Valentine's Day

So I was thinking about it today and I realized that I never actually wrote about how the rest of Valentine's Day went... and that wouldn't be right because it was the BEST Valentine's Day in the history of Valentine's Days!

So we found out that Buzz is a girl around 9:30 in the morning. Like, I said in my last post, Brian made that discovery by accident because the original plan was to have the ultrasound tech write the gender down, we were going to keep it folded up, and then open it with all of the parents at dinner. Brian felt horrible about accidentally noticing the gender on the screen, but I was thrilled. It would have been the longest day knowing that the answer is right there, but I couldn't check it for like, 9 hours! It was an extremely exciting morning to say the least!

But then I had to go back to work. Boo.

Actually, the work day wasn't that bad because I missed about half of it, and my students all knew what I was doing that morning, so they were all excited to find out. Of course, Kyle think I should name her Kylie, Jonathan came up with Jonathina... the kids are goofy, but they're full of questions and actually pretty helpful for 9th graders, so I told them I will accept any and all suggestions for names. I think they like being involved. :)

Brian didn't have to work, so he picked me up and brought me home to a nice, clean house that smelled fantastic. And wouldn't you know it, the smell was coming from a huge bouquet of flowers filled with roses and daisies in my favorite color!

They are so pretty and I love looking at them and smelling them! He also got me the sweetest card, some chocolate covered almonds, and an hour long pregnancy massage. It's like he knows me or something!

I made him a card...

On a funny side note- I obviously made the card before Valentine's Day, but the colors I used are exactly the colors I wanted to use for a nursery if we were having a girl. So I've already been in touch with my mom about helping me make a quilt that looks as similar to the card as I can get it... updates to follow!

I kind of splurged on Brian's gift this year. I got him a tool chest that's pretty much identical to this one:

Clearly, it cost more than a box of chocolates, but it's something we needed and Brian deserves the chance to make the garage more of a "dad" space now, right?

And the excitement of the day wasn't over yet. The parents came over around 5:30-6 for dinner. Brian and I made lasagna, salad, and garlic bread. My day was so hectic that I didn't get a chance to eat much throughout the day and I was so hungry. But I couldn't wait to share the news, so we spilled the beans before we even started eating.

I forgot to take pictures of it, but I put the print outs from the ultrasound that said "Hi!!! I'm a girl!!!" into an envelope for each of the parents so that they would have something to open.

Once they opened it and read it, they were all so thrilled! And then we ate some awesome Italian food, followed by some awesome red velvet cake and good conversation with the people we love most. Truly the best day we could ask for!

30 Day Challenge: Day 7

A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you...

In reality, Brian and my parents have the biggest impact on me. I'm not very good at making decisions and the three of them are definitely my go-to people for inspiration, support, and assistance. But I talk about them a lot, so I figured I would also write about some other people that have a pretty big impact on my daily life:

These goofballs are the girls on the softball team that I coach. In a nutshell, they are high school girls between the ages of 14 and 18, their biggest worries are acne-faced boys, they're hilarious, and they're pretty fantastic athletes.

I spend a ton of time with them. During the season, it's at least 2-3 hours everyday, all day on some Saturdays, and half of my spring break... like 96 straight hours. Because of all of this time, I get to know them pretty well, and likewise, they get to know me too. They were all very supportive of my wedding planning during the season and they even threw me a surprise bridal shower in the weight room- gifts and cake included!

We discuss boys, family, college, oh, and softball. I want to hear about their lives and they want to hear about mine. I feel like they're- dare I say- my friends. Of course, there's only so much you can have in common with someone half your age, but needless to say, these kids hold a special place in my heart.

I say they impact me for multiple reasons. One is very simple- the San Fernando Valley is a small place, and I'm guaranteed to see at least one of them, or a parent, or a sibling anywhere I go- the mall, a restaurant, movie theater, public restroom, driving in the car next to me. (No joke, this has really happened.) So I need to be on my best behavior in public!

But the more complex reason they impact me is by holding me accountable. They like the fact that if I give them hitting tips, I can go out there and actually do it myself. They want to know about what I'm studying in school and why I'm continuing my education. They want advice about boys and working out. I don't think they realize, but they might be teaching me more than I teach them because they force me to get introspective and think about what I do and why I do it- in all facets of life.

I won't lie, there have been times when I no longer want to coach. It takes up enormous amounts of my free time that I basically volunteer. Sometimes it's very hot outside. Sometimes it's freezing. Sometimes it snows.

Yeah, really, that happened too... in southern CA... in APRIL

Just when I feel like I've had enough and I'd rather be at home scrapbooking or cleaning the toilet, one of them will say something insightful, do something sweet, or tell a hilarious joke, and then I remember why I'm there. I think they help balance me. They give me a perspective from my 15-16 year old self. What I would have done or said back then, in more innocent (naive?) times. Sometimes it's helpful to think like a kid. Like someone who is old enough to understand something but hasn't been tainted by life. I know that makes me sound kind of emo, but it's kind of true.

If we lose a game when I know we could have done better, I continue to reflect on that game and I'll even discuss it with Brian. But if they're having fun, I'm having fun. If they're successful, I'm happy and surging with pride. And that's the story of the 12 munchkins that impact my behavior, my thoughts, and my frame of mind.

30 Day Challenge: Day 2

The meaning behind your blog name...

Once upon a time, I was an athlete.

I grew up playing softball and played through high school and even some at the junior college I went to. Oddly enough though, it wasn't until I transferred to the university and started studying Kinesiology that I really understood how to exercise properly and what my body needs this physical stimulation. I no longer played organized sports, and although I missed playing softball, not playing actually opened new doors for me...

I made friends with new and different interests. I played tackle football on the weekends. I began to go on hikes and take kickboxing classes. My new friends gave me the courage to learn how to surf, practice Jiu Jitsu, and even compete in races that I never would have signed up for otherwise. In 2009, I competed in my first triathlon and in early 2010 I finished a half marathon and then even a full marathon. I was having fun trying new activities and felt pretty fearless. I was willing to TRY all kinds of new activities because I was so proud of myself and what I could get my body to do... and I was in the best shape of my life.

Right after finishing the triathlon

Flash forward to slightly less than a year later when I decided to start this blog. Brian and I were falling more and more deeply in love and my attention starting turning away from all of my activities and more towards him and eventually, Kevin. There was no where that I would rather be than cuddling the two of them on the couch.

My exercise habits started to wane, the number on the scale began to rise, and I was so mad at myself for letting myself slip like that. It was around that time that I started the blog, because I wanted to get my old spirit back. I needed my TRY anything attitude.

The name The Try Athlete basically serves as a reminder of who I am and what I strive to be. I may not be on any particular team at this point in my "athletic career," but I am certainly going to try my best at everything I do and try as many activities as I can!

Turns out, this attitude has also helped me in my professional life. As a PE teacher, I have developed the philosophy that there is at least one physical activity that was meant for everyone, and it is my job to try to help kids find that activity and cultivate it. I try to steer away from typical PE units like basketball and teach new and exciting units like ultimate frisbee or team handball. (Ever played either of those? Because you should. They're awesome.) That led to my thesis project that I'm currently working on, which is creating an Outdoor Adventure curriculum, so I can introduce adventure activities (like rock climbing, kayaking, and surfing) to my students and give them an even broader understanding of all of the fun physical activities that they can do. ♥

Gym Time and More About Me!

I finally did it... I joined the gym. It's not like I need a gym. It's not like I have tons of time and money that I need to spend. But I am on the porkier side and for some reason, nothing helps me lose weight like group exercise classes. So I did it. And I got my mom to jump on board too!


I started March off with a bang and I headed to the gym after softball practice. I did a Body Blast class- which was basically an hour off light strength training with dumb bells. It felt good! I wanted to stay for the next class which was a Boot Camp class, but I don't want to be so sore that I can't get back there tomorrow. So I hopped on the treadmill instead. I wanted to test myself to see if I could run a mile without slowing down to walk. (I still can. Whew!) I did half a mile and I wanted to stop. But I told myself to just get through a mile. And once I got to a mile, I decided to just keep going til I get through 20 minutes. So I did. And I burned just under 200 calories. So that about takes care of one of those damn Thin Mints I had earlier. As far as those other 8 go...


I do feel really good. I love working out. I don't know why I ever stopped!


Time for more question answering time!...


1. I am currently obsessed with my upcoming wedding. We are officially 102 days away. I'm pretty sure I'm right on track with where I should be, but I'm also pretty sure it's all I ever talk/think/dream about!

2. Today I am exuberant because I feel like I was pretty productive at work, I went to the gym, I'm getting to spend some good quality time with my boys tonight, and I have A LOT to look forward to in the coming weeks (and months!)

3. The age I am is 27 and the age I feel is old! I feel all these aches and pains that I never used to have, the kids are using terms now that I've never heard of before, I use terms that they've never heard before! Nah, I really feel about my age, maybe even younger. Life is good!

4. My favorite place is anywhere with Brian. Corny, but true. We genuinely have a great time together and pretty much any situation ends up being fun. Even when we're stuck in the emergency room all day on a Sunday!

5. Something I have been procrastinating is nothing, for a change! I always procrastinate, but this year, I've actually been on top of everything!

6. The last thing I purchased was a gym membership!

7. The thing I love most about my home is the love from my little family. It didn't feel like a home until Brian and Kevin got here!

Freshmen are dumb and channeling my inner Nick Nolte

Ahhhhh, I'm having way too much fun tonight!

But first things first... I'm going to start a new segment called 'Freshmen are Dumb'...because even the smart ones can be completely ridiculous at times! 14-15 is an awkward age. Period. They kind of remind me of dog Kevin... he's like, a full grown dog now, but I keep forgetting he's still a baby and he's still seeing and hearing new things every day. He tries to act tough, but he still looks to us to help him, he trusts us to do what's right for him, and he hides behind our legs when he's scared... that's exactly how my students are. They think they're these big important high school students, but really, they're just getting their feet wet in checking the temperature of the "real world."

Although the spread in my age difference has far expanded from theirs in the last 5 years that I've been teaching (I started when I was 22 and I had an 18 year old in my class... slightly awkward), they still feel comfortable enough with me to share their daily thoughts and pearls of freshmen wisdom. Because this is usually more entertaining than not, I'm going to start sharing them with you. Totally anonymously, of course.

Today's silliness came from one of my 4th period lovelies while we were doing this stretch:

I asked my class what muscles we were stretching and one of my boys yells out, "Your quadriceps!"

I told him well done and asked if anyone knew why this particular group is called the quadriceps. My same little Einstein says, "Because there's four of them."

I asked, "Four of what?" hoping for the simple answer of 'muscles.' His reply was, "Uh... um... ceps."

:)

SIDE NOTE: While I was looking for the picture above, I came across this one:

I think it's totally creepy, but it made me giggle because it reminded me of a fun little piece of photographic genius called The Timeless Art of Seduction a la Seinfeld...

Anyone else? Or is it just me?

**************************************************************************
I Turbo-Fired it up tonight with another kick boxing video. I love this stuff! But at the same time, it reminds me how out of shape I am because I used to teach it to people, like, in a real live gym (!) and now, it kinda kicks my ass! Oh well. I guess that means it's working?

Anywhay (cool wHip), I apparently worked so hard that by the time I was finished, I looked crazier and grungier than Nick Nolte after a drinking binge. Except he has a cooler shirt.

ME

HIM- I had to label it so you would know the difference

Am I right?? Okay, time for some syndicated Seinfeld. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for some more half nekkid Costanza? Shrinkage, maybe??

I was in the pool!!!!

'Night!

First day back = success

I know that technically, yesterday was my first day back, but today was the first day the students were back to school for the spring semester. I (thankfully) got most of my kids from last semester back and that's great because last semester was probably the best one I've had since I've been teaching...

The only difference was that my first period was a softball conditioning class and now it's just regular PE... I had 52 girls last semester and now I have a whopping... 8! Yep, you read that correctly- 5 girls, 3 boys. It won't last, but it's pretty funny. I'm sure by Friday it'll be up to 40.

The first day was even made even better when I was asked to cover a class... that means an extra 50 bucks for 50 minutes of searching for a bakery to make my wedding cake... Sounds good to me! Their was a TA in there that basically led the class, and she had the kids read out loud... I've babysat 5 year olds that can read better than these kids! Here, I'll try to phonetically spell the words how they were pronouncing them:
- Fierce = fire-ess
- Advertising = adversy
-Gin = gine

Lol, what kind of teachers did these kids have growing up?? Better yet, don't they have parents that read to them? Ugh, I'm so disappointed. But still, overall, a great first day back.

So now I'm off to create a health curriculum for the PE department to incorporate into our standard curriculum... somehow this responsibility has been delegated to me. But that's alright, at least I know it's getting done correctly! ;-)

Have a great evening!