Weight Loss Crusade

Yes...CRUSADE.  Not a "journey."  That word is used when someone is meandering and smelling the flowers.  "Crusade" is going into something at full force and not allowing any obstacles. 

Two weeks ago I probably would have used the word "journey," but not now. "Crusade" is the only way to describe it.

Describe what?  To describe this regimen I've been on for nearly 2 months, but which has recently taken a drastic, more powerful, turn in the last 2 weeks.

I'll back up.

Two months ago I decided to start exercising daily.  Walking my dog was more to get outdoors into the fresh air and give him a chance to move around.  But, as I've blogged in the past, my doggie is sick and won't be here after a few more months (we think--he's been doing really well, actually.)

I started to mentally prepare myself for life without a dog and began the regimen I talked about in this post.

That regimen was a great way to start.  I felt better--more powerful, more flexible and stronger.  My arms, especially, were feeling stronger--probably because I had never challenged them before.

And my eating?  That didn't change that much.  So, of course, the weight loss was slow. 

After 6 weeks I had lost a pathetic 3 pounds.

It was time to STEP IT UP.

Jane Fonda videos are great for a beginner, for someone who has a lot of weight to lose, and for an older person.  I learned a lot from her.  But I needed to sweat.

Heaven help me, I started watching the Jillian Michaels videos (on Amazon streaming, but also available on DVD) and seeing which ones I could integrate into my routine.

One day, after the first part of the Jane Fonda Walkout, I did 20 minutes of the Jillian Michaels No More Trouble Zones video. Oh--my--gosh...  I thought I was going to die. Seriously.

The next day I could hardly walk.  Squatting to use the potty was an experience in pain and every step came with a grunt.

I watched a few other videos and decided how to change things up.  10 POUNDS LATER, I'm really glad I challenged myself.

So, here is what I'm doing now.

M, W, F (sometimes 4 times a week):

I LOVE this video.  I end up red and sweating profusely by the time I'm done, but I feel amazing.  No more soreness, either.  There are a few moves I cannot do that I modify, which I thank the Jane Fonda videos for, but I can do most of it (not the Burpies, though--they are my Everest!)  And there are other moves I couldn't do at the beginning and I can now.

T, TH, S (or only twice a week)

I am using a 10lb kettlebell and I do the Level 1 (which is very satisfying for my fitness level, although I still have to modify a couple of the moves.) And, I have learned something about myself--I LOVE using weights.  It's like eating sushi--it just feels so good for your body!

After 30 minutes with Jillian, I go back to Jane Fonda and do the 2nd Walkout of the two on the video.  (Working out for only 30 minutes felt like cheating because I've become so used to sweating for an hour.)  It's the more intense one--one mile in 18 minutes (Intense? Some of you will say...) And after these 2 videos together I'm sweating pretty good!

Sundays: I'm doing BOTH walkouts on the video above.

Evenings (in my pajamas): I do the "Strength" section (15 minutes long) of the AM section of the AM/PM yoga.  I use 3lb hand weights.  I have tried using the 5lb-ers at the store and I'm not ready yet.  Soon, hopefully, soon.

If you read the regimen from a few weeks ago, you will see that this is a big change.  It is all part of some new goals I have for myself:

1. I must sweat A LOT at least once every day.
2. No sabotaging all of my hard work (enter the healthier eating.)
3. No snacking. Just eating 3 sensible meals a day within a good span of time (every 3-5 hours.)
4. No eating after 6pm
5. Drink water with every meal.
6. No more soda.  *Sigh*
7. Enjoy the way your clothes feel, don't get too hung up on numbers on the scale. (I only weigh myself every 3-5 days--in the morning right after that first potty trip.)

And the biggest one for me....no more cow's milk.

Ditching Dairy
Last Saturday I had an epiphany.  I looked into the mirror and noticed my skin looked great.  My skin is always giving me problems, and I'm usually scrambling on Friday and Saturday to do whatever I can to make sure my skin looks good for church on Sunday.   Thank goodness we ladies have make-up.  It covers the blotches, the extra set of wrinkles under my right eye, and my flaky forehead (snow, anyone?)

So, why did my skin suddenly look so healthy? That extra set of wrinkles under my right eye--GONE.  I have been drinking a TON of water lately, but was that the only thing?  I realized it was because I had stopped drinking so much milk.  I did it as an attempt to not drink my calories, and my skin had responded.

(Of course, I've also been eating healthier and cut out my beloved soda, but I knew it was more than that.)

The first thing I wanted to do was strangle my dermatologist, who loves prescribing creams, ointments, Prednisone and Benedryl.  NEVER had he given me dietary suggestions.  Grrr...

