It has been quite a while since I've written. For those of you who wonder how the diet plan is coming along...well let's just say there's a reason I haven't blogged for a while. I am holding my own. I'm still down four pounds from Jan 1, 2012, but I've been in a holding pattern. I like to call it winter, and hopefully I will have some amazing one-day-at a time tips for you soon. However, I am going to switch gear today and write down some thoughts about a topic we've been hearing about for decades...what's wrong with American public education?
While I was still working as a teacher (I prefer this term to educator, because it was what I did.) I would become indignant when hearing this question. "Let's look at WHAT'S RIGHT ABOUT IT"! That was my response. Yes, I was in denial. There is so much wrong that it's hard to begin to formulate an answer to that question.
When I retired from my teaching job, I swore (to myself and others) that I would NEVER step foot in a public school again. That life was behind me. Auf Wiedersehen you mess of a system. That vow lasted 3 months. I obtained a substitute teaching certificate and I have been subbing about 3 days a week since then. Today I am going to write about the first thing wrong with the system, and that is the process to become a substitute teacher.
In Illinois, anyone with a college degree can be a substitute teacher. I met this standard. In fact, I had a little more going for me. I had a masters degree in German literature (obtained the old-fashioned way with a thesis and comps), I had 50 + hours of graduate education in curriculum design beyond my masters, and I had held an Illinois teaching certificate for 31 years. Wow, the state should probably be recruiting me, rather than me going to them to ask to be placed on a list to work at the school district I had retired from 3 months prior to my application, right? Well, it certainly wasn't this scenario. Exactly 28 days after beginning the process to become a substitute teacher, I was awarded that coveted honor of an interview to become one...at the school district in which I had worked for 30 years. I had not only proven that I had the college degree (I had to supply a certified copy in a sealed envelope to my school district, although to have a teaching certificate and to work there, which I had done for 30 years, one of the prerequisites had been a college degree.), I was TB tested, I had a signed physical form from a physician, stating that I was physically fit for this duty. (OK, I did ask my opthamologist to sign this, since I didn't want to spend the money for a physical, and I had an eye appointment during the time I was going through this process. He agreed that the "eyes are the window to the body," and that I appeared healthy.), and finally I had a background check. The background check was rescheduled, because the "machine broke." (The day I went in for my background check, the technician running the "machine" wasn't sure that my fingerprints had "taken." I refused to leave the room until she redid the scan, thus holding up a line of 30 other substitute teaching certificate holder wannabes, but oh well. I was not coming back.) And then yes, finally I had my interview with a secretary who put me on "the list."
By the time I got home from my substitute teaching "interview," I had already had 8 requests to substitute. Wow, talk about some "job security" for a temporary job.
I am glad that I am a substitute teacher. It is helping to wean me away from a job I did for 36 years. The cold turkey approach wasn't working...oh and I can make a connection to my diet blog. The cold turkey approach doesn't work for me in dieting either!
Tomorrow's blog: A Fish out of Water: Why I Will Never Again Substitute Teach in Second Grade.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
There's hope.
Lately, I've been thinking about spring. It's definitely in the air. Yesterday, I could even smell it...that freshness that conquers the sadness of winter.
Although this winter has been particularly mild, it was still winter. There is really not much good about winter, except for snow, in my opinion. Since we had a paucity of this white wonder, this winter was particularly gray. The grass was never covered by a white blanket for long, and as I look out of my window as I write this, I notice that the grass is particularly ugly. I fear that my lawn is suffering from some lack of snow disease. It looks deader than usual.
Winter can be a depressing time. In the past, I would use winter as an excuse NOT to exercise. It was too cold, too snowy, too gray, too depressing to leave my house. This year I forced myself to exercise, and I will have to say that I feel more hopeful about spring this winter than I ever have. Exercise has really caused me to be an optimist. There must be some truth to all of that research on brain chemistry and how exercise can make you feel healthier.
I have been a miserable failure with my diet. However, I think that since I have not been a failure with my exercise that I can atone. Things like delicious meals keep getting in my way of dieting. But I feel that there is hope. With spring in the air and with the promise of new beginnings climate-wise, I think I can initiate a better plan diet-wise. Wish me luck!
Tip of the day: There's always hope. So remember that and try to change what you need to change.
Although this winter has been particularly mild, it was still winter. There is really not much good about winter, except for snow, in my opinion. Since we had a paucity of this white wonder, this winter was particularly gray. The grass was never covered by a white blanket for long, and as I look out of my window as I write this, I notice that the grass is particularly ugly. I fear that my lawn is suffering from some lack of snow disease. It looks deader than usual.
Winter can be a depressing time. In the past, I would use winter as an excuse NOT to exercise. It was too cold, too snowy, too gray, too depressing to leave my house. This year I forced myself to exercise, and I will have to say that I feel more hopeful about spring this winter than I ever have. Exercise has really caused me to be an optimist. There must be some truth to all of that research on brain chemistry and how exercise can make you feel healthier.
I have been a miserable failure with my diet. However, I think that since I have not been a failure with my exercise that I can atone. Things like delicious meals keep getting in my way of dieting. But I feel that there is hope. With spring in the air and with the promise of new beginnings climate-wise, I think I can initiate a better plan diet-wise. Wish me luck!
Tip of the day: There's always hope. So remember that and try to change what you need to change.
Friday, February 17, 2012
A better analogy
The blog goes on. In my last post, I referred to therapy, and this blog is therapy for me. I want to revisit this period in my life and expand upon how it now applies to my resolve to live a healthier lifestyle.
