New Year New You

So town where I live sponsors this New Year New You competition every year.  The idea is to spur/remind the community of the importance of exercise for health and eating your fruits and vegetables.  You earn points for eating your fruits and vegetables and exercising as well as working towards a health goal.  So this year I've jumped on board with a team from work and my husband is on board to.  We start the week of the 9th and it goes for 8 weeks.  Each team member is super accountable to their team because what you turn is a team average that actually gets printed in the local paper. 
I'm looking forward to the extra motivation.  I have invested in the Biggest Loser Challenge for Wii which I really do like.  It makes me feel like I'm actually working unlike Wii Fit.  I've also found that I can go back to spin class.  My breathing has much improved since my new allergy meds are in the picture and I have a rescue inhaler just in case. 
So this will be my next adventure.  

Merry Christmas (Eve)

As my husband sorts through his one present that he got to open my daughter sleep soundly in her bed.  I smile and think of how lucky I am to have them.  Merry Christmas to all.

Semester Closed

On Thursday, I entered in my grades and finished my semester.

Overall, it was good.  My students were participated in class, for the most part, which made my semester go well.  I have a decent start on my Spring semester syllabi.  I should be able to finish up during Christmas Break naps.  I was able to help out another department with their accreditation process.  And I am learning alot about the assessment process.  I was inspired to do more reading about pedagogy as well. It was an unexpected side effect.

Little Miss decided to go to bed early and I don't exactly know what to do with myself.  A part of me said yoga, a part of me wants to read, another play video games.  I don't have any new fiction to read (BUT I know that some must lie under the Christmas tree!) so I don't really want to restart something.  I may be ambitious and do yoga, but the cat might have the right idea about napping. I'm just not feeling the video games.  I'm watching cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies while putzing around on the internet. 

On an up note, I was able to make it through spin class today with only the normal level of heavy breathing and no trying to pass out.  I'm going to exercise all week, but getting up at 5:45 to make 6am exercise class just seems very early. 

I'm very excited for Christmas! I can wait for Little Miss to open presents.  I realize eventually she will feel hosed that she will sometimes get Christmas/Birthday gifts, but it is kinda fun.  As she gets bigger, we could just do a week of little presents to get to her birthday.  She is just going to be fun to open things with.  As I was telling my husband, opening gifts may take until nap time with all of the gift wrap ripping that will happen. 

We are having cupcakes in honor of Little Miss's birthday just after the new year.  I'm making snowman cupcakes and that's all the fussing I'm going to do.  They'll be cute and fun to smash. 

Well, time to decide if I do yoga or curl up on the couch.  I think it's still 50/50.

The End & Beginnings

I can admit it.  Professors look forward to finals week and break times just as much as students do.  My papers are graded and my tests are written.  I will have to grade the tests, of course, but that is not a giant hardship. 
I am currently working on my syllabi for next semester.  I should be able to finish my intro syllabus right away in the morning.  I was writing assignments, but my mind is about done.  I'm trying to figure out what to do to make my bio psychology class more exciting for my students and I.  I'm not sure what the answer is. I would like to finish all of my syllabi and my work for another department this week so I can just kick back all break.  We shall see. 
On a non-work related note, my allergies tried to make me pass out today.  I went to spin class and couldn't breathe, then couldn't catch my breath and keep my color.  It was super lame.  This lead to me going to the doctor, saying hello to my friend flonase (it's been so long since I was medicated regularly!), and getting a rescue inhaler just in case.  I'm thinking I will just hit the gym tomorrow with cardio at my own speed on the bike or elliptical to give my flonase a chance to catch up.  I'm hoping to not end up feeling like that again tomorrow.  I'm still rather tired as result of all that.
I'm still voting on snow for Christmas, but I think we are ready to go around here.  Christmas with Parker is going to be awesome.  She's going to love wrapping paper, I mean, her toys... 

Progress

I'll take time for a short little update, but that is all for now.  I'm going to attempt to work on some test writing.  I know that is rather sad as it is a Saturday night, but I'm 3 tests from being done with the semester. 
I successfully was thankful for 30 days via facebook.  It was a nice idea which I appreciated. 
I'm excited to start work on next semester's syllabi.  I love the planning side of things sometimes.  If I could justify it to myself, I would start now before my tests were written. 

I've been getting rid of some of the weight.  I need to be careful as it is the season of sweets, but I have high hopes for myself.  That's all I've got for now.

