10/27- There's nobody home, so I'm all alone, it's scary, and it's frightening

Weight Loss for the Week: .5lbs

Fall Break went by too quickly, and the next quarter has begun.  My students are finishing up the units we began a few weeks ago.  In Theology, we are almost done with the Gospel of Matthew, and in doing it, I have figured out how I want to balance the textbook with supplemental materials for the next three Gospels- new preps are always a learning experience for the teacher as well! In British Literature, we are finishing up Canterbury Tales, well, what we're all doing together.  They will work with a partner on one on their own (semi-assisted by me if need be) to then present to the rest of the class.

I had a nice weekend, a busy weekend.  I went to the school play (technically did this Thursday, but we'll count it as a weekend activity because it's fun), and it was great- the kids were awesome! Friday, I went to dinner and another play at Circuit Playhouse with my friend. We had a really nice night together.  Saturday, I went shopping with my mom and ended up getting Christmas decorations for my bathroom.  Well, I had my other spaces covered, and I like Christmas, and it's pretty :) I finally carved my pumpkin- I decided to try a graveyard scene. Later on, I went her and a few other women to Spooky Nights at Shelby Farms.  We did the Spooky Trail and the Nocturnal Trail.  The Spooky Trail delivered- we definitely got scared at various parts throughout the trail! Ending with the Nocturnal Trail was nice, very relaxing and educational.

Today, I went to mass and fellowship with a friend.  Then, Kerry and I caught up over lunch. I miss that girl! I did the normal Sunday to-do's of cleaning, and laundry, and preparing for the school week ahead.  I also decided to roast the pumpkin seeds leftover from the pumpkin I carved.  I have tried doing this before, and I have failed miserably.  This time, I looked up recipes on Pinterest, compared them, and decided I was ready to give it a try again.  They turned out pretty well I think. 

                                            Cat and I at the play

                                          My pumpkin

                                    Belle and I with some strange creatures

                                          Mom and I waiting for the Nocturnal Walk to begin

                                          Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Tip of the Week: Get your Halloween on! Only four more days to indulge in the Halloween spirit!

Recipe of the Week: http://www.christineiscooking.com/2012/10/how-to-roast-pumpkin-seeds-that.html?m=1

Now, to rest up for a spooktacular week!

10/20- Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate, the first one said, "Oh my, it's getting late!"

Weight Loss for the Week: .5lbs

We had a very short week at school.  We had two full days, and then we had a half day of testing.  Due to this, I decided to not introduce new material to either class. I had my Theology kids present on their saints, focus on vocabulary, and we tried a guided meditation.  My British Literature students had to go to a presentation by a representative of the U of M on Monday, and on Tuesday, we reviewed test prep strategies.  Testing was very easy on Wednesday. I also managed to get all my grading done by Thursday, so I have been able to truly enjoy my time. Now, we're on Fall Break for one more day :) I'm so glad I get to have tomorrow off.  I'm going walking early in the morning, taking care of a few doctors appointments after that. Then, I may go see a movie, or go to the zoo, or just lounge in my apartment. Ah, the possibilities :)

I was glad to have such a light week. MK and Gigi were in town, and I was able to go over and visit with them on Monday for a very long time.  It's amazing how much Gigi has grown in just a few months! And she's so attentive to everyone and everything happening around her. It was so precious.  And it was wonderful catching up with MK about our lives, as always.  I swear, that's the beauty of good, close friends- it never matters how long it's been since you've seen or talked with each other, you can always pick up where you left off, and just talk and laugh for forever.

On Thursday, we had a mass and faculty retreat. It was only half a day, which was very nice.  I went and got a mani/pedi with a few friends afterwards. I love getting those. They are so relaxing, and I love how pretty my nails look afterwards.  Friday, we had a Professional Development Day with the rest of the Diocese.  It was nice seeing so many former teachers, and former classmates who have gone into education as well.  After that, I went over to Memaw's to visit with her, and with my aunt and uncle who were in town for the night.  I hadn't seen them in a very long time, so it was great to catch up and all that.

