As always, I am not too stellar with posting on here. It is with a sad heart I write this next post. As many of you know, I am a Running Leader and Mentor for a group of students here in Philadelphia. This is my second year with the running team and we are training for the Philadelphia Marathon at the end of November. We started training in March and have run several longer races in preparation for the Marathon. We completed the 10 mile Broad Street Run in May and the ING Half Marathon in September. Last year we had seven students on the team. This year we have 15 students training for the marathon. It is so exciting to see their progress over the year. It gets incredibly time consuming and difficult but to see all those students cross the finish line in November makes it worth it.
About a week ago, one of our students went missing. We thought he might of run away or something to that extent. We found out this past Friday that that wasn't the case. His body was found this past Thursday. It has been very hard dealing with all this and also being there for our other students. We have a great group of running leaders and staff who support our team. Many of you already know and thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
We are still planning on running the marathon with our 14 students. We have five weeks left until the marathon and it won't be easy but we will get there together. I will keep you updated about the team and their accomplishments. They are a great group of students and I am honored to be in a small part of their lives.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
New Things
I haven't written much on here about the family I am living with right now. I don't have pictures of everyone but I can share a little about them. I live with a married couple, Joe and Debbie, and there two daughters. Hannah is 2 1/2 and Samantha is about 7 months old. Joe and Debbie are actually my age so it is interesting living with people the same age as me who are obviously in a very different place in their lives.
It has been great living here and I feel very comfortable and welcome. When I am home, Hannah gives me a hug before she goes to bed and I often get to play with her. Tonight we made brownies together. Samantha still just kind of hangs around. It is nice living with little kids but I am sure glad I don't have to take care of them 24/7. It gives me much more appreciation for moms out there (you too mom). I also enjoy it because it gives me a sense of where my own nieces might be at in their development. I hope to know them as well as I know these little girls.
Here are some pictures for you:
Hannah made a picture of her family and the world. I made the picture. I am the black people figure in top left.
Burping the baby
Debbie is nursing Samantha and apparently Hannah wanted to give it a go
Samantha..you know just hanging around
Hannah "reading" a cookbook"
It has been great living here and I feel very comfortable and welcome. When I am home, Hannah gives me a hug before she goes to bed and I often get to play with her. Tonight we made brownies together. Samantha still just kind of hangs around. It is nice living with little kids but I am sure glad I don't have to take care of them 24/7. It gives me much more appreciation for moms out there (you too mom). I also enjoy it because it gives me a sense of where my own nieces might be at in their development. I hope to know them as well as I know these little girls.
Here are some pictures for you:
Hannah made a picture of her family and the world. I made the picture. I am the black people figure in top left.
Burping the baby
Debbie is nursing Samantha and apparently Hannah wanted to give it a go
Samantha..you know just hanging around
Hannah "reading" a cookbook"
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Great Urban Race
I just wanted to let all of you know today I participated in the Great Urban Race in Philadelphia. They have competitions all over the country and the top 25 teams from each city get to go on an compete in the National Championship in New Orleans.
Well I played with my friend Mali today and we had a great time. We were optimistic that we would do well and throughout the race we thought we were on track to potentially finish in the top 25. Well little did we know how well we would do. We placed 3rd over all with over 200 teams competing. We finished in just over 2 hours 10 minutes behind the 2nd place group and 13 minutes behind the 1st place group. 1st and 2nd place earned cash money so we almost won that...oh well. We did gain free entry into the National Championship by placing in the top three so we are seriously considering going. Mali has never been before so we figure why not. I know some people down there so we can probably stay for free and so we are figuring it out.
Basically it was an awesome race. We ran for almost 6 miles to cover all the ground quickly. I was sweating like crazy but it was worth it. I will let you know about New Orleans.
Well I played with my friend Mali today and we had a great time. We were optimistic that we would do well and throughout the race we thought we were on track to potentially finish in the top 25. Well little did we know how well we would do. We placed 3rd over all with over 200 teams competing. We finished in just over 2 hours 10 minutes behind the 2nd place group and 13 minutes behind the 1st place group. 1st and 2nd place earned cash money so we almost won that...oh well. We did gain free entry into the National Championship by placing in the top three so we are seriously considering going. Mali has never been before so we figure why not. I know some people down there so we can probably stay for free and so we are figuring it out.
Basically it was an awesome race. We ran for almost 6 miles to cover all the ground quickly. I was sweating like crazy but it was worth it. I will let you know about New Orleans.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
To Consider
I haven't posted in forever...and I will update soon...I think...I just saw this today and wanted to share it.
You won’t find “takes honors classes,” “gets good grades,” or “attends only Ivy League schools” on John Taylor Gatto’s list of qualities of an educated person. Gatto taught in New York City schools for 30 years and was named New York State’s Teacher of the Year, but his experiences convinced him that what students need is less time in classrooms and more time out in the world. Building character and community, Gatto argues, is more valuable than learning from tired textbooks and rigid lesson plans.
Really educated people ...
Number 1Establish an individual set of values but recognize those of the surrounding community and of the various cultures of the world.
