Simply Filling...

So I joined WW in May of 2008. I prepared myself for it. I told myself in the fall of 2007 that I had to do something. I was working out at least 4-5 times a week and my weight was staying the same. I have to prepare myself for life changes, and I knew that WW would be quite a change at first. Well? It worked out great! I have the summers off (oh, the perks of being a teacher) so I knew I'd be able to concentrate on making WW a part of my life while making sure I kept up my workout routine. Everything was great until about October of last year. Then my progress started to slow. I was still losing, but it was those tiny -0.2 or -0.4 amounts. I'm patient, but not that patient. I kept up with my points counting and working out and finally decided to try something different - to see if I could trick my body into losing again.

Last week I tried working out a lot more. Nope. Stayed the same.

This week? I switched to the simply filling technique. The results? Well, they're not official yet - I weigh in on Monday (my birthday, too, by the way) and I know I'm going to be excited. I've weighed myself periodically throughout the week and as of today I'm down at least 2 pounds. The last time I had a loss that big was in November of 2008. Seriously, I'm super excited. And it wasn't too bad. I mean, I'm eating a TON more fruits and veggies.

I'm thinking about staying on the simply filling foods technique until I reach goal. I'm SO close! I was thinking I could do it by May, but if it goes like this week has, I'll be there by the end of March! Yay! Then I'll get my present to myself - a massage. I've never had one, and I figured, why not? I deserve it after losing 45 pounds. I am thinking that I'm going to keep my personal goal of at least 5 pounds less than my WW goal, though. I know my body can do it, and I know I can do it. I also think I'd be more satisfied if I tried.

In other news, my graduate class is pretty good so far. Right now I'm supposed to be at least half way through War & Peace, lemme tell you, not the easiest book to get through. It's good, it just takes awhile to read.

If you have the time (and the inclination) you should also help to support my local animal shelter. If you decide to take your time to help out, my shelter's name is the Central Missouri Humane Society. We're currently in 4th place and we (ALL of us - especially the animals) appreciate anything and everything you could do to help. Zootoo is a pretty darn cool site, so if you're an animal lover/owner anyway, I know you could get something out of it. Next post will definitely include some adorable animal photos.

A Doggy Update

Oh yeah, that's right. My parents got a new puppy (well, he's really about 2 years old, but he's so darn cute I'm gonna call him a puppy!)!! Yay! I love animals.

Now, I might be so infatuated because I know that I will shortly be able to have my own puppy, but either way, I'm somewhat of an animal freak.

Meet Hank.

Hanks on the left (Bear is on the right).

And again...

Ain't he cute? Seriously though, he looks so eerily similar to our beloved beagle Sneaker who died last summer. *tear*

By the way, for any English teachers (or majors) out there. Here's a question. The English department and I were discussing the other day the rule about capitalization and the names of breeds. Apparently the rule is that you don't capitalize a dog's breed unless it's like "German Shepard." What's with that? It seems like they're proper nouns, right? I mean, to be a beagle you have to have certain traits...right? And, if that's true does it mean you don't capitalize the different breeds of horses? Cats? Who made up this rule?

I am now stepping away from the nerd podium.

I actually got some grading done tonight (yay me!). Although, I still have 22 (hopefully - if they all turned them in) 4-5 page research papers on historical figures. I'm not gonna stress on that one though. I've got time...right?

In other news. Anyone got advice for breaking a slow weight-loss cycle? I'm exactly (exactly!) where I was a month ago. I mysteriously had a 2ish pound weight gain a couple weeks ago. I say mysteriously because I really didn't do anything differently. At all. I worked out the same, I ate the same. It wasn't TOM. What gives? So I've lost that wonderful 2ish pound gain, but I'm kinda frustrated. I'm SOOO close. Any advice?

Currently Reading: A Hero of Our Time by Mikhail Lermontov

excited about taxes?

Oh yes, yes I am. Why on earth would you be excited about taxes? Refunds of course! Seriously, sweet.

In other news? My snowday was not very productive on the "school" front. You want to know what I did? Exciting stuff. I took tons of stuff to the Goodwill a couple towns away. Woohoo.

