12/29- We'll take a cup o' kindness yet, for auld lang syne

Weight Loss for the Week: .5lbs

What a busy week it has been! First, it was Christmas and all the celebrating (and eating) that goes along with it.  I did get to go to the gym on Monday, but due to short hours and it being closed for the holidays, I did not make it there again this week.  Monday night, I saw MK and her family and a bunch of friends. We even ventured over to Danielle's to see her parents.  It was so much fun getting to catch up some more even if it was a rather late night.

Christmas Eve, Mom, Memaw, and I went to Mass. Then, we started getting ready for dinner once Conor got off work.  We had a nice dinner, took some fun photos, and played a game of Scrabble (Mom and I tied). Christmas morning, we opened presents, had brunch, and played Phase 10 (Memaw won). It was a really nice holiday with the family.  Then, I went home to clean and get ready for my trip.  I was able to go bowling that night with Jamiee and Kaela- yes, I am still Queen of the Gutter Balls, though I did manage to get a few strikes. It was a good day.

The next day, I came out to Phoenix/Scottsdale to see Dad and Diane, and to ring in the New Year with Sarah and Rijan.  On my first flight, MK, Ray, and Gigi were also on board, so we sat together which was fun- Gigi was so good! Dad and Diane took me and their Scottish neighbors to Las Noches de Las Luminarias at the Botanical Gardens Friday night- so cool and festive! They had the Chihully exhibit going on as well, so it was really fun to see all the pieces lit up at night.  There were also bands playing throughout the gardens, so we got to stop and rest and listen from time to time.

Yesterday, Sarah and I met up and went for an approx. 5 mile hike on Piestewa. I didn't fall once. Those of you who know my total lack of coordination should be impressed because this hike had plenty of steep and slippery rocks.  Then, we got lunch and continued catching up and making plans for New Year's Eve.  I think we're going to have such a fun time :)  Afterwards, I let her go back to her husband while I joined Dad, Diane, and the Scottish neighbors to listen to a bag piper and have some dinner.  The bag piper even sat down and had his beer with us! Too cool!

Now, I am about to go for a walk and likely to the gym to do some weights.  It's in the 60's/70's here, and I am taking advantage of being able to go on walks in t-shirts while I can!

                                           Cactus with a Santa hat

                                                    The luminarias

                                         Family in front of a Chihully piece

                                                      Another Chihully piece

                                                    Poinsetta Christmas Tree

                                           View from the top of our hike

                                          Saathi, Sarah, and I at the top

                                          Bag piper

                                            Me with the bag piper

                                               Like my new ride? Hehe

Tip of the Week: Do one last awesome thing this year- big or small, doesn't matter, just end the year on a good note.

Recipe of the Week:http://mexican.betterrecipes.com/weight-watchers-chicken-enchiladas.html

12/22- I want a hippopotamus for Christmas. I don't think Santa Claus will mind, do you?

Weight Loss for the Week: 0lbs

Exams were given and graded this week. Some were better than others, but in the end, everyone passed the semester. And that was really all I wanted. I'm sure it's all they wanted too. It was nice being able to use Scan Trons for the Theology exams- grading went by very quickly! In the midst of exams, we had Secret Santa and the Faculty Christmas Luncheon- all lots of fun, and there was plenty of tasty food :) I got some nice gifts from my SS, and I have been enjoying them ever since break started.

This week, I have been able to see MK, Gigi, and the family a few times- first on Monday. We had a nice, long catch up, and we may have stayed up way past our bedtimes- totally worth it.  It did mean a really long nap and an early bedtime on Tuesday.  Wednesday, I went and saw Amy and the kids- we did our gift exchange, our nails, and then we went to get cupcakes as a belated birthday celebration for Amy.  Friday, Danielle, MK, and I had our annual 3M dinner, they finally got to see my apartment. Then, we went back to check on Gigi, visit with her family, and eventually, we got Ray from the airport.  It was another late night- I even slept in until 10 the next morning.

