Ms. Taylor Says

While I often realize I am an adult, I still have moments when I think, "I'm not old enough for this."  One of those moments happened this summer when I found myself listening to a teenager explaining to me why my current vacuum cleaner was doomed.  I still don't feel old enough to have to do things like care about the way a vacuum functions, let alone buy a new vacuum cleaner.  I now know that is not true--because I am now the proud owner of a refurbished Orek.  It will supposedly last me for quite a while, and it does all kinds of fancy things that my old one didn't.  Being me, I, of course, started thinking about my other vacuum cleaners.  Yes, that's plural.  While I may not be grown-up enough to buy one, I have owned a few.  And the funny thing is they all came from my grandmother in one way or another.  And I think my sister's first vacuum came from her as well.  Nanny was an interesting woman.  She in no way fit in with the stock character grandmo

As I took a little walk to the local 7-eleven (don't judge...) tonight and felt the wind blow through my hair, I thought about this day last year.  Hurricane Irene was rolling through town.  A guy who seemed like a promising prospect came over to eat spaghetti and play memory.  It was one of those nights when everyone stays in.  Those nights that feel like something from days gone by.  School was about to start, and I was taking in my last days of freedom. I've always been one of those people who like to think about where I was this time last year, what has happened since then, and how things have changed.  The start of the school year functions kind of like New Year's for me.  I set goals, reflect, and daydream.  As I was walking tonight and thinking about another hurricane season, I couldn't help but be baffled by the year that has unfolded since I sat at the dining room table with my roomie and my new friend decorating sugar cookies.  As the rain started to come, I

Yesterday, I was having an informative conversation with one of my runners.  It went something like this: Me:  Did you know that Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte have both said that swimmers pee in the pool.  I used to think that runners were rather uncivilized because they blow snot out their noses while they run, but I think peeing in the pool is worse. Runner: Well, pee has ammonia, so it's kind of like they are cleaning the pool. Me: Good call. Runner: Yeah, ancient people used urine to clean their clothes. Me: Man, I bet those people stunk--between the pee and the b.o. I think it is clear what I bring to the table as a coach. :)