How much did you grade? Like 15 essays. That's it. Seriously, ridiculous.

Oh, and by the way...it took me about 25 minutes to do my taxes (filing and everything) online. Sweet.

So, here's a question:

Why do I weigh about 2 pounds (sometimes 3) less in the morning than I do at night? Haha, once I reach my WW goal, I'm totally gonna stick with my "morning" weight if anyone asks. Seriously. On that note, I'm only 5 pounds away from my WW goal. A-mazing. I'm still thinking I'm gonna make my personal goal about 5 pounds less than that, because I know it's possible, and I also think I'd look pretty darn good there. We'll see how I feel when I reach goal. Let me tell you, I cannot wait for my "I reached goal" present - a massage. I've never had one and I'm definitely looking forward to it.

Sorry for the rambling, random post. I can't seem to stick to one topic tonight.

Currently Reading: Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke & Eugene Onegin by Alexander Pushkin

Sweet Success

So I joined a challenge at my local gym, The Biggest Loser. They track your percentage lost over a four month period, and I'm pretty psyched because they've got some sweet prizes (can you say 1-hour massage?)! Well, when you sign up they take your weight and measurements so I compared it to my weight and measurements from when I signed up at the gym. Curious, are you?

From July 2007 - January 2009

Pounds lost: 38

BMI: Start - 30.2, Now - 23.9

Fat: Start 35.8%, Now - 29.2%

Inches Lost:
Chest: 6
Waist: 8
Hips: 8
Thighs: 2
Calves: 1

Yes, you could say I was pretty psyched about that. A little freaked that I let it get as bad as I did, but psyched that I've come so far since May 2008 (when I started WW).

In other news? My new year's resolution is going good. It's tough. But so far? No biting nails! No biting cuticles! I think it might be harder than WW. Maybe because there's not such a great benefit in the end?

Well, Simon wants to play fetch. Silly cat. I swear he thinks he's a dog.

Currently Reading: InkSpell by: Cornelia Funke

To job hungs and fretting

So, it looks like I'll be looking for a job for this upcoming school year. I didn't think I'd be looking this soon, but E and I talked about it and we're both ready to live closer to each other. When I originally started where I am now I thought I'd be here for four years, this is my second. However, if I can't find a job that is at least comparable, I won't move. It's too good of a job, and E and I would be fine if we waited another year...in my humble opinion. However much I want to get started on the rest of my life, I'm not going back to C-town level schools.

In other news? 10 pounds away from my WW goal!!

My Mom, Memaw and I will be going shopping this weekend in Nebraska because I'm in desparate need of some pants that fit. Dang losing weight (not really though).

Well, I really must do something productive. Seriously. Go Kate.

Currently Reading: New Moon by Stephanie Meyer

So much for that.

C, A, me, and E at the Obama Rally in Columbia last Thursday

So, if I remember correctly, I said I planned on posting at least 3 times a week. HA!

But, I had something to say tonight.

1. The election results are making me a very happy American indeed.

2. I'm only 12 - yes, that's right - TWELVE pounds away from my goal weight in WW. Super excited! I think I might make my personal goal weight 5 pounds less. Cause seriously, I can do it!

3. Kids are messed up. I had to confiscate the phone of a student who decided to order a burger from the local bar 5 minutes before school was out today - during class. WTF?! The nerve I tell ya!

4. This weather is b-e-a-utiful! I am enjoying it as much as possible. Yay mild weather!

5. Sometimes it worries me that I'm getting anxious to "settle down." I don't know if it's just that I have a real "grown-up" job, and that I've had it for going on three years. Or if it just makes me anxious that E, my significant other of almost 5 years is not nearly as anxious. Does everyone go through this, or is it just me?

Currently Reading: The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett (SO good!)

Another Success

News Flash

So, for reasons unknown to myself I voluntarily participated in another duathlon. And guess what? It wasn't that bad! In fact, it was peachy. :) The same group as last time (Dad, Cousin E, E, and K) all took part. This time I did the short course, because the long course was 5k-18bike-5k. No thanks!

