Jacob lives in a house with his twin sisters, Allysa and Laura, his parents and two cats. Jacob never gets anything because he is always naughty. Not even for Christmas or his birthday.
Jacob really, really wants an XBox, but his parents already said "no!" when he asked. So he asked again and his parents said "NO!!". So do you know what Jacob did next? He asked his parents again. This time his parents sent Jacob to his room.
While Jacob was in his room he thought about what he had done. So he went down stairs and said sorry to his parents. And they forgave him, but they still did not give him an XBox. He did get a football and from then on he was nice to everyone.
THE END
(This story was dictated by Seth to his Mother)
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Lessons from A Tough Loss-Seth's Flag Football Team
It was perfect football weather. Parents huddled on the sidelines under umbrellas and several layers of clothing. The rain was steady through the entire 6-8 flag football semi-final game, played under the lights at the Wakefield High School synthetic field last evening. Seth's team, the Redskins, was undefeated during the regular season. The talent, particularly with some of the older kids, is impressive. Seth is among the younger group of kids, and while he is super fast and can run an opposing player down, he is just as happy to horseplay with his teammate's siblings, dribble a soccer ball on the sidelines or watch a separate game on an adjacent field.
During the playoffs, everything gets a little more serious compared to the regular season. All the kids play, but in a close game the playing time is skewed to the kids who have proven through the year to be among the better players. Seth was in a couple plays, but spent most of the game on the sidelines where he kicked a soccer ball around and tackled unsuspecting spectators.
The game was very well played by both teams and was ultimately decided in overtime. It was a tough loss for the Redskins. The season officially came to a close as the coach handed out the third place trophies. We were all cold and wet, so no one lingered to lament the season. As we walked backed to the car Seth leaned his head against by wet jacket and he didn't say a word. In the car, I turned to look behind as I backed out and saw Seth in a quiet but intense sob. I was admittedly taken aback. Could it be that he was this upset over the loss - when he barely watched the game? I stopped the car and hugged him for a good long time. When we got home, he carried the trophy with him everywhere and when he woke up this morning, he asked if he could bring the trophy to school.
This experience also confirmed a couple beliefs. First, it is okay - in certain games - to play some kids more than others. Yes - all the kids want to play. But as long as expectations are set, and the concept is presented in thoughtful way by the coach and parents, the experience can be a learning opportunity. I am also a firm believer of presenting trophies only to the teams that win or place. I am positive that if the game last night was a regular season game, Seth would not have been nearly as upset over the loss. He understood the significance of the game and he reacted accordingly. Similarly the pride he has for this trophy refl
ects the accomplishment attached to it.Seth is already looking forward to next season!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Savageman 2009
Savageman has a way of bringing you back. In 2007 I swam as part of a relay and volunteered on the run course. I was so caught up in the energy of the race, I couldn’t wait to sign up the for the 2008 race and not just for the relay – I wanted to do the whole thing. And I did. And it kicked my ass. I swore I’d never do it again. Ever. But the very next day following the 2008 event, I was already planning my strategy for 2009.
In many ways, typical race pressures are irrelevant at Savageman. The field of women racers is proportionally much smaller, but the women who sign up are serious athletes. Where in a typical race I finish in the top 25-30% of the field, at Savageman I finish near the bottom. And I am okay with that - because this race is truly a competition between the racer and the course.
For several months prior to the race I steadily prepared, adhering to my training plan like never before. I lost some weight and worked on my strength. I was feeling fit and strong going into this year’s race. I had a race plan. I was ready.
I could not have asked for a better swim - long strokes and straight lines. The fact that t
here was no fog this year made sighting a breeze. If anything the sun glare this year proved to be the biggest swim obstacle. The final turn buoy was a swan boat. Seriously, it was a boat in the shape of the swan (the swan boat is featured on the finisher shirt.) Ed King, a long time family friend and Deep Creek resident was the captain of the boat, so as I made the turn I gave him a great big wave. This was the first of several memorable “Savage Moments”. I bettered my swim time over last year by three minutes and I was off to a great start.
During the first 35 miles of the bike course I felt great. I took my time going up Toothpick Road, the comparatively small hill leaving the park. It is easy to be too aggressive on this hill and burn your cold quads in the first 5 minutes. I loved, loved, loved the four mile switch back descent that leads into Westernport. I knew my best opportunity to gain ground was on the down hills – so I only sparingly used the brakes and enjoyed the ride.
When I turned onto MD 825, I took off my arm warmers and started mentally preparing for the Wall. Westernport Wall is a 1.2 mile 12% grade hill, with the last 100 feet at 31% grade. Making it up the Wall earns you a brick and bragging rights. I got one last year, and planned to do the same again this year. Like last year, I switch backed up the two blocks leading to the final and
steepest stretch of the Wall, and when I hit the final stretch I pounded it. Another brick and 35 miles to go!
At the top of the Wall, I pulled over and allowed myself 30 seconds to catch my breath and get my heart rate down, because after the wall the real work began, starting with a long 6 mile ascent up Savage Mountain. Last year, this part of the course nearly did me in mentally, but this year I was ready for it. The road side signs up Savage Mountain, and along the rest of the course for that matter, were hysterical. My favorite sign: “Shut up Julie and just pedal!” I let out a signature belly laugh and then I heard Julie (I had no idea she was so close) – about five riders up yell back “That’s my sign!” It was another one of my favorite Savage moments.