Then I thought about the way I have been eating and I looked up articles on cutting dairy from your diet.  There is A LOT of evidence out there on the benefits.  I have no plans to go vegetarian or vegan, or to cut out all carbs, but cutting out most dairy is something I can do if I'm going to get results like this.

Me, tonight, with no makeup.  I have healthy skin!  Enjoy it now, because I'll probably never post pictures like these again.

My Meals
Amazingly, I really haven't felt hungry or deprived for the past 2 weeks when I have really been conscious of what I'm eating.

Here are a few examples of my meals:

BREAKFAST:
1 egg, 2 whites with a banana or an orange
or
a Peanut butter and jelly sandwich (Dave's Killer Bread--The Good Seed, Jif Crunchy, and organic raspberry spread.)
or
1 open face PBJ with a banana

LUNCH:
salad with lettuce, carrots, Craisins (just few,) 5-6 croutons, and a can of crab of tuna dumped on top...sensible amount of dressing

tuna or kippers with organic Ritz crackers

can of Progresso soup with 6-8 crackers

DINNER:
Tonight I had:
1/3lb ground turkey patty dipped in 1000 Island Dressing (Yummers!)
and a bowl of sliced banana, a few raspberries, drizzled in some coconut milk

The meals in our house are *usually* healthy, with salmon, chicken, sometimes beef, with a veggie on the side and a salad.  For the "less healthy" homemade meals I'm just watching portions.

ALL of these meals are with water as the beverage.

And I am just estimating calories.  I'm not doing a food journal or using a fitness tracker.  (No judgment if you like or need those things--everyone is different.) If I'm extra hungry at breakfast and need 2 eggs instead of one, then I'll go a little lighter at lunch.  I'm just trying to be sensible, balanced and not gobble every meal like it's my last.

Favorite Finds

Last week Eric and I were out all day and we stopped at a mini mart for some snacks.  What to get?  I got a Vitamin Water ZERO (acai-pomegranate-blueberry) and some Special K potato chips.  A 150 calorie snack that was totally satisfying and delish?  I was so proud of me.

In the past it would have been a Pepsi (not diet--yuck) and a bag of Doritos, washed down with a Milky Way. 

I started experimenting with other flavors of Vitamin Water ZERO. (some are not 0 calories, but 110-120 calories, so make sure it says ZERO on the bottle.)  My favorites are the go-go, lemonade, and orange flavors (the last one tastes like Sunny Delight.)  After I down about 20 ounces of water during my morning sweat sessions, I treat myself with one bottle of Vitamin Water ZERO.  I'm getting more hydration, vitamins, and a little satisfaction for my sweet tooth.

Today I switched to coconut milk from cow's milk.  I've tried almond and rice milk in the past and thought I would give this one a try.  The calories are the lowest for the milk alternatives, approx 18 ounces gives you your 100% daily recommended amount of calcium, and it is creamier than rice or almond milk.  Done deal.  This is my new milk. 

My Motivating Factors
What is keeping me going?  After all, I've lost and gained around 40 pounds 2 other times in my life.  I don't want to be obsessive about my body and my eating, but I want to like what I see in the mirror.

The results I'm seeing and how I am feeling are motivating me.  I'm sleeping better.  I wake up and immediately want to go and work out in our family room.

My little weight collection. It's all I need.  Don't laugh at my twos!

Each night I lay out my workout stuff in the family room.  I rotate through 5 sets of workout wear (thank you Walmart) and a washcloth to mop up the dripping sweat each day!  At the end of the workout, I run the washcloth under cold water because I'm RED AS A BEET.  Not pretty, but worth it.

And, now that my skin is looking healthier and clothes are fitting better, I want to keep that up.  Who wouldn't?

I also love the idea of working out at home.  I don't want to pay money to a gym, have to drive there and back, work out in a room full of other people...that does not sound appealing to me at all.  I just roll out of bed, feed the dog, change my clothes, turn on the TV and start.  Sometimes I get so "in the zone" that by the time it's done I can hardly believe it.

So that is my Weight Loss Crusade.  10lbs down, 25-30 to go.  Bring it on.

Some Reading:

Great article on ways to get healthier skin HERE.

Great ways to feel better all around HERE.

12 Reasons Why You Can't Shed That Extra Weight HERE.

The Dangers of Dairy HERE.  (I don't plan to completely eliminate dairy, but I am going to be more aware of it, and cow's milk is definitely a thing of the past. And this is from the girl who can drink a gallon in one day.)

And, lastly, because it is both funny and true...

 

UPDATE on 2/21:
So, this morning I did the entire No More Trouble Zones video!  Yes, that was the one that crippled me after 20 minutes a few weeks ago.  Hand weights are used and there is a lot of floor work.  Some things I modified, but I did pretty well! 

I think I'm going to incorporate it into my week from now on and rotate through the 3 Jillian videos.  The Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism video is still my favorite.  I just feel so accomplished when I'm done!