Yesterday, after finally making it home (I spent the night at MK's since we had such a late night), I ran a quick errand, and then I got ready for my holiday dinner with Sunshine. We decided to try the Elegant Farmer- very nice, and the food was really good and very filling. Today, after Mass, I went to a family brunch with Mom, Memaw, Jamiee, Kaela, and Jamiee's parents.  We had a really nice time catching up with each other.  Then, Mom, Memaw, and I went to Chuck and Barb's for another brunch (we didn't eat too much, I swear) and got to catch up with them and their family.  It was a really nice morning and afternoon.  After that, I needed a nap. And to finish out the day/night, Mom and I went to Zoo Lights- so much fun! We went on the Ferris Wheel and got our picture taken with Santa!

Now, time to get some sleep before more holiday festivities begin again tomorrow :)

                                                   Gigi showing off her dance moves

                                       
                                           Lizzy and Daniel posing

                                          Being sweet to each other!

                                            3M at Chiwawa's

                                         3M with Gigi!

                                                      And then with Paula Christmas!

                                             Sunshine and I at Elegant Farmer

                                                    Zoo Lights!

                                         We found the reindeer!

                                          Mom and I on the Ferris Wheel

                Do you think it was windy up there? How can you tell?

                                                  My Christmas Door

Tip for the Week: Don't stress it if you're not totally in the holiday mood all the time. Just enjoy your family and friends, and if you end up in the mood, great. If not, no worries.

Recipe for the Week: http://www.seehubbycook.com/baked-pears/

12/15- Those of you who bless the poor, shall yourselves find blessing

Weight Loss for the Week: 0lbs

This was the last full week of classes for the semester. We finished units, tested, and began preparing for exams. It was intense and a bit hectic, but overall fine. My students seem a bit worried about my exams- mainly because the study guides were longer than they expected them to be.  I just compiled the study guides from all previous units and trimmed them down a bit. I think they'll be fine though. It's time they understand what it means if you actually get a study guide in college- and that for the most part, you just have to review EVERYTHING. Plus, this way, when they get the exam and it's not as bad as they're imagining, they can relax and realize the value of putting in the hard work.  That's what I'm going to tell myself anyways.

Otherwise, I had a good weekend. I hung out with Kerry on Friday.  Saturday, I proctored the HSPT (yay extra moolah!) and that was normal minus a few likely pretty sick kids. I may have sanitized everything multiple times just to prevent the possibility of getting sick this week.  Then, it was time to head up to Atoka for the December Book Club meeting.  We had such a fun time! And Ashly made so much good food- I swear I'm still full from it. Afterwards, my mom reminded me about a Christmas party, so we went to that and that was pretty nice. I also got to stop by Memaw's and get my new Christmas socks and earrings :)

Today, I went to Mass, ran some errands, and even braved a store to get a few things for my Secret Santa at school.  After all of that, I went to see "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" at my school.  I had a few students in it, so I wanted to support them.  It was really good! I'm always amazed at the talent kids can have. It was a good way to wind down the weekend.  Tonight, I'm just relaxing and watching "Psych: The Musical"- so glorious! It feels weird not having to prepare anything for the week since it's just a review day tomorrow, and I've already made the exams.  It's nice, but weird.

Now, to chill and finish this amazing episode. Dule Hill, why are you so talented and hot?

Tip of the Week: Remember to breathe, don't let the holidays overwhelm you. It's not supposed to be such a stressful time. You should try to relax and enjoy your friends and family.

