4/27- Turn down for what?!

Weight Loss for the Week: 0lbs

It's that time of year again where time just flies, and I can barely keep track of everything. Workouts all happened this week, and I tracked my points pretty well this week. I also had to take my allergy meds and neck pain meds a bunch this week. They make me feel so bloated when I take them on the same day. That is the one real downside to this time of year- allergies. I mean, it's nowhere near as bad as it was before I had my surgery, but it's still not fun. Pollen, you are a mean, green, icky machine.

Monday, I had the day off from work (woot for Easter holidays!), so that morning, I got my car inspected, went to Zumba and lunch with Kristin- we have conveyor belt sushi. It is so dangerous to know that. I must forget that such a place exists near me. Afterwards, Sean and I went to the zoo and had fun exploring. A sea lion got on the barrier when we were there! I wanted to pet him, but I didn't- and it's a good thing too, Kristin told me he would have tried to eat my fingers. I like my fingers. I value their existence quite a bit.

Then, it was back to school for a short week. I finished units with all my kids, and they had tests and writing assessments (which they LOVED- can you hear the sarcasm?). We had the talent show this week, one of my kids was in the band that won, so that was cool. I have been reminding all of them about everything they have due in our final few weeks. I am hoping that we all survive it, and that I can grade it without losing my mind.

Thursday, it was Dining Out for Life, and Sean and I went to dinner at Central BBQ. Afterwards, Mom, Cathy, and I went to the Grizzlies Play Offs game against the Thunder. It was so much fun! They played well for the most part, and the game went into overtime again. We won 98 to 95! We were screaming and cheering the whole time- I was glad I had tests for my kids the next day so I could just proctor and call it a day.

Saturday, I woke up with some neck issues, so I had to do my exercises for a while. Later, Kerry and I went to lunch in the Square, love living in Midtown! Afterwards, I did some cleaning and laundry before getting ready for prom. I went to dinner at Bosco's with other teachers beforehand, and while the food was good, the service was terrible. I actually had to ask the waitress if she would take my order since she never asked me when she got other people's orders. Then, when it came time to pay, we had to ask repeatedly, and it took over an hour from the time we first asked for the bill until we finally got the last of our cards back. When we told the manager, he simply said it takes awhile to split a bill, and then he would not talk to us- he even walked completely out of his way in order to avoid us. All I got from that is that they do not want any of us to return there, and I have no intentions of doing so.

Anyways, after that fiasco, it was time to chaperone prom- the kids looked so adorable in their tuxes and dresses! I had the second shift, so I was only there from about 10-11:30- it went by so quickly! I got there in time to see the king and queen get crowned. I also got to see one of my student's bands play a few songs. It was really enjoyable.

Today, I helped one of my mom's friends with some stuff at her house. Then, I went with the Young Adults group to Mass and brunch. We had a really nice time chatting and eating together :)  It rained the rest of the day, so it was a struggle to make myself finish getting ready for tomorrow. I still have a few things I will need to take care of tomorrow morning, but it will be fine. I love just chillin' on a rainy day at home.

Now, time for bed!

Pictures of the Week: Grizzlies Game, Me at Prom, and the Skillet Pizza

Tip of the Week: Grit'n'Grind.

Recipe of the Week: Skillet Pizza

1/2 cup low-fat mozzarella
7 slices turkey pepperoni

Place in lightly greased skillet. Cook until brown on all edges. Eat and enjoy!

4/20- Jesus Christ is Risen today, Alleluia!

Weight Loss for the Week: 1 lb

Let me be completely honest. I only got in one workout for the week- and it was on Monday. I didn't eat poorly, but I definitely could have eaten better for some of my meals. I have no clue how I lost- I actually figured I would gain this week. Perhaps running around like a chicken with my head cut off helped? Or all the standing and kneeling at Holy Week services? Sometimes, there's just no accounting for it I guess. Back on the regular workout schedule and tracking this week now that Holy Week is over (though I still get tomorrow off!).

I had a nice Monday off last week (I just took the day since I still have some vacation time for the year). I got to run a few errands, and then I hung out with Amy and the kids :) Lizzy learned a few fun drinks from the menu at Mi Pueblo, hehe! Then, we went to visit Memaw and had a really nice time.  Since I took Monday off, I only had a two and a half day work week- so nice!!! The kids were all ready for Easter break (as were all the teachers), so they were a tad antsy. My Theology kids watched "Jesus Christ Superstar", and my British Literature kids finished their Satire unit and had a test.

