Hilarious

My friend Jill has been inspired and is trying to convince her future hubby to undertake this ambitious aisle proceeding at their wedding. Put on a diaper~ you might pee your pants.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0

GRADUATED!

I'm finally done! Phew. Celebrated this weekend with friends & family and it feels good. My GMU friends and I had a party on Friday night followed by going out on U St. in DC... good times. The next morning, however, not so good. Especially when my anxiously awaiting family informed me that we would be going on our LONG bike ride on Saturday instead of Sunday; I wasn't that tired, right? No, ummm, just dehydrated... But it was all ok in the end. The beautiful Mount Vernon trail kept my legs pumping and spirits lifted.

Grass is greener on the other side of the border

Running in Alexandria has been amazing the past week and a half. Even with the protests of my shin splints I can't get enough. I have been craving a good run since moving to Pachuca where 90% of the landscape is brown dust. The grass is definitely greener on the other side. I ran a few times while in Pachuca but there are several reasons why it is more of a challenge~ both physically and mentally~ than in the U.S. The first is that the landscape looks like this.
Not ideal for a runner. The second is that people in Pachuca are not into the whole running thing... and that's putting it nicely. Stares are common and honks and yells are rather frequent as well. Just prepare to tune out and run. It actually becomes a driving force for faster running after a while. Another challenge to running in Pachuca is potholes. There are literally at least 10 on every street you go down. Twisted ankles threaten your every step. So you must be aware and take caution. I managed to map out a minimal pothole route after a few trial runs. Still, you can imagine my delight at running in Old Town Alexandria, a lush landscape of running and biking trails, fitness freaks, and smooth roads. aaaaaaah.

Grandmother Classifies 79% Of Everything A Shame

So I'm riding the metro into D.C. the other day and pick up The Onion for my reading pleasure. My last experience with The Onion was very memorable since I didn't realize it was a news parody and thought that Obama was actually peeved at the campaign group MoveOn.org for sending out weekly emails asking people for their support during the election this fall (it was actually starting to get really annoying. I mean, if we're on the email list, we probably don't need that much convincing). This time, however, I was a knowledgeable Onion reader and found myself laughing out loud in the metro more than once. This story was particularly hilarious. Read it here. HA!

GMU Fast Train

I'm wrapping up my last class in graduate school and it feels great. It's been 2 years since I started the program taking online and summer courses. The program is designed for teachers who are abroad and unable to attend face to face classes throughout the school year. While it wasn't ideal (posting to blackboard became somewhat nauseating by the end...) I have learned a lot and am really proud of the work that I've done. Once our Action Research project is turned in next week I'll be a the mighty owner of an MEd! Wooop wooop! Find out more about the program here.

Cutest thing ever

Today was my last day of school since I have to get back to the U.S. for graduate school. When I left for a meeting, my students, unbeknownst to me, wrote me some of the cutest notes I've ever read... Here is my favorite: Keep in mind they are second language learners...

Miss M:

I will miss you a lot. This few weeks that you were my teacher I like you a lot because you are very fun. When I don't understand you explain me. You are the best teacher I have met. Thank you for all. I will miss you a lot. Bye Miss M, I hope you like us and I wish you lots of good things. I will remember you always. I will not forget you never.

I almost cried. This is why I do what I do!~ Hasta Augusto, ASP!

Michael Jackson

A post to commemorate the one and only Michael Jackson. He died today at the age of 50 after suffering from cardiac arrest. I don't think his music will ever go out of style... I've been listening to it all night and have found myself singing along and dancing in front of the mirror as a direct result. Remember old times with my favorite videos, Do You Remember the Time and Black or White.