Particle Man

Nutrisystem

Oh my! Since I went to the doctor and I'm scheduling knee replacement surgery in November, I have to take off some weight. In January, I did that Healthy Connections program, which is a local company that cooks the food here and delivers it to your home. Sounded good - food was not.

So, time to take this weight loss serious. I was going to do Jenny Craig but after talking to the "counselor" to set it up, I mentioned being allergic to Brazil nuts. They immediately cut the conversation off and said they could not assist me..... I had tried their food through a relative and thought it was pretty good. But alas, not for me (shucks). So, I immediately got online and ordered Nutrisystem. Food came in Friday - it really does suck. So now I've got 26 more days of this stuff to eat. I'll lose weight alright - due to not eating - LOL.

Nothing much new

Glorious day! No real responsibilities and no appointments. I am taking the time to learn more about my Ipad. In fact I am posting this with it. I don't know if I could ever use it as my primary computer, though.

Nick and Christie are finally going to get to have a few days for a real honeymoon. They are taking a train to New Orleans and spending a few days there. Hope they have a wonderful time.

I'm waiting for my nutrisystem to come in. Have to drop a bunch of weight before my knee surgery.

Updates

Well, I feel I am squandering time - not being at work for the first time in a long time - but, when I think about it, I've been pretty busy since my last post.

I finished all my paperwork that I could get done for the end of school. There are always a few I can't complete because I am waiting on someone else to complete their part - oh well!

I was honored in our district's teacher recognition program. Twenty teachers were chosen across the system and we were hosted by our rotary club for a luncheon and a were given a plaque - way cool - even though I often feel inadequate as a teacher.

Our son got married and we hosted the reception. I think everyone had a great time. It was hot outside but still a fun time.

We went on a five day cruise with several of our friends out of the Port of Mobile. I liked going out of that port because we could drive there and not have to bother with airplane flights. It was fun to get away, but because of my bum knee, I did not live the boat.

Speaking of my bum knee - went to my orthopedist today for a follow up on the three injections to try to help the pain. We decided that I would need full knee replacement soon so I am planning on the surgery being in late November so I don't have to miss so much school. The nurse who helps with his surgeries demonstrated the replacement - titanium - wow - high tech!

Next, I need to make an appointment with my general doctor for the old yearly blood pressure and such check up. I know he is going to want me to do my first colonoscopy - not looking forward to that.

Then, in mid-July, a trip to wine country with a few friends. Can't wait to chill out.

A Not So Different Place: Bosch Indicators of Giftedness

A Not So Different Place: Bosch Indicators of Giftedness

Trying not to squander

I've squandered my health for too long now. So, I've enlisted the help of a company in Birmingham - Health Connections Three times a week, they deliver three meals a day plus a snack for a total of 1800 calories. I didn't mention it before because I wanted to get a start. As of this morning, I've lost 6 pounds --- I know, that's mostly water weight. I'm not brave enough quite yet to post what I have started with this time. Maybe soon I will.

Facebook

Just realized that it's been two weeks since I posted. I intended to post every day .... such is life. I am finding that I spends way too much time on Facebook. Not so much the wall and reading my friends messages, but playing those darn games. They are so habit forming. I find I have to make sure my crops are harvested on time or make sure my food is served before the flies get on it ..... ridiculous.

So, this afternoon, when I got home from work, I did not turn on the television as usual. I did not get on the computer. I read. I read outside (beautiful winter, warm day) and I read inside. I love to read. I need to get back into it. I'm reading a great page turner called The Help. I am wrapped up in the characters lives.

Life goes by fast

I can't believe I've not posted since Monday. Well, here goes - went back to work on Monday - workday - not bad. Then the I had my bus duty - which means I get on a bus at one school (I don't drive - no - I have a bus driver) and go to four others to pick up kids - take them to my school - teach then for four hours - take them back to their own schools - get in my car and ride back to my school. Done.

Wednesday was not too bad - went by fast. Got some field trip permission stuff taken care of - taught - then worked on paperwork. Trouble with all of the paperwork we have to do is that they do not make sure we have the required equipment. Everything is computer based - and guess what - we don't have working computers at our school. So - I bring my own equipment - pitiful.

Thursday - today - they called a "snow day" - ended up not snowing that much but is supposed to ice over tonight AND we have to be at work at 10:00 a.m. on Friday .... we'll see - roads could be treacherous.

We love to work at nothing all day

I forgot to post yesterday - yikes! I guess it's no big deal but I did plan to post everyday. Anyway, a semi productive day:

Weekly manicure with my girl, Dawn - the best.

Lunch at Ming's Garden - and we did eat our regular. It's funny (or maybe pitiful or maybe wonderful