My therapist, who you now know was a former student of mind, did have some interesting insights into why I was unhappy. She used the analogy of Santa Claus' bag of toys. She suggested that I was picking up other people's issues and problems, stuffing them in my Santa bag and carrying it around with me. Since I had already insulted her by not recognizing her as a former student, I didn't feel that I should point out the false analogy that she had made. She should have perhaps alluded to Krampus, the German counterpart to Saint Nick who carries lumps of coal around. Santa would never put problems in his Christmas bag!! He puts nice things in there.
This leads me to my analogy. I was sort of like Santa, putting what I perceived to be nice things into the bag I was carrying around. I would include among these "nice" things chocolate, cake, pie, cookies, wine, pizza and bar food. By the time I was done loading the bag and ready to get into the sleigh---sleigh = retirement---I realized that I had 80 pounds of "nice" stuff packed up.
It's time for me to unload! I need a new definition of "nice" things. Let's see what I've discovered. Oatmeal with a banana actually tastes pretty good. An orange can satisfy as much as a handful of chips. Unsalted almonds don't taste as good as salted cashews, but they are crunchy. Dill pickles are salty, crunchy and satisfying. Yes, they have lots of sodium, but so do chips.
So, I'm continuing my quest to unload my unwanted weight. I can do this.
Tip of the day: Redefine "nice"!
My therapist, who you now know was a former student of mind, did have some interesting insights into why I was unhappy. She used the analogy of Santa Claus' bag of toys. She suggested that I was picking up other people's issues and problems, stuffing them in my Santa bag and carrying it around with me. Since I had already insulted her by not recognizing her as a former student, I didn't feel that I should point out the false analogy that she had made. She should have perhaps alluded to Krampus, the German counterpart to Saint Nick who carries lumps of coal around. Santa would never put problems in his Christmas bag!! He puts nice things in there.
This leads me to my analogy. I was sort of like Santa, putting what I perceived to be nice things into the bag I was carrying around. I would include among these "nice" things chocolate, cake, pie, cookies, wine, pizza and bar food. By the time I was done loading the bag and ready to get into the sleigh---sleigh = retirement---I realized that I had 80 pounds of "nice" stuff packed up.
It's time for me to unload! I need a new definition of "nice" things. Let's see what I've discovered. Oatmeal with a banana actually tastes pretty good. An orange can satisfy as much as a handful of chips. Unsalted almonds don't taste as good as salted cashews, but they are crunchy. Dill pickles are salty, crunchy and satisfying. Yes, they have lots of sodium, but so do chips.
So, I'm continuing my quest to unload my unwanted weight. I can do this.
Tip of the day: Redefine "nice"!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
It's the day you either love or hate.
February 14th! The feast of Saint Valentine, who just happened to possibly be more than one saint. I'm going to use the Saint Valentine, a Roman Priest who was arrested and persecuted for marrying Christian couples during the reign of Claudius I. (Perhaps the Christian right should take a look at this persecution thing for marrying out of the "accepted" norms of the current society! That's another blog, however.)
Anyway, the feast of Saint Valentine had nothing to do with sending Valentine cards, flowers or candy to one's beloved. It was simply a day to venerate all of the saints who could have possibly been named "Valentine" which is sort of the "Justin" of today or the "John" of the 50's. So happy feast day, Valentine!
The point of my blog today is love and hate. I read once that there is a very fine line between these two emotions. I've never been one to avoid "hate." In fact, I think it's a healthy emotion. It's the antithesis of "love" which we all agree the world needs more of. We all love and hate people, possessions and ourselves. We spend so much time on the people and possessions that we lose ourselves in the equation. This is what happened to me.
A few years ago, I was going through a bad time. It seemed, in fact, that my world was falling apart, piece by piece. Much of it had to do with the economy which impacted my entire family directly. So I did what many people facing crises do. I started self-medicating with food. Fortunately, I had the good sense to realize that I couldn't face things by myself, and I went to a counselor.
The story about my counselor is a humorous aside, or at least I think so. After about 10 minutes of pouring my heart out to a young woman who was looking at me quite uncomfortably, she asked if I had a problem with a conflict of interest on her part. She had been a former student of mine. Not wanting to face the purging of my soul a second time, I told her I was fine with it. This, plus the fact that I had no recollection of her ever being in one of my classes, made it easy. (I did recall her brother and went on about how great he was which probably put her into counseling, but oh well.)
Back to my point. I truly hated myself. I hated pretty much everything about my life, until I sat back and realized that I had lots to love. I was a nice person. I would do pretty much anything for a friend. I had a good sense of humor (or so I was told by those who don't want to make me angry), and I was a good listener. I had good friends, a beautiful family, was well-educated. And now I have even something more to love about myself. I don't have to work.
So, I'm dropping the self-hatred and bringing on the love. I have been faithful to my workouts, while not to my diet during my "one day at a time" plan. I am going to try to do better with my diet, starting today, because in honor of Saint Valentine's Day, I'm going to love myself. I'm going to celebrate my greatness, and give myself a big hug.
Tip for the day: Love yourself today. You are the best!
Anyway, the feast of Saint Valentine had nothing to do with sending Valentine cards, flowers or candy to one's beloved. It was simply a day to venerate all of the saints who could have possibly been named "Valentine" which is sort of the "Justin" of today or the "John" of the 50's. So happy feast day, Valentine!
The point of my blog today is love and hate. I read once that there is a very fine line between these two emotions. I've never been one to avoid "hate." In fact, I think it's a healthy emotion. It's the antithesis of "love" which we all agree the world needs more of. We all love and hate people, possessions and ourselves. We spend so much time on the people and possessions that we lose ourselves in the equation. This is what happened to me.
