Hit an Om Run!

I love running and working out clothes.  I often call myself a "stunner" (stylish-runner) (please don't laugh.)  One of my very favorite workout stores is Lululemon.  It's seriously like they put crack in the clothes.  I can even smell their store from inside the mall before I get to it.  The problem is, it's not too easy on the checkbook.  Luckily, David understands and I try not to go in too often.


Lulu was opening a new store on State Street right by Wrigley Field.  To celebrate the opening, they decided to hold a free yoga session on the actual field!  All you needed to do was RSVP, and they took the first 1000 people.  I HAD to do it.  David couldn't believe they were letting us on the field and was very jealous, which made me want to do it even more.  I had my friend Lauren, who is a yoga expert, come with me.  We had seriously THE BEST time.  They had 2 hours of free yoga, free mats, a fun 7th inning stretch dance party, and even breakfast.  I don't think I will forget this one!

TERESA!

Okay, so it is totally possible you do not know who this lady is.  If you lived in our home, you would though.  Reality is king with me and one of my favorite shows is Real Housewives of New Jersey on Bravo.  On that show is a housewife, Teresa Guidicce.  She is nuts, but super entertaining.  Along with being a reality star, she has written a few cookbooks.


A few weeks ago, David saw on Twitter that she was coming into town to promote one of her cookbooks!  He called me excitedly (I'm being serious) and said that we had to go.  We waited in line for awhile and had fun.  We even saw a Mob Wives of Chicago star, even though I'm not so into that one (shocking, I know!)  It was crazy seeing her in person, she was nice!

 The Mob Wife, Leah??

BFF's! ; ) 

Girls on the Run

Girls on the Run is an AWESOME organization that works with 3rd through 8th grade girls on self-esteem and self-confidence.  While working on these things, the girls train to run their first 5k.  If I wasn't teaching, I would work in some way for this organization (or, be a professional organizer...I digress.)  I wanted to be a coach at my school, but it would be very expensive for our girls to participate because the fee is based off of the economic status of the community.


Although I can not participate in the organization as a coach, I can volunteer!  This June, I volunteered at the Girls on the Run 5k in Chicago.  It is one of the largest ones the hold.  I was a "running buddy" with a 3rd and 4th grade girl and loved every minute of it.  It was so much fun and a great experience to watch them accomplish their goal!

 My girls I ran with.

 The other running buddies that volunteered for the school we were with.

We did it!

Marathon, again!

I wanted to show you two photos from one of my marathon runs.  I meet a group Saturday mornings at Montrose Beach to run.  It's always a great view!

Marathon Update

Well, I am about a month into MARATHON training.  Is it fun?  Yes and no.  Is it hard?  Yes.  Do you like running in the heat? NO!  The heat would be the worst part.  It makes you just feel like you have zero mojo.  I have never been a summer runner.  Throw in a bad knee and then you have an awesome combo.  I will get through it though!  I went to a kick off session and met the one and only Hal Higdon.  If you know anything about running, he is a superstar!

Shower Cakes

If you know me well, you know I love being crafty.  You also know that I love pinterest.  Well, I have combined the two and began making bridal shower "towel cakes."  I made the first one with some friends for a shower I threw and the second one for my future sister-in-law.  I can not wait to have another excuse to make one...and to try out a diaper cake!

More Love Letters

I received these love letters from some of my girls at the end of the school year.  I throw most of my notes away (I know...I'm horrible!) but I have started taking pictures of some of them.  One day I got a few that I totally loved.  Enjoy!

 Totally cannot figure out how to turn these...

"Dear Mrs. Barnett you are very nice.  I wish that we never had to go to second grade.  I am so sad I totally wish we could stay."

 "Dear Mrs. Barnett you are the best teacher ever!  I wish I could stay with you!  Thank you for teaching us!"

 "Dear Miss B.  I will miss you on summer break.  My heart is going to break.  I will miss you (look on the back)"

"Dear Mrs. B. I will miss you.  I will miss you during summer.  I love how you teach.  I love you."