Friday Five: My Favorite Poems

Last week, our 7th grade math teacher and I were talking about our new math schedule for next year. We're adding geometry for our advanced 8th grade students. We were discussing which of the math teachers would teach it, and who would keep algebra, and she said something I found funny.

"Mrs. B really loves algebra, so she'll probably want to teach that."

Not she loves teaching algebra but she loves algebra. I thought it was funny/odd and then I realized, you know, I love teaching English but I love English itself, too, and many of its various components, like reading, symbolism, and poetry.

So, I thought I'd share five of my favorite poems with you guys for this Friday Five.*

1. La Muerta [The Dead Woman]

2. Cien Sonetos de Amor: XVII [One Hundred Love Sonnets XVII]

I am kind of a fan.

The first two poems are by Pablo Neruda, who is far-and-away my favorite poet. I wish I could read his work in the original Spanish; I have read many translations of his poems but my favorite translator of the first poem is Donald Walsh because of his use of "untamable" in the last stanza, which speaks to me so strongly. Other translations just don't compare.

That being said, it's an interesting practice to read the same poem by many different translators. They each bring a different perspective to the piece.

I am drawn to the visceral and emotionally-charged language of Neruda's political poems, like the first, and his simple, relatable, genuine language in his love poems really resonates with me.

3. the lesson of the moth

The next poem on my list is written from the point of view of Don Marquis's character Archy...so there is no capitalization or punctuation and it's a little stream-of-conscious. I had to read it a couple times to get the idea of who was speaking and what was being said.

I think most people want to be the moth but are actually the roach, including myself.

The act of figuring out speakers and opinions in this poem made the lesson, when I finally got it, that much more poignant. And I find myself wondering...am I the moth, or am I Archy?

4. Home (Bonus poem: do yourself a favor and click for the next poem when you get the bottom.)

Warsan Shire's poem Home came to my attention during the peak of the Syrian refugee crisis last year, as it probably did for many of you. The imagery is staggering and its honesty is brutal. This poem is proves that poems can be beautiful without being pretty.

5. Stone

After Home, it seems apropos to finish with a poem by author Charles Simic, who experienced displacement as a result of war. There is more to us than meets the eye, and sometimes we contain multitudes. Stone illustrates that beautifully. The subject, like the poem, should not be underestimated.

We can be hard, strong, calm, and dark while also being full of fire, light, and resilience.

Speaking of resilience, I'm adding a bonus poem because...why not?!

6. Maya Angelou's Still I Rise is an iconic, unapologetic rallying cry for Black women. I think parts of it can speak to the female experience in general, too. You can watch her recite it below, or search it up in YouTube. There are dozens to choose from, and each variation is powerful and moving.

I love poetry because it puts to words the feelings and experiences that often defy explanation. I love teaching poetry because it can give students that same invaluable skill.

Do you like poetry?
Share a poem that you love from school or your childhood!
What is a line from a song or poem that resonates with you?
Are you Archy or the moth?

ABK

*I'm in DC with my students so if this doesn't link, oops! Also, I would not be surprised if most of you skipped this post because, ugh, poetry, right? What is this, school?! Still, the English teacher in me can't help but wheedle: at least try one. Look at my commentary and pick the one you think you'll like. Try something new!

Friday Five: Pros and Cons

For today's Friday Five with Fairytales and Fitness, I bring you the Pros and Cons of running again...with some news at the end!

1. Pro: Having control and variety back in my workouts! Circuits get so redundant, and I hate having my choice of workout limited by injury. The freedom to choose what I want to do to get my sweat on, and the chance to change my daily workout pattern, has been wonderful.

2. Con: My pain is coming back. For the first week or two I barely had any. Then I started noticing it around 1.5 miles into my runs. This week it was really bad before I was even a mile in. But on the bright side of that, it means when I go to get my next round of tests, I know my symptoms will be present and that means the tests won't be in vain.

Nature, I missed you!

3. Pro: I missed being outside! Even though it's officially HOT (we're seeing high humidity and temps in the 90s already) I'm really enjoying getting some fresh air with my exercise. I missed it. That being said...