A few years ago, I was going through a bad time. It seemed, in fact, that my world was falling apart, piece by piece. Much of it had to do with the economy which impacted my entire family directly. So I did what many people facing crises do. I started self-medicating with food. Fortunately, I had the good sense to realize that I couldn't face things by myself, and I went to a counselor.
The story about my counselor is a humorous aside, or at least I think so. After about 10 minutes of pouring my heart out to a young woman who was looking at me quite uncomfortably, she asked if I had a problem with a conflict of interest on her part. She had been a former student of mine. Not wanting to face the purging of my soul a second time, I told her I was fine with it. This, plus the fact that I had no recollection of her ever being in one of my classes, made it easy. (I did recall her brother and went on about how great he was which probably put her into counseling, but oh well.)
Back to my point. I truly hated myself. I hated pretty much everything about my life, until I sat back and realized that I had lots to love. I was a nice person. I would do pretty much anything for a friend. I had a good sense of humor (or so I was told by those who don't want to make me angry), and I was a good listener. I had good friends, a beautiful family, was well-educated. And now I have even something more to love about myself. I don't have to work.
So, I'm dropping the self-hatred and bringing on the love. I have been faithful to my workouts, while not to my diet during my "one day at a time" plan. I am going to try to do better with my diet, starting today, because in honor of Saint Valentine's Day, I'm going to love myself. I'm going to celebrate my greatness, and give myself a big hug.
Tip for the day: Love yourself today. You are the best!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
The trainer or the car?
Since October, I've been paying a trainer at my gym nearly $400.00 a month to help get me in shape. My logic was that if I were putting out this amount of money that I would be proportionately motivated to hit it hard! Well...that was a good thought, but not exactly the best use of $400.00
My trainer is not the problem. Perhaps the fact that I chose her because she has a German name, Liesl, might give you a clue as to why it has taken me four months to tell her that I no longer need to pay $400.00 a month to be motivated to exercise. She's really nice, sweet, and a great trainer. She's motivated me to do exercises that I had never imagined I could possibly do. She's encouraged me to keep going, to tough it out, to work through it. However, $400.00 is a ton of money. I now look at money in terms of days of substitute teaching. That's 5 days...wouldn't I rather spend that cash on something frivolous?
Yes, I did just that. I bought a new car. Poor Marv hadn't had a new car since 2006. Poor me. I now have a Chevy Cruze. It gets 42 MPG, and it is pretty darned sporty. Just the motivation I need to continue to get in shape. Who wants to see a fat, old lady hoist herself out of a cool car? Nobody! Soon there will be a svelte, old lady leaping from that vehicle.
Yesterday I told Liesl that her services were no longer needed and I made a car payment:)!
Tip of the day: You're getting in shape for yourself, right? Do things that make you happy.
My trainer is not the problem. Perhaps the fact that I chose her because she has a German name, Liesl, might give you a clue as to why it has taken me four months to tell her that I no longer need to pay $400.00 a month to be motivated to exercise. She's really nice, sweet, and a great trainer. She's motivated me to do exercises that I had never imagined I could possibly do. She's encouraged me to keep going, to tough it out, to work through it. However, $400.00 is a ton of money. I now look at money in terms of days of substitute teaching. That's 5 days...wouldn't I rather spend that cash on something frivolous?
Yes, I did just that. I bought a new car. Poor Marv hadn't had a new car since 2006. Poor me. I now have a Chevy Cruze. It gets 42 MPG, and it is pretty darned sporty. Just the motivation I need to continue to get in shape. Who wants to see a fat, old lady hoist herself out of a cool car? Nobody! Soon there will be a svelte, old lady leaping from that vehicle.
Yesterday I told Liesl that her services were no longer needed and I made a car payment:)!
Tip of the day: You're getting in shape for yourself, right? Do things that make you happy.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Work got in my way!
It's been a while since I've written. There are several topics floating around in my head, but I think I'll write about how far I've come since I began my "one day at a time" plan, and about the biggest issue that sabbotaged my healthy life choices in my past. It's been five weeks since I began my quest to live a healthier life style and to lose weight. Here's an update on how it's going.
I've lost four pounds and have kept them off. I'd actually lost 8 at one point, but that was mostly water which I have drunk back in gallons. And although I would much rather say that I'd lost 8 pounds, I am happy with the four which have NOT come back. I feel 100% better. Although I'm not an unbiased observer, I think I look healthier. My skin is radiant...yes, I'm going to say that, because it no longer has the dull look it had last spring. My hair is shinier, and I smile more. I find that I'm becoming more of an optimist. (Those of you who know me well are shaking your heads at this point, I know, but it's true!) My exercise program is now a habit, and I feel like crap when I don't exercise for at least an hour a day.
Now, I would like to share one of the major reasons that I've become successful. I no longer have to work. Work truly got in my way. I was a horrific at delegating when I worked, I took things much too seriously, and I was over-involved. My health and weight were the victims of these choices. Would I do things differently? I would say, probably not. I don't think that I would have said "yes" to quite as many committees, perhaps, but my job was very important to me, and I loved it.
However, I'm retired now. I have to continually remind myself of this, and learn to enjoy it. I spent several weeks looking for some new job, and I got my substitute teaching credentials in order. Now I substitute around 2-3 days a week, sometimes less, and I am NOT looking for a job...unless Illinois goes the way of American Airlines and voids my pension...that will be another blog.
Work-life balance is important, and I never really examined this while I was working. I would eat in my car...a definite NO to dieting...I would skip breakfast...another NO...I would graze when people brought in treats...NO, NO, NO...but that was then. This is now. Three meals a day, fruit and nuts for snacks, and exercise.
