Ever since Pam and I have gotten in to cycling I have been much more aware of our safety and bicyclists rights. I can not stand the fact that if you kill a bicyclist with your automobile you barely get punished:
http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20090304/NEWS01/90303026&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL
Grrrrrrr!!!! how can you kill another human and get away with a 3 digit fine?
-Matt
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
About my wife
Well so for those of you that don't know Pam is in England for the week visiting her mom, which is of course totally fair since I visited England about 4 months ago. But now here I am stuck at home alone, and I have been having a tough time lately... The Navy and the Enterprise are beating me down, it really sucks having a job where people can be rude, fowl, and just horrible human beings and not only not get punished but get rewarded... but that is not what this post is about.
This is about Pam, my best friend. She takes care of me, and keeps me headed in the right direction. I tell her just about every day how much she means to me and how much better my life is because of her, but I without her here to tell, I realized that I should let the world know =)
Today for example, she is thousands of miles away, but she called me and we talked briefly. during the short conversation I helped convince her to work out which she really wanted to do, and in return she challenged me to work out. I needed her challenge... I needed it bad, I was so not going to even though I know I should. But her little nudge kicked me in the butt and made me do what I should. Of course now that I have worked out I feel great and am so glad I did. But most of all I am so glad to have Pam in my life... Thank you dear, I am thrilled to be growing up with you!
-Matt-
PS: Sorry for the sappy love not on the blog, but it is our blog! =)
This is about Pam, my best friend. She takes care of me, and keeps me headed in the right direction. I tell her just about every day how much she means to me and how much better my life is because of her, but I without her here to tell, I realized that I should let the world know =)
Today for example, she is thousands of miles away, but she called me and we talked briefly. during the short conversation I helped convince her to work out which she really wanted to do, and in return she challenged me to work out. I needed her challenge... I needed it bad, I was so not going to even though I know I should. But her little nudge kicked me in the butt and made me do what I should. Of course now that I have worked out I feel great and am so glad I did. But most of all I am so glad to have Pam in my life... Thank you dear, I am thrilled to be growing up with you!
-Matt-
PS: Sorry for the sappy love not on the blog, but it is our blog! =)
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Graduation
Ok, so I don't know how many of you knew, but I wasn't sure that I was going to actually graduate in December. I was waiting for 4 credits from the community college to transfer in, and I was getting the total runaround from everyone. First TCC (the community college) said they were going to transfer the credits as soon as the grade posted in December. Well, I contacted them after Christmas when they reopened to make sure they had transferred them, and lo and behold, they hadn't sent the transcript yet. What? Are you serious? They told me they were extremely sorry, and that they would send the transcript first thing in the morning. So this is something like January 10th. Well, I checked with ODU on about the 15th, and they hadn't received any transcript yet. So I called TCC again, and said, WTH? Why haven't you transferred my credits? They said they had, so I called ODU again. They hadn't received it yet. Can you see why I was frustrated? I got a little busy with school, but at this point I had actually received an email from the graduation guy saying that I didn't actually graduate in December and I would need to request graduation for the spring. No big deal, I can do that. Well, so it is February, and I decide to contact ODU and see if they have my transcript. It was about the middle of Feb, and I emailed the director of transfer admitting. She emailed me back and said they had received the transcript on January 27th. January 27th! When TCC was supposed to send it "The Next Day" on January 10th? Arghh...At this point I'm extremely frustrated, b/c it is going to take 4 to 6 weeks for the grade to post. Then I had a meeting with Arminda. Who's Arminda, you ask? Well, she's the program adviser for MSED PK-6 program at ODU. She knows the ins and outs of the program like no one else. Anyways, we got to the end of our meeting, where I was putting in my application for student teaching for the fall semester, and I remembered that I should bring up the fact that I hadn't technically graduated yet. She was like, "What? Oh, no. That's not good. Let's see what we can do about it." She emailed the transfer transcript woman, told her the situation-all of this right in front of me. I left for the day, not getting my hopes up. Well, yesterday I got an email from Arminda, and this is what she sent me:
So there you have it. I don't know why I didn't have Arminda take care of it earlier, but in 1 week she was able to do what I had been trying to do for over two months. Some people don't like Arminda; they aren't happy when she tells them that if they are not doing the Master's program and instead pursuing some other path, they will not get preference. The preference goes to those of us pursuing our Master's. I think its fair. I mean, we're spending more money with the university. We're going through their program the way it was designed.