Recipes of the Week: http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=1&art_id=108&sc=3022&scid=sm_fb&rid=952440

12/8- It's the season when the saints can employ us to spread the news about peace and to keep love alive

Weight Loss for the Week: 0lbs

School was good this week. We had some craziness with Wednesday's schedule, but it was fine. We also ended up with Friday off due to inclement weather, and I was proud that I had my plans worked out so that the students got the work and didn't fall behind. We are running out of time for this semester and every minute counts.  They are focused, but getting pretty antsy. I can't blame them, I'm getting antsy. I love them, I love teaching, but this period of time between Thanksgiving break and Christmas break is one of the hardest times of the year.  It's so short that you know it will be over quickly, but it's just long enough to make you feel like you're going a little crazy.

I did well tracking points this week and working out- yay for joining the gym! Kerry and Stephanie have been my awesome gym buddies :) Stephanie even has me going to Zumba! I really like it, and I think I'm starting to get the moves down just enough to not look totally foolish. I have even found myself practicing the moves during the day when I'm doing other things. This will definitely help me maintain during this month of holiday parties and holiday foods, and hopefully get back to losing once the holiday parties and foods are done and gone.

Speaking of holiday foods, I am finally done with my Christmas baking. I limited myself to one batch of each item I normally make. It will have to be enough even if it means people get smaller portions. I mean, I love it, but it's time consuming, expensive, and messy. And I have almost no space in my fridge or freezer for anything else.  It also meant that I didn't get to try out any new healthy recipes this week. Oh well, hopefully I can distribute most of it this week, and then get back to personal cooking next week.

This weekend has been a long, productive one. I had Friday off, so I was able to plan and get baking done. I also stayed in most of the day since I didn't want to deal with potentially dangerous streets and assuredly dangerous drivers. That was fine, I got to relax and not worry about making plans and all that. It also meant I had cabin fever by Saturday.  I ran a few errands, visited Mom, and decided to go see a movie that night ("Philomena"- wonderful, go see it). Today, I took care of cleaning and prepping for the week ahead.  I also went to an Advent dinner through the Young Adult group at my church. That was very nice, a good lively discussion and tasty food that I didn't have to make.

Pictures of the ice in my area:

Now, time to get some rest, and maybe address a few more Christmas cards.

Tip of the Week: Focus on the memories you're making with friends and family this season, not the materialism we so often associate with it.

Recipe of the Week:

Strawberry Bread

3 cups Plain Flour

1 tsp Baking Soda

1 tsp Salt

3 tsp Cinnamon

2 cups Sugar

3 beaten Eggs

1 ¼ cup Oil

2 10oz pkgs. Frozen Strawberries

1 ¼ cups Chopped Pecans

Mix all together by hand and put into greased and floured loaf pans.  Bake 1 hour at 350°.  Makes 2 large loaves or 3 small loaves.

12/1- I can see me now on Christmas morning creeping down the stairs

Weight Loss for the Week: 0lbs

 School was so short this week! One and a half days- I just had my kids do presentations because I figured starting a new unit would not work well with that kind of time. The presentations were good, my students amaze me with their abilities all the time. It also helped keep the kids focused as we headed to Thanksgiving break. We were all pretty ready for it by the time we got out on Tuesday. 

I have had a nice break. I have gotten extra work outs in, and I was actually down about half a pound until a few days ago. Then, I kept going out with friends and indulging. Bad decision. My stomach is still upset with me.  I will be staying hardcore on track now to keep it settled. It's crazy how much worse it is for stomach now when I splurge. The tasty food/drinks aren't even remotely worth the pain. Water has been a good friend to me during all of this though.

Thanksgiving was really nice and laidback this year. I went to my mom's with Memaw and Conor. I made Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping. It's always so tasty :)  We had plenty of good, homemade food. We played some Apples to Apples. And we started making plans for the Christmas holiday.  I am so glad it's time for Christmas! I have already decorated my apartment, done my Christmas shopping, and started my Christmas baking.  I am doing my best to stay on top of everything this year. I swear, time just flies, and if I don't have a to-do list going, I wind up staying up late to do baking and shopping, and it just stresses me out beyond belief.