Number-2.Explore their own ancestry, culture, and place.
Number-3.Are comfortable being alone, yet understand dynamics between people and form healthy relationships.
Number-4.Accept mortality, knowing that every choice affects the generations to come.
Number-5.Create new things and find new experiences.
Number-6.Think for themselves; observe, analyze, and discover truth without relying on the opinions of others.
Number-7.Favor love, curiosity, reverence, and empathy rather than material wealth.
Number-8.Choose a vocation that contributes to the common good.
Number-9.Enjoy a variety of new places and experiences but identify and cherish a place to call home.
Number-10.Express their own voice with confidence.
Number-11.Add value to every encounter and every group of which they are a part.
Number-12.Always ask: “Who am I? Where are my limits? What are my possibilities?”
You won’t find “takes honors classes,” “gets good grades,” or “attends only Ivy League schools” on John Taylor Gatto’s list of qualities of an educated person. Gatto taught in New York City schools for 30 years and was named New York State’s Teacher of the Year, but his experiences convinced him that what students need is less time in classrooms and more time out in the world. Building character and community, Gatto argues, is more valuable than learning from tired textbooks and rigid lesson plans.
Really educated people ...
Number 1Establish an individual set of values but recognize those of the surrounding community and of the various cultures of the world.
Number-2.Explore their own ancestry, culture, and place.
Number-3.Are comfortable being alone, yet understand dynamics between people and form healthy relationships.
Number-4.Accept mortality, knowing that every choice affects the generations to come.
Number-5.Create new things and find new experiences.
Number-6.Think for themselves; observe, analyze, and discover truth without relying on the opinions of others.
Number-7.Favor love, curiosity, reverence, and empathy rather than material wealth.
Number-8.Choose a vocation that contributes to the common good.
Number-9.Enjoy a variety of new places and experiences but identify and cherish a place to call home.
Number-10.Express their own voice with confidence.
Number-11.Add value to every encounter and every group of which they are a part.
Number-12.Always ask: “Who am I? Where are my limits? What are my possibilities?”
Monday, June 29, 2009
Triathlon
My triathlon was yesterday. It was an Olympic Distance Tri which means it is a mile swim, 25 mile bike and a 6.2 mile run. The day was beautiful and thankfully the weather held up the week beforehand so they didn't have to cancel the swim.
Four of my friends came in to compete in the race and also many family and friends. My mom came in to cheer as well. It was a great weekend and the race was awesome.
The swim was in the Schuylkill River which most people think is really gross but I didn't really have an issue with it. The bike was a two loop course around Fairmount Park with four hills on each loop. One hill in the loop was quite a killer but I was really proud of my bike time in the race more than any other time. My run time was slow but I knew I didn't train well for the run so I wasn't disappointed.
I finished with a total time of 2:56:34 which I was extremely happy with...considering I wasn't expecting to finish under three hours. Of the five of my friend competing, I had the fastest swim time which was a bit of a surprise because one of the guys with our group is really fast.
You can look up my time at this website
http://results.virtualroster.com/results/index.cfm
Just type in my name and it will come up. I was definitely motivated to do another Olympic Distance....and are you ready....yes a half ironman. My goal was to finish the race feeling pretty decent. I had no idea what to expect because I haven't done an Olympic Distance before. I thought if I felt decent after the race I would try and stay in decent shape and work towards a half ironman. that won't be for another year probably but one can always dream.
Here are come photos of the event. When I have more, I will post them. There are pictures of all of us competing so you won't see me in every photo.
http://picasaweb.google.com/mari.anzicek/PhillyTriathlon?authkey=Gv1sRgCOrLu8q_6YmTfg&feat=directlink
Four of my friends came in to compete in the race and also many family and friends. My mom came in to cheer as well. It was a great weekend and the race was awesome.
The swim was in the Schuylkill River which most people think is really gross but I didn't really have an issue with it. The bike was a two loop course around Fairmount Park with four hills on each loop. One hill in the loop was quite a killer but I was really proud of my bike time in the race more than any other time. My run time was slow but I knew I didn't train well for the run so I wasn't disappointed.
I finished with a total time of 2:56:34 which I was extremely happy with...considering I wasn't expecting to finish under three hours. Of the five of my friend competing, I had the fastest swim time which was a bit of a surprise because one of the guys with our group is really fast.
You can look up my time at this website
http://results.virtualroster.com/results/index.cfm
Just type in my name and it will come up. I was definitely motivated to do another Olympic Distance....and are you ready....yes a half ironman. My goal was to finish the race feeling pretty decent. I had no idea what to expect because I haven't done an Olympic Distance before. I thought if I felt decent after the race I would try and stay in decent shape and work towards a half ironman. that won't be for another year probably but one can always dream.