This is the whole gang (from my hometown). We're so cool we all medaled!

Frustrations
I live in an apartment within a house that was built in the 1860s. It's an adorable little apartment. My only complaint? The dryer blows a fuse everytime you do laundry! Geez people.

And...
I have nothing else of importance to announce. Lucky you. See ya later! Oh, I did reach my 25 lb mark in WW, yay!

Currently Reading: Mila 18 by: Leon Uris

Chasing Bugs

Wordless (well, not so wordless) WednesdayThe Best Card Game Ever! Rook :)

Rowdy Youngsters
Why do I have to almost have a breakdown in the classroom for certain groups of kids to get the hint and start behaving? Seriously, I don't want to say it, but "Kids these days!"

I don't know if any of you are teachers, but it seems like sometimes, kids lately just have no respect. Or less than they used to (when I was in school). They'll grown and complain about homework, say movies are boring, tell you they love you (hello? inappropriate!), stand around talking and sitting on desks after the bell's rang... I could go on and on. What the heck?

Sick Computers
Technology's great...when it works. My work computer got a virus yesterday and completely gave up on life. Luckily today they got it working again - after they deleted my profile and set it up again - but now they're afraid my flash drive (which has EVERYTHING saved on it) might also be infected! Cross your fingers for me, cause if I lose that, I'm screwed.

Weekly Weigh-In
Down over 24 pounds! Woohoo! I got a couple more comments today, too. It's nice to know I'm not the only one noticing.

Scrumptious Scrabble
Can you say nerd? Some fellow teachers and I are totally in love with a new addition to our days. Mr. S bought a travel scrabble, so we play throughout the day, passing it to the next teacher after we're through. Yay! Words of the day: aide, goat, ssss...something. Either way, F-U-N!

Bad Metaphor
Oh yeah, the post title. You were probably wondering. It was my metaphor of the evening. The cats have been desperately chasing a wasp around the apartment tonight and it reminded me of myself...desperately trying to stay sane until Friday. Nice? Lame. :) I know.

PROMISE
I'm updating. More often. At least....wait for it.....three times a week! Trying to mix things up a bit, add some pictures, different formatting, anything and everything! Stay tuned!

Currently Reading: The Known World - had to stop and read a couple books in between!

Get to Work!!

So here I am at home when I really should be working. Today was the first day back at school with the kids and man, it was much easier than last year! It really helps when you know some of the kids and you don't have to plan every lesson from scratch. Nice :)

In WW news, I'm down over 20 pounds from May. Sweet! A lot of my clothes (work clothes) are really loose, but I don't want to buy new clothes until I'm down 2 sizes, I figure by then I'll look pretty ridiculous in most of my clothes. However, some of my current work clothes are pretty ridiculous at the moment. Good thing I have no money to buy new ones. Seriously though, I'm pretty excited about it. I might even be able to make goal by Christmas....maybe my birthday. Either one will be sweet :)

So my kitty's name is Simon. He's adorable. Enough said. Unfortunately he thinks the litter box is an awesome place to play, but...he's still cute.

Here's me forcing myself to work. However, I promise to update more frequently now that I'm back at home.

Currently reading: The Known World by Edward P. Jones

Down 15!

So, I'm officially down 15 pounds since May - which I think is pretty sweet. The thing I really like about Weight Watchers is that it doesn't feel like a diet. And, well, according to them, it's not. You really can eat whatever you want, you just have to be aware of how much you're eating. Sounds simple enough, doesn't it? I guess my problem before WW was just that I didn't know how much I should've been eating.

I read something on the WW message boards earlier this week that reminded me a bit of one of the leaders in my original location. There was one week where I lost -0.2, now I'm aware that's not much, but my leader seemed disappointed and said something to the effect of, "What'd you do wrong this week?" I mean, come on! I still lost. Seriously. I guess everyone's different and their reactions to weight loss are different, but I feel that a leader shouldn't be so severe, especially when it's still a loss.