Oh, I joined a gym a few days ago! My mom and I toured it on Friday, then I joined. I have gone a few times now, and I really like it. I have a few friends who are members, and we are setting up times to meet for work outs and classes. I think this will be really good for me, especially with the holiday season in full swing now. It's pretty close to where I live, so I can swing by pretty easily after work, on the weekends, and just whenever. I need this now that it's getting dark so early- not to mention cold!

                                            Thanksgiving Dinner

                                         Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping

                                          Family Photo!

                                         Nativity from my Mom

 

Christmas Tree

Now, time to get ready for the last big push of the semester!

Tip of the Week: It doesn't always work out, and that's okay.

Recipe of the Week:

SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE WITH PRALINE TOPPING   The streusel is both stirred into the casserole and sprinkled on top.

1 cup all-purpose flour 2/3 cup packed brown sugar 1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted 1/4 cup stick margarine, melted 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and halved (about 2-1/2 pounds) 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 large egg white 1 (5-ounce) can fat-free evaporated milk Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine first 5 ingredients in a small bowl, stirring to form a streusel. Set aside.

Place potatoes in a Dutch oven; add water to cover. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes or until very tender. Drain well; mash in a large bowl. Stir in 1 cup streusel, granulated sugar, vanilla, egg white, and milk. Spoon into a 2-quart casserole coated with cooking spray; top with remaining streusel. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes.  Makes 10 servings at 8pts apiece.

11/27- And I want to thank you for giving me the best day of my life

Things Currently Pleasing Me

1. My incredibly supportive family. I have always loved my family. I have not always appreciated them the way I should- I am impressed they still talk to me after my teenage years. This year has had a lot of big moments for my family.  Back in January, my dad found out he a tumor (benign) on his pituitary gland, it ruptured, and he had to have emergency surgery (I didn't sleep much that night). This is when I really started to realize how often I have taken for granted that my family will always be around when I need them. I have been making a more conscious effort to appreciate my family and to do more with them and for them. They are good about doing for me when I need them, and I hope I'm doing better at reciprocating.

2. My insanely awesome friends. I love that I have friends who enjoy a lot of the same, random, crazy, fun stuff that I do.  I also like that they let me be myself, even when I'm losing it, acting like a fool, or just being rather odd. They also know when and how to call me on my shit when I need it. I appreciate the tough love when I'm freaking out about some work issue, some guy, or just anything that's out of my control.  We all make time for each other regardless of work, kids, and even if we no longer live in the same city/state. I could start listing the examples from just this year of all the things they have done for me, but I'm not sure I would be able to type it all before my fingers broke from sheer exhaustion. Y'all know what y'all have done, and I hope y'all know how eternally grateful I am. I hope I give them the same amount of time/respect/advice/love/acceptance that they give me. I know that no matter what life hands me, they will be there with a hug and a drink if need be. I am blessed to have such great people for friends.

3. My fantastic new job. Not to say that I have not loved my former students and colleagues, but I feel like I am where I am supposed to be. I actually feel like my supervisors trust me. The students are incredibly sweet, engaged, and respectful. I have been overwhelmed with how much they care for others through their service, and through times when I ask them to write notes of hope, or condolence, or Christmas cards for soldiers. It amazes me how seriously they take it all.  I have also loved trying out new project ideas with them since we have more access to technology here than I have ever had before. It's crazy-cool what they come up with when I assign those. I love going there everyday, and I always have some story of the day to tell about why I love those kids.  I also really like my colleagues there, they are so funny and helpful. They definitely make it a great community.

4. My wonderful new apartment. It's been six months already that I have been able to call these 460 sq. ft. my own :)  I have arranged it and decorated it exactly the way I like it. I have real furniture (mainly thanks to my parents and Memaw) that's not only functional, but cute! I like my neighbors for the most part, and the staff here are always helpful and accommodating. I love living in Midtown- I can walk to so many of my favorite places. And while it may sound lonely to some, I love coming home to my own space where I can just relax and be alone if I'm not in the mood to talk to anyone. Also, I love having people come visit my place- I get to entertain! I even like cleaning it every week. I like having it look nice, even if it's just for me.  I also like that get to decorate it for the holidays the way I want.

