11/30- What do you thank me for?

Weight Loss for the Week: 0lbs

It was Thanksgiving this past week- yummy! It meant a short week at school- and the kids didn't get too crazy which was nice. It also meant shortened hours at the gym, and that I needed to get baking done for the holiday. I was in charge of two dishes this year: squash casserole and sweet potato casserole. They both turned out very tasty!

As I said, school was short and sweet this week. I got to catch up on most of my grading over this break which was very helpful. I also think I've got the last few weeks of classes pretty well planned (fingers crossed that nothing too out of whack happens). We'll all make it, one way or another :)

For the majority of the break, I was checking on the McDouble's kitties- so adorable! I love cuddling with the kitty cats :) On Wednesday, I led Faith Sharing, and since most people were out of town, the few of us who were here just met at my place, and we had food and drinks. It was a lot of fun! We finished discussing the book we've been reading, then we caught up on each others lives for a good while. I had a very nice time. Thursday, I went to my mom's for Thanksgiving dinner. It was my mom, Conor, Tony, and Sean. It was low key, but still very nice. We all stuffed ourselves with all the delicious food. Afterwards, I went over to Sean's place, and we hung out for awhile :)

Friday morning, I got up bright and early for the only Black Friday sale I can imagine caring about- an oil change with a free tire rotation and free wiper blades. It was close to empty when I got there, so I was in and out pretty quickly. Then, I went to get a massage- so relaxing. Afterwards, I came home and relaxed some more before putting up some of my Christmas decorations. Saturday, I went to lunch with Kerry, and we went to look at her new home- love it! Last night, I went to the Kaplan's for a bonfire party complete with chili and smores. So yummy! Today, I went to Mass with some friends. And two of us were selected to light the Advent candle- Memaw should be very proud :) Then, the three of us went to breakfast. I spent the rest of today finishing putting up my Christmas decorations, prepping for the next few weeks, and grading.

Now, to get some rest :)

Photos of the Week:

Tip of the Week: Watch your favorite holiday movie to get in the festive mood!

Recipe of the Week: Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole

11/23- Are you, are you coming to the tree?

Weight Loss for the Week: 0lbs

I am still getting over the crud this week, so I opted out of Zumba again, and focused on doing the elliptical since it's easier to stop on that and take care of all the ick when it occurs. Since I finally realized that I am not going to be able to kick the crud on my own since the weather keeps rocketing back and forth between 60+ and 20- degrees, I decided it was time to go to the doctor and get some medicine. I have been feeling so much better ever since then.

School was fine this week- the kids are getting so antsy for Thanksgiving break. My sophomores finished up another unit, and then we ended the week with their class retreat. I always enjoy going to those :)  And, one of the seniors who gave a speech is one of my kids from last year (and this year). Her speech was so good and touching. I was tearing up by the end of it- then, when some of her friends gave her hugs, I just cried. It's so sweet seeing how much they truly care for each other. My juniors and seniors are still in the middle of their units- and won't finish them until after the break since they are doing their Poetry Out Loud performances the next few days.  I have also been impressed by my students this week since I offered some exam incentives (things I actually normally do for the most part) in exchange for them reaching different goals for our Canned Food Drive.  Most of them have been bringing in donations, or have said they will this week. I love how, even though they make me crazy, when push comes to shove, they show how good and caring they are.

I went over to Sean's on Tuesday evening after my doctor's appointment. We had a nice, relaxing evening at his place. We had some dinner and watched some Star Trek. At the end, it showed it was originally a Desilu production... and I may have informed Sean of my intense love of Lucille Ball. I hope he wasn't too scared by it. But, I really do love her. Speaking of Lucille Ball, on Saturday, Mom and I went with a few of her friends to Babalu. It was good, a nice fit for the Square :) Then, we showed them The Square Olive. We should be PR folks for the shops on the Square. Just sayin'. Oh, Friday evening, after the retreat, I stayed with Kristin for a bit at her place to see where everything is and get to know the cats since I'll be cat-sitting for them over the break. Then, Jen came over and Mark made it home, and we had some dinner and drinks and a lot of laughs :). Today, after Mass, I did my laundry and chores. Then, I went to see "Mockingjay: Part One" with Kristin, Mark, and Jen. It was pretty good, definitely recommend it.

Now, to finish some more grading before bed. Yay for a two-day week!

Tip of the Week: Get your grocery shopping done for Thanksgiving if you haven't yet. It's going to get nuts in the stores soon.

Recipe of the Week: Healthy Spinach and Ricotta Pizza

11/16- Some just run while others crawl away

Weight Loss for the Week: 0lbs

I have been under the weather this week. The weather itself has been crazy going from 70 to 30 in about a day. That has thrown my sinuses all out of whack. This has meant that when I've tried to work out, I've had to stop to hack up a lung a number of times. Also, it's meant I've had days where I didn't want to eat much of anything, and days where I only ate things like crackers and toast. It's been a thrilling week here. And since it doesn't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon, I think it may finally be time to head to the doctor.

Okay, even though I haven't been feeling 100%, I've still been able to go to work each day, though I think my cough initially scared the kids. Now, they're pretty used to it. They were pretty good most of the week. The whole school seemed pretty hyper on Friday though, must be cabin fever from all the cold weather suddenly upon us. Now, we're gearing up to finish certain projects/texts before Thanksgiving break. We will be able to do it, we might go a little crazy, but it will be fine.