This morning's breakfast:

One banana and raspberries, 1 yolk and 2 whites, and a glass of coconut milk. Probably around 350 calories.

Why Photoshop needs to be banned from magazines...

This short video is very powerful. As I think of the way I've been counting calories and exercising each morning and evening for the past 6 weeks I remind myself why I'm doing it. To get healthier? To be skinnier? Or to match up to some unattainable image?

Fortunately, I know that I'm trying to get healthier and lose a few pounds. My dieting and exercise are within reasonable limits and far from extreme. The sad thing is that when I open a magazine and see the images spoken of in this video, I still always forget about the Photoshopping that took place. Photoshop is evil. Seriously. So is the media's definition of beauty.

One of the women in the video says it best, "If you take away all of the little things that make you special, what is left?"

I have an idea...

You know those health disclaimers at the bottom of cigarette and alcohol ads?  I think there should be something like that on every Photoshopped picture, just to remind us that what we are seeing is a departure from reality.

Who is with me?

Have a great day, friends.  Embrace all that makes you unique!

Musings on Valentine Eve

Tonight on the radio I heard about a tour bus for people with no Valentine tomorrow.  It was a night of "No-mance."  The bus was going to take people throughout Portland on a night of debauchery, celebrating bitterness. Gee, that sounds fun.

Guess what?  There is nothing wrong with not having a Valentine.  Due to unfortunate circumstances and timing, I didn't have a Valentine until I was 38.   Guess what else?  I survived just fine.  No man-hating ceremonies of burning pictures and wallowing in my misfortune.  No tears and grumbling.  It was just another day, except with more chocolate and a few cute cards from students and colleagues.

There is plenty of love to share.  Love your family, love your friends.  Most importantly--love yourself.  Love what you have to offer when that right person does come along.  If they are worth it, then they deserve a happy, whole person right back.

I've been married a short enough time to still remember what it was like to be single, to see other people's lives seem to move forward in dating, marriage, kids, etc. and wonder when it would be my turn. (For Pete's sake, my younger brother married before I did.)  It wasn't especially fun, but I stayed hopeful, operating under the credo "better single than settle."  A self-respecting person doesn't settle.  There is a timeline for all of us.  And it isn't a competition.

One thing I've learned is that when the long-term right person finally does comes along, Valentine's Day is really not that important of a holiday.  When you love someone that much, and you appreciate those small moments like making breakfast together or laughing over something silly, every day is something to celebrate. 

In the meantime, live your life and be happy.  That is a choice everyone--single or not--can make for themselves.

Happy Valentine's Day, family and friends.  Find the love and pass it on.

Because You Never Know...

Snow "day"...I mean "weekend!"

When I lived in California, several days of heavy rain could really interrupt everyone's plans.  Now that I live in Washington, I'm learning that several days of snow can have the same effect.

I haven't left the house since Thursday.

Our Relief Society activity was officially cancelled, although it unofficially continued on as planned.

And, here's a first for me:  our church services have been cancelled for tomorrow.  Wow.  When I lived in Utah we would trudge through the snow on BYU campus and attend church. 

But every state has its comfort zone, and snow is not within the comfort zone of this area when it lasts for several days (and weeks, which I hear it has done in the past.)

I'm thankful for our big, cozy house while this weather persists.

I'm thankful that we are stocked up on food and other necessities in the interim.

I'm thankful for my silly workout videos that keep me active when neighborhood activity has effectively shut down.  (I wish my dog would work out with me because he is obviously bored after no walks for 4 days.)

And I'm thankful that Hubby is home for the days when snow is expected to fall.

On Thursday and Friday I cleaned house and prepared for Friday night company--friends of Eric's that he has known since childhood.  We had a very fun night.

Today I finished one movie (The Song of Bernadette from 1943) and started another (Stardust from 2007.)   It was nice to hunker down in a clean house and eat yummy leftovers from last night's dinner.  Tomorrow I plan to make homemade chocolate chip cookies and spend some time reading.

The silence outside is palatable, as the only noises are the very occasional car driving by and snow falling heavily from tree branches that can no longer support it.

It's very beautiful, but I'm ready for it to melt and for life to resume as normal!

And now... a few pictures.  Not nearly as artistic as I would like, but I just didn't feel like getting wet:

"Really?  Is this all the grass that's left?"

"Feeling housebound!"

"Me no like the white stuff."

"Suddenly the rain doesn't seem so bad..."

Views out the front door...

California girls wear flip flops in all kinds of weather!

Panoramic of our street (click to see the original size.)

Backyard views--the backyard has been transformed!

Thank goodness for a breezeway to the garage.