Everything was going great until I came to Killer Miller a 1.2 mile 8% grade hill. My quads and hamstrings simultaneously seized. It was a miracle I didn’t fall right there and it was sheer will power and the support of follow racers and volunteers that I made it to the top.
So it seemed that despite sticking to my nutrition plan, the rest of my race was going to be plagued by on and off cramping. And from the moment I first cramped, Savageman became a completely different race for me. Before cramping, I was on my way to obliterating my time from 2008. After cramping, I just wanted a PR – even if it was only by 30 seconds. So when I wasn’t cramping I was hitting the pedals hard to make up for the time when I was cramping. The final ten miles of the bike course was relatively flat with rolling hills; but in true Savageman style, we had a nice head wind for the final five miles
Cramping continued to be a problem through the run. I ran as hard as I could when I could, knowing I would be intermittently sidelined. Once again the support and encouragement from other racers and volunteers when I was doubled over on the side of the road was totally awesome.
As I was coming up the hill from the first turn around, I passed Julie as she ran the other direction and she was clearly having trouble breathing. When I saw her again on the fire road I was seriously concerned for her. Someone retrieved her inhaler, but it did not seem to be working. She promised that she would stop racing if her breathing did not improve. She was so upset because her legs felt great – she just couldn’t get air. I joked – that I was doing fine from a cardio perspective but legs were shit and together as one racer we could kick ass. I got laugh and hug and off we went. It was another priceless Savage moment.
Julie eventually passed me as I struggled through the last three miles. I was still running, but the cramps had clearly taken a toll on my legs. When I crossed the finish line I knew I had put everything on the course – and it felt good. My parents and several friends were there to make sure I didn’t fall over. I was afraid to sit as I was sure I would never get up again. I was happy and tired. I achieved a PR despite cramping.
The first thing I said after the race? “I’m taking next year off!”” But in true Savage style, I’m already planning for next year.
In many ways, typical race pressures are irrelevant at Savageman. The field of women racers is proportionally much smaller, but the women who sign up are serious athletes. Where in a typical race I finish in the top 25-30% of the field, at Savageman I finish near the bottom. And I am okay with that - because this race is truly a competition between the racer and the course.
For several months prior to the race I steadily prepared, adhering to my training plan like never before. I lost some weight and worked on my strength. I was feeling fit and strong going into this year’s race. I had a race plan. I was ready.
I could not have asked for a better swim - long strokes and straight lines. The fact that t
here was no fog this year made sighting a breeze. If anything the sun glare this year proved to be the biggest swim obstacle. The final turn buoy was a swan boat. Seriously, it was a boat in the shape of the swan (the swan boat is featured on the finisher shirt.) Ed King, a long time family friend and Deep Creek resident was the captain of the boat, so as I made the turn I gave him a great big wave. This was the first of several memorable “Savage Moments”. I bettered my swim time over last year by three minutes and I was off to a great start.During the first 35 miles of the bike course I felt great. I took my time going up Toothpick Road, the comparatively small hill leaving the park. It is easy to be too aggressive on this hill and burn your cold quads in the first 5 minutes. I loved, loved, loved the four mile switch back descent that leads into Westernport. I knew my best opportunity to gain ground was on the down hills – so I only sparingly used the brakes and enjoyed the ride.
When I turned onto MD 825, I took off my arm warmers and started mentally preparing for the Wall. Westernport Wall is a 1.2 mile 12% grade hill, with the last 100 feet at 31% grade. Making it up the Wall earns you a brick and bragging rights. I got one last year, and planned to do the same again this year. Like last year, I switch backed up the two blocks leading to the final and
steepest stretch of the Wall, and when I hit the final stretch I pounded it. Another brick and 35 miles to go!At the top of the Wall, I pulled over and allowed myself 30 seconds to catch my breath and get my heart rate down, because after the wall the real work began, starting with a long 6 mile ascent up Savage Mountain. Last year, this part of the course nearly did me in mentally, but this year I was ready for it. The road side signs up Savage Mountain, and along the rest of the course for that matter, were hysterical. My favorite sign: “Shut up Julie and just pedal!” I let out a signature belly laugh and then I heard Julie (I had no idea she was so close) – about five riders up yell back “That’s my sign!” It was another one of my favorite Savage moments.
Everything was going great until I came to Killer Miller a 1.2 mile 8% grade hill. My quads and hamstrings simultaneously seized. It was a miracle I didn’t fall right there and it was sheer will power and the support of follow racers and volunteers that I made it to the top.
So it seemed that despite sticking to my nutrition plan, the rest of my race was going to be plagued by on and off cramping. And from the moment I first cramped, Savageman became a completely different race for me. Before cramping, I was on my way to obliterating my time from 2008. After cramping, I just wanted a PR – even if it was only by 30 seconds. So when I wasn’t cramping I was hitting the pedals hard to make up for the time when I was cramping. The final ten miles of the bike course was relatively flat with rolling hills; but in true Savageman style, we had a nice head wind for the final five miles
Cramping continued to be a problem through the run. I ran as hard as I could when I could, knowing I would be intermittently sidelined. Once again the support and encouragement from other racers and volunteers when I was doubled over on the side of the road was totally awesome.