4. Con: I forgot that timing kind of sucks for running at the end of the school year. It's often too hot and sunny to run right after work, and by the time it's nice out - usually about 30 minutes before sunset, around 7:30pm - I've spent a couple hours lounging around and it's kind of hard to peel myself up off the couch.

I knew the hardest part of starting up again would be the summer temperatures...

5. Pro: My head feels so clear and awesome these days. Even though my body is struggling, I am benefiting mentally from being back to running. I just feel so much happier and more stable. I'm sleeping better. I just all-around feel more at ease.

A friend in one of my running groups posed a question about body image, and the conversation that got going led me to this realization: because running changed how I feel about my body, it also helped change how I literally see it. Running was a major tool in overcoming a variety of unhealthy habits, and I hadn't noticed how generally down I was feeling while I took time off.

I'm sure Matt and my friends have noticed!

So, the good news to end this post! I called my insurance company to check on whether a real pressure test for CECS would be covered (it will be, but it'll go toward my deductible) and I set up an appointment for May 22nd with a doctor who does the full test and whose website literally says:

I'm feeling hopeful! It definitely seems like "just stop running" isn't going to be this doctor's first suggestion.

What are your pros and cons of running?

ABK

Friday Five: My Plan

I realized this week that working running back into my routine has confused some people. Am I better? Am I back? I thought I'd use today's Friday Five to clarify what's going on.

I haven't run since February. That means my calves haven't been hurting, because they only hurt when I run. It also means whatever injury I have (or had) is back into a kind of dormant stage. Right now, I am trying to wake it back up so it can be properly diagnosed.

Step 1: Resume running. Carefully analyze every run for symptoms. The goal here is twofold: to identify pain and also to try to recreate my original issues.

Resume running: check.

Step 2: If no issues arise, keep running and pretend none of this ever happened and go on enjoying life.

Step 3: If symptoms come back, go see a new doctor and request an actual test for compartment syndrome.

Step 4: If that test is positive, talk about treatment (that is, plan surgery for this summer).

Pro tip: Do not look up actual photos of this surgery because they are terrifying.

Step 5: If the test is negative, seek out other explanations.

The thing is, compartment syndrome athletes only manifests when the muscles are too swollen for their compartments, and with CECS (chronic exertion compartment syndrome, as opposed to acute) that really only happens during a run. So they can't test for it if you're not in the midst of experiencing it.

All my resting between February and April gave my legs time to temporarily recover, and it could be awhile before I'm feeling the kind of pain I had back then. Or, I could start experiencing it next week. Or never. There's no perfect timeline for this.

Right now my discomfort during runs is about a level 3. In February my pain was at an 8...bad enough that I had to stop and walk. However, on these runs I've been using run/walk and so far I've avoided that level of pain.

But the bottom line is that I need to be able to experience the pain at the time I get the test done, so I need to keep running in order to trigger symptoms.

So I'm hesitant to say I'm "back" to running. That suggests an end to the process and I'm not there yet. Right now my runs are all about data-gathering. I am trying to recreate the discomfort I had during winter while still kind of hoping that the discomfort doesn't return at all.

Still, my mind, body, and spirit feel lifted, and it feels good to run at all.

I appreciate the excitement you're all feeling for me! It does feel good to be out there, even if being "back" comes with fine print at this point.

ABK

Friday Five: Songs I'm Obsessed with Right Now

I wanted to do this post as a Friday Five, but there were too many songs. Then I figured, hey, this can be like a Friday Five x2...that counts right?

Here are ten songs I am just totally feeling right now. Some of them give me some catharsis for the anger I'm feeling over my calves right now (my pressure test is scheduled for Monday the 17th so hopefully things will be resolved soonish) and some of them are just so pretty and poignant and catchy that I can't help but listen to them on repeat.

K. Flay - Blood in the Cut. This song resonates with the part of me that craves punishment or physical violence when I'm angry. We all have that inside, I think, even if most of us don't act on it!

Depeche Mode - Where's the Revolution. I had no idea DM was still making music, but I'm glad they are! I love this song. This one is so beautifully political and relevant.

Portugal. The Man - Feel it Still. This song is so catchy, fun and reminiscent of the funky, psychedelic sounds of the 60s.