Here are come photos of the event. When I have more, I will post them. There are pictures of all of us competing so you won't see me in every photo.
http://picasaweb.google.com/mari.anzicek/PhillyTriathlon?authkey=Gv1sRgCOrLu8q_6YmTfg&feat=directlink
Saturday, June 13, 2009
I'm Done
Somehow the end of my time as a volunteer passed and I didn't blog about it. Thursday, June 11th was my last day officially although I am staying in Philly to keep running with my students....that is another story I will blog about soon....that story will include where I am moving to, what job I am doing and all those good things I know you all wonder about.
Anyway, I can't believe I am done volunteering. It doesn't really feel like it yet. I think once I move out and don't go to school everyday it will start to set in. For now, know that these past two years have been incredibly challenging, rewarding, and well I don't think I could have made a better decision to volunteer.
I will blog more soon about what the future holds so get ready for that. Right now all my time is pretty much consumed by training for my Olympic distance triathlon I am doing at the end of June. Only two more weeks and I will get this beast out of the way. I will have much more time once the training for that is over.
Anyway, I can't believe I am done volunteering. It doesn't really feel like it yet. I think once I move out and don't go to school everyday it will start to set in. For now, know that these past two years have been incredibly challenging, rewarding, and well I don't think I could have made a better decision to volunteer.
I will blog more soon about what the future holds so get ready for that. Right now all my time is pretty much consumed by training for my Olympic distance triathlon I am doing at the end of June. Only two more weeks and I will get this beast out of the way. I will have much more time once the training for that is over.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Hair Donation
Yep...that's right. I just donated my hair. They cut the pony tail off at 8 inches but they took another two inches to style. It is a little short for my taste. I couldn't tell you the last time I had hair this short. I am still getting used to it and unless everyone is lying...I think everyone likes it. Let me know what you think.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Update
Well I haven't posted in a very long time. I feel like there is so much to write about but I am lacking the energy. Some updates that I will write more about: training for my triathlon, making a fixed gear bicycle with my friend Suze, getting ready to move out, what's next....you know all the good stuff. For now I will leave you with a short story of a recent bike ride.
On Saturday, I went on the longest bike ride I have ever experienced....37 miles...yep that's right. I actually felt decent when I was done with the ride which was surprising to me...but I guess I have been training well. Anyway at about mile 7 of this ride, I was riding in the bike lane of a 3 lane street. The next thing I know this car comes up right next to me and proceeds to cut in front of me. The car was basically about an inch from my bike frame for the entire length of the car. If I would have turned my wheel at all, I would have gone straight into his car....mind you it would have been his fault but I would have been...well in a pile on the side of the road.
I was riding with my friend Hannah, who was behind me. She saw the whole thing and it was probably just as scary for her as it was for me. She has previously had a car drive into her so she definitely knows how that feels. Needless to say, I made us stop for just a moment so I could regroup. I was pretty amped up at that point and freaked out considering we still had a huge amount of our ride in front of us. We did get back on the road and finish the ride...happily without any concerns.
On a side note, it has been great finding someone to ride with...I probably wouldn't be training near as much if it wasn't for Hannah and her willingness to ride with me and at whatever speed....she tends to be much faster than me.
More stories come soon...and not just about biking...or at least I hope not :)
On Saturday, I went on the longest bike ride I have ever experienced....37 miles...yep that's right. I actually felt decent when I was done with the ride which was surprising to me...but I guess I have been training well. Anyway at about mile 7 of this ride, I was riding in the bike lane of a 3 lane street. The next thing I know this car comes up right next to me and proceeds to cut in front of me. The car was basically about an inch from my bike frame for the entire length of the car. If I would have turned my wheel at all, I would have gone straight into his car....mind you it would have been his fault but I would have been...well in a pile on the side of the road.
I was riding with my friend Hannah, who was behind me. She saw the whole thing and it was probably just as scary for her as it was for me. She has previously had a car drive into her so she definitely knows how that feels. Needless to say, I made us stop for just a moment so I could regroup. I was pretty amped up at that point and freaked out considering we still had a huge amount of our ride in front of us. We did get back on the road and finish the ride...happily without any concerns.
On a side note, it has been great finding someone to ride with...I probably wouldn't be training near as much if it wasn't for Hannah and her willingness to ride with me and at whatever speed....she tends to be much faster than me.
More stories come soon...and not just about biking...or at least I hope not :)
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Apparently I am not so good at biking riding
It has become abundantly clear to me over the last month that my bike riding skills my be severely below par. Yep that's right. I am admitting I am not so good at something. Here is the story:
About 4 weeks ago I went biking a few days after a snowstorm. I hit some ice and snow and went flying off my bike. You can read about that fall here. Two weeks ago I was going on a long ride with my friend Hannah. We had already gone about 16 miles when Hannah thought something was wrong with her bike. Sure enough her back tire was flat. We managed to repair it (with many a fellow biker flying by asking if we needed help). No more than 3 minutes down the same path after we started again I felt like something was wrong with my bike. Sure enough I know had a flat back tire. We again managed to change my punctured tube and we were on our way.
