Spring Break

Not the best way to start out the week... but it looks like it's going to be great, soon!

The Birds, or, Why I Hate Crows

On this morning's walk with the dog, I saw a disgustingly humongous black crow in front of us on the sidewalk. I did NOT take a picture. But, it looked something like this (but fatter):

I hate crows. They give me the heebie jeebies. Especially the extra-large variety. For a number of reasons.

1. They are bigger than my head. And could probably eat it off, at that.
2. They eat big, dead things. And trash. And, possibly, heads.
3. They do not sing. They caw. What a perfectly wretched sound.
4. They are black. Everywhere. No variety, no change. Just solid black.
5. I might actually be able to feel the ground shake a bit when they stomp around.
6. They are not scared of anything. So, they won't fly away when you approach.
7. Gross. Just, gross.

I don't care if I post too many pictures of her, she's my niece

And such an adorable one, at that!!

The Saga of Layers

So, Eric was looking at our bathroom wall, and was concerned that the previous owners had painted over wallpaper. I get curious easily, so I chipped away at the paint in a small corner. Lo and behold. They actually did NOT paint over wallpaper. Rather, they painted over, oh, about 4 layers of paint.

Oh, the many strange colors it seems my bathroom has been... mind you, the bathroom tiles are light blue and black. First, white. Okay, fine. Then biscuit, followed by light blue. Makes some sense. Bright orange?? Umm... strange taste. Yellow? Not a terrible color, but definitely doesn't go with the tile. And then, back to white. Which, it seems, they painted over mildew, as well. Yay.

Little Livy

I just had to cross-post this beautiful picture of Alivia and her mommy. She's going to be 1 in two weeks!! I can't wait to celebrate with her!

St Patrick's Day slash Mardi Gras parade

Last night we went to a St Patrick's Day slash Mardi Gras parade in town. The Mardi Gras parade was canceled in Feb because of the huge snow, so we had it last night. It was really fun, because everyone was in green, etc, but we got beads, too! Super fun.

My new handy-dandy fan

My parents came to visit on Saturday. It just so happened that Eric and I had purchased a new ceiling fan that morning for our bedroom. My dad offered to help me install it, so off we went! I think we're awesome :)

Four Miler Video

Ramona fix

Sweet Ramona:

Sassy Ramona:

Whoo!!! 1076!!!

I did it!!! The first two miles were downhill and pretty easy. Coming back, mile three wasn't too bad, either. I just kept a steady pace. A lot of people passed me, but that was fine!

The last mile was straight uphill. At one point I thought I might poop my pants. But I didn't!!!! Yay :) I wanted to stop a number of times to walk, but I would just look at the next street sign, focus on it, and tell myself I just had to make it that far. It worked - I crossed the finish line without having to stop once! Oh, except once right at the beginning because my shoe came untied... but I don't count that!

I almost won, except for those 1,075 people that made it across the finish line before me. Counting me, there were a total of 1,213 runners. I'm quite proud of my place, especially for my first race!

My goal was to finish the race under 50 minutes. My time? 45:52. Yay!!

Picture/video update:

Race

My race is today. In an hour! I'm a little worried because my shins have been hurting me REALLY BADLY this whole week, and I'm afraid I might have to walk, only because of the pain. I'm going to try not to, though!!

Swinging in the sun

Grandma bought Alivia a new swing last week, and we decided to take advantage of the awesome weather while Eric and I were down visiting for my birthday. She loved it! Such a cute girl :)

Books

Books I'm interested in reading:

• The Infinities - John Banville 
• Beatrice and Virgil - Yann Martel
• Made for Each Other: The Biology of the Human-Animal Bond - Meg Daley Olmert
• The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath 

For now...

Happy Birthday to me!

Friday was my birthday, yay! Some of my students brought in doughnuts, cookies, and cupcakes to surprise me. They are so sweet! After work I went to a short happy hour with some friends. Eric took me out that night to a fancy Belgian/French place downtown. It was super delicious.

Yesterday we went down to visit my family. My sister made me the cutest (and yummiest) birthday treat!

Thanks, everyone, for making my birthday so special!