Abbi turned five-years-old on Tuesday! Ed, Mac, and I visited her and enjoyed a swim in the nice weather. While Mac and I were playing a game in the pool, Abbi managed to steal the little green ball we were using. She was so cute that we took pictures of her instead of yelling at her. I added a bunch of pictures to her page. Check them out!

Happy 30th Father's Day, Dad! The last week has been kind of crazy. My poor little four-year-old computer had a processor heart attack on Wednesday. While he is somewhat revived, I'm not able to work with him the way in which I'd like. Therefore, I've purchased a brand new Dell laptop! It's RED! In about two weeks, I should have my brand new system. Yay! In other news, I carved two limestone disks for Mom and Dad for Mom's birthday and Father's Day. Mom's has a palm tree, and Dad's shows a golf ball on a tee! Also for Mom's birthday, my family gave her a limestone scavenger hunt. Ed and the boys took close-up pictures of interesting architecture in downtown Bedford, and I used them to make a treasure hunt book! Then, Mom and I walked downtown trying to find all the architecture. It was fun, and we got a 100%! Finally, Ed and Dad played on the second-place team in the Stenger Memorial Tournament yesterday. You can see a pic of Dad and read the article about the tournament here.

Unfortunately, the BNL Stars Golf Team did not make it to State, and Sam missed the cut to go as an individual by one measly stroke. However, he battled back from a rough start to shoot 78, and had three birdies on the last four holes of the first nine. He played like the champion he is, and I'm glad he has one more year to make a run for State as a high school golfer. After the tournament, we traveled to the Little Nashville Opry for my appearance with the Little Nashville Express. Words cannot describe how much I love the Opry and its band. The folks involved are lots of fun and are great musicians. I can't wait to go back! Yesterday, the Cobbs and Hackneys were unable to participate in the Take Steps for CCFA fundraiser in Indy because we couldn't get there. Unusually dangerous flooding has cut off all access to the central part of Indiana, including I-65 and Hwy 37. Check out IndyStar.com to see pictures, maps, and stories. I was disappointed that we couldn't make it, but we're so worn out from the week, that we almost didn't mind the break. In fact, I think Ed was secretly pleased that we didn't have to do the walk after his hours of walking golf courses all week. We ended up going to Olive Garden with Mom and Dad instead! Finally, my big-boot-cast is OFF! It looks like I'll be able to start running in July.

Ed, Mom, and I had a fabulous time at Victory Field yesterday! We were a little worried about the weather, because it was storming when we left home. However, the skies were blue in Indy! I sang my first Anthem for the Indians in 2008 under a sunny sky. Check out the pictures I added to the Indy Indians Anthem slideshow. You can check out pics from other Indians Anthems at the same link. We enjoyed a few innings, then headed south. Surprisingly, we drove through more wicked thunderstorms on the way home. The day before, we had tornadoes in Lawrence County. That was the same day I experienced my first stone carving class. It was so much fun! I carved a palm tree and the words "I ♥ ED." Thank goodness his name is Ed and not something terribly long. Tomorrow brings nail-biting IHSAA Golf Regional action and singing at the Little Nashville Opry!

My birthday was awesome! It began the night before when Ed took me to see the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band at the Little Nashville Opry. They were awesome! On my birthday, I sang in the Colgate Country Showdown in Columbus, Indiana, and earned third place! The band that won, the Harris Family Band, was awesome. Ed found this video of them performing in last year's Showdown's national finals. Continuing the birthday fun, Mom and I hit the Bloomington Mall for a shopping trip, and Penn Station for lunch. We had a lot of fun! Also yesterday, I bought a new athletic-yet-stylish swimsuit and a pool pass, so I can begin lap swimming at the local pool during adult hours. Due to the bum leg, that's the only exercise I can get right now. Today was supposed to have been my first day swimming, but it looks like we're having a thunderstorm instead. However, I still get to enjoy another first today—a stone carving class! Ha!