Let's extrapolate...4 pounds in 5 weeks = 40 pounds in a year. I'll take that!
Tip of the day: Your job is important, but your health is more important. Take your work seriously, but skip the twinkies!
I've lost four pounds and have kept them off. I'd actually lost 8 at one point, but that was mostly water which I have drunk back in gallons. And although I would much rather say that I'd lost 8 pounds, I am happy with the four which have NOT come back. I feel 100% better. Although I'm not an unbiased observer, I think I look healthier. My skin is radiant...yes, I'm going to say that, because it no longer has the dull look it had last spring. My hair is shinier, and I smile more. I find that I'm becoming more of an optimist. (Those of you who know me well are shaking your heads at this point, I know, but it's true!) My exercise program is now a habit, and I feel like crap when I don't exercise for at least an hour a day.
Now, I would like to share one of the major reasons that I've become successful. I no longer have to work. Work truly got in my way. I was a horrific at delegating when I worked, I took things much too seriously, and I was over-involved. My health and weight were the victims of these choices. Would I do things differently? I would say, probably not. I don't think that I would have said "yes" to quite as many committees, perhaps, but my job was very important to me, and I loved it.
However, I'm retired now. I have to continually remind myself of this, and learn to enjoy it. I spent several weeks looking for some new job, and I got my substitute teaching credentials in order. Now I substitute around 2-3 days a week, sometimes less, and I am NOT looking for a job...unless Illinois goes the way of American Airlines and voids my pension...that will be another blog.
Work-life balance is important, and I never really examined this while I was working. I would eat in my car...a definite NO to dieting...I would skip breakfast...another NO...I would graze when people brought in treats...NO, NO, NO...but that was then. This is now. Three meals a day, fruit and nuts for snacks, and exercise.
Let's extrapolate...4 pounds in 5 weeks = 40 pounds in a year. I'll take that!
Tip of the day: Your job is important, but your health is more important. Take your work seriously, but skip the twinkies!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
When she was good, she was very very good...but when she was bad, she was horrid!
Dave and I returned last night from a short trip to Chicago. We went to hear the CSO, which was unbelievably wonderful. However, one cannot travel to Chicago without indulging. At least I can't. I will admit that I did not adhere to any diet, unless one considers fried oysters, gumbo, a shrimp po-boy, several bites of pecan pie (deep dish) and three glasses of wine a diet. Wouldn't it be wonderful if that were the case?
In defense of this gluttony, I did walk several miles while in the city. We did not take cabs except on our return to Union Station. I am hoping that when I step on the scale that the food and exercise were a wash. If not, it is not a big deal, because I will be good about my eating and exercise today.
My last post seems to have created a bit of controversy which I would like to clear up. I was hoping that my admission to my own delight at the demise of the Latin program of my former employer would stress the point that I was trying to make...that we are indeed human, and that sometimes there is a sense of Schadenfreude when something bad happens to others. I am adding this disclaimer to clarify that I do not wish for any of the electives to fall by the wayside as German has. My choice of digital photography was simply an attempt to make a point. Learning a foreign language takes years, not weeks or months. I hope that art, tech and music enjoy full and fruitful programs. My post was intended to be self-indulgent and bitter.
Tip of the day: If you're in Chicago, eat! You have tomorrow to diet.
In defense of this gluttony, I did walk several miles while in the city. We did not take cabs except on our return to Union Station. I am hoping that when I step on the scale that the food and exercise were a wash. If not, it is not a big deal, because I will be good about my eating and exercise today.
My last post seems to have created a bit of controversy which I would like to clear up. I was hoping that my admission to my own delight at the demise of the Latin program of my former employer would stress the point that I was trying to make...that we are indeed human, and that sometimes there is a sense of Schadenfreude when something bad happens to others. I am adding this disclaimer to clarify that I do not wish for any of the electives to fall by the wayside as German has. My choice of digital photography was simply an attempt to make a point. Learning a foreign language takes years, not weeks or months. I hope that art, tech and music enjoy full and fruitful programs. My post was intended to be self-indulgent and bitter.
Tip of the day: If you're in Chicago, eat! You have tomorrow to diet.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
A few road bumps...but it is one day at a time!
It's been quite a while since I've written to fill you in on my progress. I am making progress. Although I've had a few days when I've eaten too much, I have not yet neglected my exercise program. I've lost three pounds, and I feel much better. In the past if I'd have a bad day, I would tend to have a bad week. I'd tell myself, "Oh, hell! I'll start again next Monday." This time, I'm just starting again the next day. It seems to be an effective plan.
My road bumps are not unlike those that all of us face. The most recent that had the potential to send me into a feeding frenzy was learning that my former employer of thirty years, is elinimating the German program from the middle schools. This in essence is the death knell of the program. Why, you might ask, do I care? I've been asking myself that as well. I'm retired. However, I do care.
German is an important world language, and the district is being very short-sighted in eliminating it from the curriculum. Yes, I know that other electives are currently more "en vogue." Seriously, is it important to learn digital photography? Even I can figure out how to use a digital camera, how to eliminate "red eye" and how to post photos to the web. I've even figured out how to put my head on Elle McPherson's body! I learned this in roughly 10 minutes. Most middle school students have grown up with this technology, and can do it in a minute. Can you learn German in 10 minutes? Well, rhetorical question!
This watering down of curriculum is a trend in our schools. Subject matter that is perceived as difficult, or that might not attract huge numbers of students is unpopular with school boards and school administrators. It seems that the majority of school board members, administrators and guidance counselors had some type of horrid foreign language experience. They jump at the chance to rid the curriculum of this menace!