While I did stay in a lot this week, I was up to going to a few things with friends. Wednesday, I went to Faith Sharing to discuss a book we are reading. It was nice, informative. A few of us had gone to the Cathedral Cafe beforehand to see how it is, and it is good. We will go back for sure :) Yesterday, Mom and I went to the Zoo for some fresh air, then to lunch at Golden India. Afterwards, we meandered into a new store and wound up buying some flavored olive oils and balsamic vinegars- so tasty! Last night, I went to the CYA dinner. While we were missing some of our regulars, we had a few new folks which was really cool! I enjoyed the good food and the great company! Today, I went to Lizzy's fourth birthday party. That was really nice as well. I can't believe how big she's getting! She was a doll, and it was nice catching up with Amy and her family.

Now, to make sure I'm ready for the week ahead.

 Pictures of the Week: Zoo and Lizzy's birthday

Tip of the Week: Take the time to go see a doctor if you can't get well. It tends to escalate when you don't.

Recipe of the Week: Weight Watchers Pumpkin Spice Waffles

11/9- I come to find a refuge in the easy silence that you make for me

Weight Loss for the Week: .5lbs

I tracked well again this week, got in most of my workouts, and I didn't binge/splurge much now that we're past one holiday.  Two more big ones to go!  Speaking of that, we have less than three weeks to go until Thanksgiving which is just crazy. I'm excited for it, but I am also hoping that I get everything I need to do done before it gets here.

School was fine this week, a bit crazy, but fine for the most part. All my classes finished their units and tested at the end of the week, so that was good. My seniors are coming right along (begrudgingly) with their research papers. And so far, I'm keeping up with all the additional grading. Once they're done at the end of the semester, it will start all over again since my juniors will begin theirs at the start of next semester. My sophomores are doing well considering how often we were in the Chapel instead of class this week. This upcoming week might feel like a shock to them.

Wednesday evening, I went to a friend's baby shower and had a nice time catching up with so many friends- including former teachers and Girl Scout troop leaders. Friday evening, I finally got myself a new camera!!! It's so fancy and fun! Then, I went over to MK's to visit with her, Gigi, and her family. We had a lot of fun chatting and all as we always do. I got up bright and early yesterday to help Michelle with her yard sale. While I was a bit sore at the end, I enjoyed it- I like seeing all the items and perusing all the books :) Then, Mom and Memaw and I went to lunch before heading over to Hallmark to check out all their Christmas items for the season. We had so much fun! Last night, I went to see Melissa's belly-dancing class performance. It was really good! We had a nice time watching all the dances- and being treated to some Middle Eastern food :)  This morning, a group of us went to Stone Soup for breakfast after Mass. Then, I came home and just conked out for awhile. Finally, I made myself start getting ready for the school week and start taking care of chores around the apartment.

Now, time to enjoy a little more "Psych" before heading back to bed.

Photos of the Week: SLS gals at the Baby Shower, MK and Gigi, and Pumpkin

Tip of the Week: Don't bottle up your emotions.

Recipe of the Week: Baked Pumpkin Doughnuts

11/2- Every time it rains, it rains pennies from heaven

Weight Loss for the Week: 0lbs

I tracked well again this week, and I got in most of my workouts. I even tracked all the food from eating out and all the Halloween goodies, but those used up almost all of my weekly points. Hopefully, since the holiday is over (and I have no goodies now), it will be a better week for weight loss and all that.

School was good this week- a bit crazy, but good nonetheless. My World Lit and Theology classes spent some time working on research papers/projects for me. I am hopeful that they will turn out well since I've given them class time to work on them and ask me any questions they have. Friday was Halloween- and a Jeans Day.  It seemed like a recipe for disaster, so I decided not to fight it. My juniors went to hear a speaker. My sophomores got to do research the whole period. And my seniors got to watch the horror movies that they made for my class. I loved the horror movies. I LOVED THE HORROR MOVIES. Most of the kids listened to my advice and thoughts about making an effective horror movie, and (given that they're in high school and had limited time and budgets) they turned out pretty well.

Wednesday, after the soon-to-be new owner of the Pontiac came to look at it, I hung out with Mom and Conor, and we watched a few TV shows while having dinner. It's been awhile since we've done that, so it was nice. Thursday, Sean came over for our weekly date night. After we went out for dinner, we carved our pumpkins! It was gooey, and sticky, and so much fun! I was glad Sean was happy to carve a pumpkin with me- I am all about the holidays, and it's good that he's cool with that. Friday, after school, I saw the godkids in their costumes before getting some dinner with Mom. After dinner, I went to a Halloween party at the Powers where we proceeded to play Cards Against Humanity- fun at first, then I started getting really sleepy (teacher problems).

Yesterday, I slept in until like 9am. I know that doesn't sound late, but I am usually up by 7am on the weekends, so it was late to me. I went to the Dixon and Stone Soup with Sunshine. It was such a lovely day for a walk around the gardens. And some chili at Stone Soup was a good way to warm up afterwards. I took a nap after that (must have needed the sleep). Last night, Kerry and I got a bite to eat, and then we hung out and watched "Elf" (it's after Halloween, we're allowed). It was a nice night. This morning, I went to Mass and some friends were there which was nice. We all went to fellowship after Mass. Conor and I had lunch, and then Mom and Memaw joined us to see "The Judge." Then, it was back to grading and prepping.

Now, to double check that I am actually ready for school tomorrow.

Photos of the Week: Pumpkin carving, Halloween, and the Dixon

Tip of the Week: Don't fight the crazy.

Recipe of the Week: Slow Cooker Chicken Chili