The BNL Golf team is going to Regional! Yesterday, the team shot 316 at Otis Park to advance to the tournament at Shadowood in Seymour. Sam carded a 7-over 79 to secure a spot in the Top 10. It was a nail-biting day! This week is shaping up to be pretty busy. Tomorrow is the Colgate Country Showdown. On Monday, Mom and I are going shopping. Wednesday is an Anthem for the Indianapolis Indians, followed by a doctor's appointment for my leg on Thursday. Friday is now Regional and singing at the Little Nashville Opry; and Saturday is Take Steps for CCFA! Busy, but fun! Oh, and I'll be 29 tomorrow, too! :o)

School is out, which is a good and a bad thing. I miss my students terribly, but that pain is eased a bit when I get to sleep in until 8:00 A.M.! Summer has started in the usual way with reading, golfing, and sunning. In a few weeks, I should be able to add running to that list! Heal, leg! The BNL Golf Team won the Stone City Invitational at Stonecrest yesterday! Sam was the low medalist with a 3-over par 74. This victory gives the team great momentum going into Sectional, which is Friday. Check out the article about their win here. Also in the "good news" department, our basement did not flood in yesterday's storms!

Singing at the Corydon Jamboree was a blast! I met lots of nice folks. This performance led to two appearances at the Ross Country Jamboree in Scottsburg on July 19 and 26. Also, I found out this week that I made the cut to be in the Colgate Country Showdown in Columbus on my birthday, June 1! It's a local competition that leads to state, regional, and national competitions. We'll see how far I can go! Finally, I'm scheduled to sing the National Anthem at Victory Field on June 4, and to sing with the Little Nashville Express at the Little Nashville Opry on June 6. It's shapin' up to be one country-fine summer! Only two days of school left!

My leg is still broken! This is the news my doctor gave me on Thursday after looking at my MRI results. It's healing, but very slowly because of the Crohn's. I now have to wear a giant boot on my leg for at least three weeks. It's all pretty discouraging. Just when I was allowed to enjoy running again, I'm halted in my tracks. Between my leg, a basement that floods every time it rains, and the end of school (which I actually don't want to end this year), I've taken on a lot of stress of which I can't rid myself in my usual way, running. So, if anyone would be willing to take on my broken leg for 28.5 minutes so that I can run my 5K loop, let me know. The weirdest thing is that it doesn't really hurt. My doctor guesses my body is just able to mask the pain because that's what it has learned to do for Crohn's pain. In any case, I ran the BMS 5K (and received nice thank-yous from students for my business's sponsorship), and walked the 4-mile, aptly-named French Lick Hill Course without too much pain. Sadly, Jason didn't qualify for the U.S. Open, but we had fun!

Happy Birthday, Ed! Today, Ed and I are both taking personal days; he's going to caddy for Jason Calhoun, Otis Park's pro, in the U.S. Open qualifier at French Lick, and I'm going to watch! Good luck, Jason! In other news, I received permission from the parent of a student to post a picture of his son at the BMS 5K. The highlight of the day was when I paced this student, an asthmatic, on his last lap. Everyone was cheering for him; it was so cool! There's a little allusion to it in an editorial that appeared in the Times-Mail yesterday. I also added the pic to the BMS 5K slideshow on my running site. Next, we are babysitting a Macintosh computer. We're having so much fun playing with the Photo Booth program. It results in some crazy fun pictures! Finally, I'm appearing at the Corydon Jamboree on Saturday night, and again at the Little Nashville Opry on June 6! Yeah!

