Fit Fatties Virtual Double Decathlon and We Stand with Boston

I signed up to participate in the Fit Fatties Virtual Decathlon this year and quickly knocked out a decathlon in January, so I signed up for a Double Decathlon after all. Here is my planned list of possible events:

• 1 mile walk/run/roll
• 5k walk/run/roll
• 10k walk/run/roll
• Half Marathon walk/run/roll
• Marathon walk/run/roll
• Swim - quarter mile
• Swim - half mile
• Shimmy it Out (30 minute shimmy--can switch shimmy location through event)
• Belly Dancing (60 minutes of dancing)
• Set It Free (Complete a free weight workout)
• Lift A Ton (Lift a total of 2000 pounds, not necessarily all at once - you can complete this over a month!)
• Take a Hike (Enjoy at least a mile of the great outdoors.)
• Take a Tread (Enjoy at least a mile of the great indoors.  Walk on the treadmill, elliptical or other machine, or just walk around inside.)
• Stairway to Heaven (Climb 100 stairs in one day.)
• Push It Good (Do 100 push-ups (any style) in one day.)
• Walk the Plank (Do 60 minutes of planking in one day.)
• Squat it Out (Do 100 squats in one day.)
• Get in the Flow - 60 of work with flow toy, such as poi, staff, juggling, dance/fire fans, rola bola, balance ball, aerial silks or hoop, meteor
• On thin Ice - 60 minutes of ice skating or rollerblading
• Keep it Class-y (Take a movement class - including dvd or online- that you've never tried before for at least 60 minutes.)
• Drama Drama Drama (Throw a full blown temper tantrum lasting at least 30 minutes.)
• Shop Til you Drop (Shop for three continuous hours - online doesn't count!)
  
  
  

In my previous update, I posted about my completion of Take a Hike, Push it Good, Shop til You Drop, Lift a Ton, Drama Drama Drama, and Keep it Class-y. Today's update includes two more.

#14 Set it Free (Complete a free weight workout)

#15 10k run

This run was warm and humid and fucking sucked. There were a lot of fumes from evening traffic and nearby construction sites, and my arms broke out as if I'd been rolling in grass. There was tons of Easter trash all over the park because people are shitty. And then I found unopened Starbursts on the ground.

I checked my app when I thought I must only have a mile left and found that I had TWO MORE MILES to slog through. The bib is for the We Stand With Boston virtual run event and I expect a medal in the mail sometime next month.

April 29: My medal arrived yesterday and is bigger than I imagined!

Hope's Door

When I performed with the DFW Vagina Monologues in February, Hope's Door was one of our two beneficiaries for which we raised over $900 each. Hope's Door is a shelter for victims of domestic violence.

I frequently get rid of my clothes at clothing swaps but wanted to only donate this time and not bring anything new into the house because we're packing to move soon. I decided to give some things to Hope's Door and on a whim to also hold a clothing drive at my Amtgard park, with which I like to periodically lead events to benefit local charities, such as the food drive we held in November for a local pantry.

A few days later, I overheard coworkers mention getting rid of some clothes and individually asked a few to send them my way for this particular charity. I also posted a flier in the break room and immediately received a few extra donations. One coworker requested further details and is going to talk to her kids' Girl Scout troop about donating items or possibly holding a garage sale and donating its profits to Hope's Door.

I was thrilled with the response and how quickly interest grew and spread from my small plans to others.

One coworker even put together a lovely gift basket to donate for Mother's Day.

I then reached out to Russ of the Circus Freaks to ask if I might set up a box in the lobby of the weekly Open Stage event to collect donations from that group as well. He was on board with the idea, and with less than one day's notice, I received a trunk full of clothes the first night and will have to make a few more trips than I first planned.

I wish there was an easy way to quantitatively report the results of this endeavor, but I don't even own a scale. Instead, I think I'll take pictures and report back in a few weeks.