Wednesday night, Mom and I went to the Grizzlies last season game against the Mavericks. It was so intense! We needed the win so that we could get the 7th seed in the Playoffs and not have to play the Spurs right off the bat. It went into overtime, but we managed to get the win by one point! The whole stadium was on its feet through the whole overtime, so cool and crazy!  Thursday, after the half day, a group of us went to have some lunch and celebrate. It was really fun and relaxing. Then, I came home, napped, and got up in time for the Holy Thursday Last Supper Mass. It was a very nice way to start the Triduum, especially since at the different Triduum services, I was able to sit with CYA folks and my senior Theology teacher. I love what a small town Memphis really is :)  Friday, Sunshine and I went to lunch and the zoo (LOVE THE ZOO, and LOVE SUNSHINE). That evening, I went to Good Friday Passion Service and worked on not crying through the whole thing. It was very moving. I loved seeing the church so full. It really lets you know how connected so many of us are, even if some only come a few times a year.

Saturday morning started with a prayer service, then I went shopping and started cooking and baking for Easter dinner. Last night, I went to Sean's for dinner and a movie- I was too exhausted to do anything else. Fortunately, so was he since he just got back in town. We had a nice, chill night. This morning, I got Memaw and went to her church with her for Easter Sunday Mass. The altar was so lovely with all the lilies :)  And the priest gave a really nice homily.  After Mass, I came home, finished getting ready for family dinner, and then headed over to Mom's house. Oh, the food... all the delicious, filling food. We had veggies, chips, dips, casserole, ham, pistachio salad, fruit, deviled eggs, cake, and carmelitas. We have plenty of leftovers now split among us all. We played a new game after we gorged. Ashly and Andrew brought Bezeer Wizzer (sp?), and it was pretty fun. We like our games in this family.

Photos of the Week: Lizzy and Daniel visiting with Memaw, the Grizzlies game, the Zoo, and Easter pics :) Enjoy!

Now, back to some Spring cleaning before heading to bed :)

Tip of the Week: Get on your Spring cleaning ASAP- and remember that if you haven't used it, worn it, or thought about it in the past year- donate or toss it!

Recipe of the Week: Cucumber Roll Ups with Greek Yogurt or Hummus- something I will be trying with all my leftovers from Easter!

4/13- We all could use a little mercy now

Weight Loss for the Week: 0lbs

Workouts all in this week. Tracked points and only used a few weekly points this week. Did not drink enough water this week. Stuck to all planned meals except for one dinner. I felt mainly healthy this week which was good. I need to make sure I drink all my water, especially now that it's getting warmer. I put lemon and lime in my infuser this week- it's very good :) Oh, and Mom and I started our weekly walks again this past week- love it!

My Theology kids were not the hugest fans of our new unit. We are on our "Respect for Life" unit- which has a lot more to do with issues concerning death and murder and the like. On Monday, we planned our funerals and discussed living a moral life- they didn't like it at first, but started to by the end. Then, it was abortion, euthanasia, suicide, and capital punishment. I did give them a break from all the heavy topics on Thursday when we went to the Chapel for a guided meditation exercise. That was a nice day. There is something to being in the Chapel and getting to reflect and pray like that. In British Literature, we continued with our Satire unit- Swift's "A Modest Proposal" and Gulliver's Travels were our readings this week. Now, it's time to test and then try writing their own satirical piece. I can only imagine what they will think up to write.

 Aside from school, it's been a good week otherwise. Bible study went pretty well on Wednesday. I like our discussions- even though we rarely seem to hit on what ends up in the homily. I suppose the priests have different points they are hoping to make than what we see as the tie that binds the readings together and how they are present/reflected in our own lives.  Speaking of this group, we've also been using the Lenten Little Black Book for daily reflections and taking turns writing our own reflections for a week apiece. This was my week. It meant I got to reflect and compose my thoughts daily which I really enjoyed. I also like that I've been able to use the LBB for some things in my class and will do so again during this final week of Lent.

Thursday night, Sean came over for dinner- I ordered Chinese. I over-ordered Chinese. I could not make up my mind as to what exactly I wanted. Bad decision. I still have like four cartons of food in the fridge. Anyone want to come over and help me eat it? I'm only slightly kidding... Friday, after school, I went over to friend/coworkers for a few cocktails and conversation before heading to IC for Stations of the Cross and the Fish Fry. Stations was really nice, it included singing which was new for me. And the food at the Fish Fry was so good! I even ate a piece of catfish (act really shocked and amazed). Yesterday, I went to a fun three-instructor Zumba class in the morning. Then, we had our book club meeting at Otherlands and enjoyed the sunshine on the patio. After that, Mom came shopping with me.

