From 19 - 29...all in one day

No, I'm not talking age.  Although, it did occur to me that there is no other time in my life when I experienced more emotional or professional growth than the years between the ages of 19 - 29.   Think about it.  Life in college.  Graduate from college.  Fall in love.  Fall out of love.  Apply to jobs.  Fall in love again.  Start your first job.  Get married.  Maybe have babies (unless you were me and had NO desire to have a child until you were 32 and didn't end up pregnant til 35 but really, haven't I talked about my infertility issues enough already?) 

 Anyhow, let's get back to the real reason I blogged tonight, shall we?  Refocus...



Yesterday, when I opened up my Weight Watchers online account, a brand new number flashed at me.  And that brand new number is one I HAVE NEVER SEEN BEFORE.  No, it wasn't a new lower weight.  I wish it was that easy!  The new number was the point value suggested that I eat in a day to lose weight on the WW system.  Typically, I eat 19 points a day.  If you are on WW, you're still with me at this point in the blog.  For those of you who haven't a clue and are starting to think of all the other things you could be doing with your time right now,  I'll give a brief synopsis.  The basic idea with WW is that every food has a point value assigned to it and, based on your weight loss/maintenance plan, you can eat a certain number of points (depending on height, weight and activity levels).  You're welcome.  Let's move on.

In a 24 hour period, I went from 19 to 29 points.  Holy Lots of Points Batman.

Naturally, I freaked out.  Why in the world would I want MORE points?  More points equals MORE FOOD which turns to FAT!!  What are these people doing to me?

So, while I frantically tried to figure out how to revert to the old program, I did what any freaked-out-insecure-woman-standing-on-the-ledge would do.  I texted my co-worker who is a WW leader and asked her talk me off the ledge.  She called me, laughed at me, and then spent a good half hour, explaining the new program to me.  She reassured me it works.  After two months, she has 29 points and hasn't gained a pound.  She could be right.

Turns out they just wanted people to eat better food so they assigned new point levels to all foods.  Most point values increased, thus, MY point values increased. 

Phew.

Turns out 29 points isn't going to make me fat after all.

p.s.  those christmas presents behind my head are for your family, Liz and Jeff.

p.p.s  for those who are wondeirng, that beer in front of me is worth 5 points.  Good thing I have 29 in a day, right?

Six Days Later

The vacation ends.

Alexander - 15 months

And I have absolutely nothing productive to show for it. 

Sure, I did some laundry.  Yea, I did some Christmas shopping.  You bet I ate too much and drank way more than my daily Weight Watcher points allowed.  I might have gone out and run one day...uh, nope.  I chose to stay in and do yoga instead.  Chances are good that I devoured a couple of books that required zero thinking.  I definitely spent a day or two without a shower.  I'm pretty darn sure I napped every single day.  And I'm about 99% certain I'm caught up on the Real Housewives.  From all the cities.

What I didn't do was clean out the closets or organize any rooms (except the playroom), put up Christmas decorations, battle crowds on Black Friday, write the three letters of recommendations looming over my guilty conscience, set up any playdates with friends, run the miles I intended to rack up this week, box up the piles of stuff in the basement, or organize my sock drawer.  See what I mean about being unproductive?

Instead, I spent my time coloring with my son, setting up train sets with my son, building lego skyscrapers with my son, played in snow with my son and husband, danced up a storm with my son and husband, and watched countless youtube train videos, movies, and a saaaweeet Phineas and Ferb marathon with my son and husband. 

Turns I don't really care if I was unproductive. 

Cause I bet in three weeks, when its Christmas Break, I'll do it all over again!

FAMILY
best
friends

crayons
generations

grins

 love

 baby

giggles

holidays

FAMILY

A Thanksgiving Meal - Snowed In Style!

1. Cranberry from a can - which neither of us enjoy.  But canberries are a must on Thanksgiving, right?
2. Instant Mashed Potatos - which we didn't make because we were too full from the apple/Cougar Gold cheese appetizer (and multiple afternoon cocktails).
3. Gluten Free Beef Pasta Dish - we both graded it a B
4. Captain and Diet Coke

It may not have been the most gourmet meal we have ever eaten but the best part of all was sharing it with these faces.

Count Your Blessings

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice. 

 ~Meister Eckhart

Alexander slept in this morning so my day began with thankful thoughts!  On this Thanksgiving morning, I'm looking out the picture windows at giant white snowflakes falling through the sky.   I have intense hope that the snow will turn to rain and the temps will rise enough to melt the ice off the roads.  If not, I won't see Jodie or my family today and that makes me sad.  As happy as I am to be with my boys, Thanksgiving isn't the same without a trip over the hills and through the woods to Grandmother's house. 

