Miscellaneous Missives

Last night I attended the Minnesota State Fair.  It's the first time I've been in probably ten years, and it will probably be another ten before I venture out there again. This year seeing Dessa was my reason for wanting to go.  I've been listening to her music since I read her memoir and listened to her speak.  I was glad to get to see her although the sound folks should've done a sound check before she started.  Of course I drank beer, ate delightful food, and saw baby animals.  I also stopped by the DFL booth and put my bean in Warren's container.  She had two containers and was definitely in the lead.  Amy Klobucher (Minnesota's own) was in second place.  She's on the left side of this photo.  It gave m hope.  Yes, America is ready for a female president.

I was really worried about coming up with 20 posts about action and adventure in August especially today as I sit through an entire day of lectures...  people talking AT me.  Since we still can't print, I really don't have much to do during the short classroom time, I took the therapy dog for a walk.  Actually, he was in his crate (jail), and I decided to take him for a walk.  Instead of asking permission, I decided to ask for forgiveness after the walk.  Luckily, my taking action led to a thank you and not a reprimand.  A another good thing happened during our meeting, the fire alarms went off (due to construction in the building), so we were able to take a break outside.  Plus, the action and adventure of walking the dog and leaving the bill due to obnoxiously loud fire alarm, led me to hit 20 posts for August.  #winwin

Today was back to school.  It seems the school made the inspection which allowed us to finally enter today.  This caused stress for many who typically go in the week before to prepare rooms.  We had meetings this morning, but luckily they were cut short a bit. Since I kicked ass getting my room ready, and the internet wasn't working, I decided to take a friend and look at the construction (in progress now and for the next two school years).  At points this action seemed a bit of an adventure especially in the places were construction people were hard at work.  Each and every construction workers was so kind and pleasant.  The head guy even spoke to our staff this morning about the problems getting everything done on time.  We all wanted to give him a hug. 

Yesterday and today have been more about action and less about adventure.  Tomorrow I go back to school, and I've been doing the last minute preparations.  My school plants are off the deck and in the car ready to be carried to my classroom.  The school supplies folks generously donated for are in the car as well.  My school bag is next to the door, and my lunch bag and water bottles are on the counter ready to be filled.  I've got this!  Plus, last night I didn't have a teacher nightmare, so I must be feeling more confident about this.  #ready

As the summer comes to an end, and I prepare to go back to work on Monday, I find it more difficult to get out of bed in the morning.  I've released the habit of waking up before 6:30, and now I can't wake up before 7:30.  It's poor timing.  One adventure I've been participating in the last couple of weeks is turning on the no turn sign on the way home.  It also takes timing since the sign is a necessity at most times.  First, traffic can't be coming in either lane from the west.  Second, there must be no one in the lane behind because they're not ready for someone to turn.  Third, police presence should not be in the area.  I've been doing fairly well making this turn, but I also feel that I'm getting too comfortable making this turn.  This morning I made the illegal turn after my trip to the farmers' market.  I bought apples as a symbol to the beginning of school and fall (and because they're delightful... zestar).

Before the fall... After the fall... black and blue chin...  Although my back's been a bit sore lately, I decided to play golf yesterday.  Let's be honest with school starting my time to enjoy playing golf will be limited.  Anyway, I knew it probably wasn't the best idea to walk and carry my clubs, but it's my favorite way to play the game.  As I was walking to the number 7 tee, part on the cart path and part off the cart path, I twisted my ankle and fell to the ground.  Since I was carrying my clubs, my face it the ground first instead of my hands.  I got up, wiped the blood off my face with my right hand and gingerly walked to the tee box and hit the ball.  The last three holes were not the best played, but I did finish them.  Yesterday I thought the twisting of my upper back during my fall might help my lower back, but it's not the case.  Instead of leaving for a bike trip in Milwaukee this afternoon, I'll be going to the chiroprac...

Although I haven't been on my bike since August 3rd, I decided to take it for a little ride yesterday since I'm doing an out of town ride in 48 hours (approximately).  With all of the trail closures, it's not as fun to ride because I hate riding in traffic; it's actually more of an adventure.  I'd prefer the safe confines of the trail.  Today I was about 8 miles into my ride (half on trail and half on the streets), I came across signage blocking but not really blocking the path.  There was space to get around, and I had to make a decision.  Part of my wanted to ride past the sign and stay on the safe trail while the other part of me wanted to ride through the signs onto the closed trail.  My decision to turn around and retrace my route was based on the need for at least 15 miles, and the need to stay ticket free.  The thought, however, was certainly there!  At least riding my bike was a little action.