As I was coming up the hill from the first turn around, I passed Julie as she ran the other direction and she was clearly having trouble breathing. When I saw her again on the fire road I was seriously concerned for her. Someone retrieved her inhaler, but it did not seem to be working. She promised that she would stop racing if her breathing did not improve. She was so upset because her legs felt great – she just couldn’t get air. I joked – that I was doing fine from a cardio perspective but legs were shit and together as one racer we could kick ass. I got laugh and hug and off we went. It was another priceless Savage moment.
Julie eventually passed me as I struggled through the last three miles. I was still running, but the cramps had clearly taken a toll on my legs. When I crossed the finish line I knew I had put everything on the course – and it felt good. My parents and several friends were there to make sure I didn’t fall over. I was afraid to sit as I was sure I would never get up again. I was happy and tired. I achieved a PR despite cramping.
The first thing I said after the race? “I’m taking next year off!”” But in true Savage style, I’m already planning for next year.
Friday, August 28, 2009
My 2009 IronGirl Observations
IronGirl is always an inspirational race for me. For many women, this is the first race they’ve ever done. Others haven’t attempted something athletic for years. Women of all shapes and sizes come out for this event. Some are fast and others a little slower. But no matter fast – everyone eventually does 21.4 miles! Below are my observations from this years race:
• Duck poop smells really bad… and tastes even worse. Note to all IronGirl participants – not all ope
n water is as icky as Centennial Lake!• Seven minutes between waves means you tread water for quite a while.
• The first woman out of the water this year was really, really, really fast!
• I am pretty sure the swim was longer this year than last year.
• Breaststroke and backstroke is acceptable if it gets you through the 0.62 miles of the swim. Congratulations to everyone, who before IronGirl, never would have imagined swimming that far.
• Secure goggles are a must – particularly if you are in a really big wave. My wave had no less than 175 participants!
• Buoys provide a perfect place to stop and catch your breath if needed. I apologize to anyone I hit with my wide stroke as I turned the buoys.
• Mountain bikes far outnumber tri bikes at this race. The speed at which some of these women move on their mountain bikes is inspirational.
• Riding four across the road is not uncommon. Perhaps we should review blocking at the next Luna Bike Clinic!
• I saw more people drafting cars than other cyclists… or maybe they were jus
t waiting to pass?• I did not see any women walking their bikes up the hills…and there were some tough hills! Way to gut it out!
• There is one really hard hill on the run. And you have to do it twice! Congratulations to everyone who ran up this hill. Of course, I think I ran slower than some walked!
• IronGirl has one of the longest finishing chutes. It is great to have so many people cheering you into the finish.
• The cold duck sponge at the finish… AWESOME!
Monday, August 10, 2009
2009 Calleva 10 Hour Adventure Race - Sharing it with a Friend
I competed in my first adventure race last May (2008), and ever since I have gently tried to convince some of my “outdoorsy” friends to try one with me. I’d do so by sending an occasional e-mail with a link to an upcoming race or I would casually work the topic into a conversation while having an evening beer with my neighbors. I found that people fell into one of two camps – a.) they were not interested in the competition aspect of the race or b.) they were concerned that they were not in good enough shape. In my mind, I will not convince someone who is not motivated by competition – but it is a relatively easy to get into shape. Besides, as I explained to my friends I was happy to go at any pace, just to share the experience. Nonetheless, my emails and conversational suggestions continued to be rebuffed.
So I was pleasantly surprised when my neighbor Bob responded that he was interested in being my teammate for the 2nd Annual Calleva 10 Hour Adventure Race. This race has two categories: Expert and Sport, for the less experienced teams. Bob and I signed up for the Sport category and named our team “4th Street”. Clearly, Bob and I are not the most creative when it comes to names!
After several gear checks and re-packing of our Camelbacks, we were ready for the race start at 9AM yesterday morning. It took us roughly 7½ hours to complete the race and we hit many of the optional check points.
We bush wacked through briars and poison ivy. We rode up hills and through single track. We walked and occasionally ran through a long trek. We paddled across the Potomac. We - or more accurately – Bob did several adventure challenges and nailed them. First, he walked the high wire, twenty feet above ground and then the balance beam – also twenty feet up. When we got to the third challenge, the idea was for me to actually contribute – but in the end it was Bob who hoisted me up into the pendulum swing. As the volunteer at the balance beam said (with a British accent) “Bob, you were brilliant!”
We saw a black snake and a bunch of tiny toads. We picked up trash (a bonus minute for each piece we picked up!). We scratched up our legs on the briars and probably have poison ivy. We sweated – A LOT! We looked like we did an adventure race.
We met some fun people and had a great experience. Bob tells me he is ready for the next race… anyone else?
Monday, July 27, 2009
Canoe Camping - 2009
I thnk I am ready to sell the house, quit my job and spend my days riding my bike, hiking and camping with the kids. Oh yeah - gotta pay for college. Oh well.
Michael, the kids and I spent the weekend camping on the Potomac with the Skoloda's (minus Maureen and Natalie - Natalie had a big swim meet and I hear she rocked it!). It was all boys and me.