There are many things to be thankful for and the list will vary from person to person.

Since you're reading my blog, you get my list!

1. A husband who cooks and stays home with our son because we both realize I am not stay-at-home mom material.  He loves me unconditionally and lets me be me - a working mom.
2. An adorable son who teaches me patience as he brings laughter into my heart
3. Wednesday date nights, compliments of my parents
4. Sleepovers, compliments of my inlaws
5. Quality frienships with people who fill my heart with love
6. My siblings who buy really good Christmas presents since they have new jobs this year
7. My grandma's brocolli and cheese casserole 
8. My son's 8pm bedtime
9. My 8:15pm bedtime
10. Coffee
11. Red Wine
12. A challenging job
13. A paycheck
14. A savings account that kinda keeps us from living paycheck to paycheck. 
15. Monthly socials with Kelli, Joe and Chris. 
16. My laptop and text messaging
17. My new boots
18. Netflix
19. Online shopping
20. Red Wine (cut me some slack here, I've been stuck at home for 3 days with a toddler!)

It's a short, funny list.  It's 100% true. 

Life is good, people.  Be thankful for the blessings in your life and love on those who are struggling and need your patience and understanding.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

2nd Snow Day is a COLD Day!

Last night, Eric asked me how long of a weekend this holiday weekend will be for me.  SIX DAYS!  Woo-hoo for an extra-long weekend!  Granted, I can't leave our house.  Granted, the temps hit 11 degrees last night.  Granted, more snow is expected.

Despite all of that, I have no complaints about snow days!  I have the Uglies book series to read.  We have Netflix for movies.  I have plenty of cabinets and closets to clean out, Eric went to the store so we have food, and there is an entire yard of snow to play with, if the temps warm up.  And Alexander is loving the games on the disneychannel.com (it is rather frightening how well he manuevers the computer mouse).  In truth, snow days have become more about entertaining the toddler, rather than resting the Mommy!  

We are supposed to travel to my grandma's for Thanksgiving tomorrow.  But I'm not sure how much of the family is going to make it.  My cousin Jodie and her boyfriend, Zak, are supposed to travel south to stay with us but with the snow expected, I don't know what they will be able to do. My sweet sister has been stuck at work since she was the only responsible hotel manager who managed to find their way into downtown Seattle.  And there is no way we are driving the 1975 Land Cruiser on the freeway. 

This may be one Thanksgiving where we are simply thankful to be home, safe and warm.

Snow Day!

Many of my teacher friends do not like snow days.  They don't like how snow days extend the school year into June.  Me?  Well, I love me a snow day!  I love having a reason to be home with the boys.  And I love how being stuck indoors gives me the perfect excuse to clean and clear out clutter. 

This morning, the sun is shining but the temps remain very cool.  Mid-20's, I believe.  There are brave souls who are traveling the roads but we're staying put.  Ideally, the temps will raise a bit more but more snow is expected.  I'm definitely not complaining!  We went outside for about an hour or so.  Unfortuantely, its so dry that making a snowman will have to wait. 

In the meantime, there are plenty of indoor activities to be done!

Today's To-Do List:

• Color, watch movies, and take a nap!
• Bundle up and play in the snow for as long as the little man can handle it.
• Eric wants to go to the store but I'm not sure that is a trip for all 3 of us.  We'll see.
• Clean out the playroom of toys no longer played with and set them aside for the garage sale.
• Put away the loads and loads of laundry.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

Let me state, for the record, that I hate snow.  Pure and simple.  Hate. It.

Yet, this is what I see when I look outside my windows.

The snow started this morning at 5:30AM and didn't let up until well after noon.

School was and stayed in session, throughout the snowfall.  I spent my day, wearing two coats, a sweater, thick gloves, and my Ugg boots, walking around campus.  Apparently, as administration, our job includes telling kids to drop the snowballs, stop sliding down hills, slow down the cars in the parking lot, and answer 100 times, why we aren't going home early.  Needless to say, I was cranky and cold by the time the district let everyone leave an hour early (especially once I found out I couldn't leave until the last kid was off campus).

Fortunately, the roads were bare and wet and I made it home just fine.  Right now, the snow is dumping again, temps are falling, and I could care less because I have a nice hot buttered rum to warm my chilled bones.

What is your vote on snow?  Love it or Hate it?



