it should be over...

today is the last day of january.

that means that winter should be over, right?

saturday, the stupid groundhog will come out of his stupid hole and see his stupid shadow.  this, of course, means six more weeks of winter.

except that, it doesn't really matter because, as i proved to my lovelies today, using the calendar, winter will last six more weeks ANYway, regardless of whether or not the stupid rodent sees his stupid shadow.

stupid winter.

i learned something new today that i would like to share with you.  this is brought to you by the minds of 10 year old students.

are you familiar with the term "bats in the cave"?

apparently that means that you have a, how shall i put this, a "visitor" in your nose.

"bats in the cave"

now you've heard everything, right?

:)

nothing to fear...

Sorry to leave you hanging like that with my last whiny post.

Generally, I really am ok.  It's just that, every once in a while, it gets to me.  And to say that I am tired of seeing pregnant women would be the understatement of the century.

My weekend was good, though.  I had breakfast with a friend, visited a new-to-me yarn store (Big disappointment.  The people were NOT friendly, the store was not laid out in a user-friendly way, and they were WAY overpriced.), and generally relaxed.

We had a two-hour delay on Monday because of the "ice" and yesterday and today have been busy, tiring, and wonderfully normal.  :)

After my little pity party on Friday night I was really hoping for some good news when I got on the scale on Saturday.  Imagine my surprise when I saw that the scale had not moved.  Not even an ounce.  Given the fact that I have a substantial amount of weight to lose I was certain that, given the fact I have been religiously using the My Fitness Pal app, a nice weight loss would have appeared.

I was actually quite proud of myself for not having ANOTHER melt-down and eating everything in sight.  I did my normal "Saturday is my cheat day" thing and then made myself get back on track on Sunday.  The last two days I have been drinking, er, gagging down six glasses of water and have cut back to only two (largeish) cups of coffee a day.  That in itself deserves a reward on Saturday.

I also invested in the new Weight Watchers yoga set and installed the C25K app on my iPod.  Did you know that WW has three new exercise sets out now?  The other two are a balance ball set and a "boxing" set.  I'll let you know (eventually) how the yoga set is.  You'll have to wait for an update on the C25K app because there is NO way I am running outside in the cold weather.  Yes, yes I am a wuss like that.

And now, speaking of coffee...it is past time for me to make my second much-needed cup of the day.  I can hear my Keurig calling my name and it sounds heavenly!

Only two more days until the weekend!!

:)

p.s.  thanks for the kind comments on the melt-down post.  it really meant a lot to me.  :)

empty...

i had a really good day today.  my kids were good, we had Chinese food for lunch, and the afternoon was a lot of fun.

i came home, ate a sensible dinner, knit for a while, played on the computer, and drank some coffee.

and then i checked a couple of facebook pages and now i am struggling.

i feel empty.

lately i have really working on trying to be content, even happy, with my life.  i am not living the life that i envisioned when i was 20, 25, 30, or even 35.  i am a "typical" female...having had my "dream" wedding/life planned for as long as i can remember.

except my dreams, for whatever reason, haven't come true.

oh, i know.  i could *still* get married and at the last wedding i attended i had a very sweet lady tell me that i would be next.

that was over two years ago.

i avoid weddings now.

i had someone tell me that i am an "unclaimed blessing".  she meant well, i am sure, but it was like a knife in my heart.

and now, everywhere i turn, i am surrounded by pregnant women.  i can't get away from them.

it feels like a big, mocking joke.

because i am now 40.  my "child-bearing" years are close to passing me by, if they haven't already.

i am trying to be content and i am trying, desperately, to be happy, but i can't help but wonder why everyone else gets their "dream come true" and "happily ever after" and i am left on the outside looking in.  i had enough of this whole getting-picked-last when i was in grade/middle/high school.  i really thought by now it would be different.

so, although i had a good great day, i am feeling empty.  and sad.  and struggling very hard to not be.

:(

My day...

SNOW DAY

:)

(I'm assuming I don't need to express my joy in any other different way.)

We didn't a huge amount of snow...maybe only an inch and a half, but it was enough!  I had a simply wonderful day!  I knit, did laundry, knit, cuddled miss raven, knit, played on the computer, knit, cuddled miss raven, knit,...well, you get the picture.

Oh.  A large amount of coffee may or may not have also been consumed.

ahem.

We do have school tomorrow and, as far as I know, we will be starting on time.  Happily, though, they are calling for more snow tomorrow afternoon/evening so there is a chance we might get out early.  Right now they have only cancelled after school activities but we'll see.

And now...

back to the knitting.  and coffee.

;)

My night...

laundry

school work

laundry

dishes

laundry

school work

aren't you jealous?

;)

Lost...

1. the Falcons.  To the 49ers.  blech.  Can't stand the 49ers.
2. the Patriots.  To the Ravens.  HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
3. 4.8 pounds.  By me!  YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  :)

So, I knew I had worked really hard counting calories and eating well last week so I *was* expecting to lose some weight.  I was stunned, thrilled, ecstatic that I lost 4.8 pounds!  And, it must be confessed, more than a little proud.

:)

It gave me the inspiration that I needed to stay motivated this week.  It hasn't been easy and I really wanted to give in tonight, but I haven't.

It was bone-chilling cold today.  Ridiculously cold.  I have chills still and I have the heated throw all the way up, the space heater on, and the bedroom space heater on.  On a completely  unrelated note, my electric bill came today.  Is it bad that I'm afraid to open it?  :o/

Time to drink coffee and knit.

night!

:)

Cheated...

It is winter and, although I completely despise the season I do somewhat feel that I am entitled to a snow day here or there to make up for having to go through it.

I am feeling rather cheated because there has been no snow.  Don't get me wrong...I have enjoyed the slightly warmer temperatures that we have had this season but still...it is about time for a snow day.

We thought we were going to get some snow today, and, bless their little hearts, my kiddos were trying desperately to convince themselves that they would have tomorrow off.  Alas, it doesn't seem to be working out for them.

The other negative thing about the warmer temperatures is that it hasn't been cold enough to kill off the cooties.  We have has several kids and staff members out sick with ick and the flu.  It was so bad this week that for a couple of days we haven't even had our breaks.  Normally I would roll with it and not be too cranky but we have also had to have the kids in our room for lunch because it is too cold to eat in the gym.  This means I have NO BREAK ALL DAY.  I love my children, I really do, but honestly....I could not wait for 3:30 today.  I was seriously counting down the minutes because they were driving me insane.  Imagine if I didn't love them as much as I do.

shudder.

I have NOT been cheating on my diet, I am happy to say, although I was SERIOUSLY tempted to today because I was crazy-hungry right before dinner and wanted to devour everything in sight.  I didn't and am proud of myself for not giving in.  I am currently trying to down another bottle of water and not drink coffee. This is a big deal as I have only had one and a half cups today and am craving another cup.  I may have to give in before the night is over.  We'll see.

That's all for today.  Tomorrow is Friday and another hot dog sale.  I am hoping for another good one.  Keep your fingers crossed for us!

Have a great weekend!!!

:)

Three things...

Three things happened this past Saturday morning.  And they happened in the following order:

1. I got on the scale for the first time in a year.
2. I cursed myself loud and long.  Perhaps you heard me?
3. I picked up my new iPod touch and immediately installed the MyFitnessPal app.

So far I have I been completely faithful in logging every, and I do mean EVERY morsel and drop that has passed my lips.

And so far I have been under my calorie limit all three days.  Not significantly, mind you.  I am being careful about that.

I also am drinking much water.  I loathe water.  I think I may have mentioned that a time or two.  Saturday I ended up with 32 ounces of straight water.  Sunday was 40 ounces, but 32 of those ounces came in the form of Crystal Light. (That counts, right?!?  Dear Lord, PLEASE let it count!)  Today I got in 48 ounces of water, with 32 ounces being Crystal Light.

That is a great amount of water for someone who does not like water.

It also is a great amount of time in the bathroom.

Which is difficult when you are a teacher.

Sigh.

According to MyFitnessPal, I should lose approximately 2 lbs a week.  I realize that is an estimate and that there will be weeks when I may lose less and weeks when I may lose more and weeks when I may not lose at all and (hopefully not many) weeks when I may gain some.

When the weather starts to get warmer I will most likely begin walking outside again.  I do like doing that, just not in the cold.

So...this, should I keep it up (and I will), will satisfy my resolution to be healthy and that is a good start I think.

:)

Happy Birthday...

Today is my nephew's birthday.

He is eight.

EIGHT?!?

Where has the time gone?

I generally get him his present while I am at home for Christmas.  I leave it with my dad who makes sure that Nik gets it at the appropriate time.  This year I decided to piggyback off the success of the Christmas present and get him some more of the Magic Tree House books that he likes.

You know what's awesome?  Having an eight year old nephew who actually LOVES getting books for his birthday.

Score one for the auntie!

Happy, Happy, HAPPY Birthday to the BEST nephew in the UNIVERSE!  I love you, Nikolas!!

:)

Note to self about Mexican food...

Bet you thought I forgot about my resolution to blog more, huh?

Nope.  Here I am!

I was actually going to blog last night.  I wasn't sure what I was going to say but I *was* going to blog.  My plans for last night were as follows:

• Run to Target for boring things... deodorant, Noxzema, um...feminine hygiene products, etc.
• Stop at nearby JoAnn's for gift card for friend's birthday.  Did not buy yarn!
• Meet another friend at Chevy's for dinner.
• Go home.
• Adore miss raven, blog, print out some things for school, adore miss raven, watch some tv, adore miss raven, sleep.

Instead, this is what I did:

• Run to Target for boring things... deodorant, Noxzema, um...feminine hygiene products, etc.
• Stop at nearby JoAnn's for gift card for friend's birthday.  Did not buy yarn!
• Meet another friend at Chevy's for dinner.
• Head for home and pray that the migraine that is coming on is not serious.
• Crap. It is serious.
• Make it to my room, lie down, get up, puke, go back to room.
• Repeat for the next hour and a half.
• sleep

So.  That would be the reason for no blog last night.  This one kicked my butt.  I think I may have, at some point, prayed for the swift return of Christ to take away the pain in my head.

Oh.  And note to self...

Mexican food is NOT pretty the second time around.

(shudder)

I took it very easy at school today and the kiddos had mercy upon me.  They weren't loud and they didn't bombard me with a zillion and one questions, for which I was very thankful.  My headache finally went away and I have been taking it easy all this evening.  I'm not sure what brought it on but, boy, it was intense!

On a happier note...I finally received my order from WEBS.  I got some yarn for my sock class and some size 1.5 DPNs which I am frankly a little intimidated by.  They are FREAKING tiny.  Like, so tiny I am afraid I am going to break them just by using them!  I also got a couple of extra cable lengths for my new circular needle set...which I am in love with.  :)

Tomorrow is Thursday and that means it is one day closer to Friday.  I love Friday.  This Friday we are starting back with our hot dog sales in an effort to raise money to go to Medieval Times.  We need about $750 more and I am confident that they will be able to make it.

Have a great Thursday!

:)

aaahhhh....

the weekend.

how i love it.

i really didn't do too much this weekend.  lesson plans (blah), grocery shopping (blah), a little cleaning (blah), signed up for my first sock class (WHOO-HOO!!!!!!!), and football (bittersweet, end-of-the-season games).

i thought about baking for my kids, but i didn't.

i did go to brunch this morning.  i was sitting in the diner, eating my rye toast, scrambled eggs, home fries, and scrapple, when all of he sudden i hear, "hi, miss olsen".  DANGIT?!?!  is *no* place safe from students anymore?

;)

i actually think it's kind of funny when i see kids out of school.  they kind of look at me like they can't believe i have a life outside of the classroom.

miss raven is doing well.  she's sleeping now and i think she is adjusting to me being back at work.  we had a few puky days on wednesday and thursday, but she seems to be ok now.

my brother and sister-in-law got about five inches of snow in texas. AFTER I LEFT.  i don't mind that they got the snow, but i do mind that we haven't gotten any yet.  i would like a good snow day.  or two.  or three.

have a great monday!