The trend to eliminate foreign languages is not only evident in secondary schools but also at universities. It is currently popular to add Chinese to the curriculum at the expense of the traditional languages. China will sponsor "free" teachers. Districts just need to put them up for a year. Gosh, this is a nice plan, but most of these Chinese "teachers" are not trained educators. There are many of us who speak English, but seriously, can we teach English??
I am getting worked up by writing this. I could use a Snickers about now...but I won't go there, because I exercised for 90 minutes today and that would be stupid. I'll just write a bit more about how upset I am by the move to eliminate German.
There is always a bit of Schadenfreude on the part of the other electives when one bites the dust. I remember when Latin left the curriculum, I was relieved that that pool of students could be absorbed into German. I admit this. However, the instructors of electives must remember that when one goes, the others are simply in the curriculum at the wim of an administrator.
So, auf Wiedersehen Deutsch! I'm thankful that so many students got a chance to learn this magnificent language, which by the way helped them to understand their native tongue a bit better. I'm thankful that so many former students are using German in their present careers. I am angry and sad that future students won't have the chance to learn German and that the current staff will have to fall back on a minor to keep a job.
Well, that felt good.
Tip of the day: If you feel like eating, write.
My road bumps are not unlike those that all of us face. The most recent that had the potential to send me into a feeding frenzy was learning that my former employer of thirty years, is elinimating the German program from the middle schools. This in essence is the death knell of the program. Why, you might ask, do I care? I've been asking myself that as well. I'm retired. However, I do care.
German is an important world language, and the district is being very short-sighted in eliminating it from the curriculum. Yes, I know that other electives are currently more "en vogue." Seriously, is it important to learn digital photography? Even I can figure out how to use a digital camera, how to eliminate "red eye" and how to post photos to the web. I've even figured out how to put my head on Elle McPherson's body! I learned this in roughly 10 minutes. Most middle school students have grown up with this technology, and can do it in a minute. Can you learn German in 10 minutes? Well, rhetorical question!
This watering down of curriculum is a trend in our schools. Subject matter that is perceived as difficult, or that might not attract huge numbers of students is unpopular with school boards and school administrators. It seems that the majority of school board members, administrators and guidance counselors had some type of horrid foreign language experience. They jump at the chance to rid the curriculum of this menace!
The trend to eliminate foreign languages is not only evident in secondary schools but also at universities. It is currently popular to add Chinese to the curriculum at the expense of the traditional languages. China will sponsor "free" teachers. Districts just need to put them up for a year. Gosh, this is a nice plan, but most of these Chinese "teachers" are not trained educators. There are many of us who speak English, but seriously, can we teach English??
I am getting worked up by writing this. I could use a Snickers about now...but I won't go there, because I exercised for 90 minutes today and that would be stupid. I'll just write a bit more about how upset I am by the move to eliminate German.
There is always a bit of Schadenfreude on the part of the other electives when one bites the dust. I remember when Latin left the curriculum, I was relieved that that pool of students could be absorbed into German. I admit this. However, the instructors of electives must remember that when one goes, the others are simply in the curriculum at the wim of an administrator.
So, auf Wiedersehen Deutsch! I'm thankful that so many students got a chance to learn this magnificent language, which by the way helped them to understand their native tongue a bit better. I'm thankful that so many former students are using German in their present careers. I am angry and sad that future students won't have the chance to learn German and that the current staff will have to fall back on a minor to keep a job.
Well, that felt good.
Tip of the day: If you feel like eating, write.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Thank you for being a friend.
Today's blog has nothing to due with my diet. I received news last night that a very dear friend of my daughter, Teresa, died. She was 28-years old. We are trying to grasp the finality of this, and quite frankly, I feel that I'm in a bad dream at the moment, hoping that someone will wake me up.
I want to tell you about Katie. One of the reasons that we're having a hard time realizing that she's dead is because she was always full of life. She entered the Dickinson's world in 1998 when Teresa and she were members of the Morton High track team. They gravitated toward each other, because they both realized at once that they were alike...not a part of the "cool people" who ran MHS. They were friends from that point on. I can remember driving them to the July 4th fireworks when they weren't able to do so themselves. I remembering their repartee, laughing so hard at times that I could barely stay on the road. They remained true friends throughout high school. When they both decided to attend the U of I, they decided to be roommates. They lived together for two years.
Katie and Teresa were never inseparable. At the U of I they had different circles of friends, but they always had time for each other as well. Teresa joined a sorority, and quite frankly, Katie would probably have preferred to bomb most sororities. Katie was more eclectic, Teresa, more trendy. Katie was loud and full of vim, Teresa could be reticent. They complemented each other.
After graduation, Katie went to Boston, Teresa went to East Lansing. They stayed in touch, making catty remarks about all of the Mortonites who well, were destined to remain Mortonites. (This topic was always one of my favorites to listen in on when they were together!) In 2009, their paths crossed again. Katie and her sister Megan moved to Chicago where Teresa was living. Teresa was going through a rather tough time, and the two sisters literally pulled her from her funk. They refused to let her dwell on the negative, and they brought happiness back into her life. They actually made her laugh again, so hard that Teresa told me she had to tell them to stop, because they were making her laugh so hard that it hurt!
Katie was never much for staying in one place for long, and she migrated to sunny California to study for a masters in film-making in 2010. Megan followed in 2011. This left a void in all of our lives. I didn't get to hear any more stories about these crazy sisters, I didn't get to meet up with them for drinks and dinner, and Teresa didn't have her two best friends with her in Chicago. Over Christmas break this year they were back in central Illinois, and we met up for coffee. I really have no idea why I went along with Teresa to this coffee, but I'm glad I did. I had no idea it would be the last time I would see Katie.
