We have a doctor in the family!

For the past few years my sister in-law, Amy, has gracefully pulled many all-nighters, sacrificed hours of time, juggled an insane schedule, etc, etc. while she's pursued an Doctoral Degree in Education. Her husband and kids have cheered her on every step of the way...and today...she defended her dissertation. We got word this afternoon that we can officially call her Dr. Nebesniak! We are so proud of Amy and of all she has accomplished. She is a great inspiration to us!

Congrats Amy Dr. Nebesniak!

"What Teaching Means: Stories from America's Classrooms"

A colleague of mine from the Nebraska Writing Project who teaches English at Ralston High School is currently working on editing and publishing a book--alongside his wife--to be released this April called What Teaching Means: Stories from America's Classrooms. Dan's an incredible teacher, and though I haven't met his wife, Marni, from what I know of their work on this book, they're quite the dynamic duo. I'm impressed with all they're doing in order to humanize students and teachers in a society that treats both more like machines. Not only did they commit to organizing, editing, and then publishing this book (with Rogue Faculty Press), but they're also organizing a series of readings across the country. The book's contributors span a wide geographical area stretching from Oregon to New York. I know they have a reading planned in Omaha, one in the works for the Ft. Collins area, and last I heard possibly one in Wisconsin. I don't know how they raise kids, stay married, teach, take classes, and work on a book together. They inspire me to be better, to teach with passion, and to work through the ugly days.

One of my essays will be published in the book--this is my first "real" publication (poems in college publications don't count), and I don't know how I managed to weasel my way in. As I read through the brief excerpts from the book and scour the teacher bios, I feel awkwardly out of place and humbled. The teachers whose essays are featured seem genuine and brilliant. These are people I'd want teaching my kids. And after reading just a portion of the book, I feel proud to be a teacher.

Dan and Marni created and maintained a blog to publicize the book where they feature snippets of essays featured in the book, a beautifully written preface, as well as reviews of the collection. You can also order a copy of the book from their blog. If you care at all about the state of education in our country, order a copy of What Teaching Means; you'll be encouraged by the stories.

Marathon Update

6 weeks until the marathon. 12 weeks of training under my belt has brought about the following:

Prior to half-marathon number three in Arvada, CO this winter

• A craving for fried chicken. I've tried hard to eliminate processed, fried foods from my diet. With thesis writing, essay grading, and other stresses---this dietary restriction hasn't always happened. I've eaten my fair share of candy, and today I ate a doughnut :( Gah. On Saturday I ate not one, but two hotdogs cooked over a campfire...I couldn't resist. My stomach hated me for the next 48 hours. While I've had a few slip ups, overall, I've done a pretty good job of eating nutritious foods. For the past 12 weeks, though, I've craved fried chicken. It might be my post-marathon treat...
• Massive blisters on my second toe of my right foot. For a minute I considered posting a photo...but then I realized how nasty that would be. The blisters really did me in last week. I hobbled home, barefoot, after my 8 mile run on Wednesday, my toes screaming. I did some research and purchased a pair of toe socks made specifically for running. My toes are fat little things, and my second one rubs like crazy on my big toe. I tried out the socks on my long run this weekend and am pleased with the results. I think they'll be a good solution until I purchase my next pair of running shoes. A post-marathon pedicure is definitely in order--perhaps I'll eat fried chicken while having my feet sand blasted....
• A renewed appreciation for Lauren Hill. 'Nuff said. 
• A deeper respect for running. Train for a marathon, and you'll understand how challenging running can be. The tiniest actions like slightly dropping a shoulder, leaning forward too far, or constant heel-striking can turn a somewhat pain-free run into a terrible experience. Too many sugary foods (or wine!) the night before a long run can stop you dead in your tracks. Transitioning from 30 degree running to 80 degree running can do incredible things to the body. Running is truly a science that I'm only beginning to understand.
• Nerves. To be honest, I haven't thought too much about the marathon....until this week. I have two more difficult weeks left in my training. This week I'll log 36 miles with an 18 miler on Saturday, and in two weeks I'll be up to 40 with a 20 miler that Saturday. So far I've only reached 16 miles on my long runs. I've been blessed to have Kristin to join me for either the full run or for the second half of my stupidly-long runs, so that makes it more bearable. But as the miles increase and the weeks before the marathon fade, I find myself wondering if 26.2 miles is even possible for me--the former sprinter. I'm excited for the challenge but am terribly scared of failing.