Sylvan Esso - Radio. Another upbeat, catchy song, but this one is full of sharp, scathing lyrics directed at the music industry and capitalism in general. Sylvan Esso is quickly becoming one of my favorites!

The National - Graceless. The National has been one of my favorite bands for a long time, and their latest is no exception. Their music sounds almost emotionless when you first hear it, but it's actually so beautiful and poignant.

If you've never listened to them before, I also recommend "Don't Swallow the Cap" and "I Need My Girl".

Highly Suspect - My Name is Human. This song brings me back to the days when I really liked Stone Sour, Brand New, Breaking Benjamin...You know, those bands we all kind of feel embarrassed about now. Still, there's always going to be a part of me that a little angry and fighty and loves music like this!

Bastille - Good Grief. I love this song because of how it talks about grief and letting go of people as they leave our lives. Grief is hard, but there are beautiful moments in it, too.

Bastille - Blame. First of all, this video is so, so weird. Bastille has the oddest videos ever, but they're really intriguing and fun to watch. Anyway, I love the sound and feel of this song, and the imagery in the lyrics is jarring and visceral. Love it.

1975 - Somebody Else. (Song starts at 3:00) Poignant and pretty, this is one of those songs that I don't feel really applies to my life these days but still connects with memories.

Lumineers - Cleopatra. This song feels like a reminder to grab hold of life and the people who matter and enjoy them now, because we don't want to look back on our lives with regret.

What are you listening to right now?

ABK

Friday 5: Spring Break Edition

Well, today is the last day of school before spring break. I made it! Break is super late this year for some reason, and when we get back we'll have five weeks left of school. One of those weeks is mostly our DC trip and one is mostly half days, so really, the year is basically over.

I am in desperate need of this break. I am exhausted. My allergies have been pounding away at me. The sudden heat and humidity we've had this week has given be a constant headache that nothing seems to cure. A break is necessary.

Today I'm linking up to bring you the five things I plan to do over break.

1. Sleep. This should come as no surprise; my teacher friends will get it. The end of Quarter 4 is mentally exhausting. I am going to catch up on sleep and also front-load for what I'm sure to miss as the year draws to a close.

2. Clean. My house is a disaster! The last couple weeks I just haven't had the energy to clean and organize beyond "tidying up", and over break I plan to do a deep cleaning and finally get the hardware put on our kitchen cabinets.

Clean clothes folded but not put away, a table full of jewelry-making supplies, two days' worth of dishes in the sink, and Matt's luggage from his recent trip to St. Croix...Please don't judge us. Or me. Mostly me.

I am champing at the bit to spring clean, mostly because I'm going to...

3. Host Passover! We are actually having Passover late this year because of scheduling conflicts. One nice thing about being reform/non-religious Jews is that we make up our own rules sometimes. We'll have Passover April 15th and this year is the first time I'll have extended family attending!

At least year's Passover. It will be nice to have more people this year!

My Aunt Kathi and Uncle Bruce have finally moved to Florida, and they're coming to Passover. This will be the first time since we moved here in 1999 that we've had more than just our nuclear family at a holiday!

4. Shop. Matt rarely gets new clothes, and that's probably why his favorite shorts have holes in them, not to mention most of his socks. I recently donated a bunch of my clothes and bought new stuff for the first time in about six years, but over break it will be his turn to donate, toss, and replace.

It takes a lot to convince Matt to buy new clothes, but this will do it.

5. Plan my next tattoo. I've been wanting another for awhile now, but the opportunity to get it hasn't come up. Now it's look like a possibility in the near future, so it's time to plan. I have a good idea of what I want, but I'm working out some details...such as color (or not) and placement.

No pictures for this one...It's a surprise until things are finalized!

How do you spend time on vacations?
How often do you buy new clothes?
Do you have any tattoos?

ABK

Friday 5: My Week in Pictures

For today's Friday Five 2.0, I'm bringing you something short and sweet. My week in pictures/screenshots!

Sunday: The last art festival of the season.

Monday: Dinner with one of our best college friends, who we haven't seen for nearly 10 years.

Tuesday: Elizabeth and I found out we were awarded a bonus we qualified for at the end of 2016!

Wednesday: International Women's Day. Matt told me he couldn't wear red that day because he had to be in his work uniform, but...

