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Lots of change

It's high time I write on this here blog. I apologize if I've kept anyone waiting...which I think essentially boils down to my sister and my parents. So...sorry sis and parents! :)

Life is moving at about 80mph right now. Now that the word is out I can start to talk about this experience. I have accepted a job as a branch manager of an Indianapolis library. I am ridiculously excited to be closer to the fam and to start this entirely new universe of professional experience. But I have to admit, it's going to be really hard to leave a lot of the relationships I have made in northern Kentucky. I know I will keep in touch with quite a few people and I look forward to them visiting me and vice versa but nevertheless a goodbye is a goodbye and who likes those? Not me.

Everyone's telling me to take it one day at a time and I can do that to an extent but there's so much to be worked out with any move, let alone an out-of-state move that it's hard not to be constantly thinking about what's coming next. I'm not looking forward to the transition but I am looking forward to what is coming up after the transition.

One of which is my current obsession with roller derby. Most of you who know me personally already know this about me. I thought that as many obsessions of mine, this one too would fade into the background but instead it has become more and more a part of my thinking. I am in contact with one of the teams in Indy and I plan to start skating with them right away. I may be writing here asking for ideas for names in the future. I have a few but I want to start really skating and learning techniques before I assign myself a name.

I'm going to go eat dinner before my program tonight. It's called "All Sorts of Sports" for ages 6-10 (the program, not my dinner). I made an Olympic torch out of a paper towel tube and construction paper which you see here. Ah yes the life of a children's librarian...

The latest from this tri-state area

Lots to say, lots to do, lots and lots. First thing's first, the 5K was fabulous! We raised a lot of money and I feel good about my results. I was quite intimidated at first, looking at all the serious...and I mean SERIOUS runners. But by the time I started I just let it go, rocked out to my ipod and did the best I could do. What's nice is now that I don't have a specific fitness goal in mind, when I go to the gym I'm much freer. For instance yesterday I ran a mile and then did some weight lifting. I have found that I prefer that to just flat out running all the time. I'm pretty limited on time since I have to deal with my dog. I'm going to have to find a new schedule to fit her in so I don't feel pressed for time when I'm at the gym.

Let's see...speaking of animals, mine are doing fine. I've been boarding Lyra quite a bit recently due to some weekend trips, vacations, etc. She is not a cheap animal by any stretch of the imagination. But she's worth it. The other night I was at home alone with the cats and I found I was overwhelmed with missing her. It didn't feel right. It was kind of a nice realization. She's such a good dog. Cats are good too. Sammy is feisty and mischevious, Monkey is confused and lovey.

Work is good too. Crazy busy but good. Time is going so quickly for me right now which is good all in all. I like distractions. I've recently developed a strong interest in the roller derby and I plan to join in one way or another pretty soon. I'll start off with volunteering and if my skating improves I'll work toward trying out. In fact I'm going skating tonight!! I'd LOVE to be a part of the sport, it's so awesome. I want to be a blocker.

Okay, that's all that's fit to print. Insane couple of weeks coming up. Barely time to sleep. But it's all worth it.

March on Melanoma--Sponsor Me!

It's not too late to sponsor me in the 5K--this weekend! I am overwhelmed by the response of all of you who have already donated and I can't thank you enough. Melanoma research is a cause very close to my heart and my family and Teb's Troops is an amazing organization which raises money toward this well-needed effort.

Here is some information about Teb's Troops:

"Teb's Troops is a not-for-profit organization started after Tricia E. Black, or 'teb' as she was known by her friends and family, was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic melanoma. At the time of her diagnosis, teb was 29 years old and living in Indianapolis, Indiana with her husband, Michael, and 9-month-old son, Sam. Wanting to rally her "troops" during her war with cancer and desiring to make something positive come from the negative, teb asked her friends to help her design and sell a bracelet, the profits of which would go to organizations that support the treatment, prevention, and research of cancer, including melanoma. We are now asking you to enlist as one of her troops by purchasing a Teb's Troops bracelet to show your support the fight against cancer."

