. Taking on a more administrative role as associate dean sucked up a lot of my time this past academic year. The past eleven months had other transitions, too, that included tangible upheaval like moving houses, but also some changes in the way I see and think about faith and the world. As a result, I took a hiatus from blogging.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My wave getting closer to the start line.</td></tr>
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I got to run a full marathon a week ago, and this third time around, my body is requiring more rest. The first half was at a good pace, and I felt good, but my body started breaking down around mile 15. My knee and hip on one side really began hurting so it was a struggle to finish. The emotions were running high and that wall hit. I ran by my friend Susan and her church at mile 22, and their cheers were encouraging. Then Susan gave me a fig newton and asked if I needed anything else. I started crying saying, "I hurt so bad." Susan gave me a hug and replied, "It's almost over - only a 5K left."<br />
Getting to tell a friend the truth of the pain helped me despite me thinking, That's a lie - it's more than a 5K! (It was about 4 miles instead of 3.1 miles. When you're tired and hurting, that 0.9 mile makes a difference!)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pam and I waiting in the OC spot before the race.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susan and I on my last "long" run before the race.</td></tr>
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I finished the race and quickly discovered my body was and is still tired. So I'm forcing my body to rest. I'm doing some activity, stretching, and massaging my body to let it heal before I tackle the next goal.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished!</td></tr>
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Yesterday I realized that the full marathon and the rest I'm requiring now is how my year has been. The first semester wasn't too bad. I was busy, but there were times I worried that I wasn't doing enough to justify the position. Then January hit and not only did I have larger projects to work towards (faculty evaluations, assessment reports, etc.), but there was almost-daily demand managing incidents as they came up.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A whole lotta coffee and a dirty desk means it's the end of the semester!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is how I felt at the end of the semester: asleep in a turned over trailer tent.</td></tr>
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So needless to say, I am glad this semester is over. I'm still wrapping up some of those larger projects, but with classes being over, it's a little easier to manage.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graduation is always bearable with friends next to you.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">H spent a day with me at the office right before finals week, and she cleaned while I sorted. Oh, I love that girl!</td></tr>
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I also decided to reclaim my journal and blogging time. From the advice of a colleague, I started journaling about work specifically; for example, the lessons I've learned. The exercise has given me some control over situations and helped me be able to not constantly be thinking about work. I can reflect, write it down, and then not be thinking of the million tasks for work I "should" be working on.<br />
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I'm looking forward to the summer. I'll blog next about that, but first, I probably have a baseball game to attend. All three are playing now keeping us very busy! Despite the fact that I still bring a book to games because it's hard for me to pay attention to baseball for too long, seeing the kids happy makes my heart happy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFhgGPLGeEg/XNMZtzagFZI/AAAAAAAAPEM/vg-n-wJozrs4q5fHyRVM1kTk08PWXRJewCLcBGAs/s1600/Cbaseball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFhgGPLGeEg/XNMZtzagFZI/AAAAAAAAPEM/vg-n-wJozrs4q5fHyRVM1kTk08PWXRJewCLcBGAs/s200/Cbaseball.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">C has gotten to play on this team for six years now.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f3B9OFuflgw/XNMZvb-29MI/AAAAAAAAPEQ/flS87qXYHn8Qz8erqMsTX-VwJwXEa4-dQCLcBGAs/s1600/L%2BPitching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f3B9OFuflgw/XNMZvb-29MI/AAAAAAAAPEQ/flS87qXYHn8Qz8erqMsTX-VwJwXEa4-dQCLcBGAs/s200/L%2BPitching.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L Child is pitching now.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7h5BNx2eQjo/XNMZwdPpC0I/AAAAAAAAPEU/RyIGGct0gJwQeTGKK-YPvTbp9D0ajFP9wCLcBGAs/s1600/H%2Bbaseball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7h5BNx2eQjo/XNMZwdPpC0I/AAAAAAAAPEU/RyIGGct0gJwQeTGKK-YPvTbp9D0ajFP9wCLcBGAs/s200/H%2Bbaseball.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">H surviving the slow outfield position.</td></tr>
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<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04457395286623791088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15378961.post-22507724880594215992018-06-16T21:53:00.004-07:002018-06-18T08:53:08.352-07:00Summer Times: Packing, Moving, and Conferencing<div>
It's been a summer of transition so far. At home, the family and I have been getting ready to move. Boxes are scattered throughout the house as we are trying to pack and clean in order to get the house on the market. I've found loads of memories.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">H with her judgy look. She asked me if that was for Christmas.<br />
"No, Honey. That's a Texas Homecoming Mum."</td></tr>
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I've been slowly moving to my new office since I started as Associate Dean at the beginning of the month. As a borderline-hoarder, I'm quite proud that I've been purging at home and in my office. Of course it's difficult at times.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A best friend keeps it real.</td></tr>
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My summer research project ended with some success, and while I am treating the summer as a wrap-up of my sabbatical, I can feel the sabbatical life slipping away. Work is getting busy as I am wrapping up some scholarly projects before the semester begins.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soaking up extra kid time despite the extra work. </td></tr>
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Last week I was able to attend a philosophy conference in Montreal.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ran up to Mont-Royal one morning for a view of Montreal.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ph9sgxoz_8/WyXcKuazoJI/AAAAAAAAOmQ/KXOCj1VRMmAw3t2SUhDoMg4JC6wGR4kIQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ph9sgxoz_8/WyXcKuazoJI/AAAAAAAAOmQ/KXOCj1VRMmAw3t2SUhDoMg4JC6wGR4kIQCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_8325.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mixture of old and new buildings downtown Montreal.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2B3-cLWO8IA/WyXcPxvniWI/AAAAAAAAOmY/b0kww4GQ4PIb3Qki9GLJrT9y9AY5_JuFwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2B3-cLWO8IA/WyXcPxvniWI/AAAAAAAAOmY/b0kww4GQ4PIb3Qki9GLJrT9y9AY5_JuFwCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_8410.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite street had houses like this lined on both sides. <br />
This neighborhood was between Mile End and Downtown.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qz-IBjQ8I2g/WyXcPO20QPI/AAAAAAAAOmU/QbktJZibD_AxYgBzaT7KOIyPx5AMNJ6IgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qz-IBjQ8I2g/WyXcPO20QPI/AAAAAAAAOmU/QbktJZibD_AxYgBzaT7KOIyPx5AMNJ6IgCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_8413.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graffiti art was throughout the city</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VVlk5ADzcvU/WyXcQtij22I/AAAAAAAAOmc/DAtyEX52LmQ83W58X-7VdTITPtqv6iiNgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VVlk5ADzcvU/WyXcQtij22I/AAAAAAAAOmc/DAtyEX52LmQ83W58X-7VdTITPtqv6iiNgCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_8418.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But not all of the graffiti was pretty.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aXlNv6pAvEY/WyXcVofi10I/AAAAAAAAOmg/ejQ4kLV2ZkgTOGrJAVK-seK8oEVhltsfgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aXlNv6pAvEY/WyXcVofi10I/AAAAAAAAOmg/ejQ4kLV2ZkgTOGrJAVK-seK8oEVhltsfgCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_8197.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street names</td></tr>
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It was an important conference to me for many reasons. This was my third attempt, but first time, to be accepted into the Canadian Philosophical Association annual conference.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nYlxFRApU30/WyXZEJ53a6I/AAAAAAAAOmE/5G3m7tZSw647QRlqgxjW3V-563t962M0gCLcBGAs/s1600/CPA%2Bsign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nYlxFRApU30/WyXZEJ53a6I/AAAAAAAAOmE/5G3m7tZSw647QRlqgxjW3V-563t962M0gCLcBGAs/s200/CPA%2Bsign.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most important sign at a conference: Coffee!</td></tr>
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The paper I co-presented was based upon the original proposal idea that got me to Oxford three years ago: <i>Molecular Symmetry, Beauty, and Truth</i>. That idea and paper has gone through several changes, but it hasn't been ready for journal submission yet. The feedback from the conference commenter and attendees, as well as the ideas swirling around this conference and others, helped tremendously. I'm hoping that means that this paper can be rewritten and get submitted in the next year. I also felt that this conference marks the end of my sabbatical and the start of a new academic year. I don't have another conference any time soon. Currently, I'm waiting to hear about some other journal submissions, working on revisions for a resubmission, and working on two new papers.<br />
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This conference was also important to me outside of my immediate research area. Instead of only attending my area of interest, philosophy of science, I attended one session in feminist philosophy. I am glad I saw another way that philosophy is contributing to society, and learned about some important work being done by <a href="http://www.katemanne.net/" target="_blank">Kate Manne</a> in her book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Down-Girl-Misogyny-Kate-Manne/dp/0190604980" target="_blank">Down Girl: The Logic of Mysogyny</a>. It's next on my reading list. This conference being held in Quebec gave me an unique opportunity to be in a place where English is not the primary language. To be honest, I was a bit disoriented most of the week. Navigating was difficult for me (more than usual) since all the French street names looked similar to me. While everyone in restaurants, etc. switched to English once they realized I didn't speak French, it's been a long time since I was in the minority. It was good for me. Being in a new city, I did my usual Pinterest research so I could soak up the area on my off-time.<br />
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I ate a lot of bread. My favorite was chocolate croissants. Funny, I have no pictures of those. Probably because I inhaled each one.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gqtf1ILAcpw/WyXhwnYuthI/AAAAAAAAOnA/OKbOz3aQFD8PznUmUy9v2kxHOb5iq29qQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gqtf1ILAcpw/WyXhwnYuthI/AAAAAAAAOnA/OKbOz3aQFD8PznUmUy9v2kxHOb5iq29qQCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_8397.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fairmount Bagel is famous. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-InL3QeMNNbc/WyXhvwc_OmI/AAAAAAAAOm8/v1A998ijRcAat9WvX5DEWibIGzXWln3WACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-InL3QeMNNbc/WyXhvwc_OmI/AAAAAAAAOm8/v1A998ijRcAat9WvX5DEWibIGzXWln3WACLcBGAs/s200/IMG_8398.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favored bagel - Fairmount.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x7x8vXv1eAw/WyXhxVUtS8I/AAAAAAAAOnE/WL_dBTkvGME3VS9YAEO0sN81RrdJFp_JgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x7x8vXv1eAw/WyXhxVUtS8I/AAAAAAAAOnE/WL_dBTkvGME3VS9YAEO0sN81RrdJFp_JgCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_8409.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Viateur's bagel were good, but not fresh out of the oven.</td></tr>
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I went to Old Montreal and Basilique Notre-Dame.<br />
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I think England ruined me. While this area and basilica is pretty, you can't beat hundreds of years old streets and cathedrals.<br />
The Grand Prix took place the day after I left so the city was abuzz with construction and street markets.<br />
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I managed to get to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts for a couple of hours.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zCQVRJ2it2Q/WyXks_c3eGI/AAAAAAAAOoE/nX7zm430g60ca0_-k-ueW04XlzESedmPQCLcBGAs/s1600/wolf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zCQVRJ2it2Q/WyXks_c3eGI/AAAAAAAAOoE/nX7zm430g60ca0_-k-ueW04XlzESedmPQCLcBGAs/s320/wolf.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This huge wolf statue was freaky.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X4a1wl3A3WA/WyXkslgQrQI/AAAAAAAAOoA/19Qi41HTEFAR1UmT7A4TEP0EhaGdaQ-HwCLcBGAs/s1600/painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X4a1wl3A3WA/WyXkslgQrQI/AAAAAAAAOoA/19Qi41HTEFAR1UmT7A4TEP0EhaGdaQ-HwCLcBGAs/s200/painting.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite painting was this Mark Rothko. </td></tr>
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The museum is a huge facility (six buildings), but I made it through one building including the visiting Picasso exhibit. This exhibit was a great learning experience for me, too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4qvcAEzFkpY/WyXlSjSr_eI/AAAAAAAAOoc/mEW_9iVkYcMVt9JnRnJkG1fleZe3ms_LgCLcBGAs/s1600/picasso%2Bpainting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4qvcAEzFkpY/WyXlSjSr_eI/AAAAAAAAOoc/mEW_9iVkYcMVt9JnRnJkG1fleZe3ms_LgCLcBGAs/s200/picasso%2Bpainting.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the Picasso art I was familiar with...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Njxw-a27cg/WyXlSc84_BI/AAAAAAAAOoY/5O7aYCiTc8kAEm7ah7ykht18EseqFILXwCLcBGAs/s1600/picasso%2Bsketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Njxw-a27cg/WyXlSc84_BI/AAAAAAAAOoY/5O7aYCiTc8kAEm7ah7ykht18EseqFILXwCLcBGAs/s200/picasso%2Bsketch.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But he also did other styles as well. This sketch is from early in his career. </td></tr>
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The exhibit tackled the topic of appropriation and Picasso's work. I didn't know Picasso imitated African artists, but the exhibit would show the arts side-by-side, and you could clearly see the resemblance.</div>
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The exhibit did a good job I thought educating about appropriation, and also featured modern African artists. The exhibit was thought-provoking, and I'm thankful I got to see it.<br />
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It only rained one day in Montreal, and the other days were beautiful 70-degree weather. I'm glad I got to walk around so much. I feel like that's the best way to get the feel of a city. So on my six-hour layover in Detroit on my way home, I Ubered downtown to get the feel of a revitalized city. I was impressed with the architecture.<br />
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After the long travel day, I was relieved to be home. Even with the busy past week of packing, moving, working, I'm thankful it's summer. I've gotten times with friends and family, and I'm looking forward to more in the next couple of months.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04457395286623791088noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15378961.post-40853097276313985252018-05-25T06:54:00.000-07:002018-05-25T10:08:16.991-07:00Latest Running Adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few weeks ago, I participated in a science and religion conference on the Canadian west coast. I heard some really good presentations, and it was great connecting with old friends, and meeting some new ones. My paper (co-authored) examined different ways of being skeptical about science.</div>
