Can You Figure Out This Math Magic Trick?
I like to think I'm pretty good at math puzzles and tricks, but I couldn't figure this one out until he explained it to me. Can you figure out the trick?
Friday, January 28, 2011
Stumped?!?! No Really, someone tell me the trick.
I like to think I'm pretty good at math puzzles and tricks, but I couldn't figure this one out until he explained it to me. Can you figure out the trick?
Monday, January 24, 2011
Mito Hero
This post goes nicely with my previous one. I mentioned that I like to "run." I never said I was good at it, I said I enjoyed it. I started running in college as a member of dance team. When you have to wear spandex uniforms in the daylight it gets you motivated to do a little cardio. But it was fun, because my best friend did it with me and we talked and the time passed. Then when Matt and I first got married we decided to run at least one race a month to stay healthy, we ran March, April, May, June and July....then not so much. We also trained for a half marathon and made it to 7 miles, but then my big toe turned black and we realized we spent all night, every night, running. No time hanging out as newly weds and we were miserable (from the excessive running, not the marriage).
So what I learned from these experiences is that I am a middle distance runner. I love running for fun. I will never win a race, or break a record. I will never run a marathon. And I am completely fine with that. I like to run, not to punish.
I am sharing this for a reason, here it comes. Because I enjoy running for running sake, and not just to watch my time. I like signing up for races that mean something. I want to feel like I accomplished something just by participating, not by winning. So for the past two years I have signed up for The Mito-What? 5k. It's not just a good cause, it's close to home. A very good (and talented) friend of mine organizes this race. She found out about Mitochondrial Disease because a girl in her dance class had a little brother with it. Turns out I went to high school with 3 of this little boys aunts and they are amazing people with outstanding faith. Angie did a little research and discovered there was no cure for this disease and even though every 30 minutes a child is diagnosed with Mito, not many people have heard of it. So she started to run for a cure.
This year there is a a program called Mito Hero. To be one all I have to do is raise $150. That means 15 people donate 10 bucks. It is similar to St. Jude heroes and the money goes straight to UMDF. I know there are so many worthy charities out there. And I know for a fact so many of you already give so much. So please don't feel obligated. I just know we can make a difference. And if you feel so led I would love to run for you if you donate. You can paypal my email address, or just write a check to UMDF.
If you are a runner, you are probably better than me, and I would love to watch you run by on March 26th. It's only $20. Matt and I will be there!
So what I learned from these experiences is that I am a middle distance runner. I love running for fun. I will never win a race, or break a record. I will never run a marathon. And I am completely fine with that. I like to run, not to punish.
I am sharing this for a reason, here it comes. Because I enjoy running for running sake, and not just to watch my time. I like signing up for races that mean something. I want to feel like I accomplished something just by participating, not by winning. So for the past two years I have signed up for The Mito-What? 5k. It's not just a good cause, it's close to home. A very good (and talented) friend of mine organizes this race. She found out about Mitochondrial Disease because a girl in her dance class had a little brother with it. Turns out I went to high school with 3 of this little boys aunts and they are amazing people with outstanding faith. Angie did a little research and discovered there was no cure for this disease and even though every 30 minutes a child is diagnosed with Mito, not many people have heard of it. So she started to run for a cure.
This year there is a a program called Mito Hero. To be one all I have to do is raise $150. That means 15 people donate 10 bucks. It is similar to St. Jude heroes and the money goes straight to UMDF. I know there are so many worthy charities out there. And I know for a fact so many of you already give so much. So please don't feel obligated. I just know we can make a difference. And if you feel so led I would love to run for you if you donate. You can paypal my email address, or just write a check to UMDF.
If you are a runner, you are probably better than me, and I would love to watch you run by on March 26th. It's only $20. Matt and I will be there!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Let's get Physical!
Like millions of others, I resolved yet again to get back to working out and eating healthy January 1st. It wasn't really a resolution, just more like getting back into life's normal routine after the holidays and in preparation for the spring and summer wardrobe.
But here is what I am noticing, I hate working out. Let me clarify, I love being outdoors, I love jogging and walking and biking. I love the elliptical machine, it makes me feel super human. I love any type of dance or step class with great music and friends. I hate building muscle. I hate lifting weights of any kind. I hate squats, they are particularly from the devil. And I HATE that shakey feeling in the middle of a "workout" when the trainer (tv) tells you to push through and do 3 more.