Grateful: Probably Part 1

This month I am trying to be grateful for the life that I have and the things I get to do.  I have a husband that just showed up on my doorstep and didn’t leave.  We’ve had our highs and lows and we work at our relationship, but that’s what you are supposed to do in any relationship, work.  

I have my beautiful daughter.  She’s the cutest little handful that a mom could ask for.  I’m so grateful for her.  Sometimes I wish I was a person who could stay at home with her all the time, but that would make both of us miserable over time (and my husband loves staying home with her and I could never take that from him).  I am grateful that I get holiday breaks and summer vacation to work sparingly and play abundantly.  I am also grateful for the wonderful people that I get to share baby girl with.  She’s got wonderful grandparents on both sides of the family, amazing godparents and other friends of ours.  It may sound strange, but it is a wonderful feeling watching someone play with your child.  Yes, I love playing with her, but seeing my husband cuddling her or even a good friend was cuddling and reading her a book the other day and I seriously almost started crying (then again, I’m a sap…). I think it’s because you get to step away for a second and think about how lucky you are.  

I am grateful for my health.  I have not been sick all semester (knock on wood that it will continue). That said, I know that I need to get of my ass.  I did successfully lose all of my baby weight and I am really proud of that.  However, I have an extra 10 pounds that have creeped on since I was married.  Now I don’t think I am in hellish shape.  I tend to work out 6 if not 7 days a week, but I’m not paying attention to what I’m eating.  I’m indulging in sweets whenever I want rather than sparingly.

 I know that makes me a sweet person (see link below) and all (and my friend who did this research would not lead me astray), but this weight is bothering me. 

For example, I can’t wear my wedding ring.  Now I’m not if this is because of this 10 pounds (because my wedding ring had gotten tight before baby) or if this my hands my joints in my hands have spread out like me feet did (I had to buy pretty much an entire new collection of shoes after I was done).  I’m stubborn and don’t want to get my ring resized if I don’t have to.  Yet, my daughter is almost 1 (oh lord…) and I still can’t wear my ring.  A friend posted a research summary about obesity and cancer (she works in the field). This reminded me of another reason of why I need to get off my ass, I want to be around to see my daughter grown up.  Now my mom wasn’t around due to cancer.  And don’t get me wrong, I lucked out. I’ve got an amazingly father and the best step-mom that a girl could ask for.  So ummm.. before I start blubbering while sitting at this computer, I’ll just leave it as I need to get moving and taking care of myself, for me and for my daughter.

Okay, I need to get to work already.  I got a sidetracked with wanting to get this out.

Sweets link:

 http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/brain-and-behavior/articles/2011/10/28/will-eating-sweets-make-you-sweeter

Cancer link:

http://www.cancer.gov/ncicancerbulletin/111511/page3

Sometimes my lameness makes me laugh

So it's Saturday night. 
1) I should totally be sleeping.
2) The reason I am still awake, a combination of online Christmas shopping and house cleaning. Sometimes my lameness is overwhelming. 

Overall the Assessment Academy for work was very enlightening.  This is going to be a good project for me. I got a wake up call about some teaching related things that I need learn more about. I spent most of the week behind (totally lame), but I'm almost done with the pre-thanksgiving list.  I love love love week long thankgsgiving break.  You get a day or two to relax/get some extra work done and then can head off to visit my parents so they can spoil grandaughter to their hearts' content. AND once I get back IT'S TIME TO PUT UP CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS.  I do love that part so so much. 

I'm still trying to stay balanced.  I might get involved with a project at work that would be short term, but would help me make a little extra money for Christmas presents.  I am not sure if it will be worth the stress. I'm thinking on it and going to be talking it over with the husband.  It's important for me to stay afloat and not get so overwhelmed that I can't be here for daughter.  Because when I'm not on top of things, I start feeling all mom guilty... Anyway first Christmas and First Birthday will be here before we know it.  We've been picking out presents already!
Alright I'm going to bed already.

Yet Again I'm Old

So I am on my last day of my Assessment Academy for my job.  It's really pushed me and I like it.  I realize that's crazy and right now I'm dealing with supports of the project not Debbie Downers, but I'm upbeat.  I get to go to a museum today! Art institute for me, one of my favorite parts of Chicago.  I feel a little bad because I think I steam rolled the plan for today, but oh well. 
I've started doing 30 days of Thanks of Facebook.  I like the idea.  Alright back to work.