The camping area is completely unsupported - no bath houses, toilets, garbage cans, etc. Other than a fire ring and a bare spot for the tent, you are on your own. And the only way to access the site is via boat - canoe in our case, thus keeping it simple is key. Only bring what is necessary - which includes at least two cases of Yeungling! We spent the entire day yesterday canoeing up the C&O Canal and down the Potomac through the rapids. I'll post pictures - the ones I took before I dunked my camera when I flipped my canoe! (I had just taken it out of the dry bag to snap pictures of the kids riding the rapids on their backs - oh well, it was a cheap camera and though the pictures are a litttle fuzzy, at least I still have them)
Joey and his boys along with Micheal and Seth are still camping. I wish I could have stayed (despite the rain last night), but I had to bring Brendan and Ethan home last so that they could get ready for a week at overnight adventure camp - for which they leave in an hour. I am already jealous of them.
hmmmm.... wondering if college is really necessary ; )
Pictures available at: http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2033201&id=1213604982&l=34fa22367e
Michael, the kids and I spent the weekend camping on the Potomac with the Skoloda's (minus Maureen and Natalie - Natalie had a big swim meet and I hear she rocked it!). It was all boys and me.
The camping area is completely unsupported - no bath houses, toilets, garbage cans, etc. Other than a fire ring and a bare spot for the tent, you are on your own. And the only way to access the site is via boat - canoe in our case, thus keeping it simple is key. Only bring what is necessary - which includes at least two cases of Yeungling! We spent the entire day yesterday canoeing up the C&O Canal and down the Potomac through the rapids. I'll post pictures - the ones I took before I dunked my camera when I flipped my canoe! (I had just taken it out of the dry bag to snap pictures of the kids riding the rapids on their backs - oh well, it was a cheap camera and though the pictures are a litttle fuzzy, at least I still have them)
Joey and his boys along with Micheal and Seth are still camping. I wish I could have stayed (despite the rain last night), but I had to bring Brendan and Ethan home last so that they could get ready for a week at overnight adventure camp - for which they leave in an hour. I am already jealous of them.
hmmmm.... wondering if college is really necessary ; )
Pictures available at: http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2033201&id=1213604982&l=34fa22367e
Almost Bike Camping
So it rained just a little. Brendan and I made it from the house on our bikes to the Billy Goat Trail. We hiked trail A with the intention of moving on from there to camp at Swains Lock. Half way through the hike, the skies opened and we got drenched! We giggled the whole time. There was no sense looking for shelter - we couldn't get any wetter. On the way - we saw toads and lizards everywhere. Very cool!
Before starting the hike we fortunately covered the gear with plastic, so everything stayed dry. But as we walked to the bikes we had to decide if we would still camp or call it a day. We decided that we had a great day together and risking it with a miserable wet night was probably not the smartest idea. So we biked down to the deli on MacArther Blvd., ordered a couple sandwiches and called Michael to hitch a ride home.
While we waited for Michael, Brendan asked when we could try again. He told me he was so lucky to have parents that do cool things like bike camping and he could wait to try again. I love that we had so much fun together! In all we biked nearly 25 miles and hiked the Billy Goat Trail. Not bad!
Oh - and with all the rain last night... glad we came home.
Off to canoe camping today.
Pictures available at: http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2032993&id=1213604982&l=1faab60428
Before starting the hike we fortunately covered the gear with plastic, so everything stayed dry. But as we walked to the bikes we had to decide if we would still camp or call it a day. We decided that we had a great day together and risking it with a miserable wet night was probably not the smartest idea. So we biked down to the deli on MacArther Blvd., ordered a couple sandwiches and called Michael to hitch a ride home.
While we waited for Michael, Brendan asked when we could try again. He told me he was so lucky to have parents that do cool things like bike camping and he could wait to try again. I love that we had so much fun together! In all we biked nearly 25 miles and hiked the Billy Goat Trail. Not bad!
Oh - and with all the rain last night... glad we came home.
Off to canoe camping today.
Pictures available at: http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2032993&id=1213604982&l=1faab60428
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Brendan's 5th Grade Graduation
Last night was Brendan's 5th Grade Graduation Ceremony and I had the honor of speaking. Below is my speech:
A couple weeks ago I went to a meeting where I met the new superintendent, Dr. Murphy and he asked what we all liked most about the Arlington County Public Schools. Almost without
exception, everyone answered that they liked having the flexibility to choose the school in which to send our children.
Well, you can call me the odd guy out on this one – because I’m here to tell you that having a choice stressed me out! Now some of you have heard this story – so bare with me. Choosing an elementary school for Brendan, in my mind was more difficult than choosing a college for myself. I mean, let’s put this into perspective – I would only spend four years in college. But Brendan would be in elementary school for 6 six years. And if you add Brendan’s brothers, the Novak’s would spend eleven years at any one school. We finally narrowed it down to two schools, Claremont and our neighborhood school, which is within walking distance from our house. Now, as we like to say in Arlington: “there are no bad choices” when it comes to schools. But at the time, Claremont was a new and untested school. This was a difficult and important decision. So to make our final decision we did what any good parent would do. We left the decision to Brendan. And when he said he wanted to go to the Spanish school, we did up all the paperwork and signed him up. It wasn’t until a month later that one of our friends asked Brendan why he chose Claremont and he answered very matter of factly, “I want to ride the bus to school.”
In the end, I’m glad Brendan chose Claremont regardless of his reasoning. I’ve enjoyed watching many of you grow up together. It happened so fast. Birthday parties, play dates and sleepovers. But I particularly enjoyed going to the Outdoor Lab with you a couple weeks ago. I was most impressed with a group of girls who came together to help their friend through some adversity.