I could have used a better day today

I was hit with wave after wave of "new teacher" emotions today.  Every time I turned, there was a new experience waiting for me.  And I had NO CLUE what to do.  Numerous times, I am pretty sure my pretty little face was right next to "incompetent" in the dictionary.  Thankfully, my team is patient with me.  They know I have zero experience so they are taking the lead and I'm learning so much by observing them.  But it doesn't stop the wave of emotions from crashing over me with endless thoughts of "you are letting everyone down and they are doing the work for you".  Mind you, they have told me numerous times that they do not feel this way.  I think they do.

Truth be told, I'm scared for the day I have to go it alone.  What if I screw it up?  What am I going to do if a parent scream at me?  What if I can't handle this job? 

On top of the "I'm an impostor and incapable of doing this job" thoughts, I had the emotions of the day to contend with, too.

Dealing emotionally with difficult situations is not a first to a teacher who has seen most everything in 15 years.  As a new teacher, I didn't know how to leave work at work.  But I quickly learned if I didn't leave the issues at work, they would eat me up.  The more I faced similar circumstances, I learned how to put situations in the classroom in their place and I stopped internalizing the issues.

Imagine my surprise to discover that I have zero experience at compartmentalizing administrative issues.  I know I'll get there.  I know I'll figure it out.  But it was a pretty big aha moment to discover it was time for me to re-learn a skill I hadn't faced in 15 years.  And I couldn't help but ask myself if I really want to re-learn the skills.  It would be pretty darn easy to go back to PE, ya know.  Easy life.  Easy issues.  Easy comfort zone.  Easy way out.

As if all this wasn't enough, it really didn't help that I was forced to watch the same video clip a dozen times today and each time, my giant ass was on the screen at the very end.  Come on.  How much can one girl really take in a day?

All I can say is

PMS makes me crave the damnest things.

What's better than 1 blog?

Two blogs?

Three blogs!!

I started a new blog today.  Cause I have all this spare time, ya know.

I created it so family and friends can follow our adventures as we remodel the house.  Yes, I could have added it to the current blog (s) but I hate topics to mesh.  I hate food on my plate to mesh too. 

If you want to follow us, hop on over to Us 3...Under 1 Roof. 

Can't always promise it will be the most happening blog but we'll keep you updated as things progress!

Currently...

reading: Sacred Heart by Sarah Duanant.  I'll have it finished tonight so next book is whatever my book club selects this Saturday night.

buying: a new tunic sweater dress.  Of course, I don't know where I'm purchasing said dress but it's next up (once I unearth my credit card after the holidays).  
listening to: Disney's Happy Feet

eating: red beans and rice

wearing: pj pants from the Gap, leadership camp sweatshirt.  And wool socks. It's a cold one tonight!

watching: The Wire, Dexter, and Blue Clues episodes

anticipating: the holidays.  Or a snow day.  Whichever comes first

beginning:  to understand there must be a balance between home and work. 

Super Uber Sore.

Remember that four mile run I completed on Saturday?

It kicked my ass.  And my hammys.  And my quads.

In fact, every large muscle group in my body is screaming in defeat. 

The last time I felt this sore, I was a volleyball coach.  During the summer of 2005, I attended the UW coaching clinic.  When the National Champions are in your backyard and you have the chance to learn from the best, you don't pass it up.  Even if you hate the Purple and Gold.

What I thought was going to be a day of learning and observing turned into a day of playing.  FULL ON VOLLEYBALL PLAYING.  I did learn a lot.  About the game.  About players.  About myself.  

A few days after that camp, I went for my first run.  I figured I was already sore so why not push myself a bit further?  I ran a few days a week for about eight months, nothing very serious or regimented, and then I got pregnant.  I know there are a lot of women who run while pregnant.  I know a lot of women who eat while pregnant.  I definitely chose the second category.  Way more fun.

29 weeks

Five years later, I'm running again.

Only this time, I run AND eat.

It's all about finding balance in life, right?

Fall is

the smell of a woodstove burning.
In college, I realized the smell of a wood stove reminded me of home.   

Turns out, as an adult, the first whiff of a fall woodstove can still remind me of home.

weekends filled with football games. 

It starts on Friday night high school games.
And ends 48 blissful hours later.

cool, crisp days with the sun shining on my face.

Trees covered in bright oranges, yellows, and reds.
A slight breeze lifts the leaves from the limbs and the leaves dance in the sky as they fall to the ground.
Turns out dancing in the leaves with a toddler is pretty fun, too.

scented candles burning all day.

Today's selection: Ginger Pumpkin.