Personality in Spades

My favorite photographs of anyone involve when the picture accidentally captures who that person is.  For example, I have a wedding pictures that is my husband and I laughing at each other.  It is an amazingly flattering picture and really suits us and our dorky behavior.  This weekend we traveled to Fargo to see friends and get little girl's picture taken.  I'm so happy because we have a picture that captures my little girl.  You  can tell that she was just laughing and throwing her arms up.  I love it.
It was a good weekend even though sleep was diminished due to both fun times and a crab-tastic child.  The house is now almost clean (vacuuming in the morning).  So with Fall break tomorrow I should be able to get a little further ahead with my work stuff, Phil shall clean the basement, and do a little fall cleaning.  Hurrah for an extra day to get things done.  Now off to bed.

Grownup Pants

Sometimes the idea of grownup behavior is very scary to me.  Don't get me wrong.  I realize I am a grownup.  I also recognize that on occasion I effortlessly act like a grownup.  There are just times when I put myself in very grownup situations that I both feel overwhelming un-grownup and completely responsible. 
I recently volunteered to serve on an assessment committee at the college.  At the time of my volunteering it was a maybe that I would be chose, but I knew it would mean a four year commitment to an assessment group.  I got stomach flutters over it.  Then I was actually chosen for it.  So after some initial thoughts, "Wow, people actually thought I'd be good at this, that's kinda awesome." The thoughts of "WOW, this is so professional and grown up!" creeped in.  I know I'm perfectly qualified.  I know that this experience will help be grow and develop professionally.  I know I'm just the tiniest bit terrified.  I'm hoping that last part will fade quickly.

Debating

I work really hard during the week so that when I leave work I am nothing more than my daughter's play toy.  Sure some weeks I have to sneak in more work, but most of the time it works.  I get all of my work done and I get to play with my daughter.  The problem then becomes that since I am so focused and used to using all of my minutes, I feel obligated to be like that all of the time. 
For instance, right now my little one is settling into a nap.  I could finish up cleaning the house, I could play a video game, ect.  The problem is that I'm not good at choosing.  And by the time I make a choice, I have wasted valuable time doing whatever it was.  Hmmm.  Well I'm going to start with cleaning up the floor.

There is a thief in my midst

My cat stole my stamps.  She climbed on top of the fridge to unhook the stamps and steal them away.  Then I stood around and called her a thieving whore for 10 minutes while I couldn't find my stamps.  It made me feel better.  I have since found the stamps as she is not a good thief and got them stuck to a cabinet next to the fridge.  Oh help me if she ever actually becomes stealthy. 

Shivering and Dreaming of Food

It is absolutely freezing in my office at work.  I'm sitting next to my space heater and wrapped in a blanket.  It is rather ridiculous.  It's been awhile before I've written anything, but as my case of the Friday's is preventing further work today I thought this would be like doing something productive.
A case of the Fridays, in case you did not know, is a low desire to be productive about future work on a Friday.  I'm normally very careful about using my time when I'm at work, but I don't teach until late afternoon.  I did get a little done, but I'm not super excited about more work.  So I am blogging and looking at recipes.  I'm obsessed with easy food lately.  I realize that though I love to cook and find it rather relaxing, I need to spend less time some days so my husband does not feel like I'm constantly cooking instead of watching the baby.  So my goal is to use my slow cooker once a week and save more time consuming meals for the weekend. 
Alright maybe I can accomplish something easy before my office hours are over.

So sleepy

My household does not have any grand plans for the long weekend.  However, we are busy bees.  My husband is out of town trying to save the world.  He using his vast imagination for the good of the gaming community.  I just hope he is having fun. 
I succeeded in mowing the lawn and going grocery shopping.  Then there was apple time.  Today with help of a dear friend and little Miss I made apple butter, cinnamon apple rings, apple & orange marmalade, and oatmeal and applesauce cookies.  I am so exhausted.  I'm currently sipping on a drink and relaxing with my feet up.  If I see the clock strike ten, I will be surprised.  It is a nice feeling as I was super productive and I got to hang out as well.   The only drawback is that I was sick of cooking by the time I needed to figure out dinner so I ordered Chinese food.  It is too much work to keep typing.  Good night moon.

