Monday, January 17, 2011
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Hi! It's Us Again!
I apologize for taking so long to write a blog post. But I must admit, the adventurous Italian couple we were previously in our blog, have taken on a new life……. (but we still are adventurous)!
My adventures begin at 5:30 am, when I leave for school to begin my preparations for my lessons. The highlight of my morning is at 8:20 am when my Busy Bees “buzz” into our classroom to start their day. I am filled with joy when I hear my Second Graders’ stories of playing on the playground, losing a tooth, and finding a frog outside our room. I never know what my day may bring, but I do know, that every morning we start our day, proclaiming that we will “Bee the very best we can Bee.”
Brock’s adventures start early too; with his morning workout and devotions and greeting his players as they enter the school. When the bell rings, he never knows how long it will take for the first rule violator to arrive in his room. But the passion of his profession beings after school, where he meets his Receivers on the field for football practice. He enjoys hearing the stories of girlfriends and love interests, problems of homework and teachers, and complaints of complicated and difficult plays/ schemes they need to master before their big game.
We are so happy in our new roles; both of us teachers, coaches, and teammates. We rush home at the end of our busy day, eager to share our stories of our kids. The kids, that after just one week, mean so much to us. It’s fall again and we’re ‘Back to School’ and back to the ‘grind’ of football season. It’s a busy life, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
My adventures begin at 5:30 am, when I leave for school to begin my preparations for my lessons. The highlight of my morning is at 8:20 am when my Busy Bees “buzz” into our classroom to start their day. I am filled with joy when I hear my Second Graders’ stories of playing on the playground, losing a tooth, and finding a frog outside our room. I never know what my day may bring, but I do know, that every morning we start our day, proclaiming that we will “Bee the very best we can Bee.”
Brock’s adventures start early too; with his morning workout and devotions and greeting his players as they enter the school. When the bell rings, he never knows how long it will take for the first rule violator to arrive in his room. But the passion of his profession beings after school, where he meets his Receivers on the field for football practice. He enjoys hearing the stories of girlfriends and love interests, problems of homework and teachers, and complaints of complicated and difficult plays/ schemes they need to master before their big game.
We are so happy in our new roles; both of us teachers, coaches, and teammates. We rush home at the end of our busy day, eager to share our stories of our kids. The kids, that after just one week, mean so much to us. It’s fall again and we’re ‘Back to School’ and back to the ‘grind’ of football season. It’s a busy life, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
My First Race
WooHoo! I did it! And boy was it fun! To some, running for a long distance, for a long period of time, seems tedious and unappealing. To others, they enjoy the challenge; both mental and physical, that comes along with running. I am in between the two.
While in Italy, I really began to enjoy running. When Brock went to the gym to train for football, I would park my sneakers on a tread mill and just run. When I first began, I would run a lap, walk a lap. That became easy, so I would begin running 2 laps, then 3, until I realized I didn’t need to walk at all. My time on the tread mill at first was boring. “Holy cow!” I would think. “Brock has been lifting for almost an hour and I am still on this thing.” But then, when I would look at my distance, then my time, I began to get motivated to decrease my time, and it slowly became an internal challenge.
Once Brock realized my interest, he started to run with me. We would run at the park and to different places around the city of Milan. We would run at the gym and he would push me to kick it up a notch to improve my time. I liked running because I did not have to compete with anyone; only myself. I also liked the benefits of running; the cardio, my conditioning, and my legs and butt looked like I did a squat work out, and you really don’t need any equipment…just your running shoes (and an iPod if you get bored!).
When we moved back to the States, I really wanted to keep up with my leisure running. But with Brock, he always takes fitness to the next level, even with me. So I entered us (yes Brock too) in the Firecracker 5k race that is held every year in Naples, Florida. He wanted me to experience “training” for a race, to push myself to build up my endurance, and to improve my time. A 5k (about 3.2 miles) is a short distance for me, compared to what I was running in Italy.
As we pulled up to the race site this morning, the energy was apparent even from the car. Everyone was ready to just…run. The concept sounds silly when you say it, but when you’re there you want to just take off! I did well for my first race. I am not a fast runner but once I get going, I can go forever. My goal was to run the entire race without stopping. And I did. And as I approached the finish line sprinting, I got an overwhelming feeling of pride as I saw Brock and the other runners who had finished before, standing and cheering me on.
This 5k, in the big scheme of things, was just a little goal. Something I wanted to try, something I had never done before, and it was something I wanted to prove to myself I could do.
P.S A new goal I have is to improve on my speed walking for when I enter my “elder years” so I can speed walk faster than the young runners! It really impressed me. It also motivated me to kick up a few notches to pass the speed walkers! No way, no how was the older pep stepper going to pass me!