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In preparation for any trips I take, I usually look up things to do in the destination city. Pinterest typically is helpful because it doesn't just list touristy spots like museums, but also things like, "<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/557953841328367676/" target="_blank">The best coffee shop</a>." Now of course, Pinterest fails at time. (<a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/the-25th-street-musical-bridge-2937427" target="_blank">One time it sent me to a musical bridge that wasn't musical at all. Unless you count banging a stick on metal rods as musical.</a>) Many of the Pinterest lists for the Pacific northwest had some sort of venue that involves a lot of activity. True to that area's reputation and Pinterest lists, I found myself, not in museums or cathedrals, but being active on my downtime.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hMA_FHCCQSw/WwdsWKaMIkI/AAAAAAAAOgY/8qdpdEGlws0Hja3LQwkGK0YhLzaEMIeKQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hMA_FHCCQSw/WwdsWKaMIkI/AAAAAAAAOgY/8qdpdEGlws0Hja3LQwkGK0YhLzaEMIeKQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_7323.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You find your regular pace for different race distances <br />
and then know how fast you should run 800 m, 1200 m, etc.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phil, running coach extraordinaire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The first evening after I arrived, I joined a local running group. Phil, the running coach, had a pace chart and a prescribed workout (with different distances at the track: 200 m, 800 m, and 1200 m). As you'd complete your set, he'd tell your time so you'd know if you are running too slow or too fast. I've done speed workouts on my own and with a friend, but I've never ran as fast as I did that evening. Having a coach give you instructions and yelling your time out was motivating. Running with a group, and falling at the end of the slower group, makes you push it hard. It was a great experience and made me want to find a running clinic to join here at home.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zj5jRqyEBsE/WwdtVWRhsUI/AAAAAAAAOgo/vVG40UV2eXcOjVYT5KuIcy1WZ5n4uLHFACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zj5jRqyEBsE/WwdtVWRhsUI/AAAAAAAAOgo/vVG40UV2eXcOjVYT5KuIcy1WZ5n4uLHFACLcBGAs/s200/IMG_6619.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's Myron's regular running clinic <br />
so he took April and me to it. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v2AM7Xy0PIs/WwduxIG9dkI/AAAAAAAAOg0/XRVoi-8nBxkw8ixyA2i4lJz3ygK1wjXdACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v2AM7Xy0PIs/WwduxIG9dkI/AAAAAAAAOg0/XRVoi-8nBxkw8ixyA2i4lJz3ygK1wjXdACLcBGAs/s200/IMG_6640.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the moss on the logs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next morning I got to go for a hike up a mountain. It reminded me of my trail run/hike with Pam in Oregon last fall. Beautiful green everywhere.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XVkrKV72XNs/WwdvBWeTyKI/AAAAAAAAOhA/g5oyCDj1KQ4AFXp75wkA0xtn8DtDYW8EQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XVkrKV72XNs/WwdvBWeTyKI/AAAAAAAAOhA/g5oyCDj1KQ4AFXp75wkA0xtn8DtDYW8EQCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_6637.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About a quarter of the way up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UaqIkoWkPpc/WwdvqqyPg0I/AAAAAAAAOhs/Rk2K2f19PbsQnx-DQIoDd8u-2_Rf_WMZwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-05-18%2Bat%2B10.36.56%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="684" height="274" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UaqIkoWkPpc/WwdvqqyPg0I/AAAAAAAAOhs/Rk2K2f19PbsQnx-DQIoDd8u-2_Rf_WMZwCLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-05-18%2Bat%2B10.36.56%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a><br />
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XkURQIKNALA/WwdvOEKcFrI/AAAAAAAAOhQ/iK0cBh_qhAcPUpC3gkovhj2uhShmkD2cwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="1600" height="115" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XkURQIKNALA/WwdvOEKcFrI/AAAAAAAAOhQ/iK0cBh_qhAcPUpC3gkovhj2uhShmkD2cwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6688.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the top of this trail: worth the climb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kh4ZhrPJjoQ/WwdvNCDvb0I/AAAAAAAAOhM/-3hl6egTRAkDoj4y1a4IrgIbUZ4awQaGgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kh4ZhrPJjoQ/WwdvNCDvb0I/AAAAAAAAOhM/-3hl6egTRAkDoj4y1a4IrgIbUZ4awQaGgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6695.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9e2z7TkQ2xA/WwdvBCOmTNI/AAAAAAAAOg8/ylLSmnR8YXAq9SVMOqgN_Eo5Vf4WbFuTACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9e2z7TkQ2xA/WwdvBCOmTNI/AAAAAAAAOg8/ylLSmnR8YXAq9SVMOqgN_Eo5Vf4WbFuTACLcBGAs/s200/IMG_6639.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Hpeuw3oSKM/WwdvLesnVzI/AAAAAAAAOhI/B6wyHBKENh8IgThiQna-T6Bk36rKJ0foQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Hpeuw3oSKM/WwdvLesnVzI/AAAAAAAAOhI/B6wyHBKENh8IgThiQna-T6Bk36rKJ0foQCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_6679.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yMIPoaeuuA0/WwdvKgww0yI/AAAAAAAAOhE/L27fxHWv3XA4a7h09FT9G-1Uy1IA1ChXQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yMIPoaeuuA0/WwdvKgww0yI/AAAAAAAAOhE/L27fxHWv3XA4a7h09FT9G-1Uy1IA1ChXQCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_6685.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learned how to maneuver trail paths like this.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The hike was a warm-up for a trail run the following morning. As I've <strike>complained</strike> <a href="http://amandanichols.blogspot.com/2018/04/running-seasons-of-life.html" target="_blank">written about before</a>, hills are the bane of my races. This flatlander survived, but my quads were shaking by the end of it.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IIVbVQiNE-I/WwdzpIfUwbI/AAAAAAAAOiA/gMdWoPCQLuwFIBVW1zEz4JIfw8C8FFS-ACLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-05-18%2Bat%2B10.34.56%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="708" height="260" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IIVbVQiNE-I/WwdzpIfUwbI/AAAAAAAAOiA/gMdWoPCQLuwFIBVW1zEz4JIfw8C8FFS-ACLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-05-18%2Bat%2B10.34.56%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail run...notice how long it takes to "run" 4.5 miles. There's a lot of stopping to wait for everyone to catch up (and make sure nobody got eaten by a bear) and pick the path. Of course, I was not complaining about the stops.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2QIPevafwkw/WwdzoduJJ3I/AAAAAAAAOh4/xfpL3-amIwc6zrQp_uliMEdyD19GCa-cgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-05-18%2Bat%2B10.35.16%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="729" height="93" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2QIPevafwkw/WwdzoduJJ3I/AAAAAAAAOh4/xfpL3-amIwc6zrQp_uliMEdyD19GCa-cgCLcBGAs/s200/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-05-18%2Bat%2B10.35.16%2BPM.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevation gain for the trail run</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GLXgGmnOytQ/Wwdzoodd1hI/AAAAAAAAOh8/wR2PPIuGVuYN1r39ywbY95Q63egX4bJtQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-05-24%2Bat%2B8.38.45%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="161" data-original-width="667" height="48" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GLXgGmnOytQ/Wwdzoodd1hI/AAAAAAAAOh8/wR2PPIuGVuYN1r39ywbY95Q63egX4bJtQCLcBGAs/s200/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-05-24%2Bat%2B8.38.45%2BPM.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My typical run has this elevation gain in Flat Land Oklahoma.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I enjoyed the run, alternating between looking up at the beautiful big trees and down at my feet as I made sure I didn't trip over a rock or root. The view at the top of the trail was picturesque.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FMoYZlzKvWY/Wwd2N3x3d8I/AAAAAAAAOiU/5j_gfYzOlpUPjQLM_3xRa5d3lQx7fyTiwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FMoYZlzKvWY/Wwd2N3x3d8I/AAAAAAAAOiU/5j_gfYzOlpUPjQLM_3xRa5d3lQx7fyTiwCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_6726.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wearing my <a href="http://www.oc.edu/organizations/team-oc/index.html" target="_blank">Team OC</a> shirt from this past Memorial.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yIReXnxoTic/Wwd2PXIo5XI/AAAAAAAAOic/X6brWR1ww3Icvbua6Ac2F1YP45O_GOUIQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yIReXnxoTic/Wwd2PXIo5XI/AAAAAAAAOic/X6brWR1ww3Icvbua6Ac2F1YP45O_GOUIQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6727.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To the left of my head where there are colored rows - that's a tulip farm.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uL93SqthIDk/Wwd2O89R3DI/AAAAAAAAOiY/DBKwF35112kIEoMqXKF0DX5yvJ4lvg4ZwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uL93SqthIDk/Wwd2O89R3DI/AAAAAAAAOiY/DBKwF35112kIEoMqXKF0DX5yvJ4lvg4ZwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6730.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friendly running group that were welcoming and patient with this Okie.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Going down proved a bit scarier, especially when one of the runners slipped and slid down a ways on his butt. I got lots of practice of high stepping, going side-to-side in an S pattern, and just embracing the speed because slowing down would probably make me fall.<br />
<br />
I didn't run the next day, but my last day I got to <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AQ2rnKJo6gs9xYbuPtPMUykI3jYlOSosQmBn4DKcjh-0y6bOv99vluU/" target="_blank">walk some trails at Capilano Suspension Bridge and on the Seawall around Stanley Park</a>. According to April's Apple watch, we walked a half marathon that day. I feel like I got a good taste of BC with all the activity I was able to squeeze in over a long weekend.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04457395286623791088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15378961.post-82957231451646487302018-05-10T08:17:00.000-07:002018-05-10T08:17:51.991-07:00The Post Part<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Running, researching, sabbatical-ing, brain shunting, and kid-dragging to the ER. It's been busy since my semester has ended.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After I ran my half Sunday, I thought, I'll need to follow-up on my last blog post. It was going to be titled "Post-Race." As I settled into my week of undergraduate bench research and leaving sabbatical time, I made a mental note that I wanted to write more about the work I did on my sabbatical and what the next phase of research looks like for me. Post-Sabbatical. After witnessing hospital drama that was reminiscent of Grey's Anatomy and Mom getting a shunt put into her head Thursday, I needed some sort of Post-Brain Surgery blog entry. Finishing up the week single parenting that included a trip to the ER, I realize how full it's been this week. And how many reasons I have to be thankful.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pAVL7ZZm7KA/WvEao1hdv3I/AAAAAAAAOdk/ONn9IFdpc7UZtpMSl7-_zeGlCOoEnKOsgCLcBGAs/s1600/race.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pAVL7ZZm7KA/WvEao1hdv3I/AAAAAAAAOdk/ONn9IFdpc7UZtpMSl7-_zeGlCOoEnKOsgCLcBGAs/s200/race.jpg" width="150" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I ran about five miles with a girl from Nebraska. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The running community is always so encouraging.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm thankful I got to run a week ago in the OKC Memorial Half. It was some of the best weather we've had in a few years, especially for the halfers. It got pretty hot for the full marathoners and relay runners in the last two legs. I was pretty sure by mile 6 or so that it wasn't a PR race, but I was able to finish with a 2:08 so I was satisfied (kinda). As always, the crowds were great and it was awesome to see my friends Jaryn and Tasha several times along the route cheering. Especially because I was tired. I think doing three half marathons in 8 weeks was a neat experience, but it wore me out. I have plans to keep plugging away this summer, trying to get my speed up, and I'll hit another half marathon at the end of the summer. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Over the past year, I've begun thinking about new
ways to try to grow professionally. I've never supervised undergraduate bench
research, partly because bench research has always been challenging for me, and
it seems so daunting to come up with the original ideas. The other reason is
that I've taken the summers off completely until the Oxford program a few
summers ago. Last year, with the kids older, but I wasn't spending a month
away, I decided to work part-time in the summer trying to get some reading and
writing done for my philosophy of science research. Josh and I found a great
nanny who is still with us, helping with after-school pick-up now and soon more
summer days. Part of the sabbatical magic was that I had the headspace to
tackle a bench research project idea. I spent some time at the beginning of my
sabbatical reading and writing a proposal for undergraduate summer research. I
received institutional funding, hired an undergraduate research assistant (RA),
and we started on the project two weeks ago. The project isn't anything too
elegant, but I'm hoping it can be developed for one of my classes I teach.
We're hoping to extract a certain chemical from sugar beets and sugar cane that
is used in self-tanners. I've been pleasantly surprised that I didn't hate
writing up the proposal (I actually kinda liked it), and so far, it's been a
good experience thinking through ideas with my RA. If someone could have told
graduate school Amanda that she'd one day be supervising an undergraduate on a
bench research project, she probably would've laughed. Hopefully, my RA and I
will have success on the project (aka that the science works).</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FYoeUXad7PM/WvEbfCcFmrI/AAAAAAAAOds/HSWX6TKhND4wq0d9CIPlpYxzlw3gknjzQCLcBGAs/s1600/sabbatical%2Bdesk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FYoeUXad7PM/WvEbfCcFmrI/AAAAAAAAOds/HSWX6TKhND4wq0d9CIPlpYxzlw3gknjzQCLcBGAs/s200/sabbatical%2Bdesk.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Books, notes, and chocolate. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">What more could a sabbatical desk need?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I just took my auto-reply off my work email. The
one that told anybody who emailed me that I was on sabbatical so I would be
delayed in responding. I'm sad my sabbatical is coming to a close. It's not
quite all over yet, or rather, I’m not ready to completely lose it yet. I'm
viewing the summer as a continuation of the sabbatical life, just on a smaller
scale, reading and working on the writing projects. </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J_jtAdJXIms/WvRffJ94WfI/AAAAAAAAOeo/_ljULFXg9PQJZr795F9CDA6ubyDiVvdFwCLcBGAs/s1600/kids%2Bhospital.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J_jtAdJXIms/WvRffJ94WfI/AAAAAAAAOeo/_ljULFXg9PQJZr795F9CDA6ubyDiVvdFwCLcBGAs/s200/kids%2Bhospital.jpg" width="150" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Three kids @ a hospital are crazy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">They're fighting over the "good chair" here.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VsPTPMyLPwk/WvRfiyOEBDI/AAAAAAAAOes/_kYCB25mxd4b6sH1RLi2uIUl4plSmdqrgCLcBGAs/s1600/Ballerina%2Bhospital.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VsPTPMyLPwk/WvRfiyOEBDI/AAAAAAAAOes/_kYCB25mxd4b6sH1RLi2uIUl4plSmdqrgCLcBGAs/s200/Ballerina%2Bhospital.jpg" width="150" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">One kid @ a hospital. Much calmer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">H and I visited Immie before ballet.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm thankful for running and the work I love.