:)

a favorite thing...

i have decided that children begging me to continue reading to them is one of my favorite sounds.

i hope that doesn't sound too strange.

or cruel.

right before christmas we finished a series of books.  the kids LOVED the books and i loved reading to them.  i was in a quandry as to what to read to them next but decided on a new series.

yesterday we started reading The Mysterious Benedict Society.  saying that they loved the first chapter would be an understatement.  they begged my continue reading yesterday...past the 30 minutes i usually read to them.  of course, i didn't.  i want them to be eager to hear the next "installment", if you will.

one of the best things, though, was that the main character, Reynie Muldoon, is tempted to cheat on a test he is taking.  most likely, he wouldn't get caught.  i could hear my kids whispering, "No, don't do it."  "Don't do it, it isn't worth it."  my heart swelled with pride.  when they found out that Reynie resists the temptation and doesn't cheat, they actually cheered.  they were so proud of him and i was so proud of them.

having this class for two years in a row has been such a huge blessing.  i love them like they were my own.  i am absolutely DREADING the end of the year.  the end of last year was tough, but i knew there was a chance i could have them again.  the end of this year, though, signals the end of my time with this group and thinking about it makes me so sad.

they are already plotting together to get me to move up....

;)

Creative Christmas present...

So.  What's a teacher to do about Christmas presents for her class when she has the same class two years in a row?

Last year, if you remember, I made each of my 18 students a scarf.  The boys got team colors and the girls got bright, cheery colors.

Obviously I couldn't do the same thing again this year.

I thought and thought and thought and thought.  I was starting to get a wee bit panicky about it.  Then the idea came to me and, oh, what an idea it was!

I had a class picture taken, bought each kid a white t-shirt, and transferred the picture onto the shirt.  Now, don't worry.  Between fantastic after Thanksgiving sales, a teacher discount, and a gift card, I spent a grand total of about fourteen dollars out-of-pocket.

It wasn't without stress, of course.  I was still transferring pictures onto shirts and ironing up until the Thursday before the break.  The first picture I had taken was AMAZING.  I loved it and still do.  The problem was that the kids were a little too far apart and when I went to print out the transfer I realized that two kids were being cut off.  (Don't ask how many transfers I went through before I figured it out.)  I had to take a second picture and, while it was ok, it wasn't my favorite.

The best part, though, was their reaction.  I was anxious because I wasn't sure if they would like it but when they opened their bags the next day....well, priceless would be the word I would use to describe how they reacted.  It made me so happy that they were so excited by it.

Next year I will have a different class, sadly, and will more than likely go back to the scarves.  Just in case I do move up with next year's class, though, I will have a standby for a second year present.  :)

New Year, new beginnings...

This is the time of the year when everyone makes resolutions.  I usually don't make any because I am pretty much a Type-A personality.  If I make resolutions and then don't stick to them, I feel like a gigantic failure and that spirals into a host of other issues, including depression and (for me) its best friend...overeating.

This year, though, I have decided to make three, fairly reasonable, resolutions:

1. Blog more.  I have not been a good blogger.  There are reasons for this but they are mostly just excuses.  I am not committing to blogging EVERY day.  Sorry, BFF.  I am going to commit to blogging at least three times a week.  Maybe more.  Hopefully not less.  I want to speak my mind a little more and am feeling like I am in a position where I can do so now.
2. Be Healthier.  Notice I did not say lose weight, although that is certainly an end goal.  I just want to be healthier.  Make better choices in what I eat and how I exercise.  Healthier includes relationships, as well.  I made some changes at the end of last year and, while not easy, it has proved better for me mentally.  Oh.  This one also includes drinking more water.  blech.
3. Try something new.  Last year I tried knitting.  I am hooked.  The sweater that I made for my niece was beautiful and fit her like it was made for her.  Which it was.  ;)  I can't even begin to tell you how proud I was of myself when I saw how well it fit her.  Not proud in an "I'm-all-that" kind of way.  Just proud that I accomplished something like that.  I don't know what the new thing will be.  I'd like to learn a new language, I'm taking a sock knitting class (however, because it is knitting, it doesn't qualify as something new), I'd like to travel, and I'd like to learn how to play an instrument.  Who knows?  Any suggestions?  No, BFF, no Tae Kwan Do.  :op

Anyone else out there making any resolutions?  I'd love to hear them!

Happy New Year from miss raven and I!

:)