While in Italy, I really began to enjoy running. When Brock went to the gym to train for football, I would park my sneakers on a tread mill and just run. When I first began, I would run a lap, walk a lap. That became easy, so I would begin running 2 laps, then 3, until I realized I didn’t need to walk at all. My time on the tread mill at first was boring. “Holy cow!” I would think. “Brock has been lifting for almost an hour and I am still on this thing.” But then, when I would look at my distance, then my time, I began to get motivated to decrease my time, and it slowly became an internal challenge.
Once Brock realized my interest, he started to run with me. We would run at the park and to different places around the city of Milan. We would run at the gym and he would push me to kick it up a notch to improve my time. I liked running because I did not have to compete with anyone; only myself. I also liked the benefits of running; the cardio, my conditioning, and my legs and butt looked like I did a squat work out, and you really don’t need any equipment…just your running shoes (and an iPod if you get bored!).
When we moved back to the States, I really wanted to keep up with my leisure running. But with Brock, he always takes fitness to the next level, even with me. So I entered us (yes Brock too) in the Firecracker 5k race that is held every year in Naples, Florida. He wanted me to experience “training” for a race, to push myself to build up my endurance, and to improve my time. A 5k (about 3.2 miles) is a short distance for me, compared to what I was running in Italy.
As we pulled up to the race site this morning, the energy was apparent even from the car. Everyone was ready to just…run. The concept sounds silly when you say it, but when you’re there you want to just take off! I did well for my first race. I am not a fast runner but once I get going, I can go forever. My goal was to run the entire race without stopping. And I did. And as I approached the finish line sprinting, I got an overwhelming feeling of pride as I saw Brock and the other runners who had finished before, standing and cheering me on.
This 5k, in the big scheme of things, was just a little goal. Something I wanted to try, something I had never done before, and it was something I wanted to prove to myself I could do.
P.S A new goal I have is to improve on my speed walking for when I enter my “elder years” so I can speed walk faster than the young runners! It really impressed me. It also motivated me to kick up a few notches to pass the speed walkers! No way, no how was the older pep stepper going to pass me!
The Birthday Boy
This past Friday, we celebrated Brock’s 23rd birthday! Now, birthdays, with me, become a week long event. So, we celebrated Brock’s birthday week! Each day he received a little something and the presents became “greater” as it got closer to his birthday. Day 1, Snickers Ice cream bar (Brock’s favorite), Day 2, Funfetti Cookies (also Brock’s favorite), Day 3 a date at the beach, Day 4 I cooked Brock’s favorite dinner and my sister and I made him homemade Boston Crème Pie and we “pampered” him while watching girl movies (okay, that could have been for our selfish pleasure but he had fun), and Day 5 (HIS ACTUAL BIRTHDAY) he was picked up in a black Mustang Convertible by our dear friends and we went to a great Italian Restaurant for dinner.
Thank you Lord for creating my wonderful husband 23 years ago, and for putting him in my life. He is a wonderful man and a wonderful husband. Happy Birthday Brocky, I love you and thank you for spending the day with me. I know it was your birthday, but I got the best gift of all, you!
“…I have every hope that our plans and dreams will come true. But I know that whatever our future may bring, I will be happy because I am with you.” – his birthday card from me.
Monday, June 21, 2010
"There is no place like home."
Growing up, my favorite movie was The Wizard of Oz. I would watch it over and over again, on repeat, singing and dancing, and following the “yellow brick road” with Dorothy and Toto. I loved that movie! I can relate to the adventures of Dorothy; a young lady, who left home, and went on an adventure. She made friends, made her way through strange beautiful places she had never been before, and found herself desperately longing to be home with the people she loves in her familiar place on the family farm that is “somewhere over the rainbow.” We both have a love for our dogs; although I didn’t get to bring Koda along for my adventure and we both can appreciate a great, spectacular red shiny heels! I often find myself in the company Dorothy did; the Lion, Tin Man, and Scarecrow. Actually, Brock reminds me of the Cowardly Lion. Big and tough, very sensitive, and caring but he isn’t cowardly at all. Brock is like the Lion, always ready to protect and fight off the monkeys! Oh, and when the Lion gets all dolled up with his curls in that red bow, that definitely reminds me of Brock! This past weekend, sharing Father’s Day with my family (minus my sister, Christina, who we missed so much), made me appreciate the feeling of being home. There truly is no place like home. It is such a special time being a newlywed; enjoying the feeling of home that our families provide for us, but also being able to make a home for ourselves. I look forward to finding our first house, making it warm and cozy, and starting our very own “Smith” traditions there. So when I am feeling sad and far away, in an unfamiliar place, or consumed in a classroom project for my 2nd graders, or missing Brock when he is off coaching during football season… I can put on those great, spectacular red shiny slippers, and click my heels 3 times and say: “There is no place like home.”
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Home is Where the Heart is...
My last blog entry was my thank you to our new friends in Italy and our end to a life changing event; “the big adventure”. Last night speaking to my Uncle Bobby, he shared his thoughts on the blog and I said “it’s done….I sent our love to those who became our new friends.” He said, “No that’s not the end, you need to end your love story. That’s how I read your adventures.” So to my Uncle Bobby, I dedicate this blog to you. I will share what I learned during this amazing time in our lives.