Fast forward to this past weekend. Hannah and I ventured out on another long ride on Sunday. Hannah...being the responsible biker that she is...bought a new spare tube for her tire in case she needed it. I did not. About 4 miles into the ride, I look down and realize my back tire is flat. I am frustrated because we just started and I know I also don't have a replacement tube. Hannah had her tube but her tires are much smaller than mine. We tried to make it work but the tube was just too small....so Hannah's roommate, Rosalind, came to the rescue and drove me home.
It was such a nice day out though that Hannah, Rosalind and I decided to ride our bikes to the bike shop to get a replacement tube. I have another bike (I know lame). Rosalind dropped me off and I was to meet them at their house which is about 2 miles from my house. I switched out bikes and headed out forgetting one very important aspect about my other bike...it has disc brakes. Basically disc brakes are like brakes in cars and they make you stop very fast...almost immediately....as in if you aren't paying attention and being careful you can go flying off your bike.
I was no more than one block from my house going down a small hill (Side Note: I was only riding with one hand because I was eating an apple and hanging onto it with my other hand..I know..stupid). Anyway, I was going down the small hill and realized I was gaining a little too much speed so I "lightly" touched my front brake (forgetting again I was on a different bike and one with disc brakes as well).
The next thing I know I am flying through the air over the top of my handle bars. I crunch into the ground and realize I am not hurt. I immediately stand up and I am pretty sure my apple was still in my hand. There were quite a few spectators and they all asked if I was okay which I surprisingly was considering the situation. I know my left side hit the ground because my shoulder has been so sore all week long. I am also pretty sure my bike landed between my legs because I have bruises all over my left leg (pictures to come soon). My arm was the only thing that got scraped up and that was barely scraped at all...just bruises.
Apparently, I am not so good at riding bikes. I am learning though and hopefully I can go more than a month without falling. At least I am learning that crashing your bike is not as painful as it seems.
About 4 weeks ago I went biking a few days after a snowstorm. I hit some ice and snow and went flying off my bike. You can read about that fall here. Two weeks ago I was going on a long ride with my friend Hannah. We had already gone about 16 miles when Hannah thought something was wrong with her bike. Sure enough her back tire was flat. We managed to repair it (with many a fellow biker flying by asking if we needed help). No more than 3 minutes down the same path after we started again I felt like something was wrong with my bike. Sure enough I know had a flat back tire. We again managed to change my punctured tube and we were on our way.
Fast forward to this past weekend. Hannah and I ventured out on another long ride on Sunday. Hannah...being the responsible biker that she is...bought a new spare tube for her tire in case she needed it. I did not. About 4 miles into the ride, I look down and realize my back tire is flat. I am frustrated because we just started and I know I also don't have a replacement tube. Hannah had her tube but her tires are much smaller than mine. We tried to make it work but the tube was just too small....so Hannah's roommate, Rosalind, came to the rescue and drove me home.
It was such a nice day out though that Hannah, Rosalind and I decided to ride our bikes to the bike shop to get a replacement tube. I have another bike (I know lame). Rosalind dropped me off and I was to meet them at their house which is about 2 miles from my house. I switched out bikes and headed out forgetting one very important aspect about my other bike...it has disc brakes. Basically disc brakes are like brakes in cars and they make you stop very fast...almost immediately....as in if you aren't paying attention and being careful you can go flying off your bike.
I was no more than one block from my house going down a small hill (Side Note: I was only riding with one hand because I was eating an apple and hanging onto it with my other hand..I know..stupid). Anyway, I was going down the small hill and realized I was gaining a little too much speed so I "lightly" touched my front brake (forgetting again I was on a different bike and one with disc brakes as well).
The next thing I know I am flying through the air over the top of my handle bars. I crunch into the ground and realize I am not hurt. I immediately stand up and I am pretty sure my apple was still in my hand. There were quite a few spectators and they all asked if I was okay which I surprisingly was considering the situation. I know my left side hit the ground because my shoulder has been so sore all week long. I am also pretty sure my bike landed between my legs because I have bruises all over my left leg (pictures to come soon). My arm was the only thing that got scraped up and that was barely scraped at all...just bruises.
Apparently, I am not so good at riding bikes. I am learning though and hopefully I can go more than a month without falling. At least I am learning that crashing your bike is not as painful as it seems.
Monday, April 6, 2009
The Best Birthday
I would have to say this weekend may have been my best birthday ever mostly due to situations outside my control colliding on the same day...mainly Michigan State University Basketball.
Yep that's right...MSU gave me the best birthday present in the world by winning on Saturday night. I went to a bar in downtown Philadelphia to watch the game. The MSU Alumni club was also there which was awesome because it is the first time I have watched an MSU game with mostly MSU fans in a long time. Every time there was an awesome play or some good shooting the place went wild especially when Dorrel Summers had the awesome dunk over the UCONN player. I was in heaven.
I am going back tonight to hopefully watch the completion of my birthday present...a National Championship.
All in all the whole weekend was great from having dinner with my community and going bowling to my running students singing me happy birthday to watching the game on Saturday night with tons of MSU fans to finally enjoying a beautiful day on Sunday and going on a bike ride (in which I fell off my bike again but that is another story for another blog post).
