8/25- I sure would like some sweet company, and I'm leaving tomorrow, what do you say?

Weight Loss for the Week: 1lb

School has started!!! We had a full week of classes complete with a fire drill, pep rally, and football game :)  It was a really good first week. I am starting to learn my students' names (not all, but a good amount for this point in the year). They are getting used to the routine of school and my class which is good. So far, behavior has been really stellar- I'm loving that more than I can explain. Also, I was excited to see a few students from Catholic transferred over to SBA and I even have one in one of my classes! So cool to get to have her two years in a row! I've gotten my Brit Lit kids through their summer reading- now they have to take a test tomorrow and then write an essay. My Theology kids had to review the Old Testament in addition to other introductory activities this week, and now I'm hoping they're ready to start with the New Testament.  I think it will be a good year with all these kids.

I did not do my morning walks this week. I decided I needed to see how the mornings were going to work in regards to having breakfast, getting ready, and doing any last-minute prep before adding in my long walks. I did walk 3 afternoons this week, so that was good. It means I do have the energy after a school day to still walk. I will try to walk at least one morning this week to see how it goes. 

The pep rally was so cool- I had forgotten how much fun those can be. The cheerleaders and two dance teams performed- they were BOMB. I was totally blown away. And the kids were all into it, cheering and vying for that Spirit Stick. I always loved that kind of stuff when I was in high school, so I like seeing that this school is really into it as well.  I went with a few teachers to the football game. It was pretty good, we've got some good players. And we were winning, so a few of us decided to go grab a late dinner towards the end of the third quarter... and then we lost :(  Clearly, we shouldn't have left the game. Oh well, now we know ;)

Yesterday, I got to catch up with Sunshine over lunch. Then, I went to a potluck-style dinner with my mom and the Pizza Crew. It was fun seeing them and all :)  We were supposed to play games, but that never happened, hehe- too much talking and eating. Then, I came home and chatted with a friend for a few hours before finally calling it a night. Today, I went to my mom's house and worked some more on my old room- it's almost done! I've put a few bins back in the attic- only a few! And now, I'm determining what will come over here and what may need to still be donated/thrown away.  Kerry and I grabbed some lunch a little later and enjoyed it outside since the weather is nice today.  Then, I came home, cleaned, did laundry, and am now prepping for the week ahead :)

Tip of the Week: Tell people if you're dieting/changing your eating habits/doing a program like WW. I didn't used to do this because it felt awkward. Now, I tell most everyone that I do WW, and I have found out about others who do it, did it, use their recipes. It's incredibly helpful to let people know so they can support you and connect with you :)

Recipe of the Week: http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/RecipePage.aspx?recipeid=82001
I've made these before- you can change out the spices if you like.

                                                      Me on the First Day of School!

Now, time to make some quizzes and ppts!

8/18- Sweepin' the clouds away, on my way to where the air is sweet

Weight Loss for the Week: 0lbs

Okay, so this week was crazy busy. I had in service most of the week. I feel significantly more informed now about the school, policies, etc. So, that's nice. I've also met a ton of the teachers- still working on names- they're all really friendly and helpful which I totally appreciate.  I've helped clean out and set up my two main rooms. Pretty routine for the most part- minus the grill that was left in the Theology room.  Yes, grill. Pictures below. We used it as a doorstop for the day, and then I threw it out because it was dirty and gross.

Now, posters, calendars, and other decorations have been put up in each room. I think they look cute- let's hope they stay that way ;)  I've got most of this first week planned and prepped, but I'm sure I'll re-evaluate and tweak some of it here and there as I always do. A part of me is calmer this year than last year, but I'm still getting a little anxious for the year to just be underway. I like being in the routine of it all. I met a few students at Registration- they seem really nice and friendly :)  Now, I've got to work on learning all of their names. Just 100+, no biggie, right???

I've had some fun catching up with friends this week as well. Katey and I went to Bar Louie Wednesday- it was so nice to catch up with her :) Can't wait to do it again. Thursday, Mary Kathryn, Ray and Gianna were in town, so I went over and finally got to meet Gianna!!! Such an adorable and precious baby! I can't believe she's already 2 months old- where has the time gone? I just loved holding her, talking to her, taking pictures of her (she already knows how to pose), etc. And it was great to see MK, Ray, and the family. They're always so much fun! I just love hanging out with them. Then, Ashly spent the night, and we enjoyed the night up on the roof until we were ready for bed.  One of my friends had a baby shower yesterday- can't believe how many people I know are having kids! It was a very nice shower (too much good food) :) I love looking at all the teeny, tiny baby clothes! And I got to see Jenn last night for the first time in almost a month- I missed her! I'm glad she's enjoying her new school :)  All this catching up meant a lot of food and whatnot. That and the fact that I did not get in all my regular workouts would be why there was no weight loss.