My brother and sister-in-law are coming home! They moved to California last summer because my sister-in-law got a job with Americorps. We're all excited they're moving back, it's just weird not ever seeing them. I'm pretty darn excited about the fact that I won't have to clean out their cat's litter box anymore either :)

We went to see The Dark Knight last night, and I must say, Christian Bale does an excellent Batman. I really liked Batman Begins (2005), and this one was worth it, too. I've never been a big fan of the comic book movies, but lately they've been getting much better. So, I definitely recommend it.

Sorry for the boring entry, I felt like I hadn't updated on my WW progress in awhile...

Currently Reading: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

No more farmer's tan for me!

Today was fairly uneventful, but I feel the need to make up for my massive lack of blog updates lately, so here I am. Lucky you :)

5:30 a.m. - Alarm went off...HA!

7:00 a.m. - Realized I missed my gym's bootcamp...dangit!

9ish? - Finally rolled outta bed. Seriously. I have to start going to sleep/waking up at a normal time!

12:00 - Back to CoMo

2:00 - Biked to Rocheport (see previous posts beautiful pictures) by myself, thank you very much.

5:30 - WI - lost 3.4! Yay!

Now - Reading. Ahh...love summer.

The only thing that coulda made today better would be a good game of volleyball. Seriously, since E and K are gone, B seems to think we can't play. I mean, I know a two-man team is kinda cuttin it close, but there's always people at the courts to join up with! Ahhh...I'm having withdrawal.

The bike ride was great. I kept my pace up and was pooped by the end, but I did shave about 20 minutes off the time it took to ride it last week with E and K, so that's good, right? And of course I went sleeveless because the horribly weird looking farmer's tan is just not my cup of tea.

Sorry for the boring post, maybe I can find a cute picture to add....hmmm....I betcha it'll be a cute one!

Currently Reading: Same as yesterday

One would think...

That not having a job in the summertime would lead to me having more time on my hands meaning more posting. Ha! No such thing!

Fun things so far this summer:
1. Sand volleyball baby! Seriously, I'm addicted. It's bad.
2. Housework. You say dreadful?! I say F-U-N! Details on this latest derangement below.
3. MudBall '08 here we come!
4. WW is working! I might actually meet my 15lb by July 4th goal!
5. Calling all adorable puppies and kittens - volunteering at the Humane Society
6. Oh yeah, finished that duathlon...silver medal?! Still a little bewildered by that one.

Fun things waiting for me:
1. Float trip? I love float trips, anyone wanna go?
2. Minneapolis, gotta visit the little bro
3. Firemen Volleyball Tournament on the 4th - yay!
4. Finishing the bathroom in my parents house - all that HGTV might actually have helped!

So, I thought I'd be bored out of my mind, but my parents have definitely helped to quash that - in a good way. I told them I'd help out around the house. They built our house about...12 years ago, and there are parts that either need touching up or things that just never got finished. Two years ago they added a sunroom and it is still incomplete (no floors - besides the plywood), so I figured if I filled in all the nail holes and caulked around the windows/etc. they might actually finish it. It's lookin good. The other thing that I'm super excited about? They might let me finish the bathroom in the basement! I know that sounds like a weird thing to want to do, but I watch entirely to much DIY housework on HGTV and TLC and have always kinda fantasized flipping a house. So, what better to warm up on than a basement bathroom that doesn't even have walls? We'll see how that one goes.

Last year my friends and I participated in the local Big Brother Big Sister MudBall Tournament. It was a blast. Normally I don't enjoy wearing dirt, but it was pretty darn fun if I do say so myself. Well, turns out they're doing it again this year in about a month. Stay tuned for pictures.

I just completed my orientation to volunteer at the Central Missouri Humane Society tonight. I'm excited. I love animals. Love them. Just today I watched three kitties and three dogs play around at Mom and Dad's. Seriously, if I didn't teach, I'd probably do something with animals. They're so great and cute and can always cheer you up on a bad day. What's not to love?