Especially when other parts of living an adult life are not quite as fun. Mom
ended up back in the hospital two weekends ago after she had another cerebral
fluid leak (she was about one week post-brain surgery). While Mom has a great
medical team, hospital life still isn't perfect. It was hard on Mom not being
in her own bed and having to eat hospital food for a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Residents and an on-call doctor with a slight
God-complex made for some moments that were reminiscent of Grey's Anatomy. I
did feel the love from family and friends that week who continually sent texts,
called, and visited. But I sure am glad Mom is home now recovering. I know we
are all ready for her to be feeling well again. We are praying that the shunt
will do its job, and there won't be any more brain surgeries in her future.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yYZ6QdVIgQk/WvRePepv3GI/AAAAAAAAOeU/Yatm5nnPn_c-PmCbPKwW986t5w5-LLJYgCLcBGAs/s1600/stomy%2Bskies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yYZ6QdVIgQk/WvRePepv3GI/AAAAAAAAOeU/Yatm5nnPn_c-PmCbPKwW986t5w5-LLJYgCLcBGAs/s200/stomy%2Bskies.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Spring brought shelter-cleaning (thanks Josh!) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">and weather-watching.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Josh had professional training out of town last week
so of course that's when Liam fell carrying a glass jar of marbles. I walked
into the living room because C was yelling for me (he was in an intense game of Fortnight and couldn't stop apparently) and H had come to get me out of the toy room. I saw a frozen Liam screaming, broken glass, blood dripping,
and marbles rolling around everywhere. I figured we needed to go to the ER when I saw how deep the gash was, and I'm no medical doctor, but it seemed to be bleeding a lot. I loaded everybody up and started driving. Liam was calming down, but saying, "I don't want <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="font-size: 21.33333396911621px;">stitches!" That's when big brother offered his words of wisdom, "If you don't get stitches, it'll get infected, and then they'll have to cut your WHOLE arm off!" As the nurse practitioner was about to start on Liam's stitch, H decided it was a good time to share her surgical skills with the room based upon a superhero doctor game she plays. She acted out in large movements and dramatic voice how to use a scalpel and then sew somebody back up. I told her to be quiet when I saw Liam's face go green as he's preparing for the stitch with no anesthesia (since he only needed one stitch, and would've needed two shots of anesthesia, we didn't go for for the shots). I was glad the accident wasn't worse, and I was especially relieved when the kids were in bed asleep that night.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="font-size: 21.33333396911621px;"><br /></span></span></span>
</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YIeVohA7h5c/WvReGNFbQhI/AAAAAAAAOeQ/mOZpMt0jxyo-vWUcoj6JjvcPaF840YDTwCLcBGAs/s1600/Liam%2Bstitches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1268" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YIeVohA7h5c/WvReGNFbQhI/AAAAAAAAOeQ/mOZpMt0jxyo-vWUcoj6JjvcPaF840YDTwCLcBGAs/s200/Liam%2Bstitches.jpg" width="158" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Post-stitches: tough boy</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">While I'm sad that my sabbatical semester is over, I'm glad we're done with some of these post-parts of recent life events. And I love this time of the year. Campus seems to be recovering from the semester like all of its employees: quiet and reflective. Summer days are arriving. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S8_T2YQIVXc/WvRfDxoFhQI/AAAAAAAAOeg/Wzu9TSu88Z8zzkyeg9wUK2a9caswGQqugCLcBGAs/s1600/OC%2Bsummer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S8_T2YQIVXc/WvRfDxoFhQI/AAAAAAAAOeg/Wzu9TSu88Z8zzkyeg9wUK2a9caswGQqugCLcBGAs/s200/OC%2Bsummer.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04457395286623791088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15378961.post-83463916970329535462018-04-22T19:48:00.000-07:002018-04-23T13:05:59.870-07:00Running the Seasons of LifeWhen I first began this blog post two weeks ago, it was titled something like, "A New Running Season." But then Mom had her second brain surgery in four months, and the running post became a post about a little bit of everything including running.<br />
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I think a lot about life in terms of seasons. H turned four last year, and I feel like it's a new season. All three children are now pretty independent, and it's not crazy to think, <i>Hey, let's have a relaxing evening of games and quiet time. And maybe even some picking up the house where everybody pitches in. </i>While I have good memories of snuggling my babies, I'm okay not being in that season anymore. That season of needy little humans that drain you dry. When I look back on that time of my life, there are gaps in my memory. Mainly during L Child's first year (C was 2) which were probably caused by exhaustion - both physically and emotionally.<br />
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There are also times in my life that the best thing to do is take a break. Rest and refuel. Say 'no' to requests and take care of myself. I think I got better at this after my miscarriage and the faith struggle that ensued afterwards. A season of grief can force you to step back and be quiet in life.<br />
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There are different seasons of friends. While there are the special friends that stay close, even across distances, I think that's a fewer number of all the friends one might have in her life. I've tended to not think in terms of 'losing friends,' but friendships ebb and flow. Sometimes you're close - maybe due to common circumstances like when I was in graduate school. I fondly think about the couple friends Josh and I made that were in the same time of life we were: early years of marriage, graduate studies or first jobs, and no children or just beginning a family. While we've stayed in contact with our friends and when we see them, we can easily pick up where we've left off, the miles don't allow us to babysit each other's children or hang out on Friday nights. I also think about the past best friends, and while we are more classified 'acquaintances' now, I'm thankful that I had those best friends during a past season of my life. Where would I be without the support and laughter from friends?<br />
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There are other types of seasons of life. I've been thinking about the current teacher walkout here in Oklahoma. After a decade of defunding public education, it's the season to stand up and demand adequate education and educator pay for our citizens (of course, I wish we had done it earlier, but it's definitely called for now). There's also the season of caring for parents. I'm thankful that Mom has had two successful brain surgeries and seems to be recovering the second time just as well as the first. Among the gratefulness, there's still extra time needed, stress, and fear, and that's why it's the season of saying 'no' where I can and relying on friends and family to manage.<br />
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And now I'm contemplating the season that began this blog post: my running. I look back wistfully on the fast season I had before my full marathon training. I can also remember the first time ever I ran five miles and how much that hurt (and how slow it was), and it's encouraging to see progress over seven years. I feel like my current season of running is slowly recovering from the slow-down (and weight gain) of marathon training. I've gotten to do a lot of races recently, and there's nothing like a race, to access your current fitness level. I was hoping to PR at the San Diego half marathon, but I was five minutes too slow. I discovered that I've got to figure out a way to do better hill training if I don't want non-Oklahoman-flat geography to affect me when I'm running elsewhere. Two weeks later, I paced a half marathon here in OKC for the Go Girl Run. It's a fun route through the downtown neighborhoods, and much smaller than the crazy huge OKC Memorial race. I had a fun time pacing, getting to run slower (I did the 2:30 pace group), and visiting with a new friend (my pace partner). Of course, while slower, the length of time got to my feet and hips. I ended up taking a week off from running, and I'm still showing TLC to my right hip. Pam and I did a 10K right before Mom's surgery, and I was able to run faster than I have in a long time. The speed work and miles I've been putting in this semester are paying off. I'm hoping I can cash in that hard work in a week at the OKC Memorial half. But as Pam says, "OKC is a crapshoot." And as <a href="http://amandanichols.blogspot.com/2017/07/after-marathon.html" target="_blank">last year taught me</a>, I'll show up to run. I'm hoping this is the running season of PR.<br />
<br />
But whatever the season is in life, I'll run with what I've got.<br />
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<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04457395286623791088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15378961.post-48389325329889844312018-02-11T10:46:00.001-08:002018-02-11T10:46:39.612-08:00Engaging with Philosophy of ScienceI'm about a month into my sabbatical, and while it seems to be going fast, I'm happy with my progress. Some of my projects are in the field of philosophy of science. I was formally introduced to the field when I began team-teaching an Honors course that explores how science and the Bible interact. Philosophy of science is a discipline that explores what science is, how it works, and what it means in our lives. A large part of the philosophy of science in the course curriculum I was teaching centers on how science works. This not only includes the way scientists think, but also the scientific enterprise as a whole. I was (and still am) intrigued with philosophy of science for a few reasons. <br />
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1. It makes me evaluate the way I have been trained to think as a scientist. What confidence do I have in our current scientific models and theories? (I do, by the way, but can I articulate a good reason why I believe that is so?)<br />
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2. It makes me take stock of my own teaching. I'm having to figure out how to explain chemistry to non-specialists in the bigger framework of how science works. That lends itself easily to teaching undergraduates and being part of the larger science and religion dialogue within my communities.<br />
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3. It gives me language and tools to talk about ideas that science has spurred. Ideas that have foundations in science, but are philosophical in nature.<br />
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The research proposal that brought me to Oxford a few years ago is a part of reason 3. I remember the first time I learned about molecular symmetry theory. I was in my fourth undergraduate year nearing graduation. I learned about how chemists classify molecules based on their symmetry and as a result, can explain certain chemical behavior. I was enthralled thinking about the beauty of molecules and how that beauty can describe why molecules behave the way they do. Years later, I found myself teaching a course with a Biblical studies/philosophy professor about science and the Bible, and molecular symmetry came up again. This time though, it was in the realm of philosophy of science. I soon discovered that there is a wealth of philosophy written about aesthetics in science. Along the way, I also realized there are other questions philosophy of science wrestles with; questions that are some of the same ones I've thought or been asked about. Little by little, I'm gaining the knowledge and skills to be able to contribute to this discipline, and figure out the best ways to impact my own teaching of science. A good chunk of my sabbatical will be spent researching and writing papers in philosophy of science. As the semester goes along, I might blog more about those topics. That is one reason my sabbatical is so timely. I have the time to improve my philosophy of science knowledge, and also contemplate ways to implement it into my teaching. I<a href="http://amandanichols.blogspot.com/2018/01/sabbatical.html" target="_blank"> mentioned before</a> about how a sabbatical brings time to think.<br />
It's true.<br />
And I'm loving it.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04457395286623791088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15378961.post-22536364014534395112018-01-18T09:19:00.000-08:002018-01-18T09:19:58.031-08:00Winter Running......is pretty awful.<br />
<br />
And I know I have it good living in the south. Our winters are short and mild compared to many other places. But I'm over winter running.<br />
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It's been colder here than usual, dipping way below freezing. There's been no snow or ice so that's helpful, but these temperatures still aren't conducive to running outside. I did a long run Saturday with the running group. Because there are over hundred people, it's usually lively along the route. Lots of conversations and laughing, but not Saturday. It seemed everybody felt like I did. Drudging along in silence. No stopping to drink water. Silently cursing the wind. Constant inner dialogue about why it's important to get the miles in. Realizing around mile four that I still hadn't warmed up. Then again at the end at mile eight. I felt pretty awful all weekend. I was dehydrated and cold and draggy. Some things I learned about that experience:<br />
<br />
1. Even though I had on winter gear layers, it wasn't enough. I needed another layer (top and bottom) on when the temperature is single digits.<br />
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2. Even though I'm cold and don't want to drink, I need to drink water before, during, and after the run.<br />
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3. All that to say, I probably won't run in temperatures (single digits with wind chill) again. It was too hard on my body.<br />
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Because winter running is pretty awful, it's good that New Year Resolutions are smack dab in the middle of winter. My big goal for the year is to get faster. I want to be able to consistently run a sub-two-hour half marathon, but that's going to take weekly mileage goals and regular speed work. My fast friend recommended some speed work on the treadmill since it's so cold and windy outside. Treadmill speed work was surprisingly really helpful. I run faster and do more reps since the treadmill can be set on a speed inside a warmer environment on a flat surface. Last week, I ran twelve 200s with them separated into two groups. I'd sprint a 200 m distance, walk for maybe 20 seconds, then sprint again. After four sets of 200s, I walked for a couple of minutes or so and drank some water. Then repeated another set of 200s with little breaks in between each one. With a warm up run and cool down, it wasn't a bad work out. This week I did ten sets of 150s, sprinting faster than last week. I broke it up in a similar fashion, but I managed to jog on all the short recovery periods. Treadmill speed work can build confidence, too. I didn't know I could run so fast until I saw the speed on the machine. It pushed me more than when I'm running with my Garmin by myself.<br />
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Sabbatical running is counterbalancing this awful winter running. My schedule is more flexible so I'm managing to run with people more often during the week. I'm more motivated and faster if I can run with somebody.<br />
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Hopefully, there's only a few more weeks of this winter running.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04457395286623791088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15378961.post-92031879484230844012018-01-09T19:09:00.000-08:002018-01-09T19:09:08.821-08:00SabbaticalWhen I was in eighth grade, I was at a family Christmas reunion when I first heard the word, <i>sabbatical</i>. My cousins' uncle (do you have family that you're not technically related to?) is a professor, and I heard during the break that he was going to be on sabbatical. I asked somebody what that meant, but that person didn't know. I was too shy to ask Uncle Tom, and it wasn't until graduate school that I learned what a sabbatical was. The concept of a sabbatical still seemed far removed though, and if someone had asked me ten years ago what I would do for my sabbatical, I would have looked at them blankly. So I get it when I've heard similar things the last couple of months when I try to explain what a sabbatical is...<br />
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"...so you're off a semester?"<br />
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"...but you still get paid?!"<br />
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"So you'll be watching a lot of Netflix."<br />