When Julia’s clothes and sleeping bag became soaked when they fell outside the tent, her friends came to her side. They gave her some of their dry clothing and then tried to figure out how to keep her warm through the night. The most impressive thing – is that this all happened without drama. No one got upset, no one blamed someone else. It was a very mature reaction to a difficult situation and I suspect it is reflective how you have all grown to who you are today.
Here is the cool thing about elementary school – you guys have become good friends with your classmates. In some cases – best friends. Many you will continue to be friends in middle school, through high school and college. Many of you will stay friends even if you go to different schools next year, or in high school. Some of your friends – will be your friends for the rest of your life.
But here is what I as a parent did not expect. I too have made friends – with your parents, your teachers and the school staff. We met and hung out at the bus stop or in the lobby after dropping you off. We bonded while working together on school parties or attending class trips. And we stressed a bit while working on PTA fund raisers. And finally – we called each other when your backpacks were such a mess that all hopes of locating the Tuesday packet were lost. I will stay in touch with many of your parents for years after you graduate 5th grade – and some I will stay friends with well after you have graduated from college.
Much has and will be made of the fact that you are the first class to go through Claremont - Kindergarten through 5th grade. This celebration is well deserved. You have had a lot to do with how this school has shaped itself and personality it has taken on. But you should also recognize
the other people who were also key to the development of Claremont – namely my friends: your teachers, the staff and your parents.
Fifth graders – while this evening is about you, I think it is also appropriate to thank those who helped you get here. So kids - please stand and lets say a great big thank you on the count of 3.
So now I reflect back on Brendan’s very first day of school when Brendan’s dad and I walked him to the bus stop where we met the first of many parents with whom we would become friends. As you sit here tonight I suggest that you too reflect back on your years here at Claremont as you anticipate your exciting future.
Congratulations and GOOD LUCK!
A couple weeks ago I went to a meeting where I met the new superintendent, Dr. Murphy and he asked what we all liked most about the Arlington County Public Schools. Almost without
exception, everyone answered that they liked having the flexibility to choose the school in which to send our children.Well, you can call me the odd guy out on this one – because I’m here to tell you that having a choice stressed me out! Now some of you have heard this story – so bare with me. Choosing an elementary school for Brendan, in my mind was more difficult than choosing a college for myself. I mean, let’s put this into perspective – I would only spend four years in college. But Brendan would be in elementary school for 6 six years. And if you add Brendan’s brothers, the Novak’s would spend eleven years at any one school. We finally narrowed it down to two schools, Claremont and our neighborhood school, which is within walking distance from our house. Now, as we like to say in Arlington: “there are no bad choices” when it comes to schools. But at the time, Claremont was a new and untested school. This was a difficult and important decision. So to make our final decision we did what any good parent would do. We left the decision to Brendan. And when he said he wanted to go to the Spanish school, we did up all the paperwork and signed him up. It wasn’t until a month later that one of our friends asked Brendan why he chose Claremont and he answered very matter of factly, “I want to ride the bus to school.”
In the end, I’m glad Brendan chose Claremont regardless of his reasoning. I’ve enjoyed watching many of you grow up together. It happened so fast. Birthday parties, play dates and sleepovers. But I particularly enjoyed going to the Outdoor Lab with you a couple weeks ago. I was most impressed with a group of girls who came together to help their friend through some adversity.
When Julia’s clothes and sleeping bag became soaked when they fell outside the tent, her friends came to her side. They gave her some of their dry clothing and then tried to figure out how to keep her warm through the night. The most impressive thing – is that this all happened without drama. No one got upset, no one blamed someone else. It was a very mature reaction to a difficult situation and I suspect it is reflective how you have all grown to who you are today.Here is the cool thing about elementary school – you guys have become good friends with your classmates. In some cases – best friends. Many you will continue to be friends in middle school, through high school and college. Many of you will stay friends even if you go to different schools next year, or in high school. Some of your friends – will be your friends for the rest of your life.
But here is what I as a parent did not expect. I too have made friends – with your parents, your teachers and the school staff. We met and hung out at the bus stop or in the lobby after dropping you off. We bonded while working together on school parties or attending class trips. And we stressed a bit while working on PTA fund raisers. And finally – we called each other when your backpacks were such a mess that all hopes of locating the Tuesday packet were lost. I will stay in touch with many of your parents for years after you graduate 5th grade – and some I will stay friends with well after you have graduated from college.
Much has and will be made of the fact that you are the first class to go through Claremont - Kindergarten through 5th grade. This celebration is well deserved. You have had a lot to do with how this school has shaped itself and personality it has taken on. But you should also recognize
the other people who were also key to the development of Claremont – namely my friends: your teachers, the staff and your parents.Fifth graders – while this evening is about you, I think it is also appropriate to thank those who helped you get here. So kids - please stand and lets say a great big thank you on the count of 3.
So now I reflect back on Brendan’s very first day of school when Brendan’s dad and I walked him to the bus stop where we met the first of many parents with whom we would become friends. As you sit here tonight I suggest that you too reflect back on your years here at Claremont as you anticipate your exciting future.