5. My ever-improving health. Aside from WW (which is totally awesome!), I have also looked into other health issues to make sure I'm okay.  I had my moles inspected this year (cancer-free). I found out that two of my neck bones were starting to fuse (yikes, right?), and began going to physical therapy for it. That was one of my scarier health issues this year. Like, I was really worried that I was going to have to have surgery on my neck. And that, just, no, no surgery on my neck, that just won't work for me, it's too freaky and isn't guaranteed to help. Fortunately, the physical therapy has helped immensely- I almost never wake up with any pain, and I don't have to take my muscle relaxer pills anymore. I also got discharged from physical therapy a few weeks ago because he agreed that I was good again. Anyways, I like that I care about my health and that in addition to the weekly work outs and counting points, I am also staying on top of other big health issues as they arise.  It makes me feel like a real adult.

11/25- I know how it feels to be your age; you only have to do it once and never again.

Weight Loss for the Week: .5lbs

 I did pretty well tracking points this week, planning ahead, and working out.  I do think it's time to look into a gym membership though. There are fewer and fewer daylight hours, and it's getting a lot colder.  I have put off looking into gyms for quite some time now because I like exercising outside. I like breathing the fresh air, I like seeing my neighborhood, and I like watching the seasons change. But now, I think it's time to see about joining a gym so I can keep exercising regularly, and maybe look into some exercises I can't just do on my own- or maybe some classes :)

School was pretty good this week. I got to chaperone the Sophomore Retreat on Friday. I actually enjoyed it- I got some work done when they were in their small groups, I got to see them in a more natural setting for them which was nice, and I learned about a few talents they have- like the ones who play in bands and are really good. It was a nice way to end the week.  Now, I'm just getting stuff ready for a really short week with my classes.  It will be a lot of presenting since we are done with our last units and it's not enough time to start new units.

I have had a nice weekend. I went out with Kerry to Slider :) I think they missed us there, it's been awhile since we graced them with our presence.  It was a good Girls' Night- just what I needed to escape my own crap. Plus, she always has good advice and tough love tips to make me not dwell so much. My mom and I went to the Grizzlies v. Spurs game- and while they lost, we still had fun. I am proud to announce that I am almost done with my Christmas shopping, I only need a few more gifts, and then I can call it a day with that.  Oh, and I can focus on baking. It may be a bit more limited this year since I do not have a lot of space in my fridge and freezer, but it will be fine.

Finally, I had over 300 people read the post I wrote on Wednesday. Thank you for your interest, and thank you to those who wrote supportive comments. Every time you realize you care about someone who doesn't care that much about you, it's hard. You'd think we would all start figuring it out sooner, but I know people far older than I who still go through this. Maybe I could care less, maybe I could be meaner, maybe I could become cynical and assume the worst in people. But, that would just be too negative an existence to live- for me anyways. Instead, I will keep working on seeing the positive while at the same time not allowing myself to be placed in the role of a placeholder now or a consolation prize later. I love myself too much for that.

                              At Slider- oh, did I mention I got my hair cut? Cute, right?

                                                   New shirt- love this slogan!

 

Chocolate Popcorn

Tip of the Week: Never take yourself or your feelings for granted. Don't let others take you for granted either.

Recipe of the Week: Chocolate Popcorn- love this because it's crunchy, salty, and sweet! And I can make it and eat off of it for a few days :)
Ingredients:
6 cups air-popped popcorn
3-4 tbsp. light butter
1/4 cup chocolate chips

Pop the popcorn, melt the butter (and the chocolate chips if you are that skilled), mix together. Makes 3-4 servings- 5-7 points depending on how you split it.