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I heard a colleague describe a sabbatical as the time to focus full-time on one of the three roles I play as a professor. Professors typically have three areas they work: teaching, service, and research. Depending on the type of institution, the percentage of time spent on each area will range. A sabbatical gives <i>release time from the teaching and service so all the work time can be spent on research</i>. My sabbatical proposal included getting some of the papers I've worked on over the last couple years out the door for publication. While yesterday was the official start of my sabbatical, I got started last week. I am excited that one article has been sent off for review, and I'm working on reviewer comments for another paper this week and next. I made a weekly objectives schedule as well as a daily schedule to help me stay on task the next several months.<br />
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Sabbatical means <i>rest or a break</i>. And I'm definitely looking forward not only to the writing part of the sabbatical, but the reading and thinking I'll have time to do, too. I'm anticipating that the rest I'll get from teaching and service will be refreshing and get me ready for next fall when I return to the normal gig.<br />
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I pulled up my blog today and was surprised to see that the last time I wrote was six months ago. I had thought a few times last semester about writing a blog entry, but it never made it to the top of the list of things to do. Maybe that's a sign that it really is time for a sabbatical. Slow down a bit. Write some. Read a little. And think.<br />
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Looking forward to the next several months.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04457395286623791088noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15378961.post-44137898422874572062017-07-11T21:44:00.003-07:002017-07-12T09:20:29.890-07:00After the MarathonBeing on the other side of my second full marathon, I've learned a few more things about running. The <a href="http://okcmarathon.com/" target="_blank">OKC Memorial Marathon</a> was a rough race for me.<br />
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I started crying after I finished. Not because of the glorious full marathon feels, but because I was so unhappy with my time (5:18 compared to my 4:35 in the fall). After I got over it though, I made sure to stop and pose with my medal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D0h-EYL3Kdk/WWWjo3yxHmI/AAAAAAAAN-E/VNmMAIhg58I0DjfP3l3jmFnPwrtE5OlHQCLcBGAs/s1600/medal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D0h-EYL3Kdk/WWWjo3yxHmI/AAAAAAAAN-E/VNmMAIhg58I0DjfP3l3jmFnPwrtE5OlHQCLcBGAs/s200/medal.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm happy because I'm no longer running.</td></tr>
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Here are some things I've thought about since April:<br />
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<span style="color: red;">1. Training through the winter and spring was not my favorite. </span></div>
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When I was first thinking about training for a full, running friends advised me to NOT run the OKC marathon for my first full. They told me that training through the winter and spring is difficult. I'm really glad that my first full was in October. Training through summer and fall was much easier.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Icy bridge on the route</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter run</td></tr>
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I did use a different training format this time, and I liked it better. While I still had weekly mileage goals, I ran less days and implemented more cross training. I ran 1-2 times a week, did speed work once a week, and had a long run once a week. I focused on strength training the other days.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DrwNW25k4ko/WWWk1CZiiWI/AAAAAAAAN-Q/vERvs1Z-hq0hOuuxS1wGFOTEZ_EGctIpACLcBGAs/s1600/stormy%2Bdays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DrwNW25k4ko/WWWk1CZiiWI/AAAAAAAAN-Q/vERvs1Z-hq0hOuuxS1wGFOTEZ_EGctIpACLcBGAs/s200/stormy%2Bdays.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical stormy Oklahoma skies</td></tr>
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<span style="color: red;">2. I had a lot of rough runs this training round. </span><br />
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Long runs proved to be super challenging for me. Since last summer, with the distance increasing every couple of weeks, I got slower. I missed some long runs this past training season due to sickness in the house (the kids or me). Running highs were rare. I had a <a href="http://amandanichols.blogspot.com/2017/03/can-i-run-on-broken-toe.html" target="_blank">foot injury</a>. All of this led to...</div>
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<span style="color: red;">3. Rough running season = rough race.</span><br />
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If you run slow during training, you're gonna run slow on race day. If you have to walk parts of long runs, you'll have to walk during the race some. Go figure, right?<br />
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I thought the <a href="http://okcmarathon.com/race-details/course-maps/" target="_blank">OKC course</a> was more difficult than the <a href="http://www.prairiefiremarathon.com/images/2016_PFM.pdf" target="_blank">Wichita course</a>, too. Besides the lake, the hardest stretch is around miles 20-23 where it's a straight shot on Classen Boulevard. By this point, it was hot and windy at times, and the end, or even a turn, is nowhere in sight. I was glad to get off Classen and into the Historic District. </div>
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<span style="color: red;">4. Spectators and support help.</span><br />
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I already knew that (any runner who has done a race knows this), but it was very apparent to me in OKC. This race has such a good turnout from the community. Years after the tragedy, the city remembers and honors the lives lost, but also celebrates the resilience of the city and accomplishments of the runners. It's a touching thing to be a part of every year in any capacity.<br />
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I did pretty well the first half or so. The first half is the most exciting for this marathon. Lots of spectators and the excitement of the crowd carries you to Lake Hefner (about halfway).<br />
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I got to see my parents and kids around mile 11. High fives and hugs gave me some energy.<br />
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Then I hit that wretched lake. I had been warned, and I've ran that lake, but experiencing it on race day after 14 miles was a different story. It was raining while I was on part of the lake path, and the wind was blowing so hard, it was blowing lake waves to the path. I was deeply impressed with the volunteers along the lake route. They were soaked and still cheered the runners on. I kept telling myself to just clear the lake, and then I'll worry about the next part. As soon as I cleared mile 17, I was walking and hurting. I called Josh. He asked me, "Do you need me to pick you up?" I replied, "Nope. I'm gonna get this done, but I just needed to tell someone how truly awful I feel right now." He had done the full marathon five years prior and remembered the lake. He also knew I had been sick (see #5 below).<br />
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What got me through Nichols Hills and back downtown were the spectators cheering me on. The crowds were sparse by this point, but any time I reached some, it helped. I remember these two teenage girls in Nichols Hills cheering me on around mile 19. I must've looked bad because they yelled at me for awhile to keep going.<br />
Then Jaryn and Tasha surprised me around mile 21 and again about a mile later. Tasha ran with me for a bit talking to me. Their encouragement helped distract me from the pain and reassured me that I could finish.<br />
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Finally, I knew I had friends and family (close and across the miles) tracking me online and cheering me on. That support carried me to the finish. After the race, I read the texts and emails sent to me while I was running. I was touched at the care and support people offer.<br />
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<span style="color: red;">5. Getting sick a week before a race sucks.</span><br />
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I got the flu (or some awful similar virus) and was in bed several days the week before the marathon. I ached a lot more during the race than I ever had before during runs, but I'm glad I decided to run the full.<br />
And while the training was rough, the training DID get me to the finish. I wouldn't have been able to finish the marathon without the training. That's for sure.</div>
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<span style="color: red;">6. I need to be in better shape next full marathon training season. </span><br />
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A little more lean and faster. That'll be my next post - how I'm going to get there.<br />
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So while my second marathon was rough, I'll probably do another one some day. I'm pretty sure I'll attempt the OKC full again. I've convinced myself that running through the neighborhoods of my city is fun. And I really want to beat my time.</div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04457395286623791088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15378961.post-77509412679863560492017-04-24T06:38:00.000-07:002017-04-24T06:44:59.758-07:00Signs It's the End of the Semester<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">1. The c</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">opier upped its game and is winning the battle.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">2. You've lost the battle in your office.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">3. A colleague offers you chocolate telling you, "It looks like you need this" after seeing you drag yourself and two boys to your office for extra grading.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">4. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Extra shots in the coffee. Enough said.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">5. You pray for rain and sports cancellations so you can grade.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">6. You silently think more than once a day when there's a student in your office, Please don't cry in my office.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">7. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Your mom sends you texts like this:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /><br />8. Dead Week usually coincides with the house being messy. The culmination is that it's the week that our neighborhood lawn patrol publicly shames anybody that needs to mow their lawn.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04457395286623791088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15378961.post-236531372586583982017-03-28T19:41:00.001-07:002017-03-28T19:41:41.086-07:00Can I Run On A Broken Toe?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-69dTH8LpiqQ/WNsYf4DqmRI/AAAAAAAANwc/f9qGui-nPUU4p7SujinasCwT5hxCp33_wCLcB/s1600/What%2BI%2Bgoogled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-69dTH8LpiqQ/WNsYf4DqmRI/AAAAAAAANwc/f9qGui-nPUU4p7SujinasCwT5hxCp33_wCLcB/s400/What%2BI%2Bgoogled.png" width="225" /></a></div>
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That's what I googled two weekends ago after I showed Pam my hurt toe before Bible class started. She looked at it, pointed out the bruise, and said, "That looks broken."</div>
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I had smacked my foot really hard on the coffee table Friday night. </div>
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<i><span id="goog_1710221287"></span><a href="http://www.a2amarathon.com/" target="_blank">And I had a race the next weekend: a tune-up race</a>, my long run, before <a href="http://okcmarathon.com/" target="_blank">the marathon</a>. <span id="goog_1710221288"></span></i></div>
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Apparently it's a commonly Googled question with <a href="http://www.runtothefinish.com/can-you-run-on-a-broken-toe/" target="_blank">blogs being written to answer the question. </a>Not by doctors, mind you, but by other runners.</div>
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I took Pam's (and the blogs I read) advice and taped my toe up. </div>
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I stayed off of it more than usual on Sunday. I wasn't going to see a doctor because it seemed like a waste of money, but then my TA told me about when she broke her toe. Her fracture was in a weight-bearing part so they put her in a boot so she could heal quicker. I didn't want to wear a boot, but if my toe was broken, I wanted to heal as quickly as possible. </div>
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I found out Tuesday it wasn't broken, just really bruised. I then asked the doctor of course about running.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephanie sent this to me on Pinterest during my To Run or Not To Run dilemma.</td></tr>
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The doctor told me to do what I feel comfortable doing.</div>
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So I ran about a mile on Thursday to see how the foot felt taped. It felt painless so I decided to continue not running on it until Sunday. I'd make the decision Saturday what distance I was going to run. Because the foot felt good that day, I decided to do as planned: 20.6.</div>
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I rode the bus down with a local running group to the Start Line. The course started in the Arbuckles near Davis, Oklahoma. </div>
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It was cold that morning, but I knew it would warm up. I had been warned to bring clothes to shed once I started running and to not go too fast down the hills.</div>
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I'm glad I heeded the advice. I warmed up by the third mile, and the course was pretty hilly.</div>
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While the course was fun, it was a rough run. I hadn't done a long run for three weeks and hadn't ran for over a week (except for the measly one mile I had done). I was really tight and had to stop around mile 9 to stretch out my hips. My toe wasn't hurting, but my other leg from my hip down to my knee hurt for over half the run. I think I was compensating for the hurt toe probably.</div>
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It did my spirits good when Pam and David came and found me around mile 15. Pam ran with me about a quarter of a mile, took a selfie, and they yelled at me as they drove away.</div>
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The last miles were really rough. Lots of hills against a strong wind. I was thrilled when I saw the stadium where the finish was located. Then as I entered the stadium, the race marshall says, "Ok, one lap around and you're done!"</div>
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I know I groaned and probably shot her a dirty look because she apologized to me.</div>
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My time wasn't great, but considering all the factors, I was glad I had done the race. </div>
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And I'll probably do it again - at least the half.</div>
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<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04457395286623791088noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15378961.post-14391934002823727342017-03-24T11:56:00.000-07:002017-03-24T11:56:19.013-07:00The Liam ShowMaybe it was because we were back to a normal routine after Spring Break. Back to school and work. Sports busy. Life busy again.<br />
Or maybe L Child just needed some extra attention Monday night.<br />
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Liam told me outside on the trampoline, "Tonight I'm going to put on a Liam Show. It'll just be me."<br />
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Whatever the reason, I was reminded of Liam's request one Christmas, "I wish I was a Christmas Tree Star so then everybody could see me."<br />
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Oh, my middle child.<br />
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So after dinner, he put a show on for me. It had six acts (because after six, I told him he needed to work on homework so I could get H down).<br />
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There was nunchucks, drum playing, two dance numbers - one with a hat and one with props, juggling, and a magic show.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Of course, the Christmas Tree Star had to share the stage with his younger, upstaging sis at times.</span><br />
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Hmm...maybe THIS is why he needed some extra attention.</div>