So right about now your thinking I should just do the parts I like right....well, here comes my problem with that. It's cold outside AND I have a toddler. Those two complications make all the kinds of exercise I like difficult. They require being outdoors thus putting your baby in the elements (bad parenting) OR making my husband take the baby by himself 3 nights a week while I trot off to the gym for a class or machine, when I haven't seen her all day as it is (bad mom).
So I should do a workout DVD at home right? Then I can do it in the morning before everyone wakes or in the evening while still spending time at home with my family. But all the workouts on DVD are squats and weights and blah blah blah. I can make myself do it about once or twice a week, then I am totally done with it.
This is what I need from you:
1.How do you find time to work out with work and family on your plate?
2.What do you do that you enjoy?
3.What motivates you to stick with it, because right now I'm thinking the extra 10lbs may just have to stick around....even though I despise them. What makes you push through for 3 more?
PS.I know the answer to all of these questions, I know what I should do. I just need to hear you say it. Maybe your way makes more sense and will get me off the couch.
But here is what I am noticing, I hate working out. Let me clarify, I love being outdoors, I love jogging and walking and biking. I love the elliptical machine, it makes me feel super human. I love any type of dance or step class with great music and friends. I hate building muscle. I hate lifting weights of any kind. I hate squats, they are particularly from the devil. And I HATE that shakey feeling in the middle of a "workout" when the trainer (tv) tells you to push through and do 3 more.
So right about now your thinking I should just do the parts I like right....well, here comes my problem with that. It's cold outside AND I have a toddler. Those two complications make all the kinds of exercise I like difficult. They require being outdoors thus putting your baby in the elements (bad parenting) OR making my husband take the baby by himself 3 nights a week while I trot off to the gym for a class or machine, when I haven't seen her all day as it is (bad mom).
So I should do a workout DVD at home right? Then I can do it in the morning before everyone wakes or in the evening while still spending time at home with my family. But all the workouts on DVD are squats and weights and blah blah blah. I can make myself do it about once or twice a week, then I am totally done with it.
This is what I need from you:
1.How do you find time to work out with work and family on your plate?
2.What do you do that you enjoy?
3.What motivates you to stick with it, because right now I'm thinking the extra 10lbs may just have to stick around....even though I despise them. What makes you push through for 3 more?
PS.I know the answer to all of these questions, I know what I should do. I just need to hear you say it. Maybe your way makes more sense and will get me off the couch.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Never gets old
I know we've had plenty of snow days lately. But they never get old for me. Even having to dismiss 900 children in it today, freezing and wet....I love every flake!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Because he is
32 reasons I adore Matthew Garon:
32. He always takes out the trash.
31. He wears shorts in January and socks pulled up to his thighs to stay warm.
30. His eyelashes.
29. He laughs when I cry.
28.He cares about clothes.
27. He does the dishes almost every night.
26. He makes me a mixed cd every month so I stay on top of new "good" music.
25. He can design a baby shower invite in 30 mins.
24. He is an remarkable packer.
23. He dances at weddings .
22. He is silent on weekend mornings when he wakes up before me.
21. He got a perfect score on his English ACT because he's a literary genius.
20.He remembers anniversaries, more than I do.
19. He audited a Faulkner class, just because he loves him.
18. He is hilarious.
17.He can decorate a room, or redecorate after I have tried...
16.He can fix every electronical in our house.
15. He never leaves anything in his car.
14.He has a playlist on his iPod for Wesley.
13. He pays attention to detail.
12. He teaches me to enjoy life and stop worrying.
11. He can play every sport.
10. He has no tear ducts.
9. He loves Gilmore Girls.
8. He can sing "Fancy."
7. He'll do anything for a friend.
6. He let us have donuts for wedding cake.
5. He always has a pocket knife.
4.He loves his family.
3.He makes me the most happy.
2.He is the most amazing husband.
1. He is the most amazing father.
PS I have 32 more....but those will wait till he's 64. ( I will still love him then)
32. He always takes out the trash.
31. He wears shorts in January and socks pulled up to his thighs to stay warm.
30. His eyelashes.
29. He laughs when I cry.
28.He cares about clothes.
27. He does the dishes almost every night.
26. He makes me a mixed cd every month so I stay on top of new "good" music.
25. He can design a baby shower invite in 30 mins.
24. He is an remarkable packer.
23. He dances at weddings .
22. He is silent on weekend mornings when he wakes up before me.
21. He got a perfect score on his English ACT because he's a literary genius.
20.He remembers anniversaries, more than I do.
19. He audited a Faulkner class, just because he loves him.
18. He is hilarious.
17.He can decorate a room, or redecorate after I have tried...
16.He can fix every electronical in our house.