Here is a little more about Hope's Door from its website:

The mission of Hope's Door is to offer intervention and prevention services to individuals and families affected by domestic violence and to provide education programs that enhance the community's capacity to respond.

Hope's Door is the only organization in Collin County specializing in comprehensive intervention and prevention services for all members of a family affected by domestic violence - from victim to abuser. Hope's Door was established in 1986 as a crisis hotline. Clients were housed in local hotels until the opening of a 21-bed emergency shelter in 1989. Since then, services have expanded to include transitional housing, counseling for adults and children, legal advocacy and services for abusers.

Annually, Hope's Door responds to over 1,900 crisis hotline calls, shelters more than 400 women and children, houses over 50 families in transitional housing and provides counseling and legal advocacy to more than 1,300 survivors.

For your amusement: Crappy copy editor cover letters, Part 2

These are actual cover letters received for a copy editing position.

April 11:

[Company] Administrators,

        I would like to express my interest in the position of Content-Copy Editor. I have confidence that I could be an asset to [Company] as a strong team member by facilitating the use of research-based best practices and promoting critical thinking and problem solving. The classroom teacher, instructional leader, and curriculum writing experience I bring will be invaluable. I have strong writing, grammar, and communication skills. I am adept to bringing teachers resources in grades K-5 Reading, as well as proficient at using [Company] data and lessons.  It will be critical for me to collaborate with my colleagues Thank you for your consideration for this position.


                                                                                          Sincerely,
                                                                                             [name]

April 15:

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing in regard to your job listing for English Content and Copy Editor. I was pleased to find that the job requirements you have listed compliment my skill set.

As an English Writing Lecturer at [Place] University and a Facilitator for the University of [Online Place], I gained considerable experience creating instructional materials for diverse audiences.  My work as a Customer Support Representative for [Competitor] and as an Online Instructional Design Technician for [Other Company] provided me with a strong background in learning technology.  Finally, my publication history proves my ability to meet editorial guidelines and quality expectations.

I love writing and editing, regardless of the subject matter.  I want the opportunity to bring this love to a career at [Company].

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely,
[Name], MFA, MA

April 16:

Reply to English Content and Copy Editor:
I am writing in response to the English Content and Copy Editor position that I saw posted on the [Misspelled Company Name] website. The position requirements and my skills are a perfect match.
As you will see on my enclosed resume, I have the educational background, professional experience, and track record for which you are searching.  I currently serve as an Instructional Coach who specializes in literacy. Although I have many responsibilities, one of my main roles is to create, proofread and edit lessons the lessons of my staff.  In addition, I have a wide range of professional experience as a teacher, program manager, and curriculum developer.
I can promise that meeting with me will not be a waste of your time—and I will make myself available at your convenience, during or outside of normal business hours.

Sincerely,
[Name]

April 18:

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am thrilled to submit my resume for the English Content and Copy Editorship. I am confident that I will excel in the position.

Master’s candidate in applied English linguistics
Research experience in technology and language teaching
5 years classroom teaching experience
Demonstrated experience writing and editing English curricula
Skilled at time management and meeting deadlines
Proficient in MS-Office and web-based educational and publishing tools
Owns a copy of Adobe InDesign
Can adapt and excel demanding situations

Larger companies are offering mid 40’s for similar positions. I am willing to negotiate for the chance to join a smaller, more dynamic company with room to grow (or ludicrous amounts of PTO).

I appreciate your sincerest consideration of my qualifications and welcome a chance to discuss what I can bring to the [Company] team.

Regards,

[Name]

Edited to add following submissions.
April 19:

To Whom It May Concern,

Having personally worked alongside Mr. [Owner] and Mr. [Important] as a freelance writer for the [Related Business] and for the [Misnamed Related Company], I would be elated to work for [Misspelled Company Name], and feel that I have the commiserate background and skills to be a perfect fit for the job. I hold two degrees in English: A Bachelors in Professional Writing and Editing and a Masters in Composition and Rhetoric. Additionally, I have 6 years of teaching experience English spanning grades 7 through university-level seniors. I also Directed the National Writing Project site at [University] and am familiar with the core curriculum in schools. I am also a PhD student in the Arts and Technology School at [University] which positions me to be an ideal fit for the innovative work at [Misspelled Company Name]. I look forward to the opportunity to continue my relationship with the [Misspelled Company Name] community as the English Content and Copy Editor.