Thursday: Spending time at the studio after work.

Happy Friday! 
What did you do this week?

ABK

I'm Not Trying to Hurt Feelings, I Swear

My brain is in a weird place this week, so bear with me. Today I'm linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for their Friday Five 2.0! Today's theme is, apparently, routine and why I'm tired of it.

1 - I don't miss racing very much, but lately I've been missing how much I used to love races. Does that make sense? Without races, running becomes much more about fitness, routine, and maintenance than about fun, challenge, and achievement. Or maybe that's just me.

Collecting medals used to be such a great motivator!

Racing less means I'm saving money and time, and I still love running, but I miss the days when the prospect of a new bib or medal to add to my wall filled me with determination and joy. I guess I'm just a jaded runner now!

2 - I've been having trouble staying interested in some of the blogs I follow. This is going to sound hypocritical given today's post, but I think part of it is the link ups. The routine of the same types of blog topics all being posted on the same day is creating monotony in my reading. I'm completely part of the problem - I've gotten into a blogging rut and I feel like my posts are stale and formulaic lately.

I'm also kind of bored with my workout routine, so I think maybe the problem here is routine in general and not blogs specifically. I don't know. I can't be the only one who feels this way, right?

That said, I'm not trying to hurt feelings...I absolutely care about my blogger friends and what's going on in their lives and I want to keep reading their blogs! Maybe I just need to add some new and different styles of blogs to my feed to get some variety going!

There are lots to choose from but I don't know what interests me!

3 - Which reminds me! I'm so excited that this afternoon I'll be back in Elizabeth's classroom doing a circuit! I feel like we haven't done many school workouts lately and I miss them!

4 - I'm testing a theory because of my calves and wearing super old running shoes on some of my runs lately. The theory is that maybe I retired my old shoes too soon and, seeing as Kayanos used to be perfect for me, maybe they still are. I'm so glad I'm a hoarder who never gets rid of old running shoes!

So far it seems to be working out; we'll see how it goes! I heard a rumor that this year's Asics are wider in the forefoot again so maybe I'll get lucky with the 24s and I can keep using my 22s in the meantime.

5 - Elizabeth and I have been trying out some new running routes. We've run from her house a couple times, run from mine, looped into unexplored neighborhoods, and generally just broken from our habitual routes. Our area can be tough to find new spots to run in because we gravitate toward well-lit roads with good sidewalks, but it's been nice to branch out.

If you're trying to map out new routes, I highly recommend routebuilder.org. Matt has used it for paddling, too.

I guess because the weather has been nice, we've been able to go earlier (when the sun is still up), so that's opened up more options for us.

Am I the only one tired of repetitive link ups?
How many miles do you like to try to get out of a pair of shoes?
How often do you look for new running routes?
Have your feelings about racing changed since you first started running?

ABK

Friday Five 2.0 - Things I'd Buy Again

Today's Friday Five 2.0 topic should be called "things I do buy again over and over and over" because once I find something that works for me, I stick with it!

Shoes: You all know how I went through the hardest time finding new shoes once my first "buy them over and over" style changed too drastically for me to continue wearing them. My new repeats are the Brooks Ravenna 7. I just ordered my second pair and I can't wait to break them in! If the 8s change significantly I'm going to be really pissed.

I can't wait for these babies to be delivered this weekend!

Accessory: I probably own six or seven different running belts, but once I found the FlipBelt, I haven't look back. It's the only belt I ever wear now, and I wear it on 90% of my runs. Within two months of buying my first, I bought two more because...why not!

These are so comfortable and spacious. They never ride up. The water bottles that fit in them are comfortable. I don't know why I waited so long to try them!

Headphones: I haven't had to buy new headphones since getting my Jaybird Bluebuds X, but if they were to break and I needed new bluetooth headphones, these would be it. They fit so perfectly, have great battery life, stay in my ears, deliver great sound...I just love them!

I just learned these are discontinued which is so sad because they're the best!

I've had them for so long (since 2013) I can't even find the post I wrote when I first got them, but they're still in perfect condition. Matt even dropped his in the bottom of a lake once, and when he found them they still worked!