There is little comfort when someone young dies. I guess that they will never have to face the rigors and trials of old age, but that is all I can really come up with. I do know that there will be a void where Katie was. She was a big girl...and she had a big laugh, big plans and mostly a big heart. I will miss her.
I want to tell you about Katie. One of the reasons that we're having a hard time realizing that she's dead is because she was always full of life. She entered the Dickinson's world in 1998 when Teresa and she were members of the Morton High track team. They gravitated toward each other, because they both realized at once that they were alike...not a part of the "cool people" who ran MHS. They were friends from that point on. I can remember driving them to the July 4th fireworks when they weren't able to do so themselves. I remembering their repartee, laughing so hard at times that I could barely stay on the road. They remained true friends throughout high school. When they both decided to attend the U of I, they decided to be roommates. They lived together for two years.
Katie and Teresa were never inseparable. At the U of I they had different circles of friends, but they always had time for each other as well. Teresa joined a sorority, and quite frankly, Katie would probably have preferred to bomb most sororities. Katie was more eclectic, Teresa, more trendy. Katie was loud and full of vim, Teresa could be reticent. They complemented each other.
After graduation, Katie went to Boston, Teresa went to East Lansing. They stayed in touch, making catty remarks about all of the Mortonites who well, were destined to remain Mortonites. (This topic was always one of my favorites to listen in on when they were together!) In 2009, their paths crossed again. Katie and her sister Megan moved to Chicago where Teresa was living. Teresa was going through a rather tough time, and the two sisters literally pulled her from her funk. They refused to let her dwell on the negative, and they brought happiness back into her life. They actually made her laugh again, so hard that Teresa told me she had to tell them to stop, because they were making her laugh so hard that it hurt!
Katie was never much for staying in one place for long, and she migrated to sunny California to study for a masters in film-making in 2010. Megan followed in 2011. This left a void in all of our lives. I didn't get to hear any more stories about these crazy sisters, I didn't get to meet up with them for drinks and dinner, and Teresa didn't have her two best friends with her in Chicago. Over Christmas break this year they were back in central Illinois, and we met up for coffee. I really have no idea why I went along with Teresa to this coffee, but I'm glad I did. I had no idea it would be the last time I would see Katie.
There is little comfort when someone young dies. I guess that they will never have to face the rigors and trials of old age, but that is all I can really come up with. I do know that there will be a void where Katie was. She was a big girl...and she had a big laugh, big plans and mostly a big heart. I will miss her.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Every poet needs a muse and every dieter needs a role model
Two people I know have recently lost lots of weight. They are my role models. (In addition to them, there is also the January 1 edition of People which shows several people who have lost 1/2 of their body masses. They are not my role models, because I don't know them, and never will. In fact, a couple of them creep me out!)
My two "muses" of dieting showed conviction, determination and commitment in their quests to lose weight. One lost 70 pounds and the other 50. I know that it wasn't easy, but they had the wherewithal to stick to what they planned to do. I only hope that I can do the same.
I hope that I will be your role model. I made it through another day! (In spite of substitute teaching crazy sixth graders with an insane, Nazi substitute co-teacher who looked at me as if I were the worst classroom manager of all time! Thank God that I haven't forgotten what teenagers are like, Nazi substitute co-teacher!) I made it, and will soon enjoy a nice salad and a small, lean steak.
Tip of the day: Find a role model. We know people who have worked hard to achieve weight loss goals. Put them on a pedestal and emulate them. They've worked hard, and we can too!
My two "muses" of dieting showed conviction, determination and commitment in their quests to lose weight. One lost 70 pounds and the other 50. I know that it wasn't easy, but they had the wherewithal to stick to what they planned to do. I only hope that I can do the same.
I hope that I will be your role model. I made it through another day! (In spite of substitute teaching crazy sixth graders with an insane, Nazi substitute co-teacher who looked at me as if I were the worst classroom manager of all time! Thank God that I haven't forgotten what teenagers are like, Nazi substitute co-teacher!) I made it, and will soon enjoy a nice salad and a small, lean steak.
Tip of the day: Find a role model. We know people who have worked hard to achieve weight loss goals. Put them on a pedestal and emulate them. They've worked hard, and we can too!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Bottle of wine, fruit of the vine...
Another successful day is drawing to a close...only a few more hours until bedtime! This one day at a time plan is working for me.
Tonight I would like to discuss one of my major vices that has contributed to my weight gain...wine. There are 562 calories in a bottle (.75l) of average table wine. There were many times that I polished off a bottle of wine. When I extrapolate the data (yes, I did have to take statistics), it appears that wine is possibly responsible for at least 50 of my extra pounds. Some people like full-strength soda, some people like wine. I like wine.
Most dieters are unsuccessful when they totally eliminate certain foods, in this case a beverage, from the diet. I do not intend to eliminate wine. However, I am cutting back.
Why do I like wine so much? It tastes good! It relaxes me! It gives me a buzz! Any wine-lover will tell you that there's nothing like a glass of good wine (or even box wine) at the end of a stressful day. Let's face it. For most of us, that would be every day. My problem was not with a glass of wine, it was that the glass of wine after work led to the glass of wine while I was cooking which left only a glass in the bottle, and who wants to store that??! (I have never learned to pour a glass of wine as they do in a restaurant. In my book, a glass is filled to the rim!)
I have decided that drastic times demand drastic measures. I am limiting myself to a glass of wine, and only when I really want one. My new stress eliminator is exercise. I know that I will always love a nice pinot noir, that will never change. However, how much of the elixir of life that I consume will change!