Thank you,
[Name]

April 21:

Dear Sir or Madam:

I'm writing to express an interest in the English Content and Copy Editor or related position listed on your company webpage.  I have an abundance of classroom experience that would bring value to your organization in steering the success of future generations.  As an end-user of the [Misspelled Company Name] product, I seek opportunities to help shape curriculum-based programs that will impact today's learners in a very insightful way.

My experience expands beyond the classroom and I have evolved as a teacher who have taken a more focused approach to the technology content that drives today's youth.  Please take time to review my credentials and consider application as a viable solutions to help expand the growth of the [Misspelled Company Name] product line.

Thank you for your consideration.

[Name]

Fancy Dress Picnic at Fair Park

Host to the Texas State Fair and myriad festivals and conventions, we all know Fair Park as a traffic nightmare to avoid if you're rushing on any given weekend. But did you know that Fair Park is like any public park in Dallas in that you can just walk in, have a picnic, and hang out?

On April 6, my fashion-savvy, spooky-savant friend Heather Carouth (pictured below) hosted her second annual Fancy Dress Picnic in celebration of her birthday. She calls herself a Fair Park fanatic for her love of the buildings, museums, and events hosted there and said she loves to spread the word about all it has to offer.

It was a gloomy, overcast day, perfect for our fair-skinned friends, though a bit chillier and rainier than we would have liked. The group of about a dozen laid out blankets on the grass in front of the Daughters of the American Revolution building and had a table of refreshments set up beneath a few pop-up pavilions. 

Melissa Veach (above) was kind enough to share her umbrella with me and brought beverages to share as well, and her fancy gentleman joined us in dressing up (below).

We drew no shortage of curious stares from the hoards lined up for the beer festival that day and even a handful who strolled by to ask what we were doing and take photos with us.

Above: Heather and Matilda Crow set the scene worlds away from Beer Fest.

So if you're looking for a unique setting to enjoy the spring weather, take the DART rail down and check out Fair Park. Just don't put down any wickets for croquet, because you'll probably get busted like we did for aerating the lawn.

Fair Park fun facts:

• Fair Park boasts the world's largest collection of Art Deco exhibit buildings, art and sculpture.
• Fair Park is the only intact and unaltered pre-1950s world fair site remaining in the United States – with an extraordinary collection of 1930s art and architecture.
• Today, the 277-acre park and its cultural, educational and sports facilities play host to more than seven million annual visitors.

Fair Park rules:

• Skateboards, bicycles, roller skates or roller blades are not allowed inside the Fair Park gates during the State Fair of Texas. However, all are allowed during the remainder of the year provided that they are not used on the steps and plazas of our cherished buildings and monuments. 
• You are always welcome to bring your own food or beverages in Fair Park, although some museums and buildings may not allow you to bring food or drink inside facilities. You may bring coolers or ice chests, but they are subject to search. Alcohol, glass containers, and metal knives and forks are not allowed.

Celebration! White Rock 5k race

Last Thursday I ran the inaugural Celebration! White Rock 5k race to benefit the White Rock Lake Conservancy. I was the only costumed runner in attendance, a first for me. I ran in galaxy tights and a blue and purple tutu in honor of SELF Magazine's #tutugate snafu and got a shout-out in the race report, another first.

Serious runner

Yet another first: nowhere to fasten my D-tag timing chip. They're designed to thread through shoe laces, though I always wear Vibram FiveFingers for running, most of which have a velcro strap that does the job. That day's shoes did not, so I had to get creative: searching my car for twine and elastic to fit my ankle and settling for carefully safety pinning the tag to my shoe without stabbing myself. It's a good thing I arrived very early with plenty of time to spare.

