Sex and the City-Moon River

One of my most favourite Sex and the City moments. Ps. Trying to do homework but there is a SATC marathon that is distracting me like crazy!

T Minus 2 Weeks

Well this morning we officially started to taper our running. Last weekend we did 35k, and this morning we brought it back down to 26k. (I never thought in a million years that I would say "we only have to do 26 this morning"!) As we were approaching the bridge on Lakeshore (our indicator we are almost done) I couldn't help but feel a little sad that in 2 weeks I will no longer be seeing my running group twice a week. We will no longer be sharing our life stories. We have all gotten to know each other so well since way back in January when we first met.....these people are people I may never have met if it wasn't for the running room. We started off a large group and then due to injuries we dwindled down to a few. Because of my group I may never have pushed myself so hard during hill runs, speed work and our long Sunday (Saturday)runs in the snow, freezing rain, sun, wind...so thank you! Thank you Nicola, Alison, Dino, Merritt, Natalia, Grace, Avis, Kim, Joe, and Tom, you all made it worth while...and I am still smiling and would do it all again!
ps. OH MY GOSH my marathon is in 2 weeks (may 11th)! Crazy!!! I get so nervous even thinking about it....I know I can do the distance, now it's just a matter of getting the time I want.
pps. School also finishes in 2 weeks, insane-O!

In my opinion...

As I was browsing through the most recent posted pictures on Teddy&Moo (will start homework soon), I came across this photo of Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna. For some reason it seemed to stop me in my tracks! Gwyneth I find is always on top of all the trends and always looks so polished in every photo she finds herself in...but today is the first time where she looks as if she picked up the closest things to the door and threw them on her back...and let me tell you, i love this version of her! The jacket could go, but I love the fact that she looks au natural, yet still gorgeous. Madonna however, needs to step away from her constant Ed Hardy uniform and venture to something more simple. While we are on the topic of celebs and workout gear...did anyone see Oprah yesterday? Let me first state I am a HUGE fan of Mariah Carey, and am always excited to hear the next latest and greatest hits she has and I congratulate her on her status of "one upping Elvis", but her sense of style is a wee bit over the top. On Oprah yesterday she was going into detail about her new fitness and nutrition regime and how she toned up her bod....and as always I was intrigued...but as the video clip started rolling and I saw Mariah in heels, leg warmers and a cat suit doing an arm exercise I couldn't help but roll my eyes and say "Pa-leeeease!!" I am all for one wanting to look fab on Oprah, but could she not have gone to lulu grabbed a stylish get up and put a sweet pair of kicks on? I dunno? As Mad Dog on 99.9 said, Mariah is the kind of girl you would find in lingerie running on a treadmill. Too funny!

April Showers

Well I have officially sat down to start my long overdue assignment that is to be handed in on Monday...and other than finding something to eat for dinner, I am going to be parking myself in this chair until it's complete (as i have had a few nice distractions). Last night I went out for dins with Box and Compton. We went to Mama Martino's (I think that's what it was called), and if you enjoy a healthy Italian meal this place is the spot to go! I had eggplant Parm and it was de-lish! It was also great to catch up and dish on life. Then today a bunch of ladies went over to the Wellon's residence to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Heather and Lyndon's baby girl. Holly graciously hosted a baby shower for Heather. Yummy food and great company! And so here I am procrastinating as much as I can before I dive into my work...and as most know I tend to need something on in the background (Tv, music, movies, etc) so that I am able to concentrate...however one of my all time fav movies is on....The Notebook! I love love love this movie! Fav scene:
Allie: Why didn't you write me? Why? It wasn't over for me, I waited for you for seven years. But now it's too late.
Noah: I wrote you 365 letters. I wrote you everyday for a year.
Allie: You wrote me?
Noah: Yes... it wasn't over, it still isn't over
(ahh so romantic!)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNKrCuPGtzY&feature=related
I also love in the movie when Noah is narrating a letter he wrote to Allie...
Noah: My Dearest Allie. I couldn't sleep last night because I know that it's over between us. I'm not bitter anymore, because I know that what we had was real. And if in some distant place in the future we see each other in our new lives, I'll smile at you with joy and remember how we spent the summer beneath the trees, learning from each other and growing in love. The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds, and that's what you've given me. That's what I hope to give to you forever. I love you. I'll be seeing you. Noah
Ah so good! Ok back to work for me! Thought I would share! Ps. I am sending good luck vibes to Andy! Abra-cadabra...open door! Pps. 5 more sleeps! xo Ppps. 32k tomorrow! Holley molley

