What I need

I need to get thicker skin. It's like everything that anyone ever says just sticks to me and I think about it for days and days. Not to get into too much detail, but I am so sensitive about what I do and if someone critizes that or is unhappy with the job that I do I really get hurt. And with teaching, often the measure of success is a matter of opinion. Is success having students remember everything you taught them or having them remember you as a good person? Right now I don't know - honestly this has been one of my hardest years because I am letting others define my success, but really I am having trouble trying to define it myself.

It is finished

Yes. I ran my 1/2 marathon this morning. It was one of the hardest things I've done physically for a long time. The first few miles were ok, but it was so hard after mile 10. I acuatually started crying around mile 11 but I would not let myself stop. Honestly, what really got me going for the last two miles was a highschool drumline! But I am just so glad to be done. I have no idea what's next. I don't think I want to train for a marathon. I think I've proven myself - I never thought I could do a
5K let alone 13 miles, so I'm done. I'll probably keep running here and there, but I have nothing left to prove. So it's on to my next conquest, whatever that is. I'll keep you posted :)

On choosing books

I like to find good books. I rarely read a book because it is the best seller or someone on a talk show branded it. I like to read books that are recommended by very close friends or books that I find. I love going to the library and spending hours just thumbing through the shelves. It's the thrill of the hunt. Sometimes I am pleasantly suprised (Baby Proof - Emily Giffen) and sometimes I am dissapointed (Academy X - Andrew Trees) but I like the idea that I am about to stumle upon my new favorite book. With that said, last night I went to B&N with a giftcard and I didn't know what do to. I don't like to own sub-par books. (Graceland - Chris Abani...sorry) So do you buy a book you've already read or take a chance on a book you may want to throw against the wall? (Prep - Curtis Sittenfeld ugh...why Lee Fiora why? ) After an hour of deliberation, I picked out The Kite Runner. It should be good - it was good enough to make into a movie right? I'll keep you posted. So all this say, I have probably not read the latest best seller. I have read a few books that you've probaby never heard of that would never make a bestseller list. ( SoulCity - Toure or The Untelling - Tayari Jones) and I'm ok with that. I'll get to those books but for now I am enjoying the thrill of the hunt.