So, I started Weight Watchers in May...like May 5th or something. So far, great! I mean, if you're looking for quick weight loss, it's definitely not for you. But seriously, it's not a diet. You just have to watch what you're eating. I always said before I could do weight loss on my own. I mean, my Mom and Dad are pretty darn healthy people, but I just never had the discipline before. Now, oh yeah. I have WI tomorrow here in CoMo, so hopefully this past week went as well as the week before (-3lbs!) that would be sweet and would put me at -12 total. My clothes are definitely fitting better and that's always a nice feeling.

The following are some pictures from our bike ride a couple days ago. I'm trying to take more pictures because, who doesn't love pictures?

Where we usually bike...flooded over.

A spot along the Katy Trail where they used to store explosives...or so Dad says.

The Missouri River, along the Katy Trail

Isn't this cool?! An arch (the only one) along the Katy Trail in Rocheport, MO, which used to be a railroad. It was so pretty! And nice and cool inside, which was nice.

Currently Reading: The Perfect Fit by: Louise Kean

So about those drunk teachers...

Last night was the high school faculty party - the school year is officially over. I just wish I had pictures, cause seriously. My coworkers are great, I knew that ahead of time, but, I'd never seen every single one of them drunk (except Becky and me, of course). It was a riot! We played whiffle ball - which I was pathetically sore from this morning - played something like washers but with sandbags, told incredibly stupid knock knock jokes. It was funny because some of my coworkers I don't know very well. For example, C is a history teacher and he's so shy! I mean, I bet over the course of the school year I've said like 20 words to him (and I'm talkative). But he was drunk last night and damn, he can talk. Haha. Of course, PD was the worst - he and his "partner in crime" PS. They were hilarious. The art teacher even drunk dialed the principal, who showed up about 45 minutes later. Then there were sing-alongs. Mr. M had PD play some show tunes (The Sound of Music, Footloose, etc.) and there was much loud singing. I tell ya what, they're a trip. The sights I saw...amazing.

It makes me so glad that I found this community and this job where I feel comfortable, accepted, and happy. I look back on last year - like after I attended the graduation in Chitown (just a nickname of course) and am so grateful for where I am. My old principal still looks like a Buddha - it's the stomach - still wears the same grim expression, even when congratulating the class of 2008. Erin and I were still the best dressed people there. And that's pretty bad. Erin always looks cute. But come on, even when I'm "put together" it's nothing that impressive. :)

Sand volleyball is back! Which of course means, summer is finally here! I love sand volleyball. It's a bit of an obsession. Luckily I have friends who enjoy playing too. When we started playing 3 years ago (or was it 4?) I had them out on that court at least 5 days a week. Hmm...wonder if I can do that again this summer?

WI this week wasn't that impressive. I was down, but only by .2 pounds. I didn't feel as if I'd lost any weight, but after all that working out last week I was disappointed. I think it might be that I cut back on water and of course Sunday I strayed a bit - nothing extreme though. So this weeks goal? I'm going to try and eat all the fruit/veggie servings I'm supposed to every day and also drink all the water I'm supposed to. So I'm looking forward to next Monday - here I come scale!

Currently Reading: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (yes, I finally finished the first one! yay!)

Down 2.4...and I'm not talking about the Stock Market

Oh, such a creative title...I know. ::sigh:: I'm just at the point where my creativity is sapped. Sorry folks!

So now that my kids (ie. my senior students) are gone I'm left with almost nothing to do. You'd think I'd be ecstatic, and I am kinda relieved, but at the same time b-o-r-e-d! Last Thursday night was a whirlwind, but the day leading up to it was oh so boring. I sat. For hours. So, just to break it down for you, here's how my day went last Thursday.

8:20-9:50: Usually this is Composition I, but since my seniors were practicing graduation it was instead my "unplanned" plan period. I sat on my butt at my desk grading my Honor's 10th homework. Okay, I did get up and chase down a senior who had one of my all-time favorite books and threatened to call her every day of the summer until she returned it. Come on, she had The Kite Runner. I'm not lettin that one get away! And you'll be glad to know (overjoyed I'm sure) that she returned it the next day, go Nina!

