Big Runs.

Preparing for the marathon was quite the challenge.  Part of that challenge was two 20 miles long runs.  Those weeks were particularly challenging because the week mileage was also so high.  During the week I ran two five mile runs and one ten.  The first 20 miler  I ran with a CARA (Chicago Area Running Association) and the second one I ran with friends in the Chicago Marathon.  I was proud of myself!

Putting your name on your shirt and hearing it called during a race could be the greatest thing ever.

I did it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so very excited to say that I "achieved" my National Board Certification!!!  I can not explain how hard this was for me.  There is about a 30 - 40 percent pass rate for first-time candidates, so I was beyond thrilled.

A little about the certification...

National Board Certification is an advanced teaching credential, achieved upon successful completion of a voluntary rigorous assessment program.  It is the teaching profession's highest certification.  I am now certified to teach for 10 years and can teach in any state.  In 2022 (crazy right?!) I will go through a renewal process to hopefully earn another certificate for 10 years beyond that.

Also...I can now sign my name Sarah Barnett, NBCT...not like I will do that though ; ) 

Friends!

I had some friends come to visit this summer.  I loooove visitors!  Although it was awhile ago now, I still want to post some pictures of our adventures!

My friends Kathy and Megan came (Why do I not have a picture of Megan??!!) and we went to Ann Sather's after a run.  It was so beyond good.

We also went to the Lincoln Park Zoo.  We thought this gal was pregnant for sure...the zookeeper told us she was on birth control though!

And...of course...we went to Sprinkles!  (BTW, David happened to bring a dozen cupcakes home for us this past weekend.  And I ate 4.  Whoops.)

This crazy statue is right by my house.  What in the world?!

My Little Sister Ashley came to visit all the way from San Diego!!!

We did soo many things, but this is from exploring the city with Señora B.

My MCE!!

Color Run!

On the Friday of the first week of school, I drove with some teacher friends to Milwakuee to run The Color Run.  I wanted to do it when it came to Chicago in early June, but it sold out too quickly.  Although I was tired, we had a messy blast!  I would recommend this race!!

A little photo shoot at school before the race...

I love this...

Photo Book

Click here to view this photo book larger

The new way to make a photo album: photo books by Shutterfly.

Best Ice Cream EVER!

My friend Jen came to town for a week-long conference with her school.  While she was here I went to visit her in Naperville.  It is not close to my house, but I wanted to see her.  We found a bar where we ate at and kept seeing people walk by with what looked like cookie dough in a bowl.  When we left, we looked next door and found the best ice cream shop ever.  You could either order straight cookie dough, or get several combinations of flavored cookie dough on ice cream.  I can not wait to go back someday!