Socks: I have so many Pro Compression socks it's a little embarrassing. I won't run in anything other than my PC Runners or Marathon Elite socks, and I love the sleeves for recovery; I bought some Feetures on a whim once and hate them. I literally never wear them.

In my sock drawer, I have a special bucket of Pro Compression socks. I think maybe they need to take over the main drawer and the bucket can hold the socks I never wear.

Clothes: I think I own the Lioness skirt in almost every print it comes in! It's my favorite skirt. Those pockets! Those pleats! Those prints! I will buy it again...and again...and again.

Aren't they pretty?! I can't wait for the winter prints to be released.

Reviewing this, I think maybe I have a shopping problem! But I'm definitely brand-loyal once I find something that works for me, so it doesn't surprise me that I tend to hoard running stuff that I love. I mean, who doesn't?!

What are some of your repeat purchases?

ABK

My Other Sport (#tbt & TOL!)

Today, I'm thinking out loud about my other sport: volleyball.

I am really not a naturally athletic person. When I was younger, I was much more into indoor hobbies. I loved to write and read. I liked to draw. I took singing lessons and went to drama camp during summer when my friends went to sports camp.

But when we moved to Florida, my mom wanted me to meet people, so she encouraged me to sign up for volleyball. In 8th grade, everyone made the middle school team, but I immediately realized I loved it and had a little bit of natural talent.

My JV team; I think I was a sophomore here. Can you spot me?

Varsity players had much cooler uniforms, as you see here. This was junior or senior year.

I played all four years for my high school, attended summer camps, and joined a traveling team. I even played for the local junior Maccabiah Games one year. (I wish I had a picture of that!)

I was never talented enough to play in college, so I settled for intramural and played with my sorority.

Playing some intramural volleyball with my colleagues for our inter-school tournament for teachers.

For awhile after college, there were no opportunities for me to play volleyball. I took up running in grad school, and then started teaching. That first year, I co-coached the girls team with another teacher. When that teacher moved out of state the next year, I took over.

I've coached our team ever since.

I love watching the students play; they are so enthusiastic and have such a good time. They really learn to depend on each other, support each other, and gain confidence in their own place on the court and within the team. Running is a great sport, but I really believe team sports (especially those that include a bench) are one of the best ways to teach life lessons.

Our girls (in red and blue) playing a fantastic game while I nervously pace on the sidelines.

I've developed some habits from my high school coach; I never sit during games, instead choosing to pace outside the court and shout instructions and encouragement. My coach used to eat an entire tin of Altoids when he got nervous; the smell of Altoids still makes me think of him!

So  far this year our record is 2-1 with one more regular season game and then playoffs. Some of my girls have been on the team since 6th grade, and for the last three years or so I've had returning players. It gives me a chance to have a different kind of mentoring relationship than with teaching, and this year especially - because I have no students of my own - I especially appreciate being about to coach them.

I love running, but volleyball was the first sport I ever played, and the first that showed me I could be athletic if I wanted to try. It will always be a special favorite of mine.

Do you play a sport besides running?
What was the first team you belonged to?
Do you consider yourself a natural athlete?

ABK

My First Skirt

How's this for something a little different for today's Tuesdays on the Run link up? About a month ago it was my turn to share my "first skirt" story on Skirt Sports's blog. It was a fun experience to write for a different blog and to contribute to the Skirt community.

If you're interested in reading my post about getting my first skirt, click below!

Click here to read the full story!

Looking back on this experience, I realized that wearing my running skirts will always be a connection to my mom and my first marathon. It's funny how even the simplest material things can evoke so many memories and emotions, and take on more than just their physical meaning.

(By the way, if you want to treat yourself, Skirt Sports is having their 70% off sale right now, and as always you can use ABK20 on regularly priced items for a 20% discount, too. I wish I lived somewhere colder because their Toasty collection looks amazing.)

Tell me about a simple gift you've received that's taken on more meaning for you.

ABK

Friday 5!

Today I'm linking up with Fairytales and Fitness and Running on Happy to share five things that make morning running awesome.

Elizabeth and I had to do two weekday runs in the morning this week due to volleyball and other evening plans, so we were up at 4:30 and running by 5am on Tuesday and Friday this week. It made me remember why morning runs (besides our long runs) are sometimes just what I need!