9:55-11:20: World Cinema. At the beginning of the semester I had 15 kids. I now have 2. Seriously, what can you do with 2 kids?!

11:25-11:50: Lunch. Mmm...Smart Ones Ziti Marinara

11:55-1:25: My actual plan period. I seriously can't tell you what I did during this time. That's how boring it was.

1:30-3:00: Read & Write for Life - my least favorite class. Hate is too strong a word, but let's just say I was not unhappy (and actually felt a bit guilty) unloading this class onto my mentor next year. Good luck M! You'll need it.

3:00-5:00: It was Scrabble in the Library! Yes, you read that right. I was on my way home for a workout when I let myself get distracted by the oh-so-entertaining game of Scrabble taking place in the Library. It was a showdown. New teacher vs. Crazy Mrs. L (ok, so she's basically new, too). History teacher vs. English teacher. Who do you think won? Yup, history. Way to give us English teachers a good name, Jules.

5:00-6:15: Rivertown Restaurant. My first visit to one of the many restaurants in Htown besides Wings a Blazin and the Mexican restaurant. It was good. I had a yummy BLT and some not so yummy fries. I also discovered that I'm not the only horrible person - we all had a grand time making fun of a coworker. I know that makes me seem mean, but seriously. If only you knew.

6:45-9:00: Graduation! Mr. M managed to make a great exit (he's leaving us for another school district - I'll discuss this later). He hired a "singing Bearcat" (a Bearcat is our mascot) to serenade the seniors in retaliation for their lovely "singing Valentine" they hired for him on VDay. It was really cute. Those seniors are rascals though! I don't know if any of you gave your principal or superintendent something while walking across stage, but it seems to be a tradition in small-town Missouri. So, the seniors this year decided to give Mr. M screws. As in "you screwed us". Then the last senior gave him a screwdriver. I have no idea what they think he "screwed" them on, but come on! It's graduation, be nice! Fortunately Ms. B stepped in earlier in the night, because they were going to give him the sawed off paws of laboratory cats they had dissected about a month earlier in science class. EW!

All in all it was a good day/night. Busier than I meant for it to be, but great fun either way.

So. As I mentioned above, Mr. M (my principal) is leaving next school year. He's the one that interviewed me two years ago when I was dying for the job and he had to sadly tell me that the board had not gone with his recommendation (me). Then, he was the one that saved me from Hell (ie. the school where I was going to teach this year) when he called me out of the blue and asked if I was still interested. Seriously. After the principal I had last year, he's just...amazing. I've heard the new guy, Mr. L, is going to be a good fit, but it's kinda unnerving after getting comfortable with the situation as it was.

In other news, I'm down 2.4 pounds! Yay! That may not seem like much, but seriously, it didn't really feel like much work. I mean, I already work out at least 3-5 times a week. I seriously didn't realize how much I was eating. I'm just really enthusiastic now to stick with Weight Watchers. I'm excited!

This is turning into a really long post, sorry. A little more.

So, Mom told me last night that my step-Granddad died yesterday morning. Now, don't think I'm a bad person when I say I haven't seen him in a couple years. I was never close to him to tell you the truth. He never liked kids much and by the time we weren't kids he was just...old and cranky. I did send Meemaw a thinking of you card with an adorable kitten on it this morning (she shares my love of felines), so hopefully that shows that I do care. Looks like I'll be going to a funeral this week though. And later in the week? Three graduation ceremonies! Ahh...this time of year is crazy!

Well, that's all for now, that should do. :)

Currently Reading: Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Rings (still, ahh!)

Oh Me, Oh My...

So, I'm ashamed to admit that I watch American Idol. Now, you must give me a break when I say that this is the first season I have ever watched. I refused before on principle alone. I mean, come on. All I remember from the beginnings of American Idol were the horrible singers who thought they were good and Simon ripping them to pieces.