Yep that's right...MSU gave me the best birthday present in the world by winning on Saturday night. I went to a bar in downtown Philadelphia to watch the game. The MSU Alumni club was also there which was awesome because it is the first time I have watched an MSU game with mostly MSU fans in a long time. Every time there was an awesome play or some good shooting the place went wild especially when Dorrel Summers had the awesome dunk over the UCONN player. I was in heaven.
I am going back tonight to hopefully watch the completion of my birthday present...a National Championship.
All in all the whole weekend was great from having dinner with my community and going bowling to my running students singing me happy birthday to watching the game on Saturday night with tons of MSU fans to finally enjoying a beautiful day on Sunday and going on a bike ride (in which I fell off my bike again but that is another story for another blog post).
Friday, April 3, 2009
Intense
This is an intense anti-domestic violence ad I recently saw....
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/video/2009/apr/02/womens-aid-keira-knightley-ad
I have never really liked Keira Knightley but I am glad she is behind causes like this...watch at your own discretion.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/video/2009/apr/02/womens-aid-keira-knightley-ad
I have never really liked Keira Knightley but I am glad she is behind causes like this...watch at your own discretion.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Yep That's Right
If you would like some good reading material, check out this site:
http://www.lasallianvolunteers.org/lvofthemonth/default.asp
Yep, that's right..I am LV of the Month for April. Now being LV of the Month does not mean I accomplished something amazing or deserve recognition. In my opinion it is more about advertising all the different things LVs do and how our experiences have changed us over the course of our time as an LV...so in turn new folks will be attracted to the LV program. While that might be the case, I know many LVs hope to attain this coveted spot.
I am not a big fan of the pictures they used...I am a little vain (Dad you better not make a comment about that) and don't think I look all that great but oh well.
Enjoy the article...
http://www.lasallianvolunteers.org/lvofthemonth/default.asp
Yep, that's right..I am LV of the Month for April. Now being LV of the Month does not mean I accomplished something amazing or deserve recognition. In my opinion it is more about advertising all the different things LVs do and how our experiences have changed us over the course of our time as an LV...so in turn new folks will be attracted to the LV program. While that might be the case, I know many LVs hope to attain this coveted spot.
I am not a big fan of the pictures they used...I am a little vain (Dad you better not make a comment about that) and don't think I look all that great but oh well.
Enjoy the article...
Monday, March 30, 2009
Run for Philly's Future
Well...it always seems I am raising money for something. If you feel like not reading the rest of this post, I understand, but please just take the time to read it even if you are unable to donate.
As many of you know, I am a Running Leader for Students Run Philly Style which is a mentoring and marathon training program for students in Philadelphia. It is one of the best things I have ever involved myself in. I am humbled by the accomplishments of my students who ran the marathon (check out this post about the marathon) in the fall and excited about our new group that started training about three weeks ago.
I recently raised money for the Lasallian Volunteer program and that money went directly to the LVs, which is a great cause. Now Students Run Philly Style is starting a fundraiser in conjunction with the 10 mile Broad Street Run at the beginning of May. I couldn't pass this up even though I just raised money.
I am not doing a large mailing, but simply posting this on my blog and maybe sending a few emails. My goal is a modest $250. I know this is tough economic times, but if you have a couple bucks and want to support any amazing cause please considering donating.
If you would like to donate, please visit the following website to donate online. You can also submit a check and the instructions for how to do so are on the webpage.
http://studentsrunphilly.org/future/donate.asp
I also have a small cameo on the website....feel free to check out this page to see me:
http://studentsrunphilly.org/future/fundraising.asp
As many of you know, I am a Running Leader for Students Run Philly Style which is a mentoring and marathon training program for students in Philadelphia. It is one of the best things I have ever involved myself in. I am humbled by the accomplishments of my students who ran the marathon (check out this post about the marathon) in the fall and excited about our new group that started training about three weeks ago.
I recently raised money for the Lasallian Volunteer program and that money went directly to the LVs, which is a great cause. Now Students Run Philly Style is starting a fundraiser in conjunction with the 10 mile Broad Street Run at the beginning of May. I couldn't pass this up even though I just raised money.
I am not doing a large mailing, but simply posting this on my blog and maybe sending a few emails. My goal is a modest $250. I know this is tough economic times, but if you have a couple bucks and want to support any amazing cause please considering donating.
If you would like to donate, please visit the following website to donate online. You can also submit a check and the instructions for how to do so are on the webpage.
http://studentsrunphilly.org/future/donate.asp
I also have a small cameo on the website....feel free to check out this page to see me:
http://studentsrunphilly.org/future/fundraising.asp
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Victory for MSU Women
Anyone that knows me knows that I am a huge MSU fan...and that is probably the understatement of the year. Well our ladies pulled off the upset of the women's tournament so far defeating #1 seed Duke....against their former coach no less. Here is a short article about the win.