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<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04457395286623791088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15378961.post-49196016120941404822017-02-02T18:02:00.000-08:002017-02-02T18:02:08.561-08:00NYC Trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was granted the opportunity to visit NYC last month due to an exhibit <a href="https://museumofthebible.org/" target="_blank">Museum of the Bible (MOTB)</a> is working on (one of many) for their opening in Fall 2017. As I've gotten to know MOTB and their people throughout this last year, I've been impressed with their commitment to truth-seeking work. This current project will be an exhibit in the museum featuring science and the Bible, and specifically related to me, what scientists have to say about it. I was nervous and thankful for the opportunity to be interviewed about science and the Bible.<br />
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It was a short trip: I flew in Monday afternoon and flew out Wednesday around noon, but I made the most of my time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">It was raining when I arrived and didn't stop until the morning I left.</td></tr>
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I ubered for the first time and took in all the sights as I drove from LaGuardia Airport to downtown Brooklyn. I could tell when we had entered Manhattan (upscale buildings). I was in awe of the bridges. Being a girl from the south, raised in south Texas, and adopted Oklahoma as home, being around so much water still surprises me. We don't see a large volume of water unless we drive to Lake Texoma or to the Texan coastline. While I enjoyed seeing all the water, the bridges amazed me. The Manhattan Bridge was the first big one I saw, and then I got to drive across the Brooklyn Bridge. I remember thinking, It's amazing what people can build.<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OBIYaEl20Wk/WIgWm54aGOI/AAAAAAAANhU/LatT3pNtX8AWbsRF53mlPQT7mdCCjxLWQCLcB/s1600/IMG_6099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OBIYaEl20Wk/WIgWm54aGOI/AAAAAAAANhU/LatT3pNtX8AWbsRF53mlPQT7mdCCjxLWQCLcB/s200/IMG_6099.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fViWJVB8-Zg/WIgWtK_0ffI/AAAAAAAANhY/q5O9bVEdKIoHvA9pkWqUENCHkuu1jSbqQCLcB/s1600/IMG_6117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fViWJVB8-Zg/WIgWtK_0ffI/AAAAAAAANhY/q5O9bVEdKIoHvA9pkWqUENCHkuu1jSbqQCLcB/s200/IMG_6117.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TShaitbVZS4/WIgWmmSKr5I/AAAAAAAANhQ/1cdveAkKWa0mfnHkWIk3eDMc6ZfrGBIaACLcB/s1600/IMG_6100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TShaitbVZS4/WIgWmmSKr5I/AAAAAAAANhQ/1cdveAkKWa0mfnHkWIk3eDMc6ZfrGBIaACLcB/s200/IMG_6100.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
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I'm sure I looked like a tourist the entire time I was in NYC. </div>
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I couldn't play it cool. It was impossible for me to NOT look up at all the tall buildings.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4lNzy0eDxcU/WIgXjQBCTzI/AAAAAAAANhs/lb0K8SNxCMkGpe6p0U7QIfuBhCIkobyeQCLcB/s1600/IMG_6084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4lNzy0eDxcU/WIgXjQBCTzI/AAAAAAAANhs/lb0K8SNxCMkGpe6p0U7QIfuBhCIkobyeQCLcB/s200/IMG_6084.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6hOoltXnkTU/WIgXiVZluOI/AAAAAAAANhk/gf2tBlBd8n8WS7uZG69WXtY5r4I2EIWcQCLcB/s1600/IMG_6085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6hOoltXnkTU/WIgXiVZluOI/AAAAAAAANhk/gf2tBlBd8n8WS7uZG69WXtY5r4I2EIWcQCLcB/s200/IMG_6085.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JlFGswuXahI/WIgXjH5YI6I/AAAAAAAANho/N4n8H8781-0XyDHt3N9i-SyP8yn1Vp94ACLcB/s1600/IMG_6086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JlFGswuXahI/WIgXjH5YI6I/AAAAAAAANho/N4n8H8781-0XyDHt3N9i-SyP8yn1Vp94ACLcB/s200/IMG_6086.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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My hotel room was unexpectantly large, and the hotel itself was very nice. I got to work out in the gym, and would have swam in the indoor pool, but I had forgotten my swimsuit.<br />
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Downtown Brooklyn had a nice vibe to it. I walked around both nights I was there exploring the area. I felt safe among the busy streets. I saw police patrolling every so often all around the area. It was diverse so it was fun to see different people rushing around after work and hearing different accents and languages.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sFIZnxbJPrk/WIgYrQphjzI/AAAAAAAANh4/zT7H1y-2wVQrBLTjL44eMe8NJd65G0B9ACLcB/s1600/IMG_6105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sFIZnxbJPrk/WIgYrQphjzI/AAAAAAAANh4/zT7H1y-2wVQrBLTjL44eMe8NJd65G0B9ACLcB/s200/IMG_6105.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tKavQYueYno/WIgYvsahC4I/AAAAAAAANh8/sQb_5eQ8WFc9PAhlrk_VtNBAueeS-I6NwCLcB/s1600/IMG_6108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tKavQYueYno/WIgYvsahC4I/AAAAAAAANh8/sQb_5eQ8WFc9PAhlrk_VtNBAueeS-I6NwCLcB/s200/IMG_6108.jpg" width="200" /></a> There was a yummy Mexican restaurant next-door that had Day of the Dead-themed decor. It was a fun place to eat.<br />
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Thanks to Pinterest, I was able to figure out the best way to use my short time in NYC. My interview wasn't until Tuesday afternoon so I decided to visit <a href="https://www.guggenheim.org/" target="_blank">The Guggenheim Museum</a> because it seemed like a good fit for about two hours.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TYdW47W_OoQ/WIgZr66xb9I/AAAAAAAANiA/N5alUjJne-gkELH4FzHDi17g8ejL-bX8ACLcB/s1600/IMG_6252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TYdW47W_OoQ/WIgZr66xb9I/AAAAAAAANiA/N5alUjJne-gkELH4FzHDi17g8ejL-bX8ACLcB/s200/IMG_6252.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F6vF20HoP4w/WIgZxUeKdII/AAAAAAAANiE/KiTlhIV7lIY-U88ZqQ0_sOq23ffNOzCMACLcB/s1600/IMG_6151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F6vF20HoP4w/WIgZxUeKdII/AAAAAAAANiE/KiTlhIV7lIY-U88ZqQ0_sOq23ffNOzCMACLcB/s200/IMG_6151.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
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It was one of the best decisions I made while I was in NYC. </div>
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The building architecture alone was worth seeing.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R5BOehS1ibU/WIgaTrMzc9I/AAAAAAAANiM/HuQFjIA1ksEGJ_tcTP4MQHXcnSA91DkbQCLcB/s1600/IMG_6152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R5BOehS1ibU/WIgaTrMzc9I/AAAAAAAANiM/HuQFjIA1ksEGJ_tcTP4MQHXcnSA91DkbQCLcB/s200/IMG_6152.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hd3D_eweHRU/WIga0bDyqBI/AAAAAAAANio/1E1VF_1CFoI49z1Sqnx0yc-K0Aps6n-8ACLcB/s1600/IMG_6243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hd3D_eweHRU/WIga0bDyqBI/AAAAAAAANio/1E1VF_1CFoI49z1Sqnx0yc-K0Aps6n-8ACLcB/s200/IMG_6243.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n4AJqVkpLqk/WIgaY4WMYtI/AAAAAAAANiU/8l5whUr8huwYNca4CR_fE2UlzC_oStJ-gCLcB/s1600/IMG_6154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n4AJqVkpLqk/WIgaY4WMYtI/AAAAAAAANiU/8l5whUr8huwYNca4CR_fE2UlzC_oStJ-gCLcB/s200/IMG_6154.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K5YmNb2q3WY/WIgajGCCypI/AAAAAAAANic/EKNGt5d7gWMBJD4NgU6rbtHcJDjnjCajgCLcB/s1600/IMG_6184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K5YmNb2q3WY/WIgajGCCypI/AAAAAAAANic/EKNGt5d7gWMBJD4NgU6rbtHcJDjnjCajgCLcB/s200/IMG_6184.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I might have geeked out a bit inside this awesome building.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x44G7j6gORc/WIgi11ATIQI/AAAAAAAANkc/OaPxtuRk-hMBlun9Fls0sxt-EXm4suxFwCLcB/s1600/IMG_6187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x44G7j6gORc/WIgi11ATIQI/AAAAAAAANkc/OaPxtuRk-hMBlun9Fls0sxt-EXm4suxFwCLcB/s200/IMG_6187.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-obXxOJU7wI8/WIgi7p08j6I/AAAAAAAANkg/WCvcNUVJ0VMxs3m0w204qfGHYH8NmQrSwCLcB/s1600/IMG_6250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-obXxOJU7wI8/WIgi7p08j6I/AAAAAAAANkg/WCvcNUVJ0VMxs3m0w204qfGHYH8NmQrSwCLcB/s200/IMG_6250.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Being a nerdy chemist who likes math and molecules, I never thought of myself as someone who would visit art museums. I know very little about art, if anything. I never "got" modern art. As a result, I didn't think that art museums were "my thing." Ah, but then I visited Amsterdam this past July.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BuC_w7Nhfj4/WIgcpl3LbTI/AAAAAAAANi8/3T1o1HrGz5k3TzrfWEjG21HeSMT91WFpgCLcB/s1600/IMG_6160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BuC_w7Nhfj4/WIgcpl3LbTI/AAAAAAAANi8/3T1o1HrGz5k3TzrfWEjG21HeSMT91WFpgCLcB/s320/IMG_6160.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I discovered I really liked Kandinsky.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7SxA_SUN89s/WIgdSBEH46I/AAAAAAAANjE/8Mxkz-ikTsckMRHFQ79jjfukVll6cJrbgCLcB/s1600/IMG_6159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7SxA_SUN89s/WIgdSBEH46I/AAAAAAAANjE/8Mxkz-ikTsckMRHFQ79jjfukVll6cJrbgCLcB/s1600/IMG_6159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7SxA_SUN89s/WIgdSBEH46I/AAAAAAAANjE/8Mxkz-ikTsckMRHFQ79jjfukVll6cJrbgCLcB/s320/IMG_6159.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I spent time at two art museums in Amsterdam: Rijks Museum and Van Gogh Museum. Thankfully, I have smart, cultured friends who booked the tickets along with headsets for the group of us that visited. I realized then that if I can listen or read a little about the paintings, I appreciate it a lot more. Imagine that - a little education enhances an experience! Visiting those museums and enjoying learning a little bit about art also reminded me of 3rd grade.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jl2iK3G7sW0/WIge1nLrOSI/AAAAAAAANjU/4qF_QsG2EbMzFrHArv-9N9BDv-ekxTpCgCLcB/s1600/IMG_6165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jl2iK3G7sW0/WIge1nLrOSI/AAAAAAAANjU/4qF_QsG2EbMzFrHArv-9N9BDv-ekxTpCgCLcB/s320/IMG_6165.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got to see four Picasso paintings. My favorite is Woman Ironing. She looks so tired - it's haunting.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kTAGJ0r1zNM/WIge1w4HdsI/AAAAAAAANjY/CmlUOm3466ozvtshhPzamFE73TjkFtkDACLcB/s1600/IMG_6166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kTAGJ0r1zNM/WIge1w4HdsI/AAAAAAAANjY/CmlUOm3466ozvtshhPzamFE73TjkFtkDACLcB/s200/IMG_6166.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwiM3nMBHOQ/WIge8F5pIvI/AAAAAAAANjs/g7S0-1fAtsYIg19knTfPr8uxPzmfuesFgCLcB/s1600/IMG_6170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwiM3nMBHOQ/WIge8F5pIvI/AAAAAAAANjs/g7S0-1fAtsYIg19knTfPr8uxPzmfuesFgCLcB/s200/IMG_6170.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mMKWLEWVY1I/WIgfAdHuXkI/AAAAAAAANjw/AsARewl8H8UENxybPLwGU0h55rgyJNnngCLcB/s1600/IMG_6168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mMKWLEWVY1I/WIgfAdHuXkI/AAAAAAAANjw/AsARewl8H8UENxybPLwGU0h55rgyJNnngCLcB/s200/IMG_6168.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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It might be hard to believe, but I was a bit nerdy in third grade. Since I grew up in Texas, UIL ruled all activities, and I had the <strike>nerdy</strike> fun opportunity to participate in Picture Memory. I had to memorize something like fifty paintings: their names, artists, and maybe the year or nationality of the painter. While I can't remember all the details, the paintings I studied as a third-grader stayed with me. I saw a couple of the ones I had memorized so long ago in Amsterdam this past summer. Seeing them in real life was a bit surreal. And that same feeling happened at the Guggenheim. </div>
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I teared up a bit when I saw the actual Manet I remembered studying as a child.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cZ1nS3u7zk/WIggpPQZOgI/AAAAAAAANkI/ny__xtQSq0c1B2SyfvlKt_G1RX2VTnyDQCLcB/s1600/IMG_6176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cZ1nS3u7zk/WIggpPQZOgI/AAAAAAAANkI/ny__xtQSq0c1B2SyfvlKt_G1RX2VTnyDQCLcB/s320/IMG_6176.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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And while this Monet wasn't the one I memorized, I recognized his work and was satisfied that I guessed the artist correctly.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HviS5bxtceU/WIggwmUYa8I/AAAAAAAANkM/GgZW54shP7wpyhH4qXV5nPY8T4MI2EF3gCLcB/s1600/IMG_6172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HviS5bxtceU/WIggwmUYa8I/AAAAAAAANkM/GgZW54shP7wpyhH4qXV5nPY8T4MI2EF3gCLcB/s320/IMG_6172.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As I enjoyed the art around me, listening to the app describe art things I knew nothing about, I thought of L Child. He's the child that likes to draw and paint the most. He's begun painting canvases, and regularly draws in his sketch book. All I could think about was how I was pretty sure L Child would appreciate the different styles within the modern art world. I also thought, I really need to take him to an art museum soon.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h7LURHtgerM/WIjGoQ0e-wI/AAAAAAAANlI/RmbsqUHRQtQFxfTiZsZ_JqVy4dN7Ss-2ACLcB/s1600/IMG_6191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h7LURHtgerM/WIjGoQ0e-wI/AAAAAAAANlI/RmbsqUHRQtQFxfTiZsZ_JqVy4dN7Ss-2ACLcB/s200/IMG_6191.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FV6I3fPuofQ/WIjGqgud8oI/AAAAAAAANlM/-uIXnmHQMUsJgPmyMf8FQeHOps767s7mgCLcB/s1600/IMG_6193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FV6I3fPuofQ/WIjGqgud8oI/AAAAAAAANlM/-uIXnmHQMUsJgPmyMf8FQeHOps767s7mgCLcB/s200/IMG_6193.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Agnes Martin was the artist on display. I got to listen about grid lines, color, and texture. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">The pieces look different depending how close you are standing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">These three were my favorite: Loving Love, Gratitude, Blessings.</span></div>
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Today I was reading about aesthetics in art and science (part of my research), and I thought about:</div>
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1. How even three years ago, I wouldn't have thought I'd enjoy modern art - either in a museum or reading about the artists' process. It's interesting how things change. </div>
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2. The book I was reading referenced both Kandinsky and the Guggenheim. For once, I didn't have to google an unfamiliar artist or building.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m_ri2GaItaI/WIwd6TKn-TI/AAAAAAAANl0/2lmVizerbO4kStlE963zulScgobpW4HkACLcB/s1600/IMG_6255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m_ri2GaItaI/WIwd6TKn-TI/AAAAAAAANl0/2lmVizerbO4kStlE963zulScgobpW4HkACLcB/s200/IMG_6255.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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After the museum, I crossed the street and took in the view from Central Park. Then headed back to the hotel to get ready for my interview for the museum.<br />
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I got picked up by a car and taken to a warehouse district for the my interview. I have to say I was wondering if I was in the right spot for the interview. Scenes from Law and Order flashed through my mind as I walked up to the warehouse.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XWYd7tQOGR0/WIwgaRFDhSI/AAAAAAAANmI/kevB_14QVMQvjnUSXe_SSEKKiBecm565wCLcB/s1600/IMG_6278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XWYd7tQOGR0/WIwgaRFDhSI/AAAAAAAANmI/kevB_14QVMQvjnUSXe_SSEKKiBecm565wCLcB/s200/IMG_6278.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XyMVy0GoUmw/WIwgZDlNb_I/AAAAAAAANmE/G1iJOjgdCN4oFEHySOCUMoFkU0yKc5wUwCLcB/s1600/IMG_6279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XyMVy0GoUmw/WIwgZDlNb_I/AAAAAAAANmE/G1iJOjgdCN4oFEHySOCUMoFkU0yKc5wUwCLcB/s200/IMG_6279.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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Things I learned in a Brooklyn warehouse:<br />
1. Filming in the area is done in this part of Brooklyn because it's the quietest spot in NYC. We still had to stop every once in awhile for an ambulance or an airplane.<br />
2. The film team was a great group of professionals. They're good with people - visiting with me before the interview to put me at ease. Nicely reminding me to not fidget with my hands. Encouraging me when we had to cut and start over.<br />
3. I'm also pretty sure the whole team were millennials - all younger than me. The young vibe was inspiring and gave me an example of when millennials rock. The team was efficient, and I was done within an hour.<br />
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It was such a neat experience seeing the filming process. I look forward to seeing the finished product.<br />