Domestic Goddess, maybe

Sometimes l am in awe of how much I love to cook.  When I was younger, I would have laughed at you if future me would have told young me, "you will enjoy cooking." I just love picking out what we will be eating and taking the time to cook.  Now that's the kicker, time.  There is school, daughter, and house that all say I should just do something simple and get on with my night.  So I am doing more exploring of easy things.  This month I'm thinking that I will try using my crockpot once a week.  It might buy me a little piece of mind.  The problem is then finding recipes that are flavorful.  I really dislike bland food.  I also don't like to eat the exact same thing every week. This makes this crockpot mission difficult as so far the only crockpot recipes I love are for pot roast, pulled pork, and chipotle burritos.  I'm going to try a gravy steak this next week. 
So my canning experiment worked out.  I have now canned two batches of applesauce and this weekend I'm going to attempt apple butter.  It should be interesting.I also baked applesauce muffins to help deplete the apple population. 
Onward.

Stealing a moment

Little Miss is off to dreamland (hopefully for the night)- even though she went to sleep early.  She was anti-nap today which made for a cranky pants.  Also we were able to inspect her mouth a little more.  She was hiding a second tooth from us!  This explains her sleeping habits for the last while. 
It's been a busy weekend.  Friday I hosted a little party for some of the most fun women I know.  I am relaxing as I write this and drinking the last drink left in the pitcher.  Pineapple upside martinis for the win. I am also attempting to can applesauce at this moment.  We'll see how it goes.  If the canning goes well, I'm going to try brandied apples. 
It is my plan to watch the Great Food Truck Race (I totally love this show!) and finish some grading and a lecture.  I'm feeling a little behind about work at this moment.  I'm not.  I'm done with lectures for two of my classes for the week.  However, I don't have lectures for the other two and I'm going to need them by Tuesday.  The one lectures is 3/4 done...and the other well.... is not started.  Time to get started.

I'll cut you...

That is if you are an apple.  Because that's what I do every few days around our house right now.  Peel, core, and cut apples.  Then repeat... a lot.  I couldn't even tell you how many apples I've dealt with since the crop that is our backyard has come in.  I should have counted tonight, but then I would probably  be driven to drinking at the realization.  All I know is that is was just over an hour of peeling excreta.  The day of me being very very sick of apples is coming.  But for now I will rejoice over the  beauty of my homemade fruit leather. 

So far so good with classes.  Tomorrow the real work begins. Well, I need to finish the applesauce before I can go to bed.  Productivity really has a price.

Eat like a Baby?

As I write this, I am sitting at the dining room table watching little miss decide whether she wants to eat her rice cracker or smash it all over her face.  Now I'm not saying that smashing food all over our faces would be helpful, nor am I professing a desire to eat my food in puree form.  However, all of us can probably stand to eat a little slower and really take the time to decide if we are hungry (I know I could).  I'm having a vague recollection of a French approach to food that touts that we should savor our food that would support this point.  Apparently my daughter is already more cutting edge than me.  Damn.

Smiles

Today is my first day of classes.  And I'm more of a nerd than normal.  I'm wearing my first day of school clothes (translation a new outfit).  There's nothing like having something new to wear for the first day of school.  It helps me miss little missy a little less.  It also helps that she got up before I came to work so I got a few smiles and hugs. 

Dinner is in the crockpot. I'm looking like a Stepford wife (hopefully one that is old enough to teach!) and I'm feeling good today. 
Time for lunch.

Summer is History

I've always been a person who tries to do too much.  I always think that I can handle the one more thing.  In fact, most of the time I don't notice that I am a little stressed (I think I'm broken because of surviving graduate school).  I'm a mostly responsible adult who loves teaching (on most days), thinks that the best smile I see if when my daughter wakes up, and demands 3 kisses instead of just one from my husband (I think the sad part is that I don't even remember why it is 3 anymore.  It is just part of my life and who I am).

I won't say that I'm horribly interesting because we all know I'm rather boring and lame (but I like lame).  I just wanted to have a place to account my adventures in trying to balance my life and feel good about everything I am doing.  Now who knows if I will ever figure out balance, but I would settle for a tight rope walk that I enjoy.  If I could survive on 6 hours of sleep, I think that would help as well.   

So today I took 10 minutes to start this blog.  Now on to dealing with mundane things like washing the apple crop of the day, taking a shower, and picking up the house.  Hopefully, I can do all this in less than an hour so I can read a little bit too.  I always forget how trips to the library practically turn me into an addict.