8/24- Rising up to the challenge of our rivals

Weight Loss for the Week: 1lb

It was the first full week of school this week, and I was definitely tired by the end of it. I was able to get in my workouts. I tracked points pretty well- it was easy since I brought my lunch as I usually do, and I ate most dinners at home this week. All of that helps keep me on track for sure. I may need to bring a few healthy snacks to keep in my room though- I find myself getting hungry and not having good options for food.

All of my English kids finished their Summer Reading essays this week which was good. Now, we'll start getting into their textbooks and all that fun stuff. I'm also going to try incorporating more writing practice this year (much to their chagrin). My Theology students began their first chapter, and now I think most of their hands are cramping from all the notes they have been taking. Oh well, they'll get used to it soon enough. We had "Meet the Teacher" night on Thursday. It's always something that makes me anxious before it happens, and then, once it starts, I'm totally fine with it- just thirsty from all the talking at the end. The parents were all pretty nice, seem to care, and want to know how to help get their kids ready for college even more.

Friday, we had our first pep rally and football game. I went to the first quarter of it. It was good to see all the kids there. It was also unbearably hot. I left shortly after the first quarter (which lasted about an hour). I heard later that we had won, so woot! Yesterday, I ran some errands, went to the Dixon for a bit, and then rested. Last night, I got a phone call from Sean around 11pm, and I knew that something had to be wrong- he wouldn't call me that late unless something was wrong. He was suffering from really bad dehydration from extended over-heating, and he wasn't getting better. So, I went over to see what could be done (I had originally hoped it would be like when I had gotten heat sick and just needed some water and rest), and I quickly realized we needed to go to the ER. So, around midnight, we got to the ER, and they started taking care of him right away. He had to get multiple bags of fluids, and they ran some tests to make sure nothing else was wrong. After a few hours, they determined that he was okay and could be discharged. We got him a really late dinner, and then it was time for sleep.

This morning, I slept through my alarms, and got up just in time for family brunch at Perkins. Mom, Memaw, Conor, Ashly, Maddie, Sean, and I enjoyed a nice midday brunch. We were all glad that Sean was feeling normal again. Afterwards, I went home and started getting my classes ready for the week. This evening, I went to Fr. Val's 40th Anniversary Celebration at IC with plenty of other Young Adults and parishioners. We started with Vespers and then had a potluck. There was so much food, so much food. Everything I tried was really tasty and filling.

Now, time to get a good night's sleep to get me back on schedule for another school week :)

Pictures of the Week: Flowers at the Dixon

Tip of the Week: Stay out of the heat as much as possible- and stay hydrated when you're in the heat.

Recipe of the Week: Crock Pot Ranch Chicken Tacos

8/17- When I think back on all the crap I learned in high school, it's a wonder I can think at all

Weight Loss for the Week: .5lb

It was the first week back to school- so many mixed emotions with a week like that. Monday was Orientation for new students, so it was fairly low-key for me in that sense. I spent most of my time making sure I had all the forms I needed for my first official day with students. Tuesday, we had a full day with all the students. I have a few of my old students in two of my classes which is nice. The rest are new for me. I think it will be a good year overall. I'm sure a few will test boundaries as they always do, but I hope I'm able to handle it well and keep them on track.  Wednesday and Thursday, my English students presented their Summer Reading projects. Some are really good, others make me wonder how we can clarify wording in order to guarantee better results next year. My Theology kids had some Ice Breaker and Team-Building activities.  This week, my English kids are writing their Summer Reading essays. My Theology kids are starting the New Testament book. It should be fun, right?

Outside of school this week, I did still get to have a social life. I went to Zumba twice and got to work out a few other times which was good- keeps me sane. Tuesday evening, I went to a Homily Prep workshop at IC (and I will be going to that for the next four weeks). It was good, a very interesting approach to thinking about the Sunday readings. I may end up trying that with my Theology kids later in the year after I know the routine more. Wednesday, I went to Bible study. Thursday, a few of us had our weekly HPC meeting- we've even got a new member! Then, I came home and started cleaning for Friday night. I also checked in with Matt to make sure he was ready for Friday night too.

Friday morning, Kristin and I went to Mass, then Zumba, then we got lunch at Central BBQ, and a treat at Tart. I think that is the only way one should spend a weekday off from work. Just sayin'. Afterwards, it was time to get back to the task at hand: cleaning and cooking for the CYA dinner I was co-hosting that night. It took some time, but finally, I was done with all my food prep, and my apartment was ready for guests. We had appetizers at my place, then dinner at Matt's, ending with dessert on the rooftop. It was a really nice night, and I hope everyone enjoyed themselves :)

Yesterday, I was tired. I slept in until about 9 (very unusual for me) before I finally made myself get out of bed. I finished cleaning up from the night before. I returned tables and chairs to Mom and Memaw and got to catch up with each of them. Then, I came home and took a nap. I know, tough life. I did some work for school, but I mainly rested. This morning, I went to Mass. I have caught up on grading and most of my planning/prepping for the week. I went to Bed, Bath, and Beyond with Mom and got a few fun items with a gift card I got for my birthday.

Now, time to rest a bit more before the first five-day week of the school year.

Pictures of the Week:

CYA Group on the Rooftop!

Spaghetti with chicken in a garlic butter sauce

Tip of the Week: Never be afraid to host a dinner party just because you live in an efficiency- apparently 12-14 people can fit in them!