An Update on Bailey

Many of you know that my faithful dog, Bailey, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.  The news was too painful to make public knowledge when I first received it on December 12th.  The date is branded into my mind because he was given only 2 months to live.  And, yes, I cried every day for the first 5 days after hearing it.  Of course, the bad news is that the prognosis hasn't changed.  But there is good news...we are 1 week away from that grim, 2 month date and he's doing remarkably well. 

My sweet Bailey is one of those dogs that makes an impression on people, and many friends have asked to be updated on how he's doing.  I tell those who are concerned that we still go walking daily.  (This morning we walked down to the city circle to mail my February election ballot.)  His appetite is good.  He goes up and down stairs.  With the exception of a little more difficulty getting in and out of the car, the changes are hardly noticeable. (His back end just looks a little off balance because the tumor is there.)

I'm a realist, though, and I've had enough dogs throughout my life to know that when the decline happens, it usually happens fast.  In the meantime I'm grateful for all of the time Bailey is with us. He's been my canine companion since 2002 (originally the family dog who attached himself to me.) I try to mentally prepare for the future, but find it best to live in the now in this situation.

Everyone's good thoughts and wishes are appreciated.  And, yes, he's right beside me as I write this.

My Exciting New Regimen

For the past 3 weeks, morning and evening, I've been engaged in a new exercise regimen.  I would love to share it because it is rare that I'm excited about exercise.  Extremely rare!

It all began at the end of the holiday season when Eric and I were at a dinner with some of his high school friends. We ended up sharing a table with the couple who owns the local yoga studio.  We discussed attending some classes, but, with Eric's schedule we've been unable to make it happen. Still, the discussion lit a spark in me.

All of us have our preferences when it comes to exercise.  Mine involve not wanting to pay a gym, devoting daily walking time with my dog, and exercising in my own home.

And we all have our vices.  Mine are chocolate, soda, not drinking enough water, and having a difficult time staying with a regimen.  If I'm in the middle of a good regimen and something interrupts it (like an illness that lasts a few days,) I have a hard time returning to it.  If the regimen is too hard, I'll really rebel.

But I did have a spark.  And my body, at nearly 43 years old, has not completely turned on me.  I'm fairly athletic, coordinated, and physically strong.  I just needed to tap into my strengths.

So I did some research with my streaming choices on Amazon, watched parts of several exercise videos with many different instructors, and spent 2-3 days refining the schedule that works best for me.  Believe it or not, but after watching some Jillian Michaels (too tough,) some Denise Austin (a voice I cannot listen to,) and some random instructors I have never heard of, I ended up coming back to the grandmama of workout videos...Jane Fonda.  Don't laugh, there's a reason she's been doing this with such success for so many years.  She's very good!

With 5 videos available, I am now using 3, rotating throughout the week.  They take about an hour in the morning and 35-45 minutes in the evening, depending on the sections I do.

The best part?  I feel great!  I feel stronger, with better posture, higher quality sleep, and my flexibility has really improved.   Pounds have started to melt away, I only eat until I'm full, and I'm drinking more water. (Eric built a DIY Berkee water filter system in our kitchen that is AWESOME and which has really helped me to drink more water.)

Here's what I do:

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAYS (in the morning)

The Walkout.  The WHOLE thing.  Both workouts.  I end up a sweaty mess after 50 minutes, but not sore and limping for the rest of the day.  The first section is one mile in 20 minutes, the second is one mile in 18 minutes, each with a cool down and stretch at the end.  You do much more than just marching in place.  Some reviews criticized the fact that she is off beat with the music once in a while, which is true, but not a huge issue.

TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS, SATURDAYS (in the morning)

Some may feel that this video is too easy, but I like the fact that hand weights are involved, that it gives me a little break between the Walkout days, and I still know that I'm doing something good for my body.  Sometimes I will increase the difficulty.

SUNDAYS (in the morning)

Because Sundays are a day of quiet, meditation, and honoring the Sabbath, I do the AM sections of the AM/PM Yoga.  Terms like "heart's center" and "putting light back into the world" are perfect for the day.  The background music is quiet, the poses feel spiritual, and it is a wonderful way to begin the day.

EVERY SINGLE EVENING (starting anywhere from 8:00 to 9:30pm, depending on the day)

I do the PM section of the AM/PM Yoga video above.  The first 10 minutes are for Mobility and using your core strength and the last 15 minutes are for Relaxation, but still require concentration and strength.  The last 10 minutes are done laying on your back and I actually do them with my eyes closed, now that I know the poses.  It is very meditative.  There is also a 5 minute section at the end on Balance.  AND, for the past few days, because I love the feeling when using the hand weights, I've added the Strength section to my evening schedule too.  I used 2lb weights for 2 weeks and then switched to 3lb weights.  The difference in difficulty is significant, so I'll probably use the 3lb weights for a while.  When I do progress, my goal is to go straight to the 5lb weights and skip right over the 4 pounders.  Fingers crossed! 