I did get in over half my normal workouts. I'm glad I did my best to stick to my schedule during inservice because I know that will help as the school year starts. I know I'm going to want to sleep/nap a lot more than normal the next week or so, but I'm going to keep going on walks and all to stay focused on the life goal :)

                                                              The Grill                                              

 

Grill as a doorstop

 

Gianna Marie :) Such a beauty!

  

Gianna posing while I love on her

Tip of the Week: Find ways to make water fun :) It's not always easy to down your 8 8oz glasses each day, so try flavoring it- I like lemons... Correction: I LOVE lemons. I just got this infuser from BB&B, but I'm having trouble with unscrewing it (it seems like someone else unscrewed it, then screwed it back in incorrectly)- may have to exchange it or have them open it for me.

 Recipe of the Week: Spicy Sausage Pasta- inspired by a Pinterest recipe that I made a bit more WW friendly.

Ingredients:
1 10oz can Rotel
1 12oz can Tomato Sauce
4 Cheddar Bratwurst links
2 Green Peppers
1 medium Onion
1.5 cups Water
16oz Penne
1 cup Part-Skim Mozzarella

  

Put all ingredients except the cheese in the crock pot for 3.5 hours- stir occasionally.  Add cheese, let sit for another 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Eat and enjoy!  Makes 10 decent-sized servings at 9 PP each. 

 

I had mine with a side salad and was very satisfied. 

 

Now, time to try to relax before the school year officially begins!

8/11- Okay, I don't make films. But if I did, they'd have a Samurai

Weight Loss This Week- 0lbs

So, this week started off in Colorado finishing up my visit to see Dad and Diane. I talked Dad into one more morning walk which was really nice. Then, he and Diane had work (he also had a golf tournament) that Monday, so I decided to go shopping and get some new clothes for the new school year. Now, we all know how ... unpleasant clothes shopping can be. And if you've ever been this overweight, you know how utterly depressing it can be. I have spent so much of my life just avoiding clothes shopping for the sheer fact that it meant I'd have to try on 26/28's or XXXL's. That will shoot any shred of self-esteem or good feelings right down the tube. I would wear clothes until they were falling apart to avoid that humiliation every time. Eventually, my parents just bought the clothes, guesstimated the sizes, and I'd keep what fit and that was that. I'd also opt for bigger, flowy clothing in some odd effort to not seem so large. It doesn't work, it just made me look even bigger. But, I hated clothes that might cling to me and show off exactly what my body looked like. It just sucked.

Nowadays, I'm still working on getting down to the goal weight, so some clothes are not options yet (YET). I am getting more comfortable with wearing more flattering clothing. I actually like the clingier clothes because they don't make me look like a total whale- they show how much less I weigh. Also, when they start to get loose, it's just the most amazing feeling in the world. I also like that I'm now down to 18's and L/XL- depends on the brand.  THANK GOD. I can shop in regular clothing stores for the most part- no more Fat Girls Only stores. I actually had a lot of fun going shopping that day- even though I was driving nonstop and tearing through racks and shelves like a mad woman. I went to Ross, The Outlets at Castle Rock, and Kohl's that day (thanks Dad and Diane for the car and the funds!), and I found 4 new work tops, 3 new work pants, 1 new pair of work shoes, and 1 new pair of tennis shoes. I was so proud :) Then, Diane surprised me with more tops, dresses, and a skirt. I'm going to be so styling :)

I have returned to Memphis and begun orientation/inservice for the school year. I met the other new teachers for SBA- they all seem really nice and cool. I even remember their names! I found out my schedule, students, and rooms for the year. I've been meeting other teachers at SBA- some names I remember, some names I'm still learning.  Everyone has been really welcoming, friendly, and helpful. I think it's going to be a great year :) I'm also crazy-excited that I can use a Smart Board everyday for my English classes (woot for Title I!).  The only downside to inservice is working on figuring out my working out schedule- but better now than right when school starts. I also got blisters from my new work shoes that kept from walking for two days- but back on track tomorrow! The combination of not getting in all my workouts and still celebrating with friends a few nights meant no weight loss this week.