And did you see that GPA? 3.91! That means that in the end I graduated Summa Cum Laude. In case you were wondering, which I'm sure you were, I made the Dean's List every semester of my undergrad degree at ODU.That was actually something I was doing in honor of Dad. I know that he would be really proud of me, as I'm sure you all are, too. The last thing we talked about together was my first midterm test I took, which was for my Music Appreciation class. I got 100% on it. He was so proud. I wish he could see me now, college grad and all. If only I knew how to tie my shoes... (inside joke.)
I'm so excited. I think I'm more excited now about my December Bachelor's Degree than I would have been if I would have automatically gotten it. Talking to others in my program who have to immediately go on to the Master's Program, I can understand why most of them aren't too thrilled about their diploma. At the moment, it is just a piece of paper. Three more semesters, and we'll have something we can actually get a job with.
Anyways, I should really study for a midterm test I have today. I am going to the Elementary school this morning, which I'm excited about. I didn't go on Monday b/c of the snow, I didn't go yesterday, b/c they were SOL testing, and I'm not going tomorrow b/c of testing, so today's my day. I have this midterm test tonight, which shouldn't be too bad. Then I have a group presentation tomorrow. Along with a literature circle that we're going to do in class to. Shoot! I forgot about that. Oh, well, I have all day tomorrow to get that done. And then........It is off to ENGLAND!!! (Did I mention I'm a little excited about that?) I'm getting more and more excited the closer it gets.
Ok, off to the shower for me :)
Pam
So there you have it. I don't know why I didn't have Arminda take care of it earlier, but in 1 week she was able to do what I had been trying to do for over two months. Some people don't like Arminda; they aren't happy when she tells them that if they are not doing the Master's program and instead pursuing some other path, they will not get preference. The preference goes to those of us pursuing our Master's. I think its fair. I mean, we're spending more money with the university. We're going through their program the way it was designed.
And did you see that GPA? 3.91! That means that in the end I graduated Summa Cum Laude. In case you were wondering, which I'm sure you were, I made the Dean's List every semester of my undergrad degree at ODU.That was actually something I was doing in honor of Dad. I know that he would be really proud of me, as I'm sure you all are, too. The last thing we talked about together was my first midterm test I took, which was for my Music Appreciation class. I got 100% on it. He was so proud. I wish he could see me now, college grad and all. If only I knew how to tie my shoes... (inside joke.)
I'm so excited. I think I'm more excited now about my December Bachelor's Degree than I would have been if I would have automatically gotten it. Talking to others in my program who have to immediately go on to the Master's Program, I can understand why most of them aren't too thrilled about their diploma. At the moment, it is just a piece of paper. Three more semesters, and we'll have something we can actually get a job with.
Anyways, I should really study for a midterm test I have today. I am going to the Elementary school this morning, which I'm excited about. I didn't go on Monday b/c of the snow, I didn't go yesterday, b/c they were SOL testing, and I'm not going tomorrow b/c of testing, so today's my day. I have this midterm test tonight, which shouldn't be too bad. Then I have a group presentation tomorrow. Along with a literature circle that we're going to do in class to. Shoot! I forgot about that. Oh, well, I have all day tomorrow to get that done. And then........It is off to ENGLAND!!! (Did I mention I'm a little excited about that?) I'm getting more and more excited the closer it gets.
Ok, off to the shower for me :)
Pam
Monday, March 2, 2009
Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas
We woke up this morning to..... THIS!!!
No school closures for us, but just a 2 hour delay. So I'm enjoying lazing around the house this morning.
On Saturday evening, I went over to Matt Thompson's apartment and scrapbooked with his girlfriend. I did 3 pages, which are my first three pages in a long time. Can you tell the theme I was going for?
No school closures for us, but just a 2 hour delay. So I'm enjoying lazing around the house this morning.
On Saturday evening, I went over to Matt Thompson's apartment and scrapbooked with his girlfriend. I did 3 pages, which are my first three pages in a long time. Can you tell the theme I was going for?