This morning, I went to Palm Sunday Mass and ended up getting to sit with Mrs. Adcock (my senior year Theology teacher who also attends IC). It was really nice- I like all the different company I have at Mass these days :)  I got things ready for my sub tomorrow since I decided to take the day off and take care of a few things. Then, Kerry and I had a nice brunch outside and got all caught up on each others' lives. This afternoon, Mom, Memaw, and I went to the GPAC to hear a hysterical speaker, Jeanne Robertson. She was a hoot! She's 70, and she has a great message about finding the humor in our everyday lives. We were cracking up at all the stories she had to tell- I swear, I was in pain by the end of it from laughing too hard!

Now, I am winding down and figuring out what I am doing tomorrow with my day off :)

Flowers at Mom's house, and Thomas:

Tip of the Week: Sometimes, you just need to watch a good tear-jerker.

Recipe of the Week: Healthy Chicken Abruzzi

4/6- Hold my hand and we're halfway there... Somehow, someday, somewhere

Weight Loss for the Week: 0lbs

I got in all but one of my workouts this week. And the only one I missed was because I gave blood and was told I was not allowed to exercise that day. I asked if I could just walk around my neighborhood, and the woman responded that she was serious, nothing for the day.  So, that day didn't happen. I will admit that I did feel slightly light-headed a few times that afternoon when I would have been walking, so perhaps they're on to something. But, I swear I have not been told that previous times I have given blood. At least, I don't think I have. Maybe I'm just forgetting... Oh, and I tracked my points meticulously this week. I finally replaced the battery in my food scale- woot!

School was good this week. My Theology students finished up their morality unit on family and friends. And we are almost done with their last class Masses for the school year. It's so crazy that we're starting to wrap things up for the year. I swear, time just flies. Now, we will begin our "Respect for Life" unit. I think we will learn about the main topics that fall under that title before Easter, and after Easter, we will have a few debates on those topics. In British Literature, we have started our Satire unit. We read "The Rape of the Lock" this week. They didn't much get it, and I don't know that they liked it once they understood it. We've still got "A Modest Proposal" and Gulliver's Travels to finish for the unit. I asked for TV/movie suggestions for satire and received tons of great ideas (THANKS!!!), so I think in between the last two, I will show a few more modern examples to see if that helps them understand the genre better. It will also help them when I make them write their own piece of satire. I am sure they will just love that (can you hear the sarcasm in my voice?).

I had some fun social activities this week. I had dinner with Amy on Wednesday- we got to go out! And she got a dinner away from the kiddos- though I do miss them and will hopefully get to see them this week. Then, I went to Mom's to start planning our June trip to DC :D!!!! Afterwards, I went to Bible Study, and we had a good discussion I think. Thursday, Sean made me dinner, and we had a nice time. I am afraid I was a bit tired since that was the day I gave blood, and it was starting to make me tired by then. Friday, I went to first Cocktails for a Cause of the 2014 season. It was so good seeing everybody and enjoying all the goodies. Yesterday, I went to the Dixon in the morning, and I just had a great time wandering through the gardens. It's good for my soul. Later, I went to a CYA dinner. That was really nice. I got to meet more people in the parish, and we enjoyed really delicious food and highly entertaining conversation.

Today, I went to a Mass with a friend. Then, I enjoyed a lazy Sunday morning. I finally got around to making my WW meals for the week. I decided to make Pizza Pasta Bake- it was pretty easy to make, and it smells delicious. I misread the time, so I did not get to eat it for lunch as I had planned. I do have it all sectioned off for the week though, and I am looking forward to trying it tomorrow. This afternoon, Mom, Memaw, Barb and I went to see "West Side Story" at SBA. It was wonderful! The kids did such a great job!  After the play, Mom, Memaw and I got some dinner at Perkins. Then, I came home and started getting ready for the week.

Now, I am hanging out enjoying the last few hours of the weekend :)

Flowers at the Dixon

Pizza Pasta Bake

Tip of the Week: Work on letting go of anger, bitterness, and old pain.

Recipe of the Week: Pizza Pasta Casserole