The 2008 Master's

So the 2008 Master's is here again...and as per usual Kevin organizes a master's pool. Last year I tied 3 ways for 2nd, but this year I am hoping to get the trophy. My strategy was simple, I chose the top 10 players of 2007 (We could not include Phil ,Tiger, Vijay, Ernie Goosen and new this year....Adam Scott). Here are my picks:
Appleby, S
Casey, P
Donald, L
Harrington, P
Johnson, Z
Kelly, J
Rose, J
Sabbatini, R
Taylor, V
Toms, D
This will be the first year, maybe of my life, where I will not have family members in the same house watching the masters...boo hoo....it became some what of a tradition. Anywho will let you know the outcome. To check out the pool visit: http://themasters08.blogspot.com/

Product Endorsement #2

I am usually one for sticking to routine, when I find something I love I usually go with it and hardly ever change it up (and some cases never change it! Oakville roll at Ami sushi, spicy salmon at Dai Ichi, Starbucks tazo chai's, phad thai at thai chef, apple for afternoon snack, gatorade for running, etc...) And for the past year or so my daily breakfast during the week includes a fruit shake blended from my Magic Bullet (drinking as I drive to work, class or placement). I never switch up this routine! As I was drinking my shake this morning, I couldn't help but think how awesome the 'bullet' is and how everyone should have one. Even as I was heading to Ireland for the week I was thinking I should somehow get one over there....my mom is even hooked and has one in Florida. Anywho, so for all of you who are always on the go and need something convenient I SERIOUSLY recommend getting yourself a magic bullet! You just put the ingredients in, turn it upside down, blend away, turn it right side up and walk out the door! http://www.buythebullet.com/
My daily shakes include:

• Ground up flaxseeds
• Pomegranete juice
• Orange juice
• Organic vanilla yogurt
• Frozen mixed berries
• A 1/2 banana
• 1 scoop of vegan protein powder

The Run Within

This is one of my most favourite times of year...when the jackets come off, the windows roll down, and everyone is outside enjoying the changing season (there's also always so much going on..I love it!)! Yesterday after school, I quickly put my running shoes on and went for a great run, it was so nice to be outside! When I arrived home I knew I wasn't ready to go inside just yet, so I pumped up my bike tires, brushed off the dust and headed for a tiny ride. As much as I love running and training for the marathon, I also love the feeling of clipping my feet into my bike and heading out on the roads! I seriously let out a happy "ahhh" as I peddled my first turn. Any who I was looking for inspirational pictures to do with running I came across this interesting quote...thought I would share.
The Run Within
"I awaken to the world’s turn, the world’s run. The day before me lies bare outside my window, there for the running. There may be dew on the ground, there may be snow, there may be rain, or the ground may be dry. But I will find the trail, the path, the track or the road because none will come to me. To begin, I pain myself in routine stretch, where hamstring sting momentarily interrupts the butterflies in my helpless gut. I crave a run’s symphony: the whispered breeze a quick sprint brings, gravel or leaves crunching beneath striding feet, the dance-like tap of toes on concrete or track where hurdles and milestones are systematically conquered — how they mysteriously fade into dynamic sounds within: the heart’s rhythmic pound, the echo of cadenced breathing. I define distance using lines — lane lines, start and finish lines, the lines of roads and sidewalks and of beautiful horizon — how they blur while I methodically stride out and how they sharpen again when moist eyes blink hard near a run's culmination. I confront unforgiving hills with vigor, and I embrace the inevitable exhaustion that follows. And before I outrun either time or opponent or the world’s turn, I remember that running smart supersedes running hard. I awaken to my own path: the path that allows burning feet to lay tracks. A path to one more hill. One more mile. One second faster. I awaken to the run outside, and each day I live The Run Within."