Tip of the day: As you begin the one day at a time plan, I'd suggest cutting out all alcohol for a few days. You'll be amazed at how it jump starts weight loss. (I know it's only water weight, but psychologically it's been a huge plus!)
Tonight I would like to discuss one of my major vices that has contributed to my weight gain...wine. There are 562 calories in a bottle (.75l) of average table wine. There were many times that I polished off a bottle of wine. When I extrapolate the data (yes, I did have to take statistics), it appears that wine is possibly responsible for at least 50 of my extra pounds. Some people like full-strength soda, some people like wine. I like wine.
Most dieters are unsuccessful when they totally eliminate certain foods, in this case a beverage, from the diet. I do not intend to eliminate wine. However, I am cutting back.
Why do I like wine so much? It tastes good! It relaxes me! It gives me a buzz! Any wine-lover will tell you that there's nothing like a glass of good wine (or even box wine) at the end of a stressful day. Let's face it. For most of us, that would be every day. My problem was not with a glass of wine, it was that the glass of wine after work led to the glass of wine while I was cooking which left only a glass in the bottle, and who wants to store that??! (I have never learned to pour a glass of wine as they do in a restaurant. In my book, a glass is filled to the rim!)
I have decided that drastic times demand drastic measures. I am limiting myself to a glass of wine, and only when I really want one. My new stress eliminator is exercise. I know that I will always love a nice pinot noir, that will never change. However, how much of the elixir of life that I consume will change!
Tip of the day: As you begin the one day at a time plan, I'd suggest cutting out all alcohol for a few days. You'll be amazed at how it jump starts weight loss. (I know it's only water weight, but psychologically it's been a huge plus!)
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Who is that fat lady in the photograph?
Certainly you can guess the answer to the title of the blog. It is I. There is a disconnect between what I see in the mirror and reality. I realize this each time I look at a current photo of me. It was actually a glance at such a photo that helped to nudge me (aka kick me in the ass) toward a serious attempt to slim down.
You can check out this picture too, if you are a Facebook friend. I'm at a party, wearing a sleeveless sundress. First, almost NO woman over 50 should wear a sleeveless dress, secondly I as a fatty should have known better. The dress is also quite a fashion statement. Because I have this idea that I will not remain a size 18 for much longer, I have taken to purchasing my "wardrobe" at WalMart. The dress in this picture simply exudes WalMart "fashion" at its finest. It's some hideous, polyester blend with a Hawaiian floral pattern. (I believe that I was sober when I purchased this!) My flabby arms, my enormous bust, my belly and my red face add to the trailer-parkesque aura of the photo.
When did I become the fat lady in the circus? My arms have dimples at the joints! When did I becom my daughter's cat, Jackson. I have this little head on an enormous body. (Sorry, Jackson, but you do have a little head on an enormous body.)
Today I took charge of this body image issue. My gym (Golds' Gym Morton) is having a 12-week challenge. One thing you have to do in order to participate is have your measurements taken and you have to be weighed. I figured this challenge would be right up my alley with my new one day at a time plan, so I was measured and weighed. Due to the shocking nature of the results, I will only share a few of them with you. On the positive side, I weighed a pound less than my January 1, 2012, weight. However, the girth of my thigh was 27 inches. Let's put this in perspective. When I was a senior in high school, my waist measurement was 27 inches.
The bad part of this exercises was that it dismayed, depressed and disgusted me. The positive part of the exercise was that it made it that much easier for me to stick to getting through Wednesday, January 4th!
By the way...I made it through yesterday as well!
Tip for the day: Don't just eyeball a scale or look in the mirror. Have your measurements taken and write them down. It is going to be a motivator for me, I know!
You can check out this picture too, if you are a Facebook friend. I'm at a party, wearing a sleeveless sundress. First, almost NO woman over 50 should wear a sleeveless dress, secondly I as a fatty should have known better. The dress is also quite a fashion statement. Because I have this idea that I will not remain a size 18 for much longer, I have taken to purchasing my "wardrobe" at WalMart. The dress in this picture simply exudes WalMart "fashion" at its finest. It's some hideous, polyester blend with a Hawaiian floral pattern. (I believe that I was sober when I purchased this!) My flabby arms, my enormous bust, my belly and my red face add to the trailer-parkesque aura of the photo.
When did I become the fat lady in the circus? My arms have dimples at the joints! When did I becom my daughter's cat, Jackson. I have this little head on an enormous body. (Sorry, Jackson, but you do have a little head on an enormous body.)
Today I took charge of this body image issue. My gym (Golds' Gym Morton) is having a 12-week challenge. One thing you have to do in order to participate is have your measurements taken and you have to be weighed. I figured this challenge would be right up my alley with my new one day at a time plan, so I was measured and weighed. Due to the shocking nature of the results, I will only share a few of them with you. On the positive side, I weighed a pound less than my January 1, 2012, weight. However, the girth of my thigh was 27 inches. Let's put this in perspective. When I was a senior in high school, my waist measurement was 27 inches.
The bad part of this exercises was that it dismayed, depressed and disgusted me. The positive part of the exercise was that it made it that much easier for me to stick to getting through Wednesday, January 4th!
By the way...I made it through yesterday as well!
Tip for the day: Don't just eyeball a scale or look in the mirror. Have your measurements taken and write them down. It is going to be a motivator for me, I know!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
I have a song!