Saturday, I ended up sleeping for the first time in a long time.  I had stayed up fairly late talking with a friend, though, so it happens.  I took care of some odds and ends around my apartment. I also realized I needed to come up with a costume for the Halloween party I was attending that night.  I finally decided to be Hester Prynne from The Scarlett Letter. I had everything I needed except the A, and that wasn't too hard to make.  I am not one to spend a lot of money on costumes.  If I think to plan in  advance, I will spend more energy than I did yesterday, but it had slipped my mind for awhile. Anyway, I got dressed up and went to the party. It was a lot of fun! I saw a lot of people I haven't seen in awhile, everyone was in costume, the food was delicious, and there was a bonfire! I even ended up jumping on the trampoline for a little bit before finally calling it a night, haha!

Today, I actually woke up in time for 8am mass. I ran errands, cleaned my apartment, and made meals for the rest of the week.  I even did my lesson plans for this week! I had started them on Friday during the different sessions, so I decided to go ahead and finish them.  I still have a little prep to do, but nothing too major. There is just something so nice and satisfying about finishing up the weekly chores.  I always feel like I'm able to enjoy myself more when I don't have a lot of things hanging over my head. I got to watch some Halloween movies on ABC, and then I finished making my dinner (and what will be lunch for the week). I had a nice dinner and even had a friend join me for it. Since it's finally nice and chilly here, I made a Thackery classic- Bowl of the Wife of Kit Carson Soup.  And it hit the spot :)

                                                    MK and Gigi!

                                         Me dressed as Hester Prynne

                         Bowl of the Wife of Kit Carson with salad and bread

Now, time to keep relaxing :)

Tip of the Week: Step outside your comfort zone.  Maybe not everyday, but at least once a week, do something that isn't your norm. I read at the faculty mass this week, and I do not like doing things like that (teaching is not the same). I'm glad I did it though.

Recipe of the Week: Bowl of the Wife of Kit Carson Soup (11pts)

2 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 2 lbs.)

1 quart chicken broth (large can is fine)

pinch of dried oregano (Mexican oregano if you have it on hand)

1 cup instant rice

1 cup cooked garbanzo beans (canned, drain well)

1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced

2-3 chipotle chilies, packed in adobo, (found in Mexican section in a small can)

Be sure to add about 2 tablespoons of the adobo juice

4-6 oz. Havarti cheese, cubed

4 sprigs cilantro

Place the chicken breasts in a pot with the broth.  Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat, cover, and poach for 12 minutes, gently.

Remove chicken from pot and cut into bite size pieces.  Return chicken to the broth and add the oregano, rice, garbanzo beans, avocado, chipotle with some adobo juice, and cilantro.

Divide the cheese evenly among 4 deep soup bowls (or put directly into pot, stirring well.)

Quickly heat the soup again to a quick boil, then ladle it into the bowls.  

Goes well with some bread and a side salad! 

10/13- I ain't afraid of no ghost

Weight Loss for the Week: 0lbs

School was good this week, far more normal than last week. The kids are getting a little antsy for Fall Break, heck, so are the teachers.  But, in the meantime, I started new units for each class. My British Lit kids have begun Canterbury Tales this week- we made it through the Prologue, phew!  I even recited some of what I had to memorize for my high school days in Middle English.   They were quite scared I was going to make them memorize and recite it as well, haha! My Theology kids have begun the Gospel according to Matthew and that's been good I think.  They're definitely finding out new facts from it, so that's got to be good, right?  I'm going to go with that.

I've had a fun, though pretty busy, weekend. When I got home from school/grocery store on Friday, I began cooking for my Book Club meeting the next day and for the Oktoberfest Potluck I was attending the next night.  I made apfelmus (applesauce) for Oktoberfest.  I made it from scratch and without any electric appliance.  Just needed that to be noted.  I also made pumpkin pie fudge and a light pasta salad for my Book Club.  I was pretty busy that night with all the cooking. I was also very grateful to one of my neighbors who let me borrow some spices, his peeler, and his masher.  By the time I was done cooking/baking that night, I was more than ready for bed.