What I love most about this win is that many of the players from the men's team were in attendance and definitely cheering the women on. Also my man Izzo was at the game.
http://www.wilx.com/sports/headlines/41793842.html
What I love most about this win is that many of the players from the men's team were in attendance and definitely cheering the women on. Also my man Izzo was at the game.
http://www.wilx.com/sports/headlines/41793842.html
Bring on the Fixie
Over Easter Break (I wish it would get here sooner) I am going up to Maine to visit my friend Suze who is an AmeriCorps Volunteer at Community Bike Works. CBW is basically a neighborhood bike shop where kids come and learn to build bikes, ride safely and well have a good time.
Anyway, I am planning on visiting Suze but we are also building a fixed gear bicycle for myself when I am there. She already has the frame and I am basically trading volunteer hours at the shop where Suze works in exchange for this bike. All in all it is a great deal. I really only have to buy the back flip/flop tire. If you don't know what a fixed gear bicycle is well it is basically a bike that only has one gear and the pedals keep moving all the time.
I am excited to work hands on building a bike. One of my life goals/dreams is to learn how to work well with bikes. I am learning as I go but there is a lot more too it than most people realize.
Here is a picture of the frame of my bike. We are removing the chain ring, crank arm, and seat and replacing it so it will look different than what you see now. Although that awesome Schwinn frame will remain the same. I will be sure to send you a picture when the bike is complete.
Anyway, I am planning on visiting Suze but we are also building a fixed gear bicycle for myself when I am there. She already has the frame and I am basically trading volunteer hours at the shop where Suze works in exchange for this bike. All in all it is a great deal. I really only have to buy the back flip/flop tire. If you don't know what a fixed gear bicycle is well it is basically a bike that only has one gear and the pedals keep moving all the time.
I am excited to work hands on building a bike. One of my life goals/dreams is to learn how to work well with bikes. I am learning as I go but there is a lot more too it than most people realize.
Here is a picture of the frame of my bike. We are removing the chain ring, crank arm, and seat and replacing it so it will look different than what you see now. Although that awesome Schwinn frame will remain the same. I will be sure to send you a picture when the bike is complete.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Contests Actually Work
Last week I randomly entered a contest with Landmark Theaters here in Philadelphia which basically runs the Ritz Theaters. They show mostly independent films and foreign language films. They are an awesome theater company and I have seen a lot of great movies there including Sunshine Cleaning which just came out on Friday. It was a great movie and if it is coming to a theater near you I strongly endorse it. Emily Blunt, Amy Adams and Alan Arkin are the main actors and they do a great job.
Anyway, I am a Film Club Member with Landmark Theaters which means they send me emails with the new movies coming out. Last week they had a contest where you just had to name the character played by Emily Blunt in the movie and if you were correct and your name was randomly picked...well you would win a soundtrack to the movie.
Look at this little email I got today....
Dear FiLM Club Member,
Congratulations! You were chosen to win a soundtrack from the movie SUNSHINE CLEANING, courtesy of Overture Films! Please include your mailing address in a reply message, and I will ship it out. Enjoy your prize!
Best,
Stephanie
Stephanie Harasewych
Publicity Coordinator
Landmark Theatres
Stephanie just made my day. After a hard running practice with the students at school, this is exactly what I needed. I am excited to get my new soundtrack in the mail.
Moral of the Story - Enter those little contests...you win them sometimes.
Anyway, I am a Film Club Member with Landmark Theaters which means they send me emails with the new movies coming out. Last week they had a contest where you just had to name the character played by Emily Blunt in the movie and if you were correct and your name was randomly picked...well you would win a soundtrack to the movie.
Look at this little email I got today....
Dear FiLM Club Member,
Congratulations! You were chosen to win a soundtrack from the movie SUNSHINE CLEANING, courtesy of Overture Films! Please include your mailing address in a reply message, and I will ship it out. Enjoy your prize!
Best,
Stephanie
Stephanie Harasewych
Publicity Coordinator
Landmark Theatres
Stephanie just made my day. After a hard running practice with the students at school, this is exactly what I needed. I am excited to get my new soundtrack in the mail.
Moral of the Story - Enter those little contests...you win them sometimes.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Running Again
I meant to post about this forever ago....but well it didn't happen until now. Students Run made it into Runner's World for the January or February issue. Lucky you...you don't have to buy the issue to read the article. Just click on the link below and read away:
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-243-297--13048-0,00.html
I know all of the students and the Running Leader in the photo and in the article. I think it would be so awesome to open a nationally read magazine and see your photo and a magazine article about you. I took great pride in knowing I was a part of the program.
On a side note, we have started training with our students again. We have anywhere between 15-20 students depending on the day. They are a great group and are excited about completing this challenge. We are currently training for the Broad Street Run which is a ten mile run at the beginning of May. I will try and update you about our progress as the season progresses.
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-243-297--13048-0,00.html
I know all of the students and the Running Leader in the photo and in the article. I think it would be so awesome to open a nationally read magazine and see your photo and a magazine article about you. I took great pride in knowing I was a part of the program.
On a side note, we have started training with our students again. We have anywhere between 15-20 students depending on the day. They are a great group and are excited about completing this challenge. We are currently training for the Broad Street Run which is a ten mile run at the beginning of May. I will try and update you about our progress as the season progresses.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Wipe Out
I wiped out on my bike today....really hard.