Yesterday's BMS Cutter 5K was magical! I have not seen so many smiles on so many teenage faces for a long time. Listening to the students talk about their experiences running, walking, and running/walking the 5K was exciting. I can't count how many students said, "I surprised myself! I did better than I ever thought I would!" How awesome to see kids excited about fitness, and asking when they could have a 5K again! Another reason for my excitement about this race was that I was able to run the entire course. Thursday, I received the green light from my doctor. My bone is healed, but there is a small tissue mass, to be MRI'd next Thursday, that is still causing me some pain. Luckily, it's not harmful pain, so my doctor told me to go for it. I won the "Adult Women's Champion" trophy for being the first female teacher to finish. There is a neat article about the 5K in this morning's Times-Mail. Unfortunately, I can't share some of the coolest photos of the race because it would be inappropriate for me to post students' photos online without parent permission. Check out what I did post at gottarun. jokai.net. Also at that site, I posted some new pics of folks in last week's Mini.

It's RUNday! I ran a mile in 9:25.70 this morning! Other than a little early stiffness, it was great, and I couldn't stop smiling the whole time! Yesterday's Mini was awesome! The sting of my Mini loss was slightly eased by the fact that a former student, Gavin, ran with my bib. It was fun to coach him through what to expect, and neat to see him so excited and nervous before the race. Mom, Bridget (Gavin's mom), and I enjoyed watching the entire start and some of the finish. We were shocked to death to see Gavin approaching the finish line with the clock still showing a sub-two hour time. His final time was 1:59:09. Wow! The most memorable moment of the day was when Jimmy gave me his finisher's medal. He said I'd trained hard, and I deserved it. I managed to hold in tears until that moment. Check out pictures at gottarun.jokai.net; just click on races, then on the last race. Oh, and MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU! Hilarious every time!

I am sad. Tonight, the Let's Go group had a pasta party, and we received our Mini packets. I'm #2739 in Corral G, but I can't race. However, I'm still going to cheer on my friends. I'm more sad about this than I thought I would be. There will be more races, I know; but I feel like I'm missing Christmas or something. Oh well, RUNday is only three days away!

No school today! On Friday night, I performed with the Little Nashville Express at The Little Nashville Opry. I can't even begin to describe how much fun it was. My dressing room was HUGE and included a dining table and shower. Before the show, I enjoyed examining all the signatures of famous country singers on the backstage walls. Maybe someday I will add mine! Performing with the band was so neat; its members were very friendly and welcoming. I didn't even mind that I was losing my voice a bit! Lots of friends and family from Bedford attended, and I appreciated their cheers so much. Luckily, I've been told I'm going to be invited to return to The Little Nashville Opry, and I can't wait! However, the very best news might be this: I did the whole thing in heels. My leg is so much better! RUNday, May 4, is only six days away, and I AM READY!

Spring weather is so unpredictable this year. Case in point: Saturday vs. Monday. On Saturday, I followed Ed and Dad at Otis when it was cloudy, raining, and 50°. Yesterday, I followed Sam when it was clear, sunny, and 80°. I guess I should be thankful for the variability! In other strange news, the earthquakes continue. Several minor and not-so-minor aftershocks have been rockin' the bedrock around here. Check this site to see the list. Luckily, Sam's golf game is much less shaky! He was the medalist in his last two matches. An article about his team appeared in the Times-Mail today. Only 13 days until Runday, May 4! (Yes, RUNday!)

I have lots of little items of interest to share today. First, I will be performing at The Little Nashville Opry on Friday, April 25, at 8:00 P.M. Tickets are $10, and info on how to get them is at their web site. I'll be singing seven songs with the Little Nashville Express. Stick around for 24 hours after my show, and you can hear Coach Bob Knight! Next, I have an Anthem date for the Indianapolis Indians: June 4 at 2:00 P.M. Grab your glove and come to Victory Field for a fun day! (Click here to see some of my past Anthem appearances with the Indians.) Next, I am part of a Crohn's fundraiser called Take Steps by organizing a team called "Croonin' for Crohn's." It's more about being a part of the event than fundraising for me, but if you want to donate, visit the team site, and select a member through which to donate. I just hate asking for donations after having raised over $5,300 with Croonin' for Crohn's in February! If you'd like to be a member of the walking team, email me! Finally, spring has sprung! I took some neat pics of trees and flowers this week. Enjoy! The mild temperatures and sunshine are perfect for running... wish I could! (May 4 = 18 days)