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Haircut
Ok, I'm going to ask Matt to take a picture of my haircut right now. Since I'm supposed to be studying and getting homework done, he may not be willing, but let's see...
OK, yep, I just told him it was for a class project. So here it is, my new haircut...
TADA!!!
What's that you say? It looks just like my old haircut? Well,I suppose you're right. Oh, and no, I did not actually style it this morning. I took a shower, and just combed it and let it dry. I think it is really cute. And yes, I'm still in my PJ's at 1:30 in the afternoon. But in my defense, I've been doing homework all morning, and Matt and I haven't worked out yet, so what's the point in getting all dressed up just to change into workout clothes?
Speaking of working out, I think it is almost time to get started. We have Yoga today, which is a grueling 1 hour and 30 minute exercise. I actually love doing it on Sunday-I think it is the perfect weekend activity :)
Ok, back to work. I can hear Matt cracking the whip...
Pam
OK, yep, I just told him it was for a class project. So here it is, my new haircut...
TADA!!!
What's that you say? It looks just like my old haircut? Well,I suppose you're right. Oh, and no, I did not actually style it this morning. I took a shower, and just combed it and let it dry. I think it is really cute. And yes, I'm still in my PJ's at 1:30 in the afternoon. But in my defense, I've been doing homework all morning, and Matt and I haven't worked out yet, so what's the point in getting all dressed up just to change into workout clothes?
Speaking of working out, I think it is almost time to get started. We have Yoga today, which is a grueling 1 hour and 30 minute exercise. I actually love doing it on Sunday-I think it is the perfect weekend activity :)
Ok, back to work. I can hear Matt cracking the whip...
Pam
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Day 56 for P90X
Ok, so I've told most of you that I've been doing P90X this year. Well, we have reached our "60 Day" mark, which is really day 56, but anyways, I took my measurements today. I am not sure I want to publish my numbers, but I will tell you my gains and losses:
Weight: Minus 7.6 pounds
BF %: Minus 4
Chest: Minus 1.25 inches
Waist: Minus 1.5 inches
Hips: Minus 1.25 inches
R Thigh: Minus .25 inches
L Thigh: Minus .25 inches
R Bicep: Minus .25 inches
L Bicep: Minus .5 inches
Totals:
Inches Lost: 5.25 inches
Body Fat Lost: 8 Pounds
And we're only 2/3 of the way done with the program. I am not sure if Matt wants me to post his numbers or not, but I'll post his total gains:
Weight: +6 pounds
Inches gained: 5.625 inches (or 5 5/8 inches)
It is really funny, because it seems like my losses are his gains. And that is in a really good way :)
I'm so happy. I feel great, I'm starting to look great, and I don't know, I just think that this was one of the best things Matt and I have ever done.
Here are pictures from day 1, day 30, and day 60. Enjoy! Don't mind the hair, I just woke up in both the 30 day and the 60 day. There's a big difference, isn't there?
Weight: Minus 7.6 pounds
BF %: Minus 4
Chest: Minus 1.25 inches
Waist: Minus 1.5 inches
Hips: Minus 1.25 inches
R Thigh: Minus .25 inches
L Thigh: Minus .25 inches
R Bicep: Minus .25 inches
L Bicep: Minus .5 inches
Totals:
Inches Lost: 5.25 inches
Body Fat Lost: 8 Pounds
And we're only 2/3 of the way done with the program. I am not sure if Matt wants me to post his numbers or not, but I'll post his total gains:
Weight: +6 pounds
Inches gained: 5.625 inches (or 5 5/8 inches)
It is really funny, because it seems like my losses are his gains. And that is in a really good way :)
I'm so happy. I feel great, I'm starting to look great, and I don't know, I just think that this was one of the best things Matt and I have ever done.
Here are pictures from day 1, day 30, and day 60. Enjoy! Don't mind the hair, I just woke up in both the 30 day and the 60 day. There's a big difference, isn't there?