I was probably going about 15 mph....not too fast but enough that I couldn't stop the fall and get my feet out of my clipped in pedals.
It didn't help that the ground was snowy and icy. I thought I would be okay because the snow and ice was only sporadic....well it was but I am not an accomplished enough rider to not fall. I learned my lesson.
If the bruises get bad enough I will definitely be taking pictures for the blog. Right now everything is just scraped, red and a little swollen....but I am only writing this an hour post-fall....let's give it some time.
Lessons for the future....don't ride your bike two days after a huge snow fall. If you do ride your bike anyway, be prepared to fall and wear a helmet. My head hit the ground pretty hard but that helmet saved me.
I was probably going about 15 mph....not too fast but enough that I couldn't stop the fall and get my feet out of my clipped in pedals.
It didn't help that the ground was snowy and icy. I thought I would be okay because the snow and ice was only sporadic....well it was but I am not an accomplished enough rider to not fall. I learned my lesson.
If the bruises get bad enough I will definitely be taking pictures for the blog. Right now everything is just scraped, red and a little swollen....but I am only writing this an hour post-fall....let's give it some time.
Lessons for the future....don't ride your bike two days after a huge snow fall. If you do ride your bike anyway, be prepared to fall and wear a helmet. My head hit the ground pretty hard but that helmet saved me.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Another Famous People Video
Okay....so I too get sick of these videos with all sorts of famous people advocating for some cause or singing or something like that. BUT...the message behind this one is just too good not to pass on. Take the time to listen and pretend it isn't famous people and just folks like you and I trying to making a small difference in our neck of the woods.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Awesome and Troubling
The Places We Live by Jonas Bendiksen is a breath-taking and heart-wrenching interactive photo feature that takes you into slums in Caracas, Venezuela; Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya; Dharavi, Mumbai, India; and Jakarta, Indonesia. I can’t overstate how captivating it is. More than that, though, it offers some perspective on what an economic crisis can really mean.
Barack Obama, Beyonce and Alphacat....match made in heaven
This is just too funny. If you like Barack Obama and Beyonce you will laugh. Even if you don't like them you will probably think this is funny....especially if you are familiar with the Single Ladies video.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Great Reads....Great Sees....Does that make sense?
I have been reading some great books and seeing some excellent movies recently. I keep meaning to blog about it but I haven't gotten around to it. As I was watching the SAG awards tonight, I decided tonight was a good time.
First the books...
The Reader (also a movie). I read the book first and was sucked in. Others I have recommended it to only thought it was so so but I couldn't put it down. It is one of those books that you really don't know what to think when you are doing reading it. It definitely took me through a range of emotions. I strongly recommend it. Just a warning, it does have a lot of sexual content so be warned if that bothers you.
Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons. This is a book about a group of women who start a book club in the suburbs. It follows their lives from the late 60s until the late 90s as they get married, have children and everything else that comes with life and of course the books they are reading along the way. I couldn't put it down. It was one of those books I stayed up until 4am to finish.
The Watchmen. Yes a graphic novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is coming out as a movie soon which I am equally looking forward to.
Now to the films...
Gran Turino. You basically need to see this because it is based in Michigan and Clint Eastwood is awesome. It was very different than what I was expecting but definitely worth seeing.
Revolutionary Road. Again excellent. I am a huge fan of Kate Winslet and it appears she can do no wrong. Her performance is astounding along with Leonardo DiCaprio. This film will definitely keep you thinking long after its over.
The Reader. Another hit by Kate Winslet and of course the others in the film. This one is another hard movie but worth seeing. I don't know that I can say enough about it.
Enjoy these great books and films. Hopefully you will enjoy them as much as I did.
First the books...
The Reader (also a movie). I read the book first and was sucked in. Others I have recommended it to only thought it was so so but I couldn't put it down. It is one of those books that you really don't know what to think when you are doing reading it. It definitely took me through a range of emotions. I strongly recommend it. Just a warning, it does have a lot of sexual content so be warned if that bothers you.
Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons. This is a book about a group of women who start a book club in the suburbs. It follows their lives from the late 60s until the late 90s as they get married, have children and everything else that comes with life and of course the books they are reading along the way. I couldn't put it down. It was one of those books I stayed up until 4am to finish.
The Watchmen. Yes a graphic novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is coming out as a movie soon which I am equally looking forward to.
Now to the films...
Gran Turino. You basically need to see this because it is based in Michigan and Clint Eastwood is awesome. It was very different than what I was expecting but definitely worth seeing.
Revolutionary Road. Again excellent. I am a huge fan of Kate Winslet and it appears she can do no wrong. Her performance is astounding along with Leonardo DiCaprio. This film will definitely keep you thinking long after its over.
The Reader. Another hit by Kate Winslet and of course the others in the film. This one is another hard movie but worth seeing. I don't know that I can say enough about it.