Saturday, I got right up and cleaned my apartment, finally arranged some of my Fall/Halloween decorations, and all that good stuff.  I ended up helping (really just supervising) my neighbor make his Oktoberfest dish- kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes) for a little bit. Then, it was time for Book Club to start.  While we were a little low on numbers this meeting, we still had a really good time discussing the book and our lives, and eating the goodies I made :) I'm really enjoying having this book club- it makes me read books I may not have read otherwise, and it means that for sure once a month, I get to see all these women I just love. Afterwards, I had about an hour to rest before heading over to Oktoberfest.  It was such a fun potluck/get-together.  All the food was simply scrumptious- and very filling!  And everyone who comes to these are so much fun to see and talk to- can't wait for the next potluck!

Today, I went to mass with my friend, and then we went to the New Member Breakfast. I've been getting ready for the week ahead- not too hard since we only have two and a half days for school this week :) And the half day is a testing day.  It felt weird to get done with planning/prepping so quickly.  I liked it. I like it a lot. I still have plenty to grade, but I am instead working on finishing up a few projects around my apartment this afternoon first.

                                          Goodies and decorations for Book CLub

                                         Homemade Apfelmus

Tip of the Week: Step out of your comfort zone and try something new.  Variety is the spice of life :)

Recipe of the Week: Apfelmus (2pts): http://www.kitchenproject.com/german/recipes/Sauces/Apfelmus/index.htm

10/6- If you don't believe, you'd better get superstitious

Weight Loss for the Week: 0lbs

I stayed on track with points during the week. This weekend, I splurged and went out to eat a lot. This week, my waist and my finances will require me to eat home more instead.  I went on a few of my walks, but I did not make it on all of my walks this week. I got in a bit of a mood and just did not feel like it a few days- more on that below. I am resolving to do better with it this week, especially since I know that walking usually helps with the funky moods.

What a week. It was Homecoming Week at school which meant dress-out days, contests, decorations all over the hallways, and mainly crazy students.  Overall, it was fine. The kids behaved pretty well- especially because I had work each day as always. Routine always helps with weeks like this.  It was fun to see all the stuff though- made me think of my high school Spirit Week competitions. I even competed in the Students v. Teachers Tug-of-War (there's a video on my facebook if you're interested in seeing it).  I went to the game Friday night, and even though our kids lost, it was still fun. 

This weekend has been good. I stopped by First Friday before heading over to Homecoming, and that was nice as usual. I house-sat yesterday, so I got to relax with one of my favorite dogs. I also went shopping with Mom and Memaw at Mistletoe Market- so fun to get in the holiday mood! I even found a New Apartment ornament :)  So perfect! Today, we had a brunch for Maddie's birthday, and that was pretty fun.  Then, I went over to Kerry's to grade and prep while she studied. I swear, it's just like high school again, hehe. 

This week has been a different one. I've been in a funk for most of it. It wasn't anything in particular that put me in the funk, but it took me almost all week to get out of it. And it didn't really hit me during school, but once I'd get home, it did. I think a big part of it was that I didn't really have someone to just call/see and talk to this week. Everyone has been just as crazy busy as I have been these days, and while I'm sure my friends and family would've listened to me, I felt like I'd be bothering them. Also, I wasn't in the mood to have to drive to see anyone. It just got to me. It made me depressed. I realized Friday morning that I hadn't had so much as a hug from anyone since Sunday (bumping into kids in the hallway does not count). It really bothered me. I know it's just part of life sometimes, especially now that I'm living on my own, but it still kinda sucks.

Fortunately, when I went to First Friday, I went into Kerry's house to get her. Then, when I was hugging her, I told her that it was the first hug I'd had since Sunday.  She just hugged me tighter and hugged me a bit longer. It was exactly what I needed. I love having friends who just know what I need. I know it may sound inconsequential, but it's weird to not have it when you're used to it. I'm a hugger. I like hugs. I miss having some basic form of affection for long periods of time (it's usually the only thing I dislike about traveling on my own for a long time). But, I got a lot of hugs this weekend. And I'm hopeful that I won't go without them until Friday again this week :)

Okay, back to being positive :)

Tip of the Week: Ask for help, or a hug, when you need one. No sense in staying in a mood if you can find a way out of it.

Recipe of the Week: http://www.weareteachers.com/community/blogs/weareteachersblog/blog-wat/2012/08/13/healthy-school-lunches-for-teachers

Now, it's time to make sure everything is ready for this week.