Golf season is back! Sam and the other BNL Stars are back in action at Otis and other courses around the state. Sam is playing the #1 position this year, so he spends most of his non-school hours practicing at Otis. So far, they've had bad weather for almost all their matches. We're looking forward to another trip to State Finals! (Click here to see pics from Sam's 2007 season.) In other news, I have another neat story involving a Presidential candidate! Barack Obama was in Columbus, and Times-Mail staff writer Carly Nation was allowed five minutes to interview him. She asked via her blog if anyone would like to submit a question. On this page, I requested she ask about his family. (Scroll to 11:23 A.M.) She was able to ask him four questions, and mine was one of them! Click here to view and/or read the interview. Days until I can run: 21!

My doctor says I can start running in 24 days! Since it's been 26 days since I last ran, I'm more than halfway through healing! Twenty-four days from today is May the 4th be with you! I have the countdown clock on the Fun Stuff page counting the days until I can RUN! The doctor said I can walk the Mini on May 3 without causing profound damage, but it would set me back about two weeks. To get help with making this decision, I posted a thread on the Let's Go Forum asking my expert-runner-friends for advice on what to do. Check out the running picture to the right; it shows me steps from the finish lines of the Let's Go 5K and 10K this year. I posted both of them here after each race, but just now noticed how my form is exactly the same in both pics—right down to the hair! Also, I'd like to introduce two new JoKai CobbWebs sites: Needmore Imagination Station and Cottage on the Links! Take a look at both of them! Finally, I added a new site to the Fun Stuff page: MyCourseRules.net. Our friend Frank runs this site, which is dedicated to junior golf in Indiana.

Finally, we had some beautiful weekend weather! It was nice to get outside and enjoy dryness and warmness. Saturday began with the Let's Go 15K. This race, the last of the 2008 Let's Go training series, was the toughest for me by far... because I couldn't participate. However, I still volunteered by directing and cheering for my runner friends at the 1.5 mile marker. It was surprisingly more difficult for me to sit there than it would have been for me to run the 9.3 mile race. Oh, well. I should rejoice in the fact that my bones aren't as deteriorated as my doctor originally thought; I have osteopenia, not osteoporosis. Yay! Maybe I'll try walking the Mini. Check out the photos I took of the race; the fog made for some pretty pics! Also, check out two Times-Mail stories: one about me, and one about Let's Go runner Kyle Krekler. Saturday afternoon was Demo Day at Otis Park, and we all had fun trying out new clubs. Sunday provided some very nice weather for sunning—and burning! Hooray for Spring!

What a crazy week! BMS was thrown into mayhem this week as we prepared for, experienced, and reflected on former President Bill Clinton's visit to our school. On Monday, BMS teachers learned he was coming to the Quarry (our gym) to campaign for his wife in two days; and on Tuesday, were told that the students would not be allowed to attend the rally. We were disappointed that the middle-schoolers would miss such an historic visit, even if the agenda was political. We resolved to give them every opportunity to at least get a glimpse of the former President. After multiple schedule changes, we managed to get the students outside to greet President Clinton upon his arrival. To our surprise, when his caravan arrived, he approached the end of the barricade and began shaking the students' hands and giving them high-fives. It was a poignant moment to see all those teenage hands reaching out to the former President, and he made sure to touch every one. He told me, "Nice to meet you," as he shook my hand and Ed's, too. In all, he spent about five minutes with the BMS folks. When we got back to class, the students enjoyed sharing pictures (I'd let them break the "no-cell-phones" rule), and feelings about the event. It was neat that my sixth-graders understood the rarity of what they'd just experienced. Check out some of the pictures I took in this slideshow. Also, Bedford Online has an article I wrote about President Clinton's visit at the bottom of the front page. What an unforgettable day!