Sunday, February 22, 2009
My Life
Okie, dokie. I know that I haven't been posting much on here lately. I feel like I've been doing a lot. I've been having a great couple weeks, that's for sure. Once I finished up with the Daycare right before Valentine's Day, I have had a lot more time on my hands. Which really just means that I have time to do more homework and housework. It is amazing how much those extra hours really help. I need to get started on my next 75 hours in the 5th grade classroom. Maybe I'll contact my cooperating teacher and set up for sometime next week.
I only have 12 days until I leave for England. That's right, if you didn't catch it before, Peggy and I are going to visit Mom for spring break. I'm sooooooo excited. I've been reading up on my Rick Steve's London, which has so many great ideas on things and places to see. There are self guided tours of lots of places. I'm looking forward to exploring the city. Last time I was there, I only had a couple days, and I was at the whim of the girls I was with. They didn't want to do a whole lot, so we didn't really see much. We saw a couple things, but mainly just ate out at expensive restaurants.
I'm planning on keeping up my workout schedule while I'm in London. And my diet, as well. I think I know what kinds of things I can eat, even while eating out. And I'm hoping to do some grocery shopping and make dinner at Mom's place some of the nights. I think she would enjoy a home cooked meal once in a while, don't you think? I know she works late a lot of nights, and it would be nice to be able to eat in.
Other than that, just staying busy with homework. There are so many things that I need to get done this week. I have a 4 page research paper for my Child and the Family class due next Tuesday. I have a group presentation (15-20 min) for my Reading to Learn across the Curriculum. I have a midterm test for my classroom management class next Wednesday. And I have a presentation on the Caldecott award for my Children's Literature class next Thursday. Oh, so much. And so little time. I guess I should get started on it, huh? First order of business today, though, is to do my workout. Then eat lunch. Then get started on homework. I'm hoping to knock a big chunk of it out today, so I can finish up tomorrow, and then not have to really worry about it for a bit.
Ok, I'll talk to you guys later.
~Pam
PS. This week is the 8th week I've been doing my fitness program. At the end of the week (really on Wednesday) I'm going to take my measurements and pictures. I'm thinking of posting my before pictures and my 60 day pictures, so you guys can see how much I've progressed. What you ya'll think? I'm excited, because I'm not even done with the program and I've seen tremendous results!
PSS. I think I need a haircut. I put this headband on when I went to workout and I feel like a flashback to the 60s or early 70s. What do you think?
I only have 12 days until I leave for England. That's right, if you didn't catch it before, Peggy and I are going to visit Mom for spring break. I'm sooooooo excited. I've been reading up on my Rick Steve's London, which has so many great ideas on things and places to see. There are self guided tours of lots of places. I'm looking forward to exploring the city. Last time I was there, I only had a couple days, and I was at the whim of the girls I was with. They didn't want to do a whole lot, so we didn't really see much. We saw a couple things, but mainly just ate out at expensive restaurants.
I'm planning on keeping up my workout schedule while I'm in London. And my diet, as well. I think I know what kinds of things I can eat, even while eating out. And I'm hoping to do some grocery shopping and make dinner at Mom's place some of the nights. I think she would enjoy a home cooked meal once in a while, don't you think? I know she works late a lot of nights, and it would be nice to be able to eat in.
Other than that, just staying busy with homework. There are so many things that I need to get done this week. I have a 4 page research paper for my Child and the Family class due next Tuesday. I have a group presentation (15-20 min) for my Reading to Learn across the Curriculum. I have a midterm test for my classroom management class next Wednesday. And I have a presentation on the Caldecott award for my Children's Literature class next Thursday. Oh, so much. And so little time. I guess I should get started on it, huh? First order of business today, though, is to do my workout. Then eat lunch. Then get started on homework. I'm hoping to knock a big chunk of it out today, so I can finish up tomorrow, and then not have to really worry about it for a bit.
Ok, I'll talk to you guys later.
~Pam
PS. This week is the 8th week I've been doing my fitness program. At the end of the week (really on Wednesday) I'm going to take my measurements and pictures. I'm thinking of posting my before pictures and my 60 day pictures, so you guys can see how much I've progressed. What you ya'll think? I'm excited, because I'm not even done with the program and I've seen tremendous results!
PSS. I think I need a haircut. I put this headband on when I went to workout and I feel like a flashback to the 60s or early 70s. What do you think?
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