Seems I like to choose scents to match the seasons.
What is your favorite scent?

curling up on the couch to read a book, with football playing on the TV, knowing a nap is about 15 minutes away.

I'm reading Sacred Hearts by Sarah Duanant right now. 
Under a blanket, with the Seahawks on the TV.

Naptime.

PS   Rachel deserves full credit for today's post theme.  I really liked her post, happiness is....  So, I stole the concept. 

Imitation is the best form of flattery, right?

When one hasn't run in two months, it isn't as easy to run four miles as it used to be.

And while this runner looks so happy to be running with water spashing her face (while wearing a unitard, I might add), I ran and cursed the drizzing rain with every step.

All that being said, it was nice to feel the endorphins flow through my body.  It was nice to run with the girls.  And we did four miles.  Not bad after a two month hiatus.

Even if I thought I was going to hack up a lung.

Just sayin'.

And now it is time for a lunch date with two of my FAVORITIST ladies!

Happy Saturday to you!

November Goals

Tonight, my school hosted a "date night".  Our high school students are babysitting local kids for a nominal fee so parents can whoop it up, out on the town.  Since its my job to oversee events like this one, I thought Alexander could play while I worked.  And that's how I came to be in my office on a Friday night, with my son running around, loving every minute with big kids.  I was able to clean my office, finish two letters of recommendation, set up a weeks worth of lessons for ASB, answering emails, and other misc tasks.  Oh, and I set up my iPod deck and am LOVING having music in my office!  And now that everything is done and I have 20 minutes to kill, I figured I'd update the blog.

How did I do on my October goals?  I'm certainly curious to find out since I never glanced at them once I wrote them!

Settle into a routine and solid pace at work.  I'm there.  It's pretty smooth sailing.  Check.
I'd like to delve into the administrative pieces of my job. Another check.
I will not log on to the computer on any date night with Eric for the entire month.   The first date night after writing this goal, I had to work on Homecoming stuff so we agreed that night didn't count.  However, I haven't logged on during a date night since and we've watched two full episodes of The Wire.  Check
So, my goal is to meet the girls from work, before school, twice a week to lift weights and hang out. Not. Even. Close.
Think before I commit to anything so I don't bail out on anyone. Check.  It hasn't been easy to say no to events but it's been healthier for me and my family.

Now, what should be my November goals?

1. Stick to online Weight Watchers for the entire month.  So far, I haven't missed a day since October 16 and I've lost four lbs.
2. Return all the new clothes that I'm not keeping and put away the credit card until after the holidays.  I've been a bit ridiculous with the online shopping.  Although, I do need new boots...
3. Keep my cool when I arrive home to find the house looking like a hurricane ran through it.  I am not home so I don't know how the days are going and can't judge that I could do it better than Eric.  I have to trust that Eric is doing the best he can for us.
4. Since I can't shop for myself, I'll put together holiday wish lists for us 3 and start creating lists for family gifts.  So family - start talking about what you want!
5. Figure out which pictures to use for the annual Christmas card and have the cards printed.
6. Read 5 books.  I'm 1 for 5 right now.
7. Run.  Once a week.  That can't be asking for too much, right? 

Alright, I hear the little man running down the empty school hallways, yelling "Mommy" at the top of his lungs.  Guess he's done with this gig.  Gotta run.  Although, if you recall from the October goals, I don't exactly run these days!.

Learning to be Gluten Free

Eric decided about two months ago, he wanted to try a gluten free lifestyle.  He finally had enough evenings spent, curled up with stomach cramps.  If you know Eric, you know he is logical and a researcher.  He started Googling and the next thing you know, he's gluten free.

Being the wonderful, understanding non cooking wife that I am, I have been encouraging it.  I hated seeing the guy in pain!  Eric is a fantastic cook so I knew if he wrapped his head around it, he could find delicious and healthy meals for us.  I may be a picky eater but I will try most things.  Once.  So, when he misses the mark, he really misses the mark.  The pasta meals have been tasty.  The pancakes were terrible.  And most things can be doctored up with salsa.

All this being said, it's been a long two months since we've enjoyed pizza.  For some reason, this is the ONE thing I have missed the most. 

Tonight, he made pizza with chicken. 

Before cooking:

After cooking:

Our Vote:  A solid B.  Needed more spices and different cheeses.  Overall, the crust was tasty and we would do this again.  And by "we", I mean "Eric will make it and I will eat it".

Do you have any gluten free foods or recipes to suggest to us? 

I'd love to pass on your ideas!



Can you ever have too much pumpkin pie?

I.  Think.  Not.

As long as you forget to count the Weight Watchers points per slice!