2/22- Oh, the weather outside is frightful...

Weight Loss for the Week: 0 lbs

I tracked points this week- I had so much time after all. And I went to the gym twice (when it was actually open). I tried some video workouts from home since I was stuck here for so long. The workouts here were fine, but they were definitely no substitute for the classes and equipment at the gym.  As I said, I tracked all my points, but my food was limited, and I definitely ate some food that's not so good for you. I suppose it's what you're stuck doing when the grocery stores get raided, restaurants are closed, and your options become very, very limited. Also, the temptation to snack when you're stuck inside all day is huge. Finding other things to do is key.

In case you missed it, we've had a lot of snow and ice here this past week. I only had work one day this week. And it was a catch-up day: Here's what you're doing, here's homework for the weekend, and should we be out anymore, I will be posting more work for you.  I know the kids weren't thrilled about it, but we're losing so much class time, and I'm sure their parents were glad they had something to do other than watch TV/play video games.

Speaking of all this free time spent primarily in my apartment, I was productive with it. My apartment is clean, all my laundry is done, and every single assignment my students have turned into me has been graded and recorded. Of course, that was the case before the one day back to work. So, the past three days, I have not had anything to grade, and I have had very little to prep for the rest of the quarter. I have been cooking. I made a really yummy and healthy meal tonight in fact. And I have watched more Redbox movies than I care to admit.

That's about it, this week has been fairly low key since I was not been willing to brave the streets when the roads were bad.  So, let's hope this weather is behind us. Cabin fever is real.

Photos of the Week: Wintry pictures

Tip of the Week: The most expensive food you buy is the food you throw away (shout out to Kelsey for that wonderful insight!)

Recipe of the Week: Grilled Chicken with Light Guacamole- 9 Points per serving



Ingredients:
2 Chicken Breasts
1 Tbsp Olive Oil (I used Rosemary)
1 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar (I used Fig)
4 oz. Fresh Mozzarella
4 cups Romaine
1 Avocado
1 Cucumber
1 Green Bell Pepper
1 Large Tomato

Directions. Grill chicken- can add olive oil and balsamic vinegar at this point, or wait until putting it on salad. Shred cheese. Chop all vegetables and mix together. Divide lettuce into one cup portions. Divide chicken into half-cup portions. Put one ounce of cheese on each portion. Add as much of the vegetable mix as you please. Eat and enjoy!

2/16- Sometimes I don't have the energy to prove everybody wrong

Weight Loss for the Past Four Weeks: .5lbs

I know, I know, it's been awhile since I've posted. Life has been busy. Sundays have been busy. In fact, I'm not sure I'd be getting the chance to write this if I weren't iced into my home in the middle of my now five-day weekend. I've been counting points fairly well for the most part this past month. Workouts have gotten more regular, but again, the busy life interrupts them from time to time. I love my life. I love Sean. I love my family. I love my friends. I love being so active in my church. I love my career. I have to admit, though, that so many commitments can take a toll on a person. I have been working on taking time for myself and not saying yes to everything.

School has been just fine. The seniors are now incredibly anxious to graduate. And they'll make it, they may go crazy while they wait, but they'll make it. My juniors just finished "Macbeth", and I think they actually enjoyed it. And my dear sophomores have just started their Morality book. Time for lots and lots of discussions.

Sean and I are doing well. We watched the Superbowl with his family. We've had some nice nights in since it has been so darn cold! And we had a very nice Valentine's Day celebration :)  We rented a romantic comedy, and we ordered in some dinner. It was a very relaxing evening which was what I wanted. Thankfully, Sean's a pretty agreeable guy and is usually game for whatever I suggest.

And, of course, things are going fine with my family and friends. Conor is still learning to cook more things (mainly meat and cheese items, but hey, it's a start). Mom is planning another awesome trip this summer for us where we will get to see some of the family along the way :) The CYA group has now gone to the Grizzlies, and enjoyed some trivia nights. We're also attending Matt's class on the Trinity and learning a ton. I've gotten to see Baby Beth a good bit- adorable! There have been plenty of drinks and meals with everyone else.

Now, it is freezing outside. I am beginning to get cabin fever I think. The gym has been closed because of the weather, and the sidewalks are iced over. I've been trying workout videos for now. Not quite the same though.

Okay, back to grading my seniors' research papers. Let's hope that gets done by tomorrow... just in time for the juniors to turn their papers in to me....

Tip of the Week: It's perfectly acceptable to say "No" when someone asks you to do something.

Recipe of the Week: Baked Ziti