Now, time to finish grading and prepping

11/20- It's the terror of knowing what this world is about

Things Currently Pissing Me Off:

1. Being too intimidating for nice guys to even consider dating me. That’s what I heard most recently.  So, what, now just because I’m not some dumb bimbo, I get stuck with assholes? Nice guys, grow a pair. I’m competent. I’m capable. I’m educated. I’m ambitious. I understand that it apparently comes off as aggressive and bitchy because I’m a woman. Get over it. Just because I’m not some damsel in distress at all times does not mean I don’t want to feel wanted or needed. Being a strong woman does not mean I don’t have weaknesses. I’m still just as vulnerable as the next woman to having my heart broken. The only difference is that I do my best to keep it together and keep my emotions in check when I’m in public. It doesn’t mean I’m not hurting. It doesn’t mean I don’t care.

2. Flirting, or my inability to do so. I never quite acquired the skill that so many of my sex just naturally have. I am awkward. I would rather have a real and honest conversation any day than just flirt. It’s so fake, so phony, such bullshit. I find it fun and amusing for, oh, about five-ten minutes, then I’m over it. At that point, I want to know who you actually are so I can determine if you’re worth my time. The problem is most guys think that means I don’t like them. So, I don’t even get considered for a date or a drink. Or maybe they just don’t like me. I don’t know. I’ve posted before about how I feel about all of this, but it’s been bugging me much more recently, so I’m just restating it. For more, see the post back in June or July. 

3. All of these recent posts poking fun at overweight women.  How dare you make fun of very serious issues in these people’s lives. It’s almost impossible to be fat in this society and be comfortable, but now, you have to take pictures and put your degrading comments on them? And then the rest of you share them and laugh? You’re my friends and my relatives. Does that mean you think I, too, deserve to have my photo taken at an unflattering angle and posted all over the internet with some, oh degrading isn’t even the word- it’s too nice for crap you’re pulling, some heartless, insensitive joke on it? Because that is all I can think when I see them. It tells me you think I deserve the same fate. And it makes me not want to deal with you. 

4. The glorification of busy, and everyone’s attempts to out-do each other’s busy. WE ARE ALL BUSY. WE ALL HAVE LIVES. Saying you can’t see someone, do something, or whatever because you are always too busy just means you don’t care. Don’t get me wrong, I know there are times when you really are too busy to deal with anything but your own insane life, but there are also times when you’re not and you just excuse it away as too busy. When something or someone truly matters, you need to make the time. You never know when you will lose the chance to do so again. Also, quit trying to tell me your busy it more important or busier than someone else’s busy. Each and every one of us has our own life to lead and purpose to fulfill. It means that right now, I am a teacher, a daughter, a friend, a granddaughter, a sister, a stepdaughter, a colleague, a traveler, and whatever other labels currently apply. I cannot and will not compete with you and your busy life as a mother, a grad student, a lawyer, a wife, a nurse, a doctor, a social worker, a writer, and whatever other labels currently apply to you. I will respect your life and hope that you respect mine, and I will not try to undermine your moments of insanity by claiming that mine are worse. No one wants to hear that, they just want to be heard. And I hope that if we each care about each other, we will find the time in our busy lives to spend time together. 

5. Name-calling, blaming everyone else, and all the issues that come with that. This applies to so many things in our society. Quit focusing on who is at fault and start figuring out what to do to solve the problem. I don’t care if it’s the government shutdown, the typhoon, education issues, or your own personal issues. We waste more time trying to assign blame for our problems than we do trying to actually fix our problems.  We need to be accountable, and we need to understand that some problems are incredibly complex. So few things in this world are black and white. We live in the gray, and we need to understand that. It means that we can’t always point the finger and pass the issue along. Sometimes, we just have to deal with it and fix it ourselves. And honestly, sometimes when we do know whose fault it is, we can’t make them fix it and/or they won’t fix it. We have to move on and start being a part of the solution. 

Okay, venting done, back to the routine.