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Afterwards, I found a hole-in-the-wall Chinese food restaurant with the best dumplings I've ever had.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JrN4t13FMWM/WJJX95v9dzI/AAAAAAAANm0/NQkfUYrXl_MudP8x9-b5piAfd-QOTowjwCLcB/s1600/IMG_6286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JrN4t13FMWM/WJJX95v9dzI/AAAAAAAANm0/NQkfUYrXl_MudP8x9-b5piAfd-QOTowjwCLcB/s200/IMG_6286.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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The next morning I decided to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and hike over to the <a href="https://www.911memorial.org/" target="_blank">9/11 Memorial</a>. <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tEo_si48lCQ/WJPaxxmE6_I/AAAAAAAANnk/BFNb_09QEac1NSK_WC4W88r7XSksPKgJACLcB/s1600/IMG_6331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tEo_si48lCQ/WJPaxxmE6_I/AAAAAAAANnk/BFNb_09QEac1NSK_WC4W88r7XSksPKgJACLcB/s200/IMG_6331.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">I thoroughly enjoyed walking the bridge. </span></div>
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There was a walkway above traffic with lots of pedestrians and cyclists.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vJPTc2WWMug/WJPbCmRMcaI/AAAAAAAANnw/jBGZiO6gY1Q1BYdKYu1zF9cRJrEf81wOACLcB/s1600/IMG_6349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vJPTc2WWMug/WJPbCmRMcaI/AAAAAAAANnw/jBGZiO6gY1Q1BYdKYu1zF9cRJrEf81wOACLcB/s320/IMG_6349.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Seeing the marvel up close was fascinating as well as reading how they built it.</div>
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The sunshine arrived as I walked across the bridge making the trek just about perfect.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NbtKSkA8bN4/WJPdGhHGyjI/AAAAAAAANoc/6g912hqH39cqwMOag_-O-te5iWYiJcFkgCLcB/s1600/IMG_6377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NbtKSkA8bN4/WJPdGhHGyjI/AAAAAAAANoc/6g912hqH39cqwMOag_-O-te5iWYiJcFkgCLcB/s200/IMG_6377.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Seeing all the locks then this sign made me laugh.</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPQ2no-Vyqc/WJPfL0JmpXI/AAAAAAAANpE/9tj3oMYbpgIdKMF7RvxXmNMPFPRsCt-PgCLcB/s1600/IMG_6389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPQ2no-Vyqc/WJPfL0JmpXI/AAAAAAAANpE/9tj3oMYbpgIdKMF7RvxXmNMPFPRsCt-PgCLcB/s320/IMG_6389.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">I'm pretty sure I couldn't stop smiling on the Brooklyn Bridge.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I got into Manhattan, but not having a sense of direction and and my GPS app not working, I didn't make it to the memorial. I walked quite a bit into Manhattan, but I finally had to call Uber to get back to the hotel so I could get to the airport in time. </div>
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Even though I was disappointed that I didn't make it to the memorial, I enjoyed seeing the tall buildings, busy streets, and beautiful little parks.</div>
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It was funny to think about how I walked the Brooklyn Bridge Wednesday morning but was home that evening in Oklahoma. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pl2CcI930Ek/WJPgDEQOXeI/AAAAAAAANpQ/9rfQzJQ-t7ELaMjQ4s5PdZr36MquBfCYACLcB/s1600/IMG_6437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pl2CcI930Ek/WJPgDEQOXeI/AAAAAAAANpQ/9rfQzJQ-t7ELaMjQ4s5PdZr36MquBfCYACLcB/s200/IMG_6437.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodbye New York!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm very thankful for the trips I've gotten to take in the last couple years: experiencing some cultures, meeting people, and seeing beautiful things. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But it's always nice to get back home. Especially on days I get to hug my loved ones before bedtime.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04457395286623791088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15378961.post-64049066280850663742017-01-24T11:36:00.000-08:002017-01-24T11:36:07.775-08:00It's Rough Getting Back To It<div style="text-align: center;">
After my post-marathon hiatus through the holidays, I'm not gonna lie. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fzOgoxl6x78/WIahVHOTXjI/AAAAAAAANgk/iS24DfBPD3EjT64hY04aC6AKgEKmUhNMQCLcB/s1600/remington%2Broute%2Bhill%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fzOgoxl6x78/WIahVHOTXjI/AAAAAAAANgk/iS24DfBPD3EjT64hY04aC6AKgEKmUhNMQCLcB/s200/remington%2Broute%2Bhill%2B1.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Running has been ROUGH.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My ten-mile run this past weekend was really rough. It's been hard not to get discouraged, especially when I glance at my pace and realize that the hills are getting to me, and though I feel like I'm going fast, I'm definitely not. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QzVZrZKMWm4/WIahSpSXZQI/AAAAAAAANgg/FzEhiUCHHm4b945ddO6hWvYZTm92y83hACLcB/s1600/Remington%2Broute%2Bhill%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QzVZrZKMWm4/WIahSpSXZQI/AAAAAAAANgg/FzEhiUCHHm4b945ddO6hWvYZTm92y83hACLcB/s200/Remington%2Broute%2Bhill%2B2.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yesterday after one mile, my legs were already sore and hurting. I self-talked and told myself that just like always after a break, it'll come back. I'll be fast again.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was super happy when I saw my time at the end.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Sbu_qrKWtY/WIahVSIjidI/AAAAAAAANgo/Fo6YjJTG1IwbcVDbgbMsQaQwJdpY7BHTgCLcB/s1600/time%2B1_23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Sbu_qrKWtY/WIahVSIjidI/AAAAAAAANgo/Fo6YjJTG1IwbcVDbgbMsQaQwJdpY7BHTgCLcB/s200/time%2B1_23.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's nowhere near my fastest time, but it was the first time in a long time that I had a sub-10-minute pace. And that's the story of running (or I imagine any type of training):<br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: left;">The training will pay off.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span style="text-align: left;">Your body will "remember" its better in-shape you, and the faster pace will come back sooner this time than the first time.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Celebrate the small victories.</div>
<br />
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04457395286623791088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15378961.post-73611728192506133742017-01-06T19:12:00.002-08:002017-01-06T19:12:59.085-08:00Recovery and Getting Back To It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I decided to take it easy after my marathon in terms of my training. Almost a month off from running. Then I backed off quite a bit from my weekly mileage and tried to do mainly non-running workouts.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4X62r0HaHus/WHBT1DnPJlI/AAAAAAAANcw/PiDEs2ztUnIlWLZVD8FZ_Yh1ZTO8KOP3wCLcB/s1600/IMG_5632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4X62r0HaHus/WHBT1DnPJlI/AAAAAAAANcw/PiDEs2ztUnIlWLZVD8FZ_Yh1ZTO8KOP3wCLcB/s200/IMG_5632.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southwest Oklahoma cotton fields in December.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even though my knees and hips held up during this last marathon season, I can tell I'm going to have to strengthen them up if I want to keep on running. And if I want to get faster. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I decided to implement more non-running cardio and weight training before my next marathon.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vEoGG4bUhds/WHBT0c9m5AI/AAAAAAAANco/Cf_nFUDVR58K141nClc_YnEYViJ69EA5wCLcB/s1600/IMG_5633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vEoGG4bUhds/WHBT0c9m5AI/AAAAAAAANco/Cf_nFUDVR58K141nClc_YnEYViJ69EA5wCLcB/s200/IMG_5633.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I enjoy running out in the country. Especially on warm December days.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As usual though, winter brings sickness and cold weather so my running drops off. I got to do one 5K in December which was fun along with some other running days. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VxG_lFGiQtA/WHBT4R2jPoI/AAAAAAAANc8/mvf4PArapoMhhigNulKs7bOsN6se9AjlQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VxG_lFGiQtA/WHBT4R2jPoI/AAAAAAAANc8/mvf4PArapoMhhigNulKs7bOsN6se9AjlQCLcB/s200/IMG_5639.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at this cutie I met on my run.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-csSqBHKIX88/WHBT-5DhfnI/AAAAAAAANdI/ImSYvn0Ad7g0vx6bn2kva3k6-y-HECKTwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-csSqBHKIX88/WHBT-5DhfnI/AAAAAAAANdI/ImSYvn0Ad7g0vx6bn2kva3k6-y-HECKTwCLcB/s200/IMG_5640.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Xd-5WHs2Mw/WHBT2CSLOzI/AAAAAAAANc0/HsV03LoLclY6hF6sZ3PWZWQV_9vERRLSwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Xd-5WHs2Mw/WHBT2CSLOzI/AAAAAAAANc0/HsV03LoLclY6hF6sZ3PWZWQV_9vERRLSwCLcB/s200/IMG_5642.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had to stop and pose with the donkey!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;">I was hoping I would get to full workout mode this week, but it didn't happen with traveling and an unexpected snow day with the kids.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BJ96TW8Dipg/WHBT4Je_mWI/AAAAAAAANc4/ixxBxSqfcTY_gFLTL1QEfX7CB6sMZp5WACLcB/s1600/IMG_5643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BJ96TW8Dipg/WHBT4Je_mWI/AAAAAAAANc4/ixxBxSqfcTY_gFLTL1QEfX7CB6sMZp5WACLcB/s200/IMG_5643.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty wheat fields</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-peh7uU0exkg/WHBT8f1eFZI/AAAAAAAANdA/GppI2ixAmP4ZuhC_5QBreZ0thj9SabQYgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-peh7uU0exkg/WHBT8f1eFZI/AAAAAAAANdA/GppI2ixAmP4ZuhC_5QBreZ0thj9SabQYgCLcB/s200/IMG_5651.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three of the kids went with me after my run for a walk-run. Jaci and Case took turns dribbling and pushing Baby.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R0huxAm6W0Y/WHBT_DZdX-I/AAAAAAAANdM/JJp0kSdikFYYXIh8t8pxpt_68m1cYahxQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R0huxAm6W0Y/WHBT_DZdX-I/AAAAAAAANdM/JJp0kSdikFYYXIh8t8pxpt_68m1cYahxQCLcB/s200/IMG_5652.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I'll have to hit it hard starting next week, but I'm looking forward to a new work out. I'm planning on only running three days a week with implementing other cardio and strength-training the other days.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MWajd_yCKCc/WHBUEvuuobI/AAAAAAAANdc/Qk6ujg35P3cNOM9VESMRlB7PCkMFON4gACLcB/s1600/IMG_5673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MWajd_yCKCc/WHBUEvuuobI/AAAAAAAANdc/Qk6ujg35P3cNOM9VESMRlB7PCkMFON4gACLcB/s200/IMG_5673.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showed the kids the cotton. <br />Case: "Cotton grows?!?"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uUeehEvCY9Q/WHBUFt40TdI/AAAAAAAANdg/0P4Q0W8TmB87LmLoUUohMWjRPCwNVZ0-ACLcB/s1600/IMG_5675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uUeehEvCY9Q/WHBUFt40TdI/AAAAAAAANdg/0P4Q0W8TmB87LmLoUUohMWjRPCwNVZ0-ACLcB/s200/IMG_5675.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's my running girl! She ran almost the whole two miles or so that we went. <br />She would run and then stop and wait for me to catch up. <br />My favorite moment was when we were running next to each other and H looks over at me, "Mama, I love you."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm excited about getting to run the marathon in OKC with a new time goal. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's to hoping the cross-training pays off!</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04457395286623791088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15378961.post-52856304419594828542017-01-06T18:32:00.001-08:002017-01-06T18:32:14.138-08:00December is Our Crazy Month<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
December is always our CRAZY month. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GjyjPDw1jvY/WGpZtraHLgI/AAAAAAAANYo/WkM05yCRHWwuBHNl_N8KN7Hlgi9kzTaOQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GjyjPDw1jvY/WGpZtraHLgI/AAAAAAAANYo/WkM05yCRHWwuBHNl_N8KN7Hlgi9kzTaOQCLcB/s200/IMG_4821.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We like to just flow with the craziness and let the kids wear themselves<br />
out at the stores while we Christmas shop.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P0Y6T1A0v-Y/WHBMtarIrGI/AAAAAAAANaM/7alQcr9x5dkdjhBYkG-zNQozcOhbgEAFwCEw/s1600/IMG_4839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P0Y6T1A0v-Y/WHBMtarIrGI/AAAAAAAANaM/7alQcr9x5dkdjhBYkG-zNQozcOhbgEAFwCEw/s200/IMG_4839.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December graduation: time for regalia and work buddies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With the end of the typical semester stresses - grading and finals - as well as submission deadlines for my conferences and reference letters for students, throw in all the holiday events, and the calendar gets pretty full quick.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6PdmVFEjQaE/WHBMylfjxUI/AAAAAAAANZ8/2NB1rMdEWS0LNdigakGc3_7pPaNPwu78ACLcB/s1600/IMG_4963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6PdmVFEjQaE/WHBMylfjxUI/AAAAAAAANZ8/2NB1rMdEWS0LNdigakGc3_7pPaNPwu78ACLcB/s200/IMG_4963.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ugly Sweater CrossFit Party</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i7p5Cq3ZgLY/WHBNE61BsbI/AAAAAAAANaY/y1_7w7bnDqw3NbjSFjCC-3CwKmhcYZOKACEw/s1600/IMG_5122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i7p5Cq3ZgLY/WHBNE61BsbI/AAAAAAAANaY/y1_7w7bnDqw3NbjSFjCC-3CwKmhcYZOKACEw/s200/IMG_5122.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chickasha lights</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNQKS8rG2dQ/WHBNK_Q8opI/AAAAAAAANbM/2RliHxDu2YIHkrVhhZC9F--Ay1tDy7TWACEw/s1600/IMG_5309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNQKS8rG2dQ/WHBNK_Q8opI/AAAAAAAANbM/2RliHxDu2YIHkrVhhZC9F--Ay1tDy7TWACEw/s200/IMG_5309.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Eve </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jsQLcavYIZc/WHBNb7yLwgI/AAAAAAAANbg/IkrEp0NAYukrPBU3XR-E7xNeDMmG6nbOACEw/s1600/IMG_5802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jsQLcavYIZc/WHBNb7yLwgI/AAAAAAAANbg/IkrEp0NAYukrPBU3XR-E7xNeDMmG6nbOACEw/s200/IMG_5802.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got lots of Mom time - did my heart good.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j0niErl1IZs/WHBOOQX4gkI/AAAAAAAANbs/0tNhiWkGp-c70gQpTJ2IOUbVgN3b8LHfQCEw/s1600/IMG_5502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j0niErl1IZs/WHBOOQX4gkI/AAAAAAAANbs/0tNhiWkGp-c70gQpTJ2IOUbVgN3b8LHfQCEw/s200/IMG_5502.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love Christmas excitement. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We did four Christmases this year, people. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Four. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whew!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h3QEE_Nswxw/WHBOWbNNkoI/AAAAAAAANbs/eIFwRsTn0XQDYxrpae6J3rJwf83xiZkMwCEw/s1600/IMG_5487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h3QEE_Nswxw/WHBOWbNNkoI/AAAAAAAANbs/eIFwRsTn0XQDYxrpae6J3rJwf83xiZkMwCEw/s200/IMG_5487.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousins!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ld85BqmASwo/WHBOBi0M0_I/AAAAAAAANbo/KpgxjDbS-I8g6yA8Hv4pzerFyLmm9mqlwCEw/s1600/IMG_5532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ld85BqmASwo/WHBOBi0M0_I/AAAAAAAANbo/KpgxjDbS-I8g6yA8Hv4pzerFyLmm9mqlwCEw/s200/IMG_5532.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got lots of uncharacteristic Casen snuggles over break. <br />I soaked them up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n65Z9yJqcDw/WHBOICFDnSI/AAAAAAAANbo/zRCrw0elOf4-OwrGLxb-kVXgUa0_S7CeACEw/s1600/IMG_5524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n65Z9yJqcDw/WHBOICFDnSI/AAAAAAAANbo/zRCrw0elOf4-OwrGLxb-kVXgUa0_S7CeACEw/s200/IMG_5524.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shelby and Haddie enjoying each other.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lawrence and I stayed awake into the New Year...Josh and Joy, on the other hand....</td></tr>
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Josh and I also thought that December wasn't busy enough so we chose this month twice for important events: our wedding and having L Child.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rp2_XMm0LeE/WHBQefhIVKI/AAAAAAAANcI/c2mcJTimWDIdMuIGIYkrZy5xk7owidmRgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rp2_XMm0LeE/WHBQefhIVKI/AAAAAAAANcI/c2mcJTimWDIdMuIGIYkrZy5xk7owidmRgCLcB/s200/IMG_5890.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Christmas Tree Star pretending he lost his eye. <br />Remember why we call him a Christmas Tree Star? <br />"Mama, I wish I was a Christmas Tree Star so everybody could see me." <br />And true to form, I have no pictures of him on his birthday even though we had a small cake for him. <br />Just reenforcing that middle child syndrome.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ADiVry3LSaM/WHBM6vrx5_I/AAAAAAAANaY/va-Rji09xV8SXWLwOwDHVuFjc80t5dHOwCEw/s1600/IMG_5013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ADiVry3LSaM/WHBM6vrx5_I/AAAAAAAANaY/va-Rji09xV8SXWLwOwDHVuFjc80t5dHOwCEw/s200/IMG_5013.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrated sixteen years with three nights of going to the movie theater!</td></tr>