Sisters

A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day, drinking iced tea and visiting with her Mother. As they talked about life, about marriage, about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance upon her daughter 'Don't forget your Sisters,' she advised, swirling the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. 'They'll be more important as you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you may have, you are still going to need Sisters. Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them.' 'Remember that 'Sisters' means ALL the women...your girlfriends, your daughters, and all your other women relatives too. 'You'll need other women. Women always do.' What a funny piece of advice!' the young woman thought. Haven't I just gotten married? Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a married woman, for goodness sake! A grownup! Surely my husband and the family we may start will be all I need to make my life worthwhile!' But she listened to her Mother. She kept contact with her Sisters and made more women friends each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, she gradually came to understand that her Mom really knew what she was talking about. As time and nature work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman, Sisters are the mainstays of her life.
After more than 50 years of living in this world, here is what I've learned:
Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.
Jobs come and go.
Love waxes and wanes.
Men don't do what they're supposed to do.
Hearts break.
Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors.
Careers end.
BUT.........Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach. When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end. Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you...Or come in and carry you out. Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters,daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers, Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended family, all bless our life! The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I. When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other.

My mom emailed this to my sister and I this morning...and even though I have read this passage before, it always makes me stop to think and appreciate the women in my life...it's also my sister's 30th birthday today, so I thought I would dedicate this to her. Happy 30th Birthday Jodie! Hope this year brings you all you ever dreamed of! I Love ya! xo (see ya tonight)

Multiple Intelligences

Last semester I wrote a research paper on Multiple Intelligences, and this semester my group for one of my classes has decided to present this theory for one of our assignments. The more I read about this theory the more I am intrigued and tend to brainstorm on my past educational career. Did my teachers recognize my strengths and the strengths of my peers in order to ensure a successful learning environment?

My findings: As a future teacher of early childhood education it is very important to address student differences in learning styles so that a student is able to learn at their highest potential. Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences proposes that there are eight different intelligences to account for a broader range of human potential in all children. Gardner recognizes that schools and culture of today focus much of their attention on linguistic and logical mathematical intelligence where there needs to be a focus and interest in students and how their minds are different from one another and in helping them use their minds well. With an understanding of the eight multiple intelligences teachers can better understand and allow students to safely explore and learn in many ways and they can help students direct their own learning through adapting the curriculum and the activities used in the classroom.
As I am participating in some practice teaching at my placement, I will focus on learning more about the learning styles of the students and will try to incorporate activities that tap into as many of the 8 intelligences as I can.

The 8 Multiple Intelligences:
Linguistic: the intelligence of words.
Logical-mathematical: the intelligence of numbers and reasoning.
Visual/Spatial: the intelligence of pictures and images.
Musical: the intelligence of tone, rhythm, and timbre.
Bodily-Kinesthetic: the intelligence of the whole body and the hands.
Interpersonal: the intelligence of social interactions
Intrapersonal: the intelligence of self-knowledge
Naturalistic: the intelligence of nature

I recently took a test to determine which intelligences I tend to learn best with (picture shows my learning style), and it was very interesting to see and learn about my results. If you are intrigued to learn about your learning style (people are constantly learning from their environment, even if you are no longer in school or teach) here is the website to visit: http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks3/ict/multiple_int/what.cfm

NKOTB

I am all about an 80's come back...the original boy band: New Kids on the Block, are coming back on the scene. No word yet on when their making their appearance...but us kids of the 80's are a waiting. Step by step. Ooh baby. Gonna get to you girl. Step by step. Ooh baby. Really want you in my world