Congratulations and GOOD LUCK!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Seth lived 912 Years
“And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth…” Wow, so Seth wanted to continue reading the Bible last night (see previous note/post) and you can only imagine how excited he was when I read his name at the end of Chapter 4 of Genesis. He ran downstairs because he had to tell his brothers that he was “famous”!
As a non-religious person, I have to admit that reading the Bible to a six year old has been a very interesting experience. Seth has a lot of questions that I can only answer in context of the words that I am reading to him. By the time we finished Chapter 5, Seth was wondering out loud if God was in fact good. It seemed to him that God was pretty harsh after Adam and Eve ate from the tree of knowledge. Why did Adam serve over his wife? - A very good question from a six year old. He also did not understand why God was not nice to Cain after Cain offered fruit from the ground to God. Seth did understand that it was pretty drastic for Cain to kill his brother – and he assured me he would never kill his brothers. Good to know!
So there was a lot of begetting in Chapter 5 and hundreds of years passed in a few short paragraphs. People lived many years back then – including Seth who lived “nine hundred and twelve years: and he died” So much for fame.
As a non-religious person, I have to admit that reading the Bible to a six year old has been a very interesting experience. Seth has a lot of questions that I can only answer in context of the words that I am reading to him. By the time we finished Chapter 5, Seth was wondering out loud if God was in fact good. It seemed to him that God was pretty harsh after Adam and Eve ate from the tree of knowledge. Why did Adam serve over his wife? - A very good question from a six year old. He also did not understand why God was not nice to Cain after Cain offered fruit from the ground to God. Seth did understand that it was pretty drastic for Cain to kill his brother – and he assured me he would never kill his brothers. Good to know!
So there was a lot of begetting in Chapter 5 and hundreds of years passed in a few short paragraphs. People lived many years back then – including Seth who lived “nine hundred and twelve years: and he died” So much for fame.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Dinosaurs and Genesis
Seth (my 6 year old) loves to be read a book before bed each night. Last night he went to the bookshelf and chose the Bible. We are not a religious family, as a matter fact, I don’t think Seth has ever been in a church, so I found his selection curious. This particular Bible was a gift from my Great Grandmother when I was probably 10 years old and it has several colorful pictures throughout the book, which is probably what drew him to it.
I read the first chapter of Genesis. You know - the fist six days in which God created the earth, the heaven and all that inhabit them. Perhaps it is the way in which the bible repeats the same thought over and over again much like a child’s book, but Seth understood the content surprising well. He stopped me every couple of paragraphs to talk about what was happening or the meaning of a word. I had to admit to not knowing what firmament was except that the Bible defined it as “heaven”.
Seth noted on the sixth day, that God created “beasts” which in his mind had to be the dinosaurs. But this is also the same day that God created “man”. He knew this was not possible since dinosaurs and humans did not live at the same time. But he didn’t just dismiss the Bible as wrong. Instead, he thought about how it might work and perhaps God created monkeys on that day since humans evolved from monkeys.
His thought process reminded me of a scene from Inherit the Wind, a play based on the Scopes Monkey Trial, where the Clarence Darrow character argued that conceivably creation and evolution were not separate doctrines. I have not read the play since 10th grade, but I clearly remember the concept put forth that since the earth was created before the sun, it was possible that a “day” could have been millions of years.
I love that kids can take seemingly complex concepts and make them so simple.
I read the first chapter of Genesis. You know - the fist six days in which God created the earth, the heaven and all that inhabit them. Perhaps it is the way in which the bible repeats the same thought over and over again much like a child’s book, but Seth understood the content surprising well. He stopped me every couple of paragraphs to talk about what was happening or the meaning of a word. I had to admit to not knowing what firmament was except that the Bible defined it as “heaven”.
Seth noted on the sixth day, that God created “beasts” which in his mind had to be the dinosaurs. But this is also the same day that God created “man”. He knew this was not possible since dinosaurs and humans did not live at the same time. But he didn’t just dismiss the Bible as wrong. Instead, he thought about how it might work and perhaps God created monkeys on that day since humans evolved from monkeys.
His thought process reminded me of a scene from Inherit the Wind, a play based on the Scopes Monkey Trial, where the Clarence Darrow character argued that conceivably creation and evolution were not separate doctrines. I have not read the play since 10th grade, but I clearly remember the concept put forth that since the earth was created before the sun, it was possible that a “day” could have been millions of years.
I love that kids can take seemingly complex concepts and make them so simple.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Ethan's Adventure Race
I presented the idea of doing the NV Racing Family Adventure Race to my kids several weeks prior to race. I have to admit, I was a little taken aback when they 
did not respond enthusiastically. What kid would not jump at the chance to ride a bike through mud puddles, run through thickets and balance on fallen logs across a bubbling stream in search of checkpoints? So I kept asking them. I asked them the week before the race, the day before the race and the night before the race. It wasn’t until the morning of the race that Ethan, who I am convinced only said yes because he felt sorry for me, finally acquiesced. So we rushed to change clothes and load the bikes on the car. Within an hour we were in Gainsville, registered for the race and studying our map and passport.
The race consisted of 12 checkpoints around three bike drops. Each team, consisting of an adult and a kid had to visit all three bike drops (bikes could not be dropped anywhere else on the course) in their quest for checkpoints. The kid’s age group determined the number of required checkpoints and Ethan’s age group - the 8-9 year olds - had to find 8 checkpoints. They could get any 8 of the 12 checkpoints and in any order – thus some strategy was required.