Thank you, Matt O, former student teacher and current teacher extraordinaire!
http://www.youtube.com/
http://www.youtube.com/
Day Two
I have decided to begin a diet and exercise program for the 28th time. I believe that the first time I started was 1984, when I had "blossomed" to 165 pounds after the births of my children. I was determined not to be fat. Well, so much for that thought and for those 28 attempts. I am now 58, and actually when I tipped the scale on January 1, 2012 at 235 pounds, I decided that it was amazing I had made it to that last birthday. I'm not sure how someone who has totally ignored the food pyramid for at least 30 years has survived. It seems to underscore the resilience of the human race. No matter how much we abuse ourselves, we still bounce back for more.
I am determined to do something about my state of obesity. It seems that by calling it what it is helps. I am bordering on being morbidly obese. That means that this could kill me, right? Morbid is such a life-altering word, isn't it? So, yesterday, I decided to do something about this. My plan is to get through one day at a time for the next 365 days by exercising and eating healthier foods. Why did I start on January 2 rather than the 1st? (It's leap year!)
Each day I plan to post a little about my successes and probable failures. Today I will focus on a success. I made it through yesterday sticking to my plan. I exercised for an hour, I ate three meals and two snacks. (Yes, you can tell yourself that a carton of key lime pie yogurt is a snack, and that if you try really hard to imagine it as a piece of key lime pie, you actually can't do that.) I started drinking more water, and I started a food journal. My God! I'm overwhelming myself just reading about how much I did in one day.
To get through those 24 hours, I realized that I would need to break the day into segments. The day became 3 segments of 8 hours. The first 8 were OK. I worked out, ate breakfast...by the way, that should have been in the opposite order, because I felt like I was going to pass out as I worked out, ate a light lunch and 8 hours were gone! Snap! The next 8 hours were a trial. Ordinarily, I will spend my afternoons with a book and around 4 pm, I'll add a glass of wine to the "activity." While reading, there is always time for a few snacks, more wine, a few more snacks, etc. Yesterday, I read, went for a 20 minute walk, then read more, drank three glasses of ice water (in a wine glass!), made a remarkably healthy salad for dinner, and read more. By 9 pm, I was craving just a little snack and maybe just a small glass of wine, but because I had made a promise to myself to get through a day by changing, I did. Finally I had an epiphany! I needed to do this by myself and for myself. I'm the one who matters here. I'm the one who's morbidly obese! The final 8 hours were a breeze. I went to bed.
And here I am, already 8 hours into day two. I've eaten a healthy breakfast with whole grains and protein...not a big fan of those grains, but maybe they'll grow on me. I've worked out for 70 minutes and I just got back from a 30-minute walk. Now to help me through the next 8 hours, I'm blogging and then I'm off to the store to do some shopping for some healthy meals that I plan to organize and start preparing.
I think I can do this. I wish that I would have had the sense to do this 28 years ago when I only needed to lose 30 pounds, rather than 100, but as they say, hindsight is always 20-20. Wish me luck, and please feel free to join me in this 365 day quest to make it one day at a time! I'd love to hear from you with suggestions and encouragement.
Here's my tip of the day: Seriously consider dividing your day into segments. I think the 8-hour plan is good, but if you don't sleep 8 hours a night, try 6-hour segments.
I am determined to do something about my state of obesity. It seems that by calling it what it is helps. I am bordering on being morbidly obese. That means that this could kill me, right? Morbid is such a life-altering word, isn't it? So, yesterday, I decided to do something about this. My plan is to get through one day at a time for the next 365 days by exercising and eating healthier foods. Why did I start on January 2 rather than the 1st? (It's leap year!)
Each day I plan to post a little about my successes and probable failures. Today I will focus on a success. I made it through yesterday sticking to my plan. I exercised for an hour, I ate three meals and two snacks. (Yes, you can tell yourself that a carton of key lime pie yogurt is a snack, and that if you try really hard to imagine it as a piece of key lime pie, you actually can't do that.) I started drinking more water, and I started a food journal. My God! I'm overwhelming myself just reading about how much I did in one day.
To get through those 24 hours, I realized that I would need to break the day into segments. The day became 3 segments of 8 hours. The first 8 were OK. I worked out, ate breakfast...by the way, that should have been in the opposite order, because I felt like I was going to pass out as I worked out, ate a light lunch and 8 hours were gone! Snap! The next 8 hours were a trial. Ordinarily, I will spend my afternoons with a book and around 4 pm, I'll add a glass of wine to the "activity." While reading, there is always time for a few snacks, more wine, a few more snacks, etc. Yesterday, I read, went for a 20 minute walk, then read more, drank three glasses of ice water (in a wine glass!), made a remarkably healthy salad for dinner, and read more. By 9 pm, I was craving just a little snack and maybe just a small glass of wine, but because I had made a promise to myself to get through a day by changing, I did. Finally I had an epiphany! I needed to do this by myself and for myself. I'm the one who matters here. I'm the one who's morbidly obese! The final 8 hours were a breeze. I went to bed.
And here I am, already 8 hours into day two. I've eaten a healthy breakfast with whole grains and protein...not a big fan of those grains, but maybe they'll grow on me. I've worked out for 70 minutes and I just got back from a 30-minute walk. Now to help me through the next 8 hours, I'm blogging and then I'm off to the store to do some shopping for some healthy meals that I plan to organize and start preparing.
I think I can do this. I wish that I would have had the sense to do this 28 years ago when I only needed to lose 30 pounds, rather than 100, but as they say, hindsight is always 20-20. Wish me luck, and please feel free to join me in this 365 day quest to make it one day at a time! I'd love to hear from you with suggestions and encouragement.
Here's my tip of the day: Seriously consider dividing your day into segments. I think the 8-hour plan is good, but if you don't sleep 8 hours a night, try 6-hour segments.
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