I had fun with some neighbors Friday night up on the roof- I told you, it's the place to be. I met yet another teacher who seems really awesome and cool, so that's good. It's nice to have people who understand and validate your experiences. Saturday, I went to a Catechist class for about 6 hours. It was very informative- I think I got some more good ideas for the year. Saturday evening, the K Squared Book Club had their Meet and Greet! (Did I mention that Kerry and I have started a book club? I know, I know, we're rather amazing) A few members had to miss due to unforeseen circumstances, but we still had a nice time sipping on coffee and chatting.  Later, Sunshine and I went to see We're the Millers- so damn funny. I was howling through the majority of the movie, definitely a good one to see if you're in the mood for a comedy.

Today, I finally finished going through all my boxes in Mom's attic.  I had 5 big plastic bins, 2 suitcases, and 15 boxes in her attic at the beginning of the summer. Hoarder in the making, I'm aware. I went through absolutely everything in each bin, suitcase, and box. I have thrown away a lot of stuff. I have donated a lot of stuff. I have found about 1.5 bins worth of stuff I actually need/can use at my new apartment (I've been looking for most of it since I moved). I have about 2 bins worth of stuff that will go back into the attic along with the furniture I couldn't bring here. It was crazy to see all that stuff. I had so many cards, school papers, yearbooks, books, school spirals, textbooks, photos, clothes, purses, odds and ends, etc. It was hard to let go of some things, but also very liberating to be able to know that I was done with so much of that part of my life. Now, aside from the stuff I can bring and use here, what I want to do with with a lot of the t-shirts and school uniforms I found is make one of those quilts- or pay someone to make one of those quilts. We'll see what happens with that down the line.

Tip of the Week: When you get an injury (or blisters), allow it some time to heal so you don't further complicate it- or cause the blisters to create more blisters each time you work out.

Recipe of the Week: http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/RecipePage.aspx?recipeId=57951
I've made this a few different times, always delicious- consider not using the chocolate chips because they get pretty hard when frozen.

Now, time for more prepping and planning before continuing with inservice tomorrow :)

8/4/13- Come on, baby. Don't say maybe. I gotta know if your sweet love is gonna save me.

Weight Loss This Week- .5lbs

This has been a most enjoyable week.

I kept up my walking, despite finally ending up a bit under the weather due to all the crazy weather we've had in Memphis this summer.  I really just love waking up and getting right down to it. I think it's just a great way to start the day. Plus, starting off when I'm sleepy means I get halfway through before I begin to wonder if I'm tired or whatnot. And then, I always think, well, can't stop now, so I just keep going until it's over.

I had my first over-night guest at my apartment :) Ashly came over Monday night. We went to Chiwawa's Movie Night and saw Ferris Bueller's Day Off. It was a lot of fun. I hope I'm able to make it to a few more of their Summer Movie Nights this year. And it was nice the next morning when we were hanging out and she helped me with some of my lesson planning for my Brit Lit class. I really like appreciate hearing other ideas to decide what might work best for me and my students. I also appreciate getting some insight and ideas from my mentor from last year this past week as well. I'm so blessed to have so many helpful, experienced people in my life.

Thursday, I flew to CO to see my dad and Diane for a long weekend.  I have just loved getting to spend time with them and getting to celebrate their birthdays with them.  This is the first year in a really long time when I've gotten to celebrate all three of my parents' birthdays with them on their birthday :)  For my dad's birthday, I made his favorite Strawberry Cake. We had a lovely dinner on their new deck, and a few friends/neighbors joined us for the celebration. For Diane's, we did about the same, but this time I made Peach Crisp- it was my first time, and I was worried I was going to burn it. Fortunately, I didn't and now it's about all gone.

I've also enjoyed hanging out with them. We've gone to the Paris Street Market, golfing (yes, I willing went and enjoyed caddying for them), out to a movie and dinner. I've also convinced Dad to go for a walk with me. I know when I was a kid coming out here, it was always a matter of seeing how many activities we could fit in, how many places we could go, etc. Now, I just like being able to spend time with them and reconnect. I'm also working on convincing them to come visit me in Memphis sometime soon (hint, hint). I love how much more I appreciate my family as I've gotten older.

Okay, as promised, here are the Tip and the Recipe of the Week.  Tip: Stick to your sleep/exercise schedule, even on vacation. It helps keep your body on track.  Recipe (minus the amaretto): http://smartbalance.com/recipes/peach-oatmeal-crisp

                                         Mountains in the daytime

                                        Mountains at sunset

                                          Diane, Dad, and I :)

                                         
                                          Strawberry Cake

                                        
                                         Peach Crisp

Now, to get ready for my last day of vacation with Dad and Diane before going home and getting ready for the school year to start :)