Now that I've admitted my sins, I must say that I have enjoyed watching it this season. The reason I started watching you may ask? I discovered that David Cook was on, and I happened to "know" him during my freshman year of college at Truman State. He dated my best friend during high school and they dated awhile during our freshman year, too. I distinctly remember that he would not sing in front of all of us, just my friend. Which now I find funny, since, come on...he's singing on national television. Now, I won't say I still don't judge him when he sings, I wasn't particularly amazed by his performance tonight, but I do believe he's a pretty darn amazing singer. I guess the reason I sat down to write about American Idol (among other things) tonight is because of the horrid performance of Jason Castro. I haven't enjoyed his style since the beginning and I feel as if other singers who were better could've still been on, instead of him. Another thing that makes me sick on American Idol? The crazy teeny-bopper fans. They're nuts. They cheer their heads off, it's distracting. I can't imagine being David Archuleta up there on that stage with all those girls drooling over him. Seriously girls, gimme a break.

Exciting news (at least to me)! I went to my first Weight Watchers meeting yesterday. I'm going to do this. If there's one thing I have, it's discipline. And I'm determined to make this happen. What I really like is that at the beginning they don't even want you to set an ultimate weight loss goal. They just automatically set one for you at 10% of your body weight. And hey, when I make it there, I know I'll be motivated to reach my goal. Right now I'm munching on carrots because I'm starving (and holding dinner off) and I realized carrots are 0 points. I'll be eating a lot of those I feel. Broccoli, too! One thing they're very strict on though is that you actually eat all the points you're supposed to, which is good.

Last night after the meeting I went to Aldi and got some great deals (besides the carrots). Strawberries for $0.99, Fuji apples for $0.25/lb! I also had this really awesome Fit 'n Active southwestern veggie burrito deal for lunch that was yummy! I need to, and I will, keep on this. After a year forcing myself to the gym every week, this is definitely something I can accomplish. :)

Currently reading: The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Rings (that's the first one, right? Cause that's what I'm reading)

I love Spring!

Not really important to this post, but I'm currently listening to David Cook's "Little Sparrow" and I must say, he's good. I've never watched Idol, but when I heard he was on I had to cause, dude, I've met him. And how many times can you say you have met, kinda know someone on national television? Exactly.

So, it's really been a week? I thought it'd been maybe 4 or 5 days since I updated, but apparently I really am getting older, cause that time flew by! I now have exactly one week left with my senior students. Ahh! Crazy. Right now I should be grading their rough drafts (of their final essay of the year...which they do not mind reminding me about). However, I am obviously distracting myself. First of all let me say, I'm an idiot. This is their 10th essay for me (over 2 semesters) and I have already read this essay once, and I'll have to read it again. Why oh why do I have them turn in a sentence outline, rough draft, and final draft? I believe I enjoy the torture.

:)

So, I took out my bike today. It was my day off for running, no real reason, I guess I'm just lazy. So instead of having it be a complete bum day I decided to try the new gel seat cover I got for my bike and actually ride a real bike outside. I take spinning classes, but I haven't been on a "real bike" in, well, at least a year. It was nice. The seat was awesome. I wasn't even wearing biking shorts and my butt is fine! I need to get an odometer so I can keep track of my mileage, but outside of that I'm kind of excited about this whole duathlon deal. We have to sign up by next week I think - at least for the cheaper rate - so I guess I'm going to print off the forms and take them home so Dad and I can get signed up.

I'm starting Weight Watchers in May...which I realize now is only 2 days away. The meetings here are on Thursday nights at 6:00. Go figure, same time as spinning class. I don't know if I'll just skip spinning for a week to get the initial idea of how things work and then just do it online, or see if I can find another place close by that has meetings. Oh! Looks like they have meetings on Monday's at 6:00 just about 15 miles from here. Guess that's where I'll be. My goal is 40 pounds. That'd be the ultimate goal though. I know 30-35 would be good enough for me, I haven't been that since 2004. Stupid weight. I am looking forward to more fruits and veggies, though. Hopefully I'll figure out a way to have a good time with it.

I think I've procrastinated the papers long enough. Unfortunately I have to have them done by 8:20 tomorrow morning. Ha, the next paper is on the negatives of standardized testing. That one shouldn't be too bad. I promise, I'll try to make the next entry more interesting.

Currently Reading: When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit