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!

A Beginning

It's a couple of days after Christmas 2013. Family time is over, and I'm a bit contemplative this morning. My brother made a great video of our family and it's adorable, but all I can see is the big lump of blue in the chair. Okay, I hadn't slept well the night before, but I also realize that I was in that chair the bulk of the day.  I have little energy and look terrible.

I've been heavy for 20 years, but it didn't make me uncomfortable until recently. I'm finding simple things difficult and am unnecessarily winded too quickly. The first few steps after sitting are weak and painful. I turn 45 this year and have decided - I am done being fat. 

I'm way more than 300 pounds. My scale won't read that high, so I'm not 100% sure of the number. That makes me sad. 

Last night, I fell asleep with the television on and woke up to a NutriBullet commercial. I have two friends that have made significant changes to their diets - one going vegetarian (he calls all other food "poison" - I think it's a trick, but if it works...) and the other one started juicing. It seems like both choices have done them well, so I'm going to copy them and see how this goes. Today I'm going to Sams and getting a NutriBullet and lots of fruits and veggies. I have sealers so I'll stock up and freeze a bunch. 

My biggest hope is that I'll stick with it. I don't want this to be a resolution. I'm not starting on Jan 1, I'm starting today. I'm not dieting and won't deprive myself of meals with friends. But I'm really hoping adding nutrient-dense food will make me feel better and jump start my body to losing weight and not feeling so heavy all the time. I'm too firmly rooted to the ground these days. It's time to lighten up. I'm hoping blogging will keep me on track.