Enjoy these great books and films. Hopefully you will enjoy them as much as I did.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Joseph Lowery's Benediction for the Inauguration
I thought this was beautiful:
God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, thou who has brought us thus far along the way, thou who has by thy might led us into the light, keep us forever in the path, we pray, lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met thee, lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget thee. Shadowed beneath thy hand may we forever stand — true to thee, O God, and true to our native land.
We truly give thanks for the glorious experience we’ve shared this day. We pray now, O Lord, for your blessing upon thy servant, Barack Obama, the 44th president of these United States, his family and his administration. He has come to this high office at a low moment in the national and, indeed, the global fiscal climate. But because we know you got the whole world in your hand, we pray for not only our nation, but for the community of nations. Our faith does not shrink, though pressed by the flood of mortal ills.
For we know that, Lord, you’re able and you’re willing to work through faithful leadership to restore stability, mend our brokenness, heal our wounds and deliver us from the exploitation of the poor or the least of these and from favoritism toward the rich, the elite of these.
We thank you for the empowering of thy servant, our 44th president, to inspire our nation to believe that, yes, we can work together to achieve a more perfect union. And while we have sown the seeds of greed — the wind of greed and corruption, and even as we reap the whirlwind of social and economic disruption, we seek forgiveness and we come in a spirit of unity and solidarity to commit our support to our president by our willingness to make sacrifices, to respect your creation, to turn to each other and not on each other.
And now, Lord, in the complex arena of human relations, help us to make choices on the side of love, not hate; on the side of inclusion, not exclusion; tolerance, not intolerance.
And as we leave this mountaintop, help us to hold on to the spirit of fellowship and the oneness of our family. Let us take that power back to our homes, our workplaces, our churches, our temples, our mosques, or wherever we seek your will.
Bless President Barack, First Lady Michelle. Look over our little, angelic Sasha and Malia.
We go now to walk together, children, pledging that we won’t get weary in the difficult days ahead. We know you will not leave us alone, with your hands of power and your heart of love.
Help us then, now, Lord, to work for that day when nation shall not lift up sword against nation, when tanks will be beaten into tractors, when every man and every woman shall sit under his or her own vine and fig tree, and none shall be afraid; when justice will roll down like waters and righteousness as a mighty stream.
Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around — (laughter) — when yellow will be mellow — (laughter) — when the red man can get ahead, man — (laughter) — and when white will embrace what is right.
Let all those who do justice and love mercy say amen.
AUDIENCE: Amen!
REV. LOWERY: Say amen —
AUDIENCE: Amen!
REV. LOWERY: — and amen.
AUDIENCE: Amen! (Cheers, applause.)
God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, thou who has brought us thus far along the way, thou who has by thy might led us into the light, keep us forever in the path, we pray, lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met thee, lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget thee. Shadowed beneath thy hand may we forever stand — true to thee, O God, and true to our native land.
We truly give thanks for the glorious experience we’ve shared this day. We pray now, O Lord, for your blessing upon thy servant, Barack Obama, the 44th president of these United States, his family and his administration. He has come to this high office at a low moment in the national and, indeed, the global fiscal climate. But because we know you got the whole world in your hand, we pray for not only our nation, but for the community of nations. Our faith does not shrink, though pressed by the flood of mortal ills.
For we know that, Lord, you’re able and you’re willing to work through faithful leadership to restore stability, mend our brokenness, heal our wounds and deliver us from the exploitation of the poor or the least of these and from favoritism toward the rich, the elite of these.
We thank you for the empowering of thy servant, our 44th president, to inspire our nation to believe that, yes, we can work together to achieve a more perfect union. And while we have sown the seeds of greed — the wind of greed and corruption, and even as we reap the whirlwind of social and economic disruption, we seek forgiveness and we come in a spirit of unity and solidarity to commit our support to our president by our willingness to make sacrifices, to respect your creation, to turn to each other and not on each other.
And now, Lord, in the complex arena of human relations, help us to make choices on the side of love, not hate; on the side of inclusion, not exclusion; tolerance, not intolerance.
And as we leave this mountaintop, help us to hold on to the spirit of fellowship and the oneness of our family. Let us take that power back to our homes, our workplaces, our churches, our temples, our mosques, or wherever we seek your will.
Bless President Barack, First Lady Michelle. Look over our little, angelic Sasha and Malia.
We go now to walk together, children, pledging that we won’t get weary in the difficult days ahead. We know you will not leave us alone, with your hands of power and your heart of love.
Help us then, now, Lord, to work for that day when nation shall not lift up sword against nation, when tanks will be beaten into tractors, when every man and every woman shall sit under his or her own vine and fig tree, and none shall be afraid; when justice will roll down like waters and righteousness as a mighty stream.
Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around — (laughter) — when yellow will be mellow — (laughter) — when the red man can get ahead, man — (laughter) — and when white will embrace what is right.
Let all those who do justice and love mercy say amen.
AUDIENCE: Amen!
REV. LOWERY: Say amen —
AUDIENCE: Amen!
REV. LOWERY: — and amen.
AUDIENCE: Amen! (Cheers, applause.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)