Here are things I like about these workouts:

• She is excellent at explaining the position you should be in, the part of the body where the strength should be coming from, and where you should be feeling the effects.
• The sets, music, and background distractions are simple and minimal.  At most, she has 4 people behind her (in the morning Yoga section.)  The Walkout is only Jane.  One of the videos I looked at had 6 people behind her and it was just too much.  
• The videos feel possible to do again and again.  If I was feeling soreness throughout the day I would not feel motivated to go back.  On the contrary...
• ...I actually look forward to doing them!
• And, as mentioned before, I'm thrilled with how my flexibility has improved.  It is nice to see my body responding in more ways than one!
• My balance has also improved.  I love the "warrior series" in the yoga poses.  Warrior 1 and 2 poses are used in the AM section of the yoga video, and Warrior 3 is used in the Balance section.  Warrior 3 is not easy, but over time I'm getting better and better!
• For someone like me who is very right hand dominant, I really like the range of motions my left arm and shoulder are engaged in with these exercises.  They are out of my comfort zone with my day-to-day duties and my left side is being challenged more than usual.

Maybe someone who reads this will find this schedule useful!  I hope so.  And if you don't have Amazon streaming, the DVDs are sold for very reasonable prices (around $6-$8.)  You will also need a good exercise mat (not necessarily a yoga mat, which is thinner,) tennis shoes, hand weights, and a sturdy chair with no arms. (I'm linking to products very similar, but not identical, to what I use.)  The chair is used for a variety of things in all 3 videos above.

Your body will thank you!  My does! 

For My Fellow Teachers...

Twice in the last two weeks I have felt the need to come to the rescue of my profession.

I am a teacher.  I have been out of the classroom for nearly 4 years now, but I will always consider myself a teacher, just like a parent whose children have moved away will always consider herself a parent.   My experience is 13 years in my own classroom of 20 to 35 kids (not a type-o.) Before that I subbed in 3 different districts for a year.  Before that I was a classroom aide for 2 first grade teachers who shared me for a year.

Like other teachers I went through my Bachelor's Degree program, then my teaching credential program, which included Student Teaching.  I was doing this in the late 1990's when student teaching in your own classroom was acceptable using an "emergency credential" while you finished up your studies.  From 1996-1999 I would teach all day then drive to the university 2-3 days a week and be in class until 10pm.  On the days I didn't have class I worked on homework, sometimes for hours, after school, along with the after-hours paperwork that every teacher must do. Then up the next morning at 5am and back to school with my kids.  (No Child Left Behind has now eliminated emergency credentials.)

I've taught Kindergarten, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade.
 
I taught in 2 different inner city neighborhoods which are gang-ridden.  Many of my students have had family members in prison.  The majority came from single parent homes.  99.9% of them were on the free lunch program.  Many of their parents were illiterate and/or undocumented.

And I loved my kids.  All (roughly) 450 kids who I have taught over the years.

I spent hundreds of dollars out of my own pocket on mini field trips, incentives, party items, classroom supplies, and the majority of my class library. (Even though I don't have kids of my own, I've kept the books that mean the most to me.)

My hours were rarely from 8:00am to 2:30pm. Several unpaid hours were used doing report cards, organizing end-of-year files, grading papers, mentoring/tutoring students, having on-the-spot parent conferences, redecorating the room for a holiday or to showcase new student work, and preparing the room for Back to School Night or Open House (automatic 12-13 hour days.) 

Beyond my basic job description, I was also a nurse, counselor, advocate, policeman, chauffeur, and mother to my students.

Frequently I had to play detective when someone would steal something from someone else, be it a jacket, cell phone, snack, book or toy.  It was up to me to follow the clues, read the expression of the accused and decide who was telling the truth.   Then I had to decide the course of action once the item turned up.

My days were always planned ahead of time, but rarely went as planned due to the kid who threw up, the kid who wet his pants, the kid whose mom showed up unannounced with a birthday cake, the kid who had to leave early, an earthquake drill, fire drill, neighborhood police lockdown (which could last up to 2 hours after school dismissal,) mid-day teacher training, emergency meeting, and a host of other reasons.

I have spent, literally, hundreds of hours in teacher trainings and meetings.  They could be grade-level meetings, literacy coach meetings, with publishers trying to sell new textbook programs, learning new technology with Smart Boards and computerized report cards (OK those were cool,) ideas on teaching kids reading in small groups, ideas on teaching kids reading in a whole group (the states can never make up their minds,) drug education programs, social interaction programs, new grading systems (remember the 1, 2, 3, 4 system where 4 was an "A?,) and many, many others.

Were we ever given paid time to work in our classrooms on those training days?  Rarely, and only if the presentation let out early.