My only complaint about this event is that the festival and water were at the top of the Winfrey Point hill and the Start/Finish line at the bottom, so I had to hike uphill in my exhaustion, near to puking, and search for buckets of water hidden around the festival area. Once rehydrated, I forgot all my frustrations at the offer of free barbecue sliders and full-size bottles of Powerade. Way to go, event sponsors!

My chip time was 38:42.

The weather was pleasant if a little on the warm side, and the wind along the lake was a bit fierce. I really enjoy training at White Rock Lake and am grateful for the opportunity to support this organization. I look forward to running in this event again next year.

For your amusement: A collection of crappy copy editor cover letters

These are some cover letters submitted by applicants for a content/copy editor position with an education company. They remain unedited except to scrub identifying information and sometimes add space between paragraphs. They are terribad. Italics indicate my commentary. (Update: I'm going to slowly add screenshots.)
_________________________________________________________________________

February 26:

To Whom It May Concern:

I am interested in applying for the position at [company name wrongly capitalized].  I feel as though I have the experience and skill set needed to meet and exceed the expectations of [company name wrongly capitalized].

To summarize my qualifications for this position*:

• Illinois Elementary Type 03 Certification
• Bachelor’s Degree of Science
• Clinical Observations in Early Childhood, K, 3rd, and 5th.
• Middle School, Social Science, English, and Science Endorsements
• Community Involvement
• Substitute teaching in K-8
• Volunteer Experience
• Experience with IEPs
• Experience with [company/program name wrongly capitalized]

(*Where is the rest of the sentence?! Don't leave me hanging! None of the listed skills are relevant to this position. Why is there so much space here in the original? Why does this person use double spaces after periods?)

I would like to use my skills and experience to meet the goals of [company name wrongly capitalized]. I would welcome an interview at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,

[name scrubbed]

_________________________________________________________________________

March 3:

During my 8 years of experience as an educator refined my abilities to communicate effectively using the written word.

In an industry such as this, where the goal is producing clear and engaging curriculum for clients, such attention to detail and accuracy is of utmost importance.

I would be perfect for this opening and can bring a level of energy to this position that requires acute detail and focus to properly complete.

I enjoy writing and editing. And, when I find mistakes in publicly shared documents such as websites, signage or others, I cringe knowing that first impression made on the customer is a negative one.

Thanks so much for your consideration.

(Is this a joke? Seriously, IS THIS A JOKE?? What is "acute detail," I wonder, and what would it "properly complete"?)
_________________________________________________________________________

March 19:

To Whom It May Concern,

My name is [name scrubbed].  I have been teaching for a total of 13 years at the elementary level.  I have a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and my teaching certificate for 1st through 6th grades from the University of [place].  I also have my master’s degree in Library Science, focusing in School Librarianship, from the University of [same place]. 

I firmly believe that every child is entitled to an enriching education and the equal respect they deserve.  My goal is to motivate teachers and students to find their inner strengths and abilities through engaging activities.  I believe that a stimulating learning environment builds confidence in children and helps them reach their full potential.  With teachers, support staff, and parents working hand and hand all children can be successful. 

Currently, as a teacher, I use frequent and varied assessment practices to ascertain each student's level of development and monitor their progress toward their appropriate goals. Through regular communication with families, I encourage and strengthen parental involvement with their children's education.

Throughout the course of my career I have had wonderful opportunities to teach diverse groups of students; including those with learning disabilities, those who performed at grade level, and those who are gifted.  As a result, I have become proficient at designing creative and stimulating lesson plans to reach all levels of students.  I have also had the wonderful opportunity to mentor student teachers at the university level, perform professional development within current school and district, and travel to [island country] to teach an educated set of teachers within a private Christian school.

