The Universe

Sometimes I wonder if the universe is against me getting healthy. It seems like all I have to do is make steps towards a change and I get hurt or sick. This go around is a chest cold. I'm hoping it's my body's detox reaction to all the good fruits and veggies, but feeling like this makes me want to eat carbs. Fighting on...

Happy 2014!

I'm not a resolution maker. Or keeper. I think I'm at the age where I just know better. I'm not a new person since 12:59:59 yesterday, for heaven's sake. If we became new people every 12 months, it would be weird. And scary. And a little awesome. 

I actually really liked most of 2013. My friends, family, and I were healthy and trauma-free for the most part. My sister and uncle had some scary moments and surgery, but turned out fine in the end. I got to travel up the East Coast to Cape Cod and see places I've never seen, so that was cool. Worried about a cousin a bit, but she's better. My job rocked along nicely (albeit with more constricting paperwork and less money than ever). Got to spend Thanksgiving with family I haven't seen in a while in a gorgeous location, and Chrstmas was traditional and fun. What's not to like, all in all?

So, I'd like 2014 to be mostly more of the same. I do want to strive for a more workable balance between job and health. I love teaching, and I'm pretty good at it, but I let it consume most of my day (I'm there by 7 and often have to force mysel to leave at 6 or 6:30), and then my Sundays are usually consumed with grading and planning. That's too much time, and I'm getting worn out. I'm going to reintroduce yoga into the picture. I loved it, and it was good for me physically. It also forced me out of the school building at a reasonable hour.  

I'm also striving still for better balance in my diet. Much more fruits and veggies. I slipped a little this week, but am restarting. Lifestyle changes are tough. I probably should drink less, too, while I'm at it. 

I also need to balance my reading:TV ratio. I love reading. It's ridiculous how much. But I've found myself sloth-like staring at TV as a relaxation technique after a busy day instead of reading. That's just dumb. 

So, no big changes this year unless I hit the lottery and get to start my own school. Or if God finally sends along that boyfriend (Greek millionaire wouldn't hurt, but really funny and smart are the only actual requirements). Otherwise, a few  tweaks, and I'll be good to go! Happy New Year!

Benefits of My Job

I may later use this as a forum to deride what the public eduction policy makers have done to good teachers, but today I'm going to talk about one of the benefits to being a high school teacher.

Many times, the kids grow up to be incredible young adults. And sometimes, they remember an old teacher and actually choose to spend time with her. Today I had lunch with an incredible girl who is interesting, funny, imperfect, and on the road to a great adulthood. We spent a few hours talking and laughing at the restaurant, then found ourselves at Books A Million. I got to hear about the interesting classes she's taking, hopes for her future, family drama that makes her sad, and a boy who makes her happy. I was so thrilled that she reached out me. It was a great day!

Lucky Days

Yesterday was a great day. The thing about my friends is that they often think to include me in things they don't have to. Hey, I'm a single woman, and all my friends are married, but I'm rarely bored. They call and include me in all sorts of activities. It's pretty cool, and I understand I'm blessed. 

Anyway, so Lisa and Abby called yesterday and we headed up to ikea, the real "Happiest Place on Earth."  I need nothing, but would 100% live happily in any of those clever rooms they put together in 270 square feet. I was looking for an oil pourer, wooden toast tongs, and something to hang towels on that would cover the patched hole my son left in the guest bath. I found plastic tongs, rose-scented candles and two plants. About $15 total. Not bad. Success is how you look at it. 

Lunch was Yeah! Burger - delicious - and then we drove around the fancy houses on Peachtree-Battle, West Paces, etc. I would live in the city if that were a choice. Now, how to meet someone who could help make that happen. 

Happily, one of my plants was a "lucky" jade plant. So according to ancient Chinese secrets, I'll be rich in no time. Whoot whoot!

Thoughts on Day Two

Drinks are still delicious. Last nights dinner was chicken with two biscuits. Biscuits not great, bit the paperwork said it'd  be about a week or so before cravings went away. Today's dinner is a good veggie pizza. Not fantastic choice, but at least I'm veggy-ing it out. It's a work in progress and i do feel better knowing I'm supercharging fruits and vegetable into my body. It's going to be a good change, I'm sure. 

Second Drink

Didn't take the time to photograph my first use of the NutriBullet, but here is my second. Kale, spinach, strawberries, mango, pineapple, kiwi, and apple. Delicious!

PS - That's my cat Rax photo-bombing!

Off to a Good Start

Lots of delicious fruits and veggies. Going to enjoy this, I think. I even saved $10 off the price of the NutriBullet because I'm a Sam's Plus member. That's what's up!