Out of my 13 years of teaching, I think I had an aide (only in the mornings) for 4 of those years.  Great aides, too.  BUT, when the office had extra filing to be done, or help was needed preparing testing materials...bye, bye aide.  They were called away and we couldn't do anything about it. At one of my schools I was lucky to get my aide 2 or 3 days a week, and that was in an active kindergarten class.

I've had kids with ADHD, drug babies, foster kids, kids abandoned by one or both parents, and kids who have been physically and/or sexually abused.

Anytime one of my kids needed to speak privately with me, I listened.  Whether they were being bullied, upset because their parents were arrested, feeling ignored at home, had hurt feelings, feeling left out with the other students, etc....I listened.  My goal was always to make the classroom feel like a safe place for the children and for them to have at least one adult that they could depend on consistently.

I say these things not to brag or complain.  I say them because THIS IS WHAT TEACHERS DO.  Pretty much all of them. (I'm making an allowance for the "lemons," because they exist in every profession.)

So here are some things to remember the next time you feel the need to criticize a teacher:
As a whole...

• Teachers will usually refer to their students as "my kids," not "my students" because when you have them 6 hours a day, 5 days a week, 180 days a year they really do feel like your kids.
• Teachers do not have "picking on your child" on their agenda.
• Teachers are not out to "break" children's spirits.
• Teachers rarely have administrative support.
• Teachers are often blamed for test scores (speaking as someone who taught in a low-literacy district, yet if I had moved to the wealthy district 7 miles away with great scores I would've been praised.  Hmm...)
• Being in a classroom for an hour as a volunteer or counselor does not give a person the full picture of the dynamics of that classroom.
• Classroom management and discipline must come first if anything is to be accomplished, yet teachers have very few options on the kinds of consequences allowed...and those options are dwindling.  Still, most teachers are about positive discipline, using incentives, not punishment.  Unfortunately, some behavior warrants consequences.  Trust me, it is rarely a teacher's first choice.
• As important as classroom management is, there is no class for it when studying for a teaching credential.  Something that baffles us all.  It is a trial-and-error process.  When teachers need ideas and support in managing a classroom's discipline, incentives, etc., their best resource is talking to other teachers.
• Teachers wish they had the freedom to be as creative as they want to be--state mandates make us feel that creative endeavors like music and art are a waste of time--but we do them anyway because we know their value...still with a twinge of guilt.
• Teachers do not leave the classroom mentally just because they leave school for the day--I would spend hours in the afternoon and evening at home thinking about certain struggling kids and how I could improve the school experience for them.
• Many teachers spend years taking classes after school and on weekends to finish their Masters and Doctorate--any extra school credits helps the paycheck.
• Teachers do not hate the idea of home-schooling or feel that it is taking our jobs away--I actually find home-schooling quite fascinating--but a home-school parent is not a classroom teacher... and vice versa.  One is not better than the other, but the roles and experiences are very different.
• Teachers do take responsibility, we are human, we're not perfect, even though everyone expects us to be.

So please.  Don't presume that you know what a teacher is going though.  Unless you've been in the profession, you have no idea.  

My fellow teachers, who I respect SO much...this is for you.

UPDATE: January 31, 2014
I have received an overwhelming amount of positive responses to this post from multiple sources over the past few days.  Much more than I expected or intended.  Thank you.

Teaching is a profession that involves a lot of emotion.  You have parents who dearly love their children--as only a parent can--want to protect them, and want them to succeed. And you have teachers who become very invested in their students, also want them to succeed, and have daily pressures while trying to maintain a calm consistency in the classroom.  Sometimes parents and teachers see eye-to-eye and sometimes they do not (discussions are so much more productive when they do.) The important thing to remember is that everyone's goal is ultimately the same--to help our kids become good, productive members of society. If we focus on that common goal, everyone wins.

Thank you again for the great feedback, everyone.

The Family Who Waits for You...

Recently I have had renewed appreciation for my church family.  Moving to a new state where you have no family can be, and was, daunting, but now I hardly think about that fact.  Not working outside the home and not having children could have really limited me in my socializing opportunities, but my church family gives me more than enough.

It's funny, because a few years ago I probably would not have said that.  But then, a few years ago I was living near my actual family and had coworkers.

I think the reason I've been thinking about this is because, not only do I know the benefits of having spirituality and a church family in my life, but I've also recently observed others who do not. I've seen examples of loneliness, bitterness, and anger. A spiritually devoid life has been the common denominator.

What I love about having a church family is not that anyone is perfect, because we are not, but that we are a bunch of imperfect people trying a little harder.  Instead of sports and shopping and housework, my church family is dedicating one day a week to honoring the Lord by going to church and the rest of the week by living what they learned on Sunday the best they can.

Like I said, we are imperfect.  But I love that there is an atmosphere of love and concern.

