Saturday, June 29, 2013
Take me out to the ball game....
Tomorrow is Dannika's first softball game and even though she has already played soccer, basketball, and baseball games I am excited. While I consider myself more a soccer player than a softball player softball holds so many memories and so many firsts. It is my hope that she builds some of those memories for herself too.
Lessons Learned in Kindergarten
Today was my last day of Kindergarten Summer School. Before I was a mom I thought all Kindergarten teachers were out of their minds. For sure Preschool Teachers and Kindergarten teachers should be paid in the 6 digit range! I mean really, have you ever tried to get 20 4 year olds to do something?!!!
Anyhow, the opportunity presented itself and I was excited for the challenge. Because when you really think about it, although volatile, totally unpredictable, and sometimes just plain ole crazy, 5 year olds are actually pretty amazing. :)
And so 20 days of 5 hours with Kindergarten came and went and they literally kicked my butt. I would come home exhausted every day after work in need of a nap. Sometimes those naps lasted 2 hours!!!! The 19 kids in my class wore me out physically and mentally and coming home to my own Kindergartner and 1st grader was especially draining. To call the experience a challenge would be an understatement, to say that I learned a lot this summer would be on target!!!
Some reflection has reminded me just how much I love working with students AND their families. At our class party today two moms asked if they could join and we chatted about parenting, kids, and kids in school. It was my first time in this situation where I was a peer of the other parents. In all of my other experiences I was never a mom like them. Parenting has given me so much more insight into education and has also meant that I can connect with parents in a way that I wasn't able to when I was a young new teacher. I so enjoyed my conversations today because I could speak as an educator giving advice as well as a parent lamenting with another. These relationships are ones that I definitely want to explore in the future!!!
My time in Kindergarten also gave me a huge insight into my own kids. Like most moms I worry. Are my kids okay? Are they hyper? How do they behave at school? Do they have friends? Do they listen to teachers? Are they behind? Working with students the same age as my own kids showed me that kids this age are diverse and that my kids are way more normal that I ever could have thought!!! All kids whine. All kids fight. All kids can't sit down. All this time I was worried for nothing!! It was a great revelation to have!!
Lastly, I learned that my love affair with teaching is far from over. It's calling to me louder than ever, beckoning me to come back and rekindle the passion. Teaching is not out of my system and soo enough it will be time to go back.
Anyhow, the opportunity presented itself and I was excited for the challenge. Because when you really think about it, although volatile, totally unpredictable, and sometimes just plain ole crazy, 5 year olds are actually pretty amazing. :)
And so 20 days of 5 hours with Kindergarten came and went and they literally kicked my butt. I would come home exhausted every day after work in need of a nap. Sometimes those naps lasted 2 hours!!!! The 19 kids in my class wore me out physically and mentally and coming home to my own Kindergartner and 1st grader was especially draining. To call the experience a challenge would be an understatement, to say that I learned a lot this summer would be on target!!!
Some reflection has reminded me just how much I love working with students AND their families. At our class party today two moms asked if they could join and we chatted about parenting, kids, and kids in school. It was my first time in this situation where I was a peer of the other parents. In all of my other experiences I was never a mom like them. Parenting has given me so much more insight into education and has also meant that I can connect with parents in a way that I wasn't able to when I was a young new teacher. I so enjoyed my conversations today because I could speak as an educator giving advice as well as a parent lamenting with another. These relationships are ones that I definitely want to explore in the future!!!
My time in Kindergarten also gave me a huge insight into my own kids. Like most moms I worry. Are my kids okay? Are they hyper? How do they behave at school? Do they have friends? Do they listen to teachers? Are they behind? Working with students the same age as my own kids showed me that kids this age are diverse and that my kids are way more normal that I ever could have thought!!! All kids whine. All kids fight. All kids can't sit down. All this time I was worried for nothing!! It was a great revelation to have!!
Lastly, I learned that my love affair with teaching is far from over. It's calling to me louder than ever, beckoning me to come back and rekindle the passion. Teaching is not out of my system and soo enough it will be time to go back.
Run Streak Day 550
The last time I encountered a day that did not include a 1 mile run in it was on December 26, 2011. I remember the day clearly. I had a part in Hawaii Kai with my high school girlfriends and our families. It was a great day to relax, eat, and unwind. I brought my running stuff with me in case I wanted to run. I was already on a month long run streak at that point, my last day off being November 23rd. I also knew that I was planning on going for a year long run streak in 2012. Anyway, the day was filled with good times and I decided against running while at the get-together. We got home late that night and I decided not to go on a run that evening. Since that day there have been countless miles. I have no idea how much but I know I ran 1700 something in 2012 and have run 809 so far this year. The numbers are simply CRAZY!
Run a mile every day. It is actually a lot easier than one would think. It takes most people anywhere from 5-17 minutes to run a mile. When you think about your day and all the minutes wasted 17 minutes is actually very simple to carve out. Some days are harder than others and a lot of planning has to take place. This is especially true if you're a full time and part time working mom of 2 like I am. But even with a busy schedule, 11 minutes to run a mile is Nothing.
