Hump Day

Well, it is freezing today...I mean freezing. Normally, I do not complain about the cold, but good grief it is miserable today. It is the kind of cold that hurts to breathe.

So, my family is planning a trip to Florida this summer. I hope my school schedule will work out and I will get to go. The houses my brother has found are great and I have never been to Florida!!

Tonight is another schmooze from a textbook company. Last night, one of the textbook companies treated us to Ted's (I did very well, I ate only one tortilla and three or four chips). Tonight the textbook company has reserved Ti Amo's. It is kind of nice to get these treats for free!!!

Happy Wednesday!!

Blah Tuesday

So, I thoroughly enjoyed my three day weekend. I cleaned my garage and go everything organized. I want to make things as easy as possible for moving. Yesterday, I spent most of the day driving around looking for houses. It was not the most pleasant day to do that, but I needed to go looking. Here is what scares me about buying a house...what if that means I am alone forever? I know that God will take care of this and I will meet someone when it is right, but I do sometimes wonder if I will ever meet someone. I do so badly want to get married and have children.....all in good time (this is what I keep telling myself).

Well, I don't have much else to say today. I am glad to be back at work. It always seems like my students have grown a lot during these breaks.

Have a great day!!

American Idol

So, it's back and I must admit, I have spent the last two nights watching it. What are some of these nuts thinking. If my voice sounded the way a lot of those crazies sounded, my family certainly would not encourage me to go sing on national television! I mean really people...look at yourself before you walk out the door!
So, I am excited. We have a three day weekend. Perhaps I will go shopping. I am in need of some new clothes. I have had the same pants for way too long.

Well, phase one of south beach is almost over. The first few days were the worst. Now, it is not so bad. I don't mind not eating rice and noodles and dessert so much. I can handle this. As long as I maintain this, I will be alright. I do miss bananas a little, but not as much as chocolate. But, next week, I can incorporate some sugar free, fat free chocolate pudding back into my diet. So, I guess what I am saying is I am used to lean protein and vegetables and mac & cheese should be a rare treat. But I do so love those cheesy noodles.

Ta ta!

The weekend went way to fast and I don't feel like I accomplished anything. My house is still a mess. Last weekend all Christmas was very neatly put back into rubbermaid totes until November. I always get sad when I have to put my Christmas away. Anyway, this weekend I was a little lazy. I read and watched TV.
Speaking of TV, last year, I became addicted to the VH1 show Rock of Love starring Brett Michaels. The show followed him and twenty skanky women as he searched for true love with these women. Basically, the show was a bunch of drinking and kissing, but I didn't miss an episode and when he picked Jes at the end, I was sure it was love. Then, on the follow-up show, it was revealed that the two were not really in love. So, now, Vh1 is providing me with Rock of Love 2. I am thrilled...more skanks, more drinking and more nutty eliminations. So, on Sunday's from 8:00 to 9:00, that is what I will be doing.
I am also shopping for a treadmill, hopefully I can find one used. A friend of a friend has a man that she knows who is wanting to sell one, so I might have one fairly cheap. I enjoy running, but can't stand it when the weather gets in the way of that. That would be quite a nice gym for myself, a Johnny G spinning bike and a treadmill.
Week 2 of South Beach Phase 1---this week will be much better than last week. I know this because it has to be!!
Happy Monday!!

Grey's Anatomy

So, after waiting what seems like forever, Grey's Anatomy had a new show on last night. I was very excited!! I love that show. It has been a while since I found a show that I like that much. What irritates me about television is that after keeping me waiting for almost a two months for a new show, I only get this one new one and next week will be a rerun...ugh!! I need to know what is going to happen to everyone on the show. Are George and Callie going to try to work things out? Are Derek and Meredith ever going to get together, or are they just going to continue their silly game? Will Bailey's marriage survive? These are all things that I need answered. What I find truely amazing about the show is how I have managed to make these people real. Rita and I talk about them as if they are real people, who at any moment might come walking through the door.

Well, yesterday was quite the successful day for me on South Beach. We had a chili luncheon at school. Of course, there were an abundance of the "bad" carbs and all the other foods I am not allowed during phase 1. I was quite proud of myself. I ate a small bowl of chili, sans the Frito's and sour cream. We all know how much JenPen loves her frito chili pie!! But, I must say, it was a delicious bowl of chili and I was quite satisfied. What was painfully difficult, was the dessert table. I love cake and someone had brought the most delicious looking coconut cake. It was huge....lots of layers, lots and lots of yummy frosting!! I simply left the room to avoid the temptation. Ahhhhh, a proud moment for me. Dinner was tuna salad lettuce wraps. Quite tasty!! I also treated myself to some yogurt last night, and I must say it was the most delicious yogurt I have ever eaten!!

I am glad today is Friday!!

Don't you just love a good book!

So, for Christmas, Richard and Cynthia got me the latest Jodi Picoult book, Ninteen Minutes. I started reading it Tuesday evening and it very quickly has becoming all consuming of my thoughts. I want to read and read until it is done. Her books are usually that kind of book. If you have not read any of her books, I strongly recommend that you do. I always find myself asking "What would I do in that situation." They are great books and make you think. I almost got sick this morning, so I could stay home and read...is that terrible? I didn't, I came to work and left my book for my treat when I get home. If I weren't still in Phase 1 of South Beach, I would open abottle of wine and read and drink wine, but alas, I will drink ice water and read my book.

Have a super day!!

Some Thoughts

Here are some of the reasons I love teaching first grade:

1. When my students tell me they need to tell me something important, it is almost always "I love you, Ms. Pense"
2. Going to centers is the coolest thing
3. They listen with rapt attention to every story I read.
4. Seeing the "ah ha!" when they figure something out on their own for the first time.
5. I always get invited to birthday parties.

I just love my class this year. They are a pretty funny group of kids.

Well, it is day three of south beach phase 1...so far, I am doing ok. Yesterday evening was a little rocky; as a I was jonesing for some sugar, but I just went to bed. If I get some yogurt, I think that will help my sugar craving. Last night for dinner was a chicken breast, broccoli and cauliflower and spinach. Who knows what I'll eat tonight for dinner.

I will leave you with this closing thought....the contraction for the words it will is it'll...who uses that kind of language. Say it in a sentence to yourself today...you are sure to laugh.

Happy New Year!!

Well, it has certainly been a while since I posted. Now that I am back on schedule, I will post on a more regular basis.

Today, I started phase 1 of the South Beach diet, I want to lose a few pounds. I don't think it will be too difficult to do. I already work out; and according to Mom, it really works, so I am giving it a try. I think I am also going to start my kickboxing class again. I really miss it and I think I need something to punch to get out a few frustrations.

My PhD classes start again soon. I am kind of excited about this semester, but I am also nervous. We are starting quantitative statistics....ugh!!

I am also starting the hunt for a house...a full fledged hunt...I want to be in my own home by spring break....any help or advice will be muchly appreciated.

Happy Monday!!