In an effort to stretch out the field before everyone jumped on their bikes, Mike Spiller, the race director led everyone in a quarter to half mile forerun. It is always fun to see who is pulling whom when adults run with kids. I’ve done several Girls on the Run races and love watching the girls who take off only to leave their buddy runners (often their Dads) in the dust gasping for air. I am not at all embarrassed to say that Ethan led me the whole forerun, but I held my own!
We were among the first teams to finish the forerun. We jumped on our bikes and headed to the first bike drop. It was here that Ethan learned his first lesson of adventure racing. Never follow
another team. A father and daughter team arrived at the bike drop at nearly the same time we did. They jumped of their bikes and headed to the left and into the woods. I took out my map and quickly got my baring. Ethan wanted to know why we weren’t going into the woods like the other team. I showed him the map and where three of the four checkpoints were up the path and to the right. We reached Route 29 and turned into the woods. Ethan spotted the first checkpoint and yelled “I found it, I found it”. I had to remind myself that this was a family race, though my competitive nature wanted to hush him and not give away our location. We headed down the path to the next checkpoint and followed the stream to the third checkpoint. As we followed the stream, Ethan took every opportunity to cross it via downed trees. Perhaps it was not the most efficient path, but he was having fun.
In fact, he was having so much fun that when we jumped on our bikes in search of the next bike drop, he yelled back “This is the BEST DAY of my life!” I smiled and didn’t stop smiling for the rest of the day. Ethan used this phrase with me once before when we were on an all day canoe trip last summer. Near the end of the day, after paddling for nearly six hours, we hit some bubbly “rapids” on our return trip. He just loved maneuvering through the rocks and having the water splash into the boat. I think I may have a budding adventure racer!
We arrived at the second bike drop where we quickly picked up two more checkpoints. Ethan was looking forward the next drop, because this final stop included checkpoint 6. At the beginning of the race, Mike gave a little color on several checkpoints, including checkpoint 6 – which required crossing a log over the stream for quite a distance to the flag. As soon as he described it and suggested that some parents may want to cross the instead of their kids, Ethan was intrigued. He must have asked me 20 times, when we were heading to checkpoint 6. When we arrived, Ethan ran across the log and back like he was on solid ground. Me - I stayed on the path and watched. I’m sure if I had run as fast as he did, I would have been swimming in the stream!
We ran to the last two checkpoints at a pretty good pace and along the way we approached a father with his son. Both were clearly exhausted – and as we passed them, I heard the Dad say, “I think we need to talk your Mom into doing the next race.” Go Mom!
We finished the race in an hour and half or so during which Ethan and I rode or ran nearly entire time. He ultimately placed in his age group and won a pair of biking gloves –He loves these gloves so much that he as not taken them off since the race!
When we arrived home, we told Ethan’s brothers all about the race. You can bet that all three will be signing up for the next race in October. Thanks NV Racing!
did not respond enthusiastically. What kid would not jump at the chance to ride a bike through mud puddles, run through thickets and balance on fallen logs across a bubbling stream in search of checkpoints? So I kept asking them. I asked them the week before the race, the day before the race and the night before the race. It wasn’t until the morning of the race that Ethan, who I am convinced only said yes because he felt sorry for me, finally acquiesced. So we rushed to change clothes and load the bikes on the car. Within an hour we were in Gainsville, registered for the race and studying our map and passport.The race consisted of 12 checkpoints around three bike drops. Each team, consisting of an adult and a kid had to visit all three bike drops (bikes could not be dropped anywhere else on the course) in their quest for checkpoints. The kid’s age group determined the number of required checkpoints and Ethan’s age group - the 8-9 year olds - had to find 8 checkpoints. They could get any 8 of the 12 checkpoints and in any order – thus some strategy was required.
In an effort to stretch out the field before everyone jumped on their bikes, Mike Spiller, the race director led everyone in a quarter to half mile forerun. It is always fun to see who is pulling whom when adults run with kids. I’ve done several Girls on the Run races and love watching the girls who take off only to leave their buddy runners (often their Dads) in the dust gasping for air. I am not at all embarrassed to say that Ethan led me the whole forerun, but I held my own!
We were among the first teams to finish the forerun. We jumped on our bikes and headed to the first bike drop. It was here that Ethan learned his first lesson of adventure racing. Never follow
another team. A father and daughter team arrived at the bike drop at nearly the same time we did. They jumped of their bikes and headed to the left and into the woods. I took out my map and quickly got my baring. Ethan wanted to know why we weren’t going into the woods like the other team. I showed him the map and where three of the four checkpoints were up the path and to the right. We reached Route 29 and turned into the woods. Ethan spotted the first checkpoint and yelled “I found it, I found it”. I had to remind myself that this was a family race, though my competitive nature wanted to hush him and not give away our location. We headed down the path to the next checkpoint and followed the stream to the third checkpoint. As we followed the stream, Ethan took every opportunity to cross it via downed trees. Perhaps it was not the most efficient path, but he was having fun.
In fact, he was having so much fun that when we jumped on our bikes in search of the next bike drop, he yelled back “This is the BEST DAY of my life!” I smiled and didn’t stop smiling for the rest of the day. Ethan used this phrase with me once before when we were on an all day canoe trip last summer. Near the end of the day, after paddling for nearly six hours, we hit some bubbly “rapids” on our return trip. He just loved maneuvering through the rocks and having the water splash into the boat. I think I may have a budding adventure racer!