For more information on the organization, please visit Teb's Troops.

I'm only a little over $300 from completing my ultimate goal of $1000! Every little bit helps and goes toward a wonderful cause.

To donate, please visit my fundraising page.

Thanks again to everyone who has already donated!

Updates

Well I guess it's high time I put a few thoughts in this here blog. Work is coming along swimmingly. Programs are fabulous, performers are wonderful (with the exception of one we had to cancel due to an arrest...sheesh!) and people are picking up summer reading logs like gangbusters! So far, so good.

Now, running. I'm not as far along as I've wanted to be but I was really excited the other day when I ran 2.5 miles with only 2 1-minute walking breaks. I wish I could have been more consistent with my training but it's really hard with work, traveling and just general life stuff. I've decided to stick with the gym for these next couple of weeks so I can just work on endurance on the treadmill. After the 5K rolls around I plan to incorporate lifting into my schedule but figuring that out with the dog is proving to be challenging. I'll work it out eventually. And a big thanks to my cuz for the foot pain help! It's great to have someone with so much running experience and fabulous tips!! And your advice worked!!

Anything else? Not really. Big changes coming but nothing to speak of yet. I'm ready for the next step. Ready, willing, and very close to able.

LSA Conference Part 5 (Party time!)

LSA Conference Part 4 (Downtown Disney!)

The day started off a little iffy, Lainey had a challenging night with what turns out was a yucky ear infection. Nadine and Roger weren't sure about the day's activities. But we decided to give Downtown Disney a try. It was nice, but just too hot for everyone. The lego store made it all worth it though. Check out the dragon and crab made entirely of legos!!

LSA Conference Part 3 (group photo and MK's tribute)

I think I have this timeline right. If not, oh well. The group photo went amazingly well, always questionable. The pictures below are representative of the pre-chaos to the event. I can't wait to see the results!!

Friday night was the Happy 25th birthday to LSA and the beautiful tribute to MK. DB gave a wonderful talk about MK and her work with the LSA and Aunt Kim put together a beautiful video of her amazing work. Overall a very moving night and extremely deserved!!

LSA Conference Part 2 (Epcot!)

We took a family trip to Epcot on Saturday. It was a super hot day and very crowded. Surprised? It was a wonderful time being with family but a little too much waiting and scary dark rides for the girls. But they got to see lots of dressed up characters...behind a glass wall of course. In person is still a little too scary.

LSA Conference Part 1

We left last Thursday for the airport. The girls were in fabulous moods, excited for a plane ride and a chance to meet Mickey!! Both girls did great on the plane, Lainey was a big flirt as usual. Lucy had a wonderful time playing the Airport Bingo game that Grankie put together. Best idea ever!!

Overheard at the library

"Boy that kid's smart but you've gotta keep the scissors away from him. ...he's a trimmer."

Hilarious!

Best reference question of the day

I had a really fun one today. A girl and her mom approach the desk asking for fun rhyming books for 2nd graders. I first asked about poetry but they were looking more for picture books. The example they came up with was "Silly Sally" by Audrey Wood (one of my favorites!). I told them that's more for preschool age but if they like it, then we can just go grab some fun ones off the shelf. They said that's perfect. So I spent a good 15 minutes (rare when we're as busy as we are) just finding some of my favorite picture books for this girl and she was tickled pink! Here are a few of what I pulled (for those of you who have children...or just like picture books):

Mabel O'Leary Puts Peas in her Ear-y, Mary Delaney

Falling for Rapunzel, Leah Wilcox

Peanut Butter and Jellyfishes, Brian P. Cleary

I Ain't Gonna Paint No More, Karen Beaumont

Click Clack, Splish Splash, Doreen Cronin

That's all I can remember, but I LOVE them! Highly recommended!