When I named our blog, “Home is Where the Heart is” it had a different meaning than it does now.I guess, to those of you reading this blog that are slightly older / wiser than I am, you will shake your head and smile.
I was thinking, “Ok, Brock and I will do this and put the beginning of our life on hold.” How silly, our life started when we meet in Virginia and it all has been and will continue to be an adventure.
Home is where ever we are, together, at any given time. Our life is full, with so much love from family and friends. Whether we are in Virginia, Italy, or Florida, we are Home.
Uncle Bobby, for our love story and our life adventure, I end this blog with a
to be continued……….
Verona
Venice for our 1 Year Anniversary
Venice
Switzerland
Sushi in Italy
Siena
San Gimignano, Tuscany
Rome
Positano
Pompeii
Pizza in Italy
Pisa
Park Simpione
Castello Sforzesco
Inside the Castle
Lugano, Switzerland
Lake Como
La Spezia
Gondola in Venice
Milano Football
Florence
Monterosso
Cinque Terre
Blue Grotto
Capri
Bergamo
When I named our blog, “Home is Where the Heart is” it had a different meaning than it does now.I guess, to those of you reading this blog that are slightly older / wiser than I am, you will shake your head and smile.
I was thinking, “Ok, Brock and I will do this and put the beginning of our life on hold.” How silly, our life started when we meet in Virginia and it all has been and will continue to be an adventure.
Home is where ever we are, together, at any given time. Our life is full, with so much love from family and friends. Whether we are in Virginia, Italy, or Florida, we are Home.
Uncle Bobby, for our love story and our life adventure, I end this blog with a
to be continued……….
Verona
Venice for our 1 Year Anniversary
Venice
Switzerland
Sushi in Italy
Siena
San Gimignano, Tuscany
Rome
Positano
Pompeii
Pizza in Italy
Pisa
Park Simpione
Castello Sforzesco
Inside the Castle
Lugano, Switzerland
Lake Como
La Spezia
Gondola in Venice
Milano Football
Florence
Monterosso
Cinque Terre
Blue Grotto
Capri
Bergamo
Sunday, June 6, 2010
A Fond Goodbye to Italy
To our dear Italian friends who made our experience in Italy feel like home, thank you so much for so many things
Thank you for:
Helping us learn how to communicate in Italian… more or less.
Showing us the Milan nightlife and introducing us to all your friends, and families.
Taking us to an all you can eat sushi restaurant, even if we ordered too much and the owner MADE US EAT IT ALL until we all were sick and smelled of fish.
The fabulous food and exposing us to so many amazing Italian dishes.
Introducing us to the culture of Italian dining and how to eat very slow, oh so very slow 5 hour dinners with so many courses, we enjoyed every minute of it especially all of your wonderful company during those oh so long dinners.
The advice on travelling and how to survive in Milan and escape the pigeons at the Duomo.
Most of all, thank you for your friendship, your love, encouragement, and your open arms to Brock and me.
As we are home, we are excited to be back, but we miss our new Italian friends. Thank you for giving us one of the best experiences of our lives and making Milan, Italy, feel like a home for the time we lived there. We are so blessed to have met all of you. We will always remember the fun times we had with you and look forward to seeing you again!
Since we’ve been home: We have eaten Taco Bell, Subway, and had American cookies and ice cream. Brock even searched and “sniffed” out a Kebab place here in Florida. We have laid out at the pool and enjoyed a day out in the sun on the jet skis. We have loved on our puppy Koda who we have missed so much and in true Smith fashion, we have began planning when we are going to see you all again.
Thank you for:
Helping us learn how to communicate in Italian… more or less.
Showing us the Milan nightlife and introducing us to all your friends, and families.
Taking us to an all you can eat sushi restaurant, even if we ordered too much and the owner MADE US EAT IT ALL until we all were sick and smelled of fish.
The fabulous food and exposing us to so many amazing Italian dishes.
Introducing us to the culture of Italian dining and how to eat very slow, oh so very slow 5 hour dinners with so many courses, we enjoyed every minute of it especially all of your wonderful company during those oh so long dinners.
The advice on travelling and how to survive in Milan and escape the pigeons at the Duomo.
Most of all, thank you for your friendship, your love, encouragement, and your open arms to Brock and me.
As we are home, we are excited to be back, but we miss our new Italian friends. Thank you for giving us one of the best experiences of our lives and making Milan, Italy, feel like a home for the time we lived there. We are so blessed to have met all of you. We will always remember the fun times we had with you and look forward to seeing you again!
Since we’ve been home: We have eaten Taco Bell, Subway, and had American cookies and ice cream. Brock even searched and “sniffed” out a Kebab place here in Florida. We have laid out at the pool and enjoyed a day out in the sun on the jet skis. We have loved on our puppy Koda who we have missed so much and in true Smith fashion, we have began planning when we are going to see you all again.
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