We arrived at the second bike drop where we quickly picked up two more checkpoints. Ethan was looking forward the next drop, because this final stop included checkpoint 6. At the beginning of the race, Mike gave a little color on several checkpoints, including checkpoint 6 – which required crossing a log over the stream for quite a distance to the flag. As soon as he described it and suggested that some parents may want to cross the instead of their kids, Ethan was intrigued. He must have asked me 20 times, when we were heading to checkpoint 6. When we arrived, Ethan ran across the log and back like he was on solid ground. Me - I stayed on the path and watched. I’m sure if I had run as fast as he did, I would have been swimming in the stream!
We ran to the last two checkpoints at a pretty good pace and along the way we approached a father with his son. Both were clearly exhausted – and as we passed them, I heard the Dad say, “I think we need to talk your Mom into doing the next race.” Go Mom!We finished the race in an hour and half or so during which Ethan and I rode or ran nearly entire time. He ultimately placed in his age group and won a pair of biking gloves –He loves these gloves so much that he as not taken them off since the race!
When we arrived home, we told Ethan’s brothers all about the race. You can bet that all three will be signing up for the next race in October. Thanks NV Racing!
Thank you to Dan Hicok for the photos http://danhicok.smugmug.com/gallery/7922082_x7Krz/1/513938522_XaXsg#513938522_XaXsg
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Death Valley Marathon
A quick note for those who have asked about the race in Death Valley this weekend: It was definitely not the race I signed up for – but was, without a doubt, an adventure!
Quick run down:
• The average rainfall in Death Valley for the month of February is 0.42 inches and only 2.33 for the entire year. On the day of the race it rained nearly an inch. And it rained the day before!
• I saw the most incredible scenery including a double rainbow (the day before the race), one of which was so vibrant – you could see the violet end of the spectrum.
• I was so excited to take pictures of the rainbow, I jumped out of the car before it was in park – and it ran over my foot. Okay – not entirely, but enough to snuff my shoe off.
• Due to flooding
and 15 inches of snow (yes – snow) in Titus Canyon, we had to run the alternate route (trail run) to Badwater (below sea level).
• It rained nearly the entire race.
• It was windy.
• The new course was an out and back. It was a significant two mile descent to start and a gradual decent to the turn around. The reverse was true for the return.
• I think I added significant distance to the race weaving around the puddles and avoiding the mushy sand to find the best line to run.
• On the return – I no longer tried to avoid the mud puddles. There were just too many!
• Mud can be slicker than ice.
• You could see the finish line for three long miles.
• I only stopped once to walk for 20 seconds. I yelled at myself to keep running.
• The last two miles were the longest two miles I’ve ever run. I shuffled the entire two miles. I think it would have been faster to walk.
• I was a wet, cold, muddy mess when I finished.
• They had the BEST tangerines at the finish line. I think I ate the equivalent of 8 before they dragged me away!
• I wore shorts and a long sleeve shirt. My legs were freezing and my shirt was so wet – it stretched over my hands.
• My feet were pruned.
• My shoes were full of mud and water.
• They may charges us extra to clean the rental car!
• It was miserable.
• It was incredibly fun.
• And I shared the experience with some great people – a couple friends I’ve known for a while and some I just met. I am in awe of the athletic talent of my friends!
And yes - I’ll definitely do this race again!
Quick run down:
• The average rainfall in Death Valley for the month of February is 0.42 inches and only 2.33 for the entire year. On the day of the race it rained nearly an inch. And it rained the day before!
• I saw the most incredible scenery including a double rainbow (the day before the race), one of which was so vibrant – you could see the violet end of the spectrum.
• I was so excited to take pictures of the rainbow, I jumped out of the car before it was in park – and it ran over my foot. Okay – not entirely, but enough to snuff my shoe off.
• Due to flooding
and 15 inches of snow (yes – snow) in Titus Canyon, we had to run the alternate route (trail run) to Badwater (below sea level).• It rained nearly the entire race.
• It was windy.
• The new course was an out and back. It was a significant two mile descent to start and a gradual decent to the turn around. The reverse was true for the return.
• I think I added significant distance to the race weaving around the puddles and avoiding the mushy sand to find the best line to run.
• On the return – I no longer tried to avoid the mud puddles. There were just too many!
• Mud can be slicker than ice.
• You could see the finish line for three long miles.
• I only stopped once to walk for 20 seconds. I yelled at myself to keep running.
• The last two miles were the longest two miles I’ve ever run. I shuffled the entire two miles. I think it would have been faster to walk.
• I was a wet, cold, muddy mess when I finished.
• They had the BEST tangerines at the finish line. I think I ate the equivalent of 8 before they dragged me away!
• I wore shorts and a long sleeve shirt. My legs were freezing and my shirt was so wet – it stretched over my hands.
• My feet were pruned.
• My shoes were full of mud and water.
• They may charges us extra to clean the rental car!
• It was miserable.
• It was incredibly fun.
• And I shared the experience with some great people – a couple friends I’ve known for a while and some I just met. I am in awe of the athletic talent of my friends!
And yes - I’ll definitely do this race again!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)