Recipe of the Week: Spaghetti with Chicken in a Garlic Butter Sauce (8pts)
1/2 cup cooked spaghetti
2/3 cup chicken
1/3 cup light butter/margarine
1 clove garlic
1/4 tbsp basil
2 tsp oregano
Vegetables you want to add (I added onions, peppers, and tomatoes- so tasty!)

Melt the butter. Add garlic, herbs, chicken, and pasta. Let simmer for a few minutes. Eat and enjoy!

8/10- Now, don't you step on my blue suede shoes

Weight Loss for the Week: .25lbs

This week was Inservice. It meant getting back into the routine of having a real routine. It meant waking up early again- and not getting to lay in bed for an hour! It meant finalizing ideas, projects, etc. that I've been batting around this summer. It meant getting to see a lot of awesome teachers and staff I haven't seen in almost 10 weeks. It was crazy/hectic/fun/nerve-wracking/fast. It also means it's time to teach again. It's time to plan, prep, grade, grade, grade, prep, grade, and, oh yeah, grade again. It's also time to meet new students, to learn new names, and to hope I make some sort of difference again.

Monday morning, I found out I was moving rooms- again. At first, I got really worried. It took me hours to move everything a month ago. Fortunately, a number of people offered to help me move this time- and we had poor Pearson acting as our pack mule with all the heavy furniture. I LOVE YOU ALL!!! It took some time to clean, organize, unpack, and put up decorations, but it is all done. I'm fairly pleased with how my room looks :) Seeing everyone again has meant a lot of dining at restaurants- every single day this week as a matter of fact. While it was fun to catch up with everyone, I need a break from all that rich food. I'm glad to get back to eating food I prepare and can control. Eating out once, maybe twice, a week isn't too bad, but that much was rather intense.

There were plenty of non-school fun moments as well this week. I got to go back to Bible Study this Wednesday- so nice to get back to that! Thursday evening, I attended a surprise party for a friend. We had such a good time hanging out that night :) Friday, Kerry and I relaxed at her place and caught up on each others' lives- always a fun time with her. Saturday, Mom and I went to lunch, and then hung out at my place for a bit. That night, I went to the Redbirds game with IC- most of CYA was able to sit together which was cool (even if the weather wasn't). I actually caught a free Chicks' cap, and I got a picture with Rocky the Redbird! Today, after Mass, I went to Kerry's for a dip in the pool. Then, I went to Mom's house for another grill night- yay for grilled vegetables! Finally, I went to Martha's to finalize my order from the party last week.

Now, time to see what I need prepared for tomorrow- thank goodness it's just new students tomorrow, and I can still finalize a few things for my first real day on Tuesday.

Pictures of the Week:

My room- thanks again for Dali clock, Cindy!

Me with Rocky!

CYA Group at the Redbirds' Game!

Grilled Vegetables

Tip of the Week: Roll with the punches.

Recipe of the Week: Grilled/Roasted Vegetables- can be sides, added to dishes as toppings or in places of meat, or they can be eaten on their own if you have enough :)

Slice your vegetables to your preference. Season them to your preference- might add a pinch of olive oil for moisture. Place them in foil or on tray. Grill or roast them at 350 (might be a bit hotter on the grill- that's okay, just keep an eye on them) for 15-20 minutes.

Here are some more tips: Roasted Vegetables Recipes and Tips

8/3- And I know that you're a sucker for anything acoustic

Weight Loss for the Week: .25lbs

I spent my last week of Summer Vacation in Branson, MO. My dad and Diane let me use their timeshare, and I picked a place that was drive-able and had an outdoor pool. It was a very nice resort, and I enjoyed my suite complete with a kitchenette! I got there Saturday afternoon, and took advantage of the registration cookout making that my dinner so I didn't have to go grocery shopping until the next morning. I got some veggies, lunch fixings, and breakfast stuffs to last me for the week.  It was nice to have the kitchenette and not have to spend a bunch of money on all my meals. I did go to the BBQ the resort offered one night- they had 18 performers come and do some of their best songs/acts/tricks. I know they were selling themselves, but since I got to see so many at once, and since they were all doing their best, I figured that was enough for me for this trip. I started each day at the fitness center doing the bike, elliptical, and free weights. Then, I mainly laid out by the pool throughout the day- starting at one pool, then going to the other one. It was so relaxing! One morning, I went on a hike at Table Rock Lake, but it started raining after an hour, so I had to cut it a little short. The lake was gorgeous though, would love to go back there. Another morning, I went to a nearby winery for a free tour and tasting (yes, I bought three bottles). Otherwise, I just worked on school prep, and I did two puzzles. I think it was the perfect way to end my Summer Vacation.

I came home yesterday. I made it back in time to early vote. Then, I hung out with Mom for awhile- nice catching up :) This morning, I went to Mass. Then, I came home and got ready for my 31 party. Martha showed off so many nice bags with so many practical purposes. I'm glad I have a week to pick out what I want- there are some good ones for work too. After that, I went to the CYA monthly Leadership meeting. We took care of plenty of business, and had a number of laughs. We may also have ruined Matt's day. He'll deal- I'd imagine he's used to it by now. Finally, I got to go see Sean :) We went out to dinner, just the two of us. We realized it had been awhile since we'd had an entire night just the two of us- we keep doing things with each other's families which is nice, but it was also nice to have a whole night to ourselves.

Now, to try and relax before Inservice starts.

Pictures of the Week:

Table Rock Lake

Stone Hill Winery

Love relaxing poolside :)

Tip of the Week: Try not to get too overwhelmed.

Recipe of the Week:Skinny Queso