Having a church family means giving back sometimes too.  Sometimes it means giving back a lot.  But it is a blessing with many more rewards than sacrifices.

If you are feeling sad, lonely, forgotten, or depressed, I highly recommend seeking out a church family of your own.  If you're LDS, as I am, this means becoming reacquainted with your local ward.  If you are of another faith or not of any faith, this means some other legwork (and prayer, and maybe even visiting a few places until you are comfortable.) One of the great things about an LDS church family is that you meet at the same time each week and, therefore, see the same people.

I think the Lord rejoices when He sees us reach out to each other in a church setting.  We can be answers to others' prayers as well as receive our own answers.  It is amazing how our problems seem less when we are serving others.

Thank you to my church family.  You have blessed my life.

Realistic Resolutions...

It hardly seems possible that 2014 is only 2 days away.  I look at the hat above and it reminds me of the leftover party favors from the parties my grandparents would host at their house on New Year's Eve.  They would often give a few favors to my brother and me and take us to Victory Park in Pasadena to look at the Rose Parade floats.  We did that several times.

The last few years I've either gone to the parade or watched it at home, but not so much now that I'm living in the Pacific Northwest. Although my hubby did get to see the parade in person on 1/1/12.  We even visited the floats on New Year's Eve day.

And how about those resolutions?  Losing 50 lbs? Not eating chocolate?  I don't go for those types of resolutions so much.

What about being a little kinder?  Showing more compassion towards others?  Being more patient?  I know what I need to work on.

As you think about the new year and changes you want to make, I challenge you (and all of us) to make them realistic and stick with them.  Let's all do our part to make the world a little better in 2014.

Happy New Year to all.

Merry (Belated) Christmas

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas. We celebrated with my husband's parents, nephew, niece, and her little one on Christmas Eve.  Here is our table...

We had a nice dinner of ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad and rolls, with Martinelli's to drink and chocolate chip cake and vanilla ice cream for dessert.  My hubby was a great help, and there are leftovers to last us for days.

After dinner we opened presents, which had to go quickly because the 18 month old was getting restless.

On Christmas Day Eric and I had a nice breakfast with sausage, our special breakfast treat, and opened a few more gifts between the two of us.  I ended up with some gift cards, new towels, pajamas, chocolate, 2 sessions of facials and massages, and a safety tool for the car.  Oh yes...and the collector's edition of Duck Dynasty, which I had never watched before in my life!  It's pretty entertaining.  ("Happy, happy, happy!" --Phil)

Later in the day we went to visit Eric's parents at their house for an hour or so and then came home and watched Elf for the first time.  That was fun. 

All in all a fun, happy Christmas.

Christmas Eve Readiness...or not so ready

The presents are purchased and wrapped, the holiday food is bought, the Christmas linens are out. The names are updated on the place cards, the poppers are bought, the napkins are folded. 

What a busy week!

Today I was in high anxiety mode, where it feels like the universe is against you moving efficiently and you're not sure why. So most of my tasks were done at the end of the day. Leftovers for dinner turned into a burger for Eric and leftover salmon and salad for me.  After dinner I was still in a weird, caffeinated frenzy, even though I wasn't caffeinated.

I knew I had to go back out "there." At this time of year, "there" is anywhere that isn't home, where the crowds are driving to the same places and descending on the same sections of the stores.  I had one more grocery trip to make.

Go after dinner? Or go tomorrow (the Saturday before Christmas...?)

Command decision. Go after dinner. I told myself I didn't want to be gone more than 45 minutes and I made it!

The goal? No more grocery trips until after Christmas. And no more spending!

Can I make it?

Festival of the Nativities

Tonight Eric and I went to the local Festival of the Nativities that our stake is having this weekend.  This is only the second year and it looks amazing. Over 700 nativities were on display, including a live nativity with some very still, very hard-working people.

I tend to gravitate towards the more traditional-looking nativities, especially the simpler ones, the ones that have wonderful faces or sometimes, no faces.  Here are some of my favorites:

Made out of paper...

I love this one and its unique shapes.

One of my favorites. So simple, yet lifelike...

I love the faces in this one.

I have a special affinity for the Lladros.

Another Lladro.

Very unique. Almost like an ice sculpture.

Another favorite--and very large.

Russian nesting dolls.

The live nativity.

Another simple one that conveys so much.

In the lobby, another beautiful one.

Simplifying Christmas

Somewhere between selling the CA house and us buying the Little Chalet RV, I decided to scale down on Christmas a bit this year.  In 2010, we had 3 Christmas trees throughout the house. In 2012 we had 2. Now most of the lights on the 6 year-old pre-lit living room tree have died and the smaller, white, family room tree has been promoted. (A great tree because it is so easy to put together and the lights have all worked consistently for 3 years now.)