1. Paces. We are pressed for time in the morning so we're less likely to dawdle. Plus, studies show that most runners run faster in the dark.

I did not know we had this in us...bridge included!

2. Open evenings. When you run in the morning, the rest of the day is totally open. I like knowing I can come home and nap or take my time making dinner, etc, because I don't have to get dressed and go back out to run at 6pm.

3. Weather. It's been in the low 60s in the mornings, which has been really nice for running of course!

I could get used to this.

4. Sustained energy. When I run in the morning, that energy and adrenaline seems to last throughout the rest of the day. I just feel better and more alert over all after a morning run.

5. Bragging rights. There's nothing quite like watching someone's face when they hear you woke up at 4:30 to get your run in.

I don't mean to brag, but...

I'm not going to be a morning runner all the time because I do value my extra hour of sleep on some mornings, but mixing it up this week reminded me of the benefits. I think I'll try to work morning runs into our schedule once in awhile as we continue training for A1A.

Do you like morning or evening runs better? Or do you prefer to mix it up?

ABK

Sorry if This Gets Controversial

I have some really random things on my mind right now! First of all, I'm thinking about Hurricane Matthew.

It's supposed to be a big one, and it's not on my side of the state, but who knows where it's heading? I'm currently (as of Wednesday afternoon) trying to convince my sister to evacuate and come to my coast, and I'm also waiting to hear if school will be canceled on account of high winds.

MAKE UP YOUR MIND ALREADY!

(Apparently buses can't run if the winds are over 40mph.)

On another note, I got my hands on some Pumpkin Spice Cheerios finally! I like to mix my flavored Cheerios with the regular kind so they're not too sweet. The PS were good, but they really reminded me of the apple cinnamon flavor with less cinnamon. They weren't anything really new.

Oh, here's a fun little thing I want to share...I got to meet Joe Biden on Monday! He was speaking in Sarasota so, despite having driven up and back already Friday and Saturday, I drove up again and met Britt, and we went together! After standing in line for about 90 minutes and then waiting in the auditorium (we almost didn't get in!) for over an hour, he, Bill Nelson, and mayor Fredd Atkins arrived. Biden's speech was invigorating, funny, poignant, and earnest. Basically I love him and he was everything I dreamed!

Britt and I can be seen in the background of this video. I give the newscaster quite the look at one point. (She's in the striped shirt and cap and I'm wearing my white Gay Pride Hillary tank top.)

After the event he shook hands with the crowd, and I shook his hand and looked him in the eye and said, "I met your wife at the All Star Game!" and he smiled back his beatific smile and replied, "You met the best part of my family!"

There he is!

My best selfie haha!

Here he is again!

I wasn't able to get a selfie with him, unfortunately. Hearing him speak live was still such a rewarding experience, even if rallies make me uncomfortable. I love the Bidens!

The last thing on my mind today is about religion. Fair warning, this may get a little controversial...I honestly don't mean to be offensive here - I'm just thinking through my personal bias and thought process.

Driving home from work I passed a van for an electrician that was named ABC ("Abiding by and Believing in Christ Jesus"). Their tagline was "Available 24 Hours, just like Him", which I thought was clever.

Now, the Christians I know and associate with are honest, friendly, dependable, and loyal. Those are traits that would make a great electrician! And if that's how this guy runs his business, then I think that's a really great example of displaying Christian values in all parts of his life.

I think we can all agree THIS is the Christianity we want to see more of in the world.

But the truth is, I have this lingering mistrust of Christian businesses because I worry they'll take the money they make and put it toward causes and campaigns I completely disagree with. I wonder if businesses that are overtly religious or political lose a lot of customers.

FYI, I feel the same way about company trucks with political bumper stickers and the like. I just feel like it's not a smart move to alienate potential customers...but I guess if they believe that strongly, then that's their prerogative, but it still makes me really uncomfortable.

Matt took this photo near his ceramics studio. He was wondering how many customers this bike shop owner had alienated by putting up a Trump flag.

How's that for deep (and random) thoughts this Thursday?

Have you attended any political rallies before?
Have you ever met a celebrity?
What do you think of overtly religious/political businesses?

ABK