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We also all like to get sick during Christmas break. Preferably on holiday trips.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bty-liYZFvY/WHBOofWQJHI/AAAAAAAANb0/XoFLU-zJ9sMweeSj2DETu8GAiB409hCZgCEw/s1600/IMG_3375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bty-liYZFvY/WHBOofWQJHI/AAAAAAAANb0/XoFLU-zJ9sMweeSj2DETu8GAiB409hCZgCEw/s200/IMG_3375.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing like grading lab reports while being on a whole bunch of cold medicine.</td></tr>
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As it always does, it worked out and it was a fun month. Once we get through the next week or so, and we'll be back at the swing of things. </div>
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First though, I've got syllabi to prepare and the boys' birthday party to celebrate.</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04457395286623791088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15378961.post-6265510367044627522016-11-13T16:08:00.003-08:002016-11-13T16:08:42.044-08:00Enjoying the Boys<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm enjoying the boys getting older. It's a fun age where we can have good conversations and eat at more grown-up places. Case has been wanting to try sushi so I took the boys out for a sushi/thai lunch one day. I told them it was a treat to eat here and they had to have good manners. They did pretty well. </div>
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Well, chop sticks gets anybody excited.</div>
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Turns out C loves sashimi. I was surprised. He loved it so much, he insisted on bringing home some for H to taste. Miss Expensive Taste loved it of course.</div>
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L Child preferred the Thai noodles. I forgot to order it mild so he would take a bite, gulp a bunch of water down, then take another bite. He loved it, but kept saying, "Wow, it's hot!"</div>
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This is my favorite current picture of L Child. He asked if he could put on a tattoo. We have a drawer of them and really don't supervise them. They know how to put on tattoos.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rjrK-dBnMsE/WCj8dp5_7bI/AAAAAAAANQ8/CX_QGWZPCnAZUWcGXwfU4fv25dGrolbfACEw/s1600/L%2Bchild%2Bface.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rjrK-dBnMsE/WCj8dp5_7bI/AAAAAAAANQ8/CX_QGWZPCnAZUWcGXwfU4fv25dGrolbfACEw/s320/L%2Bchild%2Bface.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I learned that I have to clarify exactly where they can put a tattoo. He looked like he had spaghetti sauce on his mouth for a few days. Good thing it was Fall Break. I only got judged at my school, not his school.</div>
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The boys still love OnCue. Their Aunt Sissie got them a gift card to buy a treat after school.</div>
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This is their Happy Dance while they wait in line.</div>
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Finally, Pokemon is all the rage at our house. I gave them my old phone so they can play Pokemon Go.</div>
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They only can use Wi-Fi though so OC was the most fun they've had in a long time. They even talked Pokemon with Mr. Chris in Physics Lab.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LNUTC7m7g4Y/WCj8gwhPOUI/AAAAAAAANRE/x0n-pRyLrXs2RAcZgeYGrRUhHoEx0VRMgCEw/s1600/pokemon%2Bserach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LNUTC7m7g4Y/WCj8gwhPOUI/AAAAAAAANRE/x0n-pRyLrXs2RAcZgeYGrRUhHoEx0VRMgCEw/s320/pokemon%2Bserach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The funniest part (for me) was when they would go into a Dead Zone (no wi-fi) and have to back track quickly to find more Pokemon. The boys didn't love that part, but they're getting a lesson on boundaries, people.</div>
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I'm thankful I get to start and end my days with these boys. They keep me thinking and laughing.</div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04457395286623791088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15378961.post-83872328737169274442016-11-13T05:23:00.002-08:002016-11-13T05:23:20.600-08:00Remembering Newman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_jqk6NFNJZI/WCX0414mkJI/AAAAAAAANQM/UDV2yGyH_wk1P7qt7IVg9kNVCl-fvq8zgCLcB/s1600/full%2Bfam%2Bnewman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_jqk6NFNJZI/WCX0414mkJI/AAAAAAAANQM/UDV2yGyH_wk1P7qt7IVg9kNVCl-fvq8zgCLcB/s200/full%2Bfam%2Bnewman.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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We knew over the last year that Newman was nearing the end of his life. After 12.5 years, he was nearing the life expectancy for Brittany spaniels. He was deaf and his eyesight was getting worse. While he slept more, he still moved around well.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sR439bqG0WQ/WCX042u6IpI/AAAAAAAANQE/Z8CCT7yz4GEBtWjrCvd26SLOt3_6Zb8qwCEw/s1600/Newman%2BCase%2Bdoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sR439bqG0WQ/WCX042u6IpI/AAAAAAAANQE/Z8CCT7yz4GEBtWjrCvd26SLOt3_6Zb8qwCEw/s200/Newman%2BCase%2Bdoor.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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Then he got a cough that was getting more frequent. The vet told us he has congestive heart failure, and that it was just a matter of time. Last week, Newman got worse. His cough only stopped if he was sleeping, and he was looking bad. We knew it was time.<br />
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So all of us told him good-bye yesterday before school. We had been talking about Newman getting old and dying with the kids. While they were sad, they weren't surprised.</div>
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Josh was the brave one and took him to the vet. My dad built Newman a coffin so Newman was laid in there afterwards. The kids and Padme got to have a viewing/memorial time after school. I think it's helping with the closure. Padme seems to understand that he's gone; she's not looking for him or crying like she tends to do if they are separated. She does seem sad though so she's getting a lot of extra attention this weekend.<br />
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The kids are sad but are doing okay. Haddie, the most verbal one about her emotions, has talked a lot of Newman dying. She told me a lot Friday, "I'm sad that Newman died." Then at bedtime, she exclaimed, "I'm mad at Newman!"<br />
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Lessons about life and dying can be hard.<br />
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<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04457395286623791088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15378961.post-7558973161177909002016-10-12T07:47:00.001-07:002016-10-12T11:24:47.749-07:00Marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I remember a little over five years ago when I trained for my first half marathon. That first 5-mile run was monumental in my training. I didn't know my knees could take such a long run, and I also first thought about how it would be crazy to ever run the marathon distance of 26.2 miles. Josh ran a marathon the following year. Yeah, I thought he was crazy, but when my fast friend Pam qualified for Boston a couple years later I thought for the first time, Maybe I could run a marathon.<br />
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Then I dismissed that crazy thought.<br />
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About two years ago when I started training seriously with weekly mileage goals and speed work outs, I started getting stronger and faster. And I didn't automatically dismiss the marathon idea when I would think about it. I still thought it was crazy, and though I kept the idea secret: maybe a full marathon was doable for me one day. <a href="http://amandanichols.blogspot.com/2016/08/126-miles.html" target="_blank">Two summers of running in Oxford helped too</a>.<br />
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Fast-forward to three days after my first full marathon, and I still think running 26.2 miles is crazy, and maybe it's the high from the finish talking, but I'd do it again. There's something beautiful seeing an accomplishment come to fruition that can be traced back two and half years when all I wanted was to get back into shape after having my third child. Somewhere along the way, I started to really love running.<br />
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All the miles.<br />
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Lack of sleep from early morning runs.<br />
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A whole lot of ice.<br />
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And pain.<br />
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It was all worth it when I got to cross the finish yesterday.<br />
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We've all read and heard the motivational stories involving marathons. Marathons serve as perfect illustrations for life lessons and the spiritual. With close friends and family that have ran full marathons, I've heard their inspirational stories. My cousin Annie who cheered me on Saturday wrote, "<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It takes a lot of support to train. It takes support to run. I don't know why we think we can do life alone...God gave us people for a reason. Find your people. We're all in this together. We need Him and we need each other." So true. I love that phrase, "Find your people," but alas, that will be another blog post I've been writing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Training for and running a marathon taught me a few things...</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm still amazed what our bodies can do. For a girl who has never been athletic and inherited weak knees, I'm grateful that God gives us the ability to get stronger when we train. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Running has been a great stress-reliever and a good way to manage my health, plus it's the only sport I'm good at (it's true, ask my boys about my catching "ability"). I was grumpy for the couple of weeks leading up to the race. I realized it was because my stress-reliever was taken away as I was tapering before the race.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">The support and love I've been shown is overwhelming. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">From Josh and the family who watched kids so I could get my miles in and get a good night's sleep the night before the race. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">To all the Facebook love and encouraging texts from friends and family. Race day (and the weeks leading up to it) brought lots of encouragement. </span></span><br />
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The crowds were great, and I saw the same spectators throughout the race as they moved along the race route to cheer their person (and others in the pace group).</div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Seeing my family twice on the route and at the finish helped so much. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_OCEubPI4MY/V_x4SYAXUaI/AAAAAAAANI8/cnUEtmWJ1eIL1xhk0quC61iIOd3YsBjmACLcB/s1600/smiling%2Bfirst%2Bfam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_OCEubPI4MY/V_x4SYAXUaI/AAAAAAAANI8/cnUEtmWJ1eIL1xhk0quC61iIOd3YsBjmACLcB/s320/smiling%2Bfirst%2Bfam.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you tell this was around mile 9? <br />
I was feeling awesome here.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">And then there were the runners I met at the race. In my experience, the running community is typically very encouraging to runners at all levels. And there's something that bonds people together when they discover that they share a love for running. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is around mile 6 I think. <br />
I ran with these guys the first half: Ricardo my pacer and Steve, <br />
a first-time marathoner from Kansas City. </td></tr>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">I was thankful for my pace group at this race, especially my pacers. I don't think I would have done as well at my first marathon without a pace group. I would have burned out too early because I would have gone too fast during the first half. The pacer Ricardo had us walk at each water station for about 10-15 seconds. That little relief helped to sustain me. The first 13 miles flew by as I swapped running stories with Ricardo and Steve.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These awesome female pacers took over the second half. </td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;">The race route wound through neighborhoods even cutting through a few yards to get on a path a couple of times. Because there were so many turns, it was a good distraction to the amount of miles.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Shortly after the women took over, I had to stop to stretch my hips at a water stop. Annette gave me some electrolyte tablets because my calves and hips were cramping up. I hit a wall about mile 15, and I got really tired and slowed down. I took another gel, made </span></span></span><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">myself catch up with the group, and Steve and the pacers encouraged me until I shook it off. I did okay for another couple miles, but started falling behind little by little around mile 19. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Miles 20-24 were pretty awful. I was by myself. My legs were so heavy. I was hurting in places I had never hurt before. I was having to stop and walk way too much. This was when I had the crazy-two-extreme-line-of-thoughts. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"So next time I train, I'm going to work on building up more strength in my legs so I can get through these miles quicker...."</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">and then </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Can I just stop? I could call the fam to pick me up."</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Back and forth. What kept me going was all the encouragement and advice I had been given by my running friends. I replayed it in my mind to stay motivated. Fast friend Pam telling me that you work with what you've got on race day. My Oxford running friend Myron's comments were running through my mind, "It's going to be hard. Your legs will alternate between feeling like rubber, lead, and fire. You will want to quit. You'll want to quit, but you won't. You'll run the next step, and the next, and the next, and you will persevere one agonizing step at a time."</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As I neared the 24.25 mark, I told myself I was going to pick it up and get the race done. That would only be about 2 more miles. I was able to pick up my pace. My legs were still hurting, but they didn't feel like lead anymore. I got about a mile out from the finish, and I saw Ricardo.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">He had come towards the end of the route to cheer on the pace group and join them, and realized I had fallen behind. He jumped on the course exclaiming, "There you are, Amanda! How you feeling?" As he ran alongside me, I told him I was really hurting and tired. He said, "Yep. You should be - it's almost the end of the marathon. But you have to finish. I'll be your personal pacer now and windbreak." He ran in front of me setting the pace - getting ever so faster. About a tenth of the mile out, he got off the course and said I had finish it on my own and "Run it out."</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">And I did.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;">There are few things in this world that parallel that elusive runner's high. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;">I'm thankful I get to run; thankful God gave me the opportunity to run a marathon. And yeah, I'll probably do another one again. But I'll let my knees heal up first...</span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04457395286623791088noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15378961.post-40428444453106075862016-10-05T07:37:00.002-07:002016-10-05T07:37:58.110-07:00It's Almost HereMy first full marathon that is.<br />
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I had a friend ask me about a week ago, "It's almost here - are you getting nervous?"<br />
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I stared at her blankly.<br />
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"Your marathon?"<br />
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Oh that. I'm either blocking it out or I'm just ready for it to be over.<br />
I'm past the nerves (for now). I'm ready to be fast again and just have to run 13 miles. I had heard others say the same thing about their marathon training. It's a lot of time and miles, and something happens to my body after mile 18.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is me after 14 miles with 8.25 left to go on my last really long run. </td></tr>
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It gets incredibly tired. And a bit emotional. I might have cried a bit when I hit 20 miles. From pain? From disbelief of what I had done? Because I'm a little crazy? Yes to all of the above.<br />