15. He never leaves anything in his car.
14.He has a playlist on his iPod for Wesley.
13. He pays attention to detail.
12. He teaches me to enjoy life and stop worrying.
11. He can play every sport.
10. He has no tear ducts.
9. He loves Gilmore Girls.
8. He can sing "Fancy."
7. He'll do anything for a friend.
6. He let us have donuts for wedding cake.
5. He always has a pocket knife.
4.He loves his family.
3.He makes me the most happy.
2.He is the most amazing husband.
1. He is the most amazing father.
PS I have 32 more....but those will wait till he's 64. ( I will still love him then)
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Dr. King
So because of the heat debacle (see below post) I missed school Friday. I have emergency sub plans taped to my desk for just such occasions, but apparently the sub that came was adventuresome. My "plans" consist of appropriate videos, because I never to like to assume a person off the street can teach a music lesson plan. But, like I said, she was up for more.
So this morning I found a lovely note on my desk that detailed all the things she had done with my classes. I have to say I was way impressed! She had used the iPod and found the songs I was teaching and even said she got out some instruments! I'm feeling great about missing, since I usually feel SUPER guilty.
I saw she had done a writing activity with 5th grade, since she couldn't figure out what "Whacky Chopstix" meant in my lesson plans or what "boomwhackers" were....I mean who doesn't know how to play chopstix on the boomwhackers, hello?!?! But I digress. Back to the writing assignment. The substitute teacher read the biography of Martin Luther King, Jr. I had out. Then told the students to write 2 facts they had learned and 1 false statement.Then they read them out loud and had to identify which statement was false. Excellent activity (and time waster)! She said in her note they all did very well with this. And she had left me the cards they wrote so I could see. I flipped through them just for good measure, and man am I glad I did. This made my entire day.
Just so you don't miss it, according to a 5th grader in 2011, Dr. King was hot.
Perfect.
So this morning I found a lovely note on my desk that detailed all the things she had done with my classes. I have to say I was way impressed! She had used the iPod and found the songs I was teaching and even said she got out some instruments! I'm feeling great about missing, since I usually feel SUPER guilty.
I saw she had done a writing activity with 5th grade, since she couldn't figure out what "Whacky Chopstix" meant in my lesson plans or what "boomwhackers" were....I mean who doesn't know how to play chopstix on the boomwhackers, hello?!?! But I digress. Back to the writing assignment. The substitute teacher read the biography of Martin Luther King, Jr. I had out. Then told the students to write 2 facts they had learned and 1 false statement.Then they read them out loud and had to identify which statement was false. Excellent activity (and time waster)! She said in her note they all did very well with this. And she had left me the cards they wrote so I could see. I flipped through them just for good measure, and man am I glad I did. This made my entire day.
Just so you don't miss it, according to a 5th grader in 2011, Dr. King was hot.
Perfect.
Monday, January 17, 2011
A short tale of irony: Washburn Heater....ok a long one.
Matt and I live in Midtown Memphis. We love it. It's charming, it's unique and it's got history. You can walk to restaurants and the zoo. There 100 yr old trees in our backyard. All of these things make the other stuff worth it. So let's talk about the other stuff.
Our house was built in 1922. Fabulous, right?!?! It has original floors, crown molding and even french doors in the living room. It also has it's original hand blown, thin as tissue paper (and about as holy) windows. As soon as we moved in, I went about preparing to replace all the windows in the house. I quickly learned we had 32 windows and very old specialty casing around said windows, which makes replacing them EXPENSIVE...to the tune of around $10,000. So we did NOT replace our windows.
Skip ahead to our first winter in our antique house. Picture it Sicily 1922....wait no that's a different story. It's February 2010 it has been in the teens for a record 10 days in Memphis and in our house we have not been able to get above 60 degrees. We spend our nights huddled in the living room with a roaring fire and two space heaters. During the weekend we walk to mall just to be somewhere that is warm. Are you sad for us yet? I am. We tell ourselves this too shall pass and chalk the freezing house up to the obvious window problem.
Fast forward one year. It is January 12, 2011. The temp is 11. Inside 57. Mary is unpleasant. I know why it's cold. I choose to live in a charming midtown bungalow with 90 yr old windows, I did this to myself I cannot complain. And yet I do, I am so sad. I am an adult, with a job....why am I shivering in my house? So I call the heater man. I tell him my sad story, in my shakiest cold voice, and throw in the fact I have an adorable angel baby who can barely play for her frostbitten fingers. He promises to be at my door first thing in the morning.
Friday morning up at 6 so I can be ready for the man, 7 am...8am....9am....10am....11am.....11:45 he knocks on the door (what part f that was first thing?) Oh well, he's here. We head downstairs. He praises me on our new unit, that is nice and warm AND that I had changed the air filter!! He muses over why in the world ot wouldn't be keeping our moderate house warm. He decides to take a look inside at something called the "heat strips." Sure I say, the heat strips. He opens Tricia the Trane HVAC up and guess what...she has NOOOOOO heat strips. They are not broken, or used up no no my friends, they have never been installed. He is aghast! Having a unit with no heat strips is like having a car with no radio ever installed (this is what he tells me). You just don't see it. Now from here this story gets much longer and way more technical. I do not want to take you through that or you will stop reading my blog. So here is the summary in 100 words or leass:
No heat strips=when the temp outside is below 32 our heater no longer produces warm air (IRONIC)
They skipped installing them b/c there was not enough wire in the basement to plug into.
There is not enough wire b/c our house is 100yrs old
We will now be hiring an electitian to put in more wire (cha-ching)
We will be installing heat strips.
Mary will be warm=priceless.
Got it? Ah, homeowning!
Our house was built in 1922. Fabulous, right?!?! It has original floors, crown molding and even french doors in the living room. It also has it's original hand blown, thin as tissue paper (and about as holy) windows. As soon as we moved in, I went about preparing to replace all the windows in the house. I quickly learned we had 32 windows and very old specialty casing around said windows, which makes replacing them EXPENSIVE...to the tune of around $10,000. So we did NOT replace our windows.
Skip ahead to our first winter in our antique house. Picture it Sicily 1922....wait no that's a different story. It's February 2010 it has been in the teens for a record 10 days in Memphis and in our house we have not been able to get above 60 degrees. We spend our nights huddled in the living room with a roaring fire and two space heaters. During the weekend we walk to mall just to be somewhere that is warm. Are you sad for us yet? I am. We tell ourselves this too shall pass and chalk the freezing house up to the obvious window problem.
Fast forward one year. It is January 12, 2011. The temp is 11. Inside 57. Mary is unpleasant. I know why it's cold. I choose to live in a charming midtown bungalow with 90 yr old windows, I did this to myself I cannot complain. And yet I do, I am so sad. I am an adult, with a job....why am I shivering in my house? So I call the heater man. I tell him my sad story, in my shakiest cold voice, and throw in the fact I have an adorable angel baby who can barely play for her frostbitten fingers. He promises to be at my door first thing in the morning.
Friday morning up at 6 so I can be ready for the man, 7 am...8am....9am....10am....11am.....11:45 he knocks on the door (what part f that was first thing?) Oh well, he's here. We head downstairs. He praises me on our new unit, that is nice and warm AND that I had changed the air filter!! He muses over why in the world ot wouldn't be keeping our moderate house warm. He decides to take a look inside at something called the "heat strips." Sure I say, the heat strips. He opens Tricia the Trane HVAC up and guess what...she has NOOOOOO heat strips. They are not broken, or used up no no my friends, they have never been installed. He is aghast! Having a unit with no heat strips is like having a car with no radio ever installed (this is what he tells me). You just don't see it. Now from here this story gets much longer and way more technical. I do not want to take you through that or you will stop reading my blog. So here is the summary in 100 words or leass:
No heat strips=when the temp outside is below 32 our heater no longer produces warm air (IRONIC)
They skipped installing them b/c there was not enough wire in the basement to plug into.
There is not enough wire b/c our house is 100yrs old
We will now be hiring an electitian to put in more wire (cha-ching)
We will be installing heat strips.
Mary will be warm=priceless.
Got it? Ah, homeowning!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Here we go again
Turns out I miss blogging. I mostly miss it because I am surrounded by amazing writers and I enjoy reading their blogs.
So, full disclosure:
1. I am not a grammar major, nor a professional writer, sorry for all current and future comma placements.
2. I have a daughter and she is, all cliches aside, the light of my life. Several (if not all posts) will be about her.
3. I am learning to monogram and applique, I will use this blog as a platform.
If any of the above mentioned statements bother you, tough, you are my friends and family and you will read it anyway.
Love love,
Mary Elizabeth
So, full disclosure:
1. I am not a grammar major, nor a professional writer, sorry for all current and future comma placements.
2. I have a daughter and she is, all cliches aside, the light of my life. Several (if not all posts) will be about her.
3. I am learning to monogram and applique, I will use this blog as a platform.
If any of the above mentioned statements bother you, tough, you are my friends and family and you will read it anyway.
Love love,
Mary Elizabeth
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