And so I run and run and the question is always, "When am I going to stop?" I said I would stop if I physically could not run or if squeezing it in was just too impossible. Being too lazy or just don't feel like running have never been good enough in my mind to stop the streak. But an end is near for sure simply because I don't wanna end up being the crazy woman who ran 3,000 day straight. And if you know me, you know that I am crazy enough to end up doing it.
Anyway, today's run was a nothing special 3.25 mile run. I did 9 miles yesterday and have been working hard on squats, lunges, and other plyo exercises so today's run was slow-mo all the way. I could not for the life of me pick up the pace and because I got a late start (had to take a nap after my last day of teaching Kindergarten) the 5K is all I could muster before softball practice.
So another run day is logged and being the anal person that I am I will now work toward 600. Who knows if I'll get there, we'll both have to wait and see!!
Run a mile every day. It is actually a lot easier than one would think. It takes most people anywhere from 5-17 minutes to run a mile. When you think about your day and all the minutes wasted 17 minutes is actually very simple to carve out. Some days are harder than others and a lot of planning has to take place. This is especially true if you're a full time and part time working mom of 2 like I am. But even with a busy schedule, 11 minutes to run a mile is Nothing.
And so I run and run and the question is always, "When am I going to stop?" I said I would stop if I physically could not run or if squeezing it in was just too impossible. Being too lazy or just don't feel like running have never been good enough in my mind to stop the streak. But an end is near for sure simply because I don't wanna end up being the crazy woman who ran 3,000 day straight. And if you know me, you know that I am crazy enough to end up doing it.
Anyway, today's run was a nothing special 3.25 mile run. I did 9 miles yesterday and have been working hard on squats, lunges, and other plyo exercises so today's run was slow-mo all the way. I could not for the life of me pick up the pace and because I got a late start (had to take a nap after my last day of teaching Kindergarten) the 5K is all I could muster before softball practice.
So another run day is logged and being the anal person that I am I will now work toward 600. Who knows if I'll get there, we'll both have to wait and see!!
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Mili-Wai Bobby Sox
My baby book has pictures of me in the backyard of the old house hitting off the tee. I was two at the time and my dad had visions of me being a Rainbow Wahine softball player (actually a Rainbow Baseball Player but I was a GIRL). My parents were baseball/softball players and it was the first sport I learned to play.
Mililani Waipio Bobby Sox was the first organized sport I played. Mom and Dad were my Manager/Coach and us orange-hatted 3rd graders were the first crop of mini soxers in Mililani. Our team, "Imua" ended up being undefeated in the first season of mini sox and we also got to play in an Exhibition game at the All Star Tournament played at Kipapa Park.
I have so many great memories of my days as a Bobby Soxer. My parents coached all my teams, my brother was our bat boy and we spent many fun days practicing at socializing at the park. Many of my team mates were my classmates and on the weekend we'd have sleep overs.
My dad taught me A LOT about the game. I knew about all the strategies, I played many positions, and he taught me to bunt left handed. I usually hit the lead off and I pitched or played short stop. Dad and I spent many afternoons on the side of the house pitching and throwing. He taught me to throw knuckle balls, risers, drops and change ups. I remember those afternoons like they were yesterday.
Somewhere along the road bobby sox took a back seat to soccer and when I got to high school the two sport seasons collided and I chose soccer.
Today was the first time I have gone back to organized softball as an adult. I am helping my daughter's softball team and the two hours I spent this afternoon with the girls brought back so many happy memories. I felt totally at home and at peace working with the girls, coaching them, encouraging them, sharing with them the years of knowledge that mom and dad taught me.
It is by luck that we're here today. My husband has always wanted her to play baseball and I have never been organized enough to find her a softball team to play on. But one day while hanging out with a colleague after school, the planets aligned and a woman came in trying to recruit girls to play on a softball team. We were supposed to take a break for summer but Danni wanted to play so we decided to sign up.
Watching my daughter play was also amazing. Although she played two seasons of Little League baseball this is her first season playing softball and I can't help but be so proud when I see her instincts take over. Watching her move on the field the same way I did a million years ago made me feel whole.
And so a new chapter begins. Today at practice I used the same black Mizuno glove that my dad brought back for me from Japan to use when I played on the Iolani Intermediate Softball Team. Glove is over twenty years old but works just as good as the 40 year old body using it. The soccer mom is now a softball mom and my daughter is now a third generation softball player. I am sure she will now hear the stories about how my grandma and great aunt were an amazing pitcher/catcher tandem and how my grandpa coached them. I am really looking forward to the start of this season. It is nice surprise and a special gift.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Happy National Running Day!!! 6.5.2013
Three years ago if you would have told me it's National Running Day I would have said, "Why in the world do those crazy runners need a day to celebrate their crazy sport?" Three years ago I hated running. I totally did not get running. I could not fathom why anyone would choose to run for fun. However, I did admire the people that I saw running on the road. In particular, one fit woman that would run every day with a perfect stride carrying hand weights all over Mililani Town. But, today I am a runner. I feel like a runner, I connect with other runners, and I cannot imagine a day without running.
