So, of course, once again it has been awhile since my last blog. Even longer since I posted any sort of pictures. I'll fill you in quickly about the 2 major events that are occurring in our lives (or at least my life). And then later...hopefully this weekend yet...I will post some pictures of the kids.
The first: treadmills. I will be logging some serious miles on the treadmill this spring as I just received word that I got into Grandma's half marathon! After 26 years of standing by the side lines handing out water to mostly grateful runners, and 2 years of watching my sister and brother-in-law train and run the halfer, and after 8 months of dedicated work-outs, I have decided to fulfill a long time goal of mine: to run a marathon. Okay...so it is only the half marathon, but to me, it might as well be 1000 miles...as I have never run so much as 3 miles in my life let along the 13.1 I will be trying to conquer in June! My sister and my cousin will be running right along with me...and because they both inherited the long, thin Sheasby legs (whereas I have been "blessed" with the short stout Dault legs), I have been working doubly (is that a word?) hard to train at a pace fast enough just to keep up! Right now the training is going well, not too difficult yet; but I know it will get hard fast.
Of course, in typical Rachel fashion, I have to make this conquest of mine represent more than it actually is. And so, while I am definitely challenging myself to achieve a long time goal, I also want this to serve a larger purpose. Still inspired by our President, I want to give something back. And so, I am going to donate $1 for every minute it takes me to run the half-marathon. For example, if it takes me 2.5 hours (which is what I anticipate it to take), then that will be 150 minutes, and so I will donate $150 dollars. I have decided to split my donations between Minnesota Public Radio (because education is empowering) and the YMCA (for the use of their equipment, the daycare they have provided to my children as mom worked out, and to help young children get the opportunity to take swimming classes and go to camp). My mother is also going to donate, but she will give her money to Project Read of the Falls. Hopefully more family members will do the same...
Onto "tenure". Today, I was offically tenured and am now a full professor. While probably not as big of a deal than say at a 4-year institution, this event represents 3 years of hard work, course preparation, new course creation, and 2 Faculty Excellence Awards that I have been lucky enough to receive. I was a little worried given our current economy and the major budget cuts MNSCU is facing. But, enrollment as increased at our school, in particular for those going into health careers...so Biology remains strong. In addition to that, Jay received a promotion at work. So things have been pretty good! We are congratulating ourselves by taking a ski-vacation to Park City (sans children!).
The kids are doing great. Berit is fantastic artist, and when I finally do load pictures, I will be sure to include a picture of the family she drew. I love the stage she is in, where people do not quite have necks yet. Gus is talking up a storm, peeing on the potty, and coloring all over our cream colored furniture with red chapstick. Thank god his dimples still melt my heart, or I may have shipped him off to military school!
That's it for now! More to come later.
Berit loves to skate!
Berit and Ben sharing a holiday smooch!
Berit loves to skate!
Berit and Ben sharing a holiday smooch!