Downstairs it was in red and gold. Upstairs it is in red and silver.  And, thanks to Dollar Tree, I was able to find the perfect tree skirt to match the colors for only $1. Nice...

I also scaled down on the big nativity from Mexico, inherited from my grandparents.  After rearranging Christmas items into a different closet a few months ago, the beautiful creche built by my grandpa and painted by my grandma is now wedged between the closet door and a beam (bad planning on my part.) Freeing it involves moving my piano, which I just didn't feel like doing this time.  Obviously I need to move it and store it somewhere else...eventually.

So the Mexican nativity is being displayed "creche-less" this year.  I still think it looks pretty, just a little simpler.  Interestingly, when I was unwrapping each piece from the tissue paper, I noticed that Baby Jesus was bought in Portugal, not Mexico.  (My grandparents did travel to Portugal.) What happened to the original little Mexican Baby Jesus?

As usual, decorating took 2 days. One day for the decorations and one day for the tree. I like to pace myself.  The good thing about finally putting everything into those big Rubbermaid storage containers is that all of the non-Christmas stuff can go in there too.

Here's our simple little fireplace:

Rudolf is one of my many boutique finds, the reindeer family is from my paternal grandma, and the Santa spray was a Secret Santa gift at my last school. And our 2 little stockings, purely for looks!

Ramius likes the way everything turned out:

"Nice decorations.  I can't wait to rip them all apart."

Thankfully, he only batted at a couple of ornaments and ripped off a few pieces of the fake holly on the centerpiece. It is his 5th Christmas, after all--time to mature a little.  (His 4th in Washington!  He's a true Washington kitty.)

Eric is grateful that I suggested no outside lights this year.  As much as I love Christmas lights, I could sense the dread he was having to put them up, so we're taking the year off.  Last year he ran back and forth to Target 2-3 times in one day getting the right amount of the same lights, so he deserves a break.

I also decided on minimal Christmas cards. Last year at this time there was a huge bunch, stamped and mailed, containing a lovely card and a Christmas letter. This year will be e-cards and emailed letters, with the exception of immediate family.

I love Christmas, everything about it--the decorations, the lights, the music, atmosphere (aside from the shopping frenzy, which I try to avoid.) The house is definitely ready for the season, just a little less than usual.  I guess that is my gift to me. 

The Comparison Game...Just STOP IT

Oh, the Comparison Game. Why oh why do we do this?

I must admit, I'm usually pretty good about not doing it, but when I do I drive myself nuts.

For anyone who has been to my book review blog you've probably seen that I've added a lot of reviews lately in a very short amount of time.  It wasn't planned, it just happened.  I finished a book and reviewed it, I needed to finish another one in a short time because it was due to the library and reviewed it, I fell in love with a new series for young people and read the first 2 books in 2 days and reviewed them. Four reviews in about 5 days.  That's a lot for me.

But not for other people. I checked in on Goodreads and found myself reading a review by a girl in the UK who has her own book review site (there are a lot of them out there.) So I went to check it out.  Holy Moly. This site is high tech.  She's got a fancy blog design, tons of followers and comments, and even gets sent free books from publishers to read and review on her site.

Cue the depressing trumpet sound...wah WAH.

I will admit that I did get some useful ideas for my humble little site, such as organizing the reviews by author and title to make them more accessible for new visitors, but then I had to give myself a little head slap. And a little pep talk.

"Why do I blog?" I asked myself?

And I answered, "To write about things I care about, when I care about them. To share experiences and how I feel about them. To have my own little corner that I can decorate, change, update, make colorful or plain, vent, brag, share, on my own timeline without caring what anyone else thinks."

There's a certain freedom in that. And freedom equals joy.

And what takes away from joy?  Playing the dreaded Comparison Game.

So I looked at Miss UK's site in a new way.  Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful site, and sour grapes is not a productive way to escape the Comparison Game.  But what I did do is look at it through the "Kristie filter."  I looked at aspects of it that are not me, not things I would've chosen to do with it. For one thing, keeping my site simple, as I've done, gives me the freedom to add to it when I want and not feel pressured to read a book a week or be on any kind of schedule.  It's a hobby, not a job, and that is one of the things that makes it fun for me.

The Comparison Game...very dangerous, no matter where you apply it.

In preparing for this post I came upon another blog, again, very impressive, called Chasing Happy.  The girl who owns it has also had her battles with the Comparison Game.  This is what she writes:

Comparison is the thief of joy.

Today, let's decide to stop comparing. I am me, and you are you. No one else can do you better than you. And besides, we don't know the whole story on the women we're comparing ourselves to. What's behind the scenes could make a world of difference. So enjoy who and where you are... and just. be. happy.

I love that...Comparison is the thief of joy.

No more comparing.  I'm opting for joy.