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I've been tapering. I'm in the grumpy-because-the-way-I-can-burn-away-stress-has-been-taken-away-to-rest-my-legs stage. Leave me the coffee and the chocolate and <strike>run</strike> walk along.<br />
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I got to do a short long run on Saturday and was joined for part of it by two of my running friends.<br />
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It was a celebration of sorts. Pam had just been released from knee surgery recovery, Hartman is building back mileage from heart surgery, and it was my last "long" run. It was a good way to wrap up my marathon training (I've had a couple short runs this week, but I'm all done now). I've had so much support from friends and family about my running. Makes me thankful for all of the special people in my life.<br />
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Here's to hoping Sunday is a good running day!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04457395286623791088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15378961.post-58256693475974372332016-09-30T21:40:00.002-07:002016-09-30T21:40:08.987-07:00Fall In Full Swing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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1. At 3, H is very entertaining...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She currently poses for pics with a thumbs up or jazz hands.<br />
Notice that freaky mask covering her face. Though entertaining, it's a bit creepy.</td></tr>
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2....except her fits. Then she's not so entertaining.</div>
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3. We're in full swing of sports: baseball and soccer. </div>
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4. I'm surviving the start of the semester with coffee. </div>
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And so is H....</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kidding people. She steals my mom's cooled London Fog.</td></tr>
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5. On our free evenings, everyone now is old enough to play games. </div>
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It's one of my favorite things to do with the kids.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">C is practicing his Vegas roll.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">6. I got to see one of my favorite bands for the first time thanks to Josh.<br /></span><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v8Lz64VRaFg/V-8r0M9d1II/AAAAAAAANC0/L7y3PwOoPRITDgBwWZRxRCoD_HH-rBzKACLcB/s1600/concert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v8Lz64VRaFg/V-8r0M9d1II/AAAAAAAANC0/L7y3PwOoPRITDgBwWZRxRCoD_HH-rBzKACLcB/s200/concert.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />The Avett Brothers - and Bonus! Jordan and Chris were here and got to go with us.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">7. I've gotten to see a lot of family this month: siblings, cousins, and Mamaw.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">And more are visiting tomorrow!</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> 8. School is picking up as classes get busier and events are getting more frequent.<br />I got to catch up with Oxford friends in person.<br /></span><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sy95oMJ4D-8/V-81WM8eb1I/AAAAAAAAND4/_O8YLofciUcXpgnp_sNhZfehAbqOsCoVQCLcB/s1600/Heather%2BJ%2BA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sy95oMJ4D-8/V-81WM8eb1I/AAAAAAAAND4/_O8YLofciUcXpgnp_sNhZfehAbqOsCoVQCLcB/s200/Heather%2BJ%2BA.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />J got to meet my <a href="https://www.museumofthebible.org/" target="_blank">Museum of the Bible</a> peeps. <br />Ran into Heather the curator.<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /> </span><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-89erdnlKdi4/V-81Z06IomI/AAAAAAAAND8/7LrEXupPrWkUYbgN4hDjrDY5ayp5pnJDQCLcB/s1600/A%2BTed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-89erdnlKdi4/V-81Z06IomI/AAAAAAAAND8/7LrEXupPrWkUYbgN4hDjrDY5ayp5pnJDQCLcB/s200/A%2BTed.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />Got to hear Ted give a lecture.<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t9E98fqR4pA/V-81bmMOs8I/AAAAAAAANEA/iYdc-PirXSYKNiYfaHxztahrRebLRdq1QCLcB/s1600/M%2BAJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t9E98fqR4pA/V-81bmMOs8I/AAAAAAAANEA/iYdc-PirXSYKNiYfaHxztahrRebLRdq1QCLcB/s200/M%2BAJ.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />My co-author Myron got to visit to recruit and to speak at OC.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C_OX1j0Ip5I/V-83LTBH1tI/AAAAAAAANEM/vngjkziHAkQ4YTArOCy5Bf7FMt0XJpU9ACLcB/s1600/A%2Badub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C_OX1j0Ip5I/V-83LTBH1tI/AAAAAAAANEM/vngjkziHAkQ4YTArOCy5Bf7FMt0XJpU9ACLcB/s200/A%2Badub.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />Off-campus-friend lunches/coffee began again. <br />I got to meet up with Adub and Pam already this semester.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">I've gotten to speak at a few different venues. Here's me with the incoming Honors freshmen. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Josh got to speak too at this event. It was a fun experience.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">I'll probably blog more about this later, but for now: I</span><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">'m thankful for the experience and enjoying it overall.</span></div>
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9. One of the things I'm especially thankful for are the little moments when the kids seem to really love each other.<br />
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Especially amongst the wildness that ensues from day-to-day.</div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04457395286623791088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15378961.post-77905958203566336882016-08-15T09:13:00.002-07:002016-08-15T09:13:19.916-07:00126 MilesOne of the best things about having a month in Oxford was all the running time I got to have. Mostly cool, clear weather - much better than the Oklahoma humid heat I'm running in right now. July was good timing because I was starting my marathon training plan. It was a good kickstart of getting into the habit of steadily increasing my weekly mileage and long runs. Like last year, Myron was usually up for running so I had some accountability to get up early and get my miles in before lectures and research most days. We started the first weekend with a 10-mile run near my favorite Oxford neighborhood Jericho and out to the meadow along the river.<br />
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Because of the ample running time I got last year, and I knew there were several runners in the group, a group of us planned to run a race in the nearby town of Adderbury. The second Sunday was a fun day: group traveling, race, and a meal together. Four of us ran the half marathon, one ran the 5K, and one ran the 10K.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-utm1sREaics/V6vr9Cenl6I/AAAAAAAAM6Q/EpSjbUr7QjoCXK5OLgfnAISOWdfeabhrgCLcB/s1600/SCIO%2Bsign%2Bwater%2Bbottles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-utm1sREaics/V6vr9Cenl6I/AAAAAAAAM6Q/EpSjbUr7QjoCXK5OLgfnAISOWdfeabhrgCLcB/s200/SCIO%2Bsign%2Bwater%2Bbottles.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Meeting Spot*</td></tr>
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Mark was awesome! He booked a van for us to rent, and he drove it. With April navigating, we got to the race in plenty of time!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road Trip!</td></tr>
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Adderbury was a cute little English town. I enjoyed walking through it (and running through part of it at the end).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t4VU4LPOvB4/V6vuGrjfvLI/AAAAAAAAM64/dS-5_2c7Y7o9Ceghk1LsWr1s-EzeQhBvQCLcB/s1600/Adderbury%2Bstreet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t4VU4LPOvB4/V6vuGrjfvLI/AAAAAAAAM64/dS-5_2c7Y7o9Ceghk1LsWr1s-EzeQhBvQCLcB/s200/Adderbury%2Bstreet.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical cute English street</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One Spire</td></tr>
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I had decided to approach this race as just fun, not to worry about the time. I knew within the first couple miles that was a good decision when I reached this:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-QZ-FL7lOk/V6vss_CSaVI/AAAAAAAAM6Y/faaHfsbt-GAMnrQZfQ1G6jf3QhWRBMJdwCLcB/s1600/Jumping%2Bgate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-QZ-FL7lOk/V6vss_CSaVI/AAAAAAAAM6Y/faaHfsbt-GAMnrQZfQ1G6jf3QhWRBMJdwCLcB/s200/Jumping%2Bgate.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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That's right. There was a line to jump a fence. It turns out the route goes through several patches of private property so I ended up jumping several fences and gates.<br />
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The race was described as a trail run. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Sl-NuKMQKQ/V6vtIyqCnVI/AAAAAAAAM6g/y9sb--Da04Q4b7hbXmXbho-GV4MRntjSwCLcB/s1600/animals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Sl-NuKMQKQ/V6vtIyqCnVI/AAAAAAAAM6g/y9sb--Da04Q4b7hbXmXbho-GV4MRntjSwCLcB/s200/animals.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Yep, that was a correct description.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Njywp4y3Dw4/V6vtSHBplAI/AAAAAAAAM6k/vTgbBVW_XQ8eXb8m1BKBzl3Juhfo2UMWQCLcB/s1600/path%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Njywp4y3Dw4/V6vtSHBplAI/AAAAAAAAM6k/vTgbBVW_XQ8eXb8m1BKBzl3Juhfo2UMWQCLcB/s200/path%2B.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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I'm so glad Erin took pictures along the race. She got some great shots.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Aj8uVbTPng/V6vuyNVlRGI/AAAAAAAAM7E/dyxcd5ZTv6scBFcw5a1S9UvrBH9d30vbQCLcB/s1600/tree%2Bpath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Aj8uVbTPng/V6vuyNVlRGI/AAAAAAAAM7E/dyxcd5ZTv6scBFcw5a1S9UvrBH9d30vbQCLcB/s200/tree%2Bpath.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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There were maybe 3-5 miles total that were along a main road. </div>
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The rest was usually through forest areas and fields. </div>
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Beautiful fields.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fbxggkYlKtw/V6vvL8rQ5YI/AAAAAAAAM7M/GYuNu0U6TQ0makp-1DtJcAU-dkswA324QCLcB/s1600/fields%2Bpath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fbxggkYlKtw/V6vvL8rQ5YI/AAAAAAAAM7M/GYuNu0U6TQ0makp-1DtJcAU-dkswA324QCLcB/s200/fields%2Bpath.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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Paths like this had you basically running through the stalks. There was one point, I jumped the gate and the race marshall pointed in the direction I was supposed to run. </div>
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There was no path. </div>
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I asked him, "Over there?" </div>
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"Yep."</div>
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So I ran in that direction until I found some runners up ahead of me. </div>
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It was pretty hilly. We would call one of the hills I ran up a mountain here in Oklahoma.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GsgGRoaXlcM/V6vtqL5GTTI/AAAAAAAAM68/oENBltOfKWAdz0iOVfPuNbP0Yq66h2jgACEw/s1600/Adderbury%2BHalf%2BRoute.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GsgGRoaXlcM/V6vtqL5GTTI/AAAAAAAAM68/oENBltOfKWAdz0iOVfPuNbP0Yq66h2jgACEw/s400/Adderbury%2BHalf%2BRoute.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out the elevation gain.</td></tr>
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I enjoyed the run and was glad I got to run a race in England!</div>
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I was really thankful I had friends to join me for the race.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erin, Mark, Myron, April, me, and Dennis</td></tr>
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Some kindly Adderburian (or someone at the race) recommended a great place to eat over in a nearby town so we headed there after the race. </div>
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We weren't disappointed. Great ambience and yummy food!</div>
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I'm liking the training plan I am using so far. Now of course, ask me that after my race in October. For now, I am liking the built-in recovery weeks. I have a smaller distance for my long run every fourth week. I had a short 8-mile run to do the following weekend after the race which worked out well. We had a group tour all day on Saturday, and I took a day to rest and work a little on Sunday. It was easy to squeeze in a smallish long run that weekend.</div>
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Eleven of us traveled to Amsterdam together the next weekend. There weren't any races going on (I looked), but Myron and I got a 12-mile run in Saturday morning.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hhhy8QAmtJA/V601ZnZZZOI/AAAAAAAAM8M/mPIrSdaD6_g7LBLtWRM25diF47-EnNt6ACLcB/s1600/Amsterdam%2B12%2BRoute.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hhhy8QAmtJA/V601ZnZZZOI/AAAAAAAAM8M/mPIrSdaD6_g7LBLtWRM25diF47-EnNt6ACLcB/s320/Amsterdam%2B12%2BRoute.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Before we set out, we asked the hotel concierge of a good 12-mile route. The next five minutes of her explaining the proposed route was lost on me. All I kept hearing her say was, "So, you just keep running along the canal..." See the map above? Amsterdam is all canals. I had no idea what canal she was talking about. Thankfully, for two directionally-challenged folks, we found a 6-mile route that went around the main part of town and through the industrial area.<br />
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It was a direct path with pretty trees on both sides most of the time. Despite a little motorized bike traffic, it was pretty quiet.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had to stop and pose by the modern Dutch windmills.</td></tr>
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Part of the route was through the town by the serene canals and picturesque Amsterdam homes.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite doors in Amsterdam.</td></tr>
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I counted it as a win that we didn't have to use Google Maps to get us back to the hotel.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tad tired after 12 miles.</td></tr>
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The weather in Amsterdam reminded me of mild Oklahoma summers: overcast skies and humid. It was definitely warmer than England in July.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5-UCl5Fbhs/V64SDA1e2vI/AAAAAAAAM80/BYrZhBL7Egg8IUg_OIBrA3v_jfWOa43uwCEw/s1600/IMG_9504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5-UCl5Fbhs/V64SDA1e2vI/AAAAAAAAM80/BYrZhBL7Egg8IUg_OIBrA3v_jfWOa43uwCEw/s200/IMG_9504.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got another shorter run the next morning.</td></tr>
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Once my last week in Oxford arrived, I was pretty mindful that my English morning runs were numbered. I was soaking up the beautiful runs along the Thames and fully enjoying the cool mornings.<br />
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Myron organized some speed work for April and I one day. After warming up, April and I ran ten uphill sprint repeats.<br />
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It was fun to stretch my legs and have something different to do even though the hill wasn't too steep.<br />
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My last run in Oxford was a long run. I was scheduled for 14 miles; it was my first time ever to run longer than the half marathon distance.<br />
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It began with a south run through town past <a href="http://www.chch.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank">Christ Church</a> </div>
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and along part of the Thames I had never ran. </div>
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Then ended up circling back up north along the water towards Port Meadow...</div>
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...ran by the Old Nunnery one last time...</div>
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...and ended in Jericho.</div>
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It was a perfect way to end a month of a lot of running. </div>
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Approximately 126 miles of a lot of running.</div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">*Many of these pictures were taken by other BTC peeps. Thankful for easy access to <strike>steal</strike> share photos!</span></div>
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04457395286623791088noreply@blogger.com1