Some of my greatest strengths include motivating others, organization, being a team player, great communication and problem solving skills, creativity, self motivator, and positive energy.*  In my current and previous positions, I have demonstrated excellent time management, prioritization, multi-tasking abilities, and project coordination skills.  I am confident that I will quickly become a valuable member of your team and wish to work alongside others dedicated to achieve a common goal. 

I look forward to meeting with you in the near future to speak about your positions that you have available. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[name scrubbed]

(Damn you, double spacer! *Emphasis mine. Because that sentence is AWESOME. Did you notice there is not a single word in this cover letter about the position or the applicant's experience relevant to copy editing?)

_________________________________________________________________________

April 1:

To Whom It May Concern,

I am interested in the Copy Editor position. I am currently employed as a teacher at [city] ISD. While teaching at [city], I have absorbed many roles, such as a curriculum writer, district presenter, as well as a team lead position. I am very familiar with [company name wrongly capitalized], as my district utilizes [company name wrongly capitalized] as a primary source of assessment and instruction.

In my position as curriculum writer, I write, edit and upload the lessons through our district purchased software. Through the extensive work I am doing, I learned how to multitask, be organized, and efficient.  I also hold a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction.

In response to your search for a copy editor, I believe my experience in curriculum, my organizational skills, as well as prior experience with [company name wrongly capitalized], qualify me for consideration.
To further acquaint you with my background I am attaching my resume. I hope you will consider me for this position.

Sincerely,

[name scrubbed]

_________________________________________________________________________

April 2:

To whom it may concern;

I am writing to express my interest in joining your staff as an editor.

I have, for the past 23 years, held a variety of teaching and administrative positions in [city nearby] and [nearby city]. My qualifications include, but are not limited to, teaching certificates in the areas of English, ELA and ESOL. In addition, I am experience with MS Office Suite and Microsoft Office.

 Currently, I hold positions as an English teacher at [city nearby] ISD. Though I have loved and cherished my 13 years of service at this school, I believe I am prepared and ready for new and exciting opportunities

I look forward to discussing my qualifications with you further in person.  Should you be interested in any additional information, feel free to contact me via email at [scrubbed]@yahoo.com . My direct number is [scrubbed].  Hope to hear from you in the near future.

Sincerely,

[name scrubbed]

(Yes, there is a space before "Currently" and a missing period at the end of the same paragraph and a space before a period in the last paragraph.)

_________________________________________________________________________

April 8:

To Whom it May Concern,

I am interested in the Copy Editor position.  I am currently employed as Gifted and Talented teacher for [nearby city] ISD.  My 15 years of experience in education has afforded me with the opportunity to become an expert with lesson planning.  Being that I have extensive experience in writing lesson plans, I know that I will be able to edit them.

To further acquaint you with the specifics of my background, I am enclosing my resume.  I hope you will consider me for this position.  I truly look forward to meeting with you and discussing my qualifications in more detail.

Sincerely,

[name scrubbed]

(Again with the double spaces after periods!)

365 Project update

At the beginning of 2014, I undertook a 365 photo project which would entail shooting at least one photograph every day for a year with the aim to improve my photography skills. As expected, I lost steam after about a month and fell behind on editing but kept shooting. I missed a day after about two months, and it all fell apart. Now I take photos only when I want to instead of forcing myself as a chore.

Uploading and editing are far too time-consuming with consideration to all the other hobbies I have. I rarely make it past two weeks of 30-day challenges, so I'm fairly proud of how long I stuck with the 365 challenge. I'm still taking a lot of pictures and enjoying it, even if I have a long list of events to edit.

I enjoy photography as a hobby and not having to worry about owing anyone perfection. I enjoy cell phone photos and selfies and learning to see my self and my world in new ways and capturing memories. Here are a few favorites from this year so far.

Cale the Juggler at Scarborough Faire

Cathartic smashing of a bathroom scale with a big rock

Johnny's Valentines Day Double Rainbow wedding

Me being silly