Ever since the horrible half marathon and maybe even way before that I have been in a running slump. Injuries, stress at work, and the summer heat has taken it's toll on me. I have been tired and having to really talk to myself to get out the door. My runs have felt very hard and even getting 2 miles in have been a challenge. My mind game, which had been the toughest part of my game has been plagued with insecurities about my knees, my endurance, my speed. Everything has been in question. Pretty ridiculous to have so many doubts.
So today after work I came home and dreaded the fact that I needed to get out and run. I knew I would do it but as a self-prescribed running addict it seemed weak to only do the 2-3 miles that I felt I would be able to squeeze out of my tired, tattered, old body. So disappointing. It was National Running Day. Something magical needed to happen.
And so I ate some honey wheat pretzels, drank some water, and put on a cute running outfit and shoes. Knowing that I didn't have it in me to go long I didn't bother to pack gels or water. I was going to knock out 2 miles and be done with it.
As I ran up the hill that leads to my running route I began to map out my run. I was going to avoid large hills and start on the route that would take me at least 4 miles. As I began running I was grateful that the sun was hiding behind the clouds and I was surprised to find that my legs weren't too tired from squatting and that my body seemed to have enough fuel. In my mind I mentally changed my route to one that would take me on a 6 mile flat route.
At mile 4 I came to a cross road. Left would be a 6 mile flat route, straight would be a 7 mile hilly route. At that very moment the running Gods sent me a sign. A mother pushing a double jogging stroller was heading up the hill. Well if she could run the hill pushing two kids in a jogger then I sure as hell better haul my lazy butt up that hill too!!
And so my fate was sealed and I put my head down and powered up the hill, passing the woman with the stroller and running as hard as I could, breathing in to fill my lungs with needed air. When I reached the top of that hill I knew that I was going to be able to hit 7 miles and my stride quickened and my posture got a little higher. I was going to beat the mind game and get the run in that I so badly needed for my confidence.
I cruised home for the last 3 miles constantly checking my stride, my foot strike, and checking to see how my tattered body parts were holding up. A little bit of pain here and there, but over all the strongest 7 miles I had run since the North Shore Marathon.
And so National Running Day 2013 and day 527 of my Run Streak has come to a close. I was able to fight hard and win the mental battle. I am back in the game. :)
Ever since the horrible half marathon and maybe even way before that I have been in a running slump. Injuries, stress at work, and the summer heat has taken it's toll on me. I have been tired and having to really talk to myself to get out the door. My runs have felt very hard and even getting 2 miles in have been a challenge. My mind game, which had been the toughest part of my game has been plagued with insecurities about my knees, my endurance, my speed. Everything has been in question. Pretty ridiculous to have so many doubts.
So today after work I came home and dreaded the fact that I needed to get out and run. I knew I would do it but as a self-prescribed running addict it seemed weak to only do the 2-3 miles that I felt I would be able to squeeze out of my tired, tattered, old body. So disappointing. It was National Running Day. Something magical needed to happen.
And so I ate some honey wheat pretzels, drank some water, and put on a cute running outfit and shoes. Knowing that I didn't have it in me to go long I didn't bother to pack gels or water. I was going to knock out 2 miles and be done with it.
As I ran up the hill that leads to my running route I began to map out my run. I was going to avoid large hills and start on the route that would take me at least 4 miles. As I began running I was grateful that the sun was hiding behind the clouds and I was surprised to find that my legs weren't too tired from squatting and that my body seemed to have enough fuel. In my mind I mentally changed my route to one that would take me on a 6 mile flat route.
At mile 4 I came to a cross road. Left would be a 6 mile flat route, straight would be a 7 mile hilly route. At that very moment the running Gods sent me a sign. A mother pushing a double jogging stroller was heading up the hill. Well if she could run the hill pushing two kids in a jogger then I sure as hell better haul my lazy butt up that hill too!!
And so my fate was sealed and I put my head down and powered up the hill, passing the woman with the stroller and running as hard as I could, breathing in to fill my lungs with needed air. When I reached the top of that hill I knew that I was going to be able to hit 7 miles and my stride quickened and my posture got a little higher. I was going to beat the mind game and get the run in that I so badly needed for my confidence.
I cruised home for the last 3 miles constantly checking my stride, my foot strike, and checking to see how my tattered body parts were holding up. A little bit of pain here and there, but over all the strongest 7 miles I had run since the North Shore Marathon.
And so National Running Day 2013 and day 527 of my Run Streak has come to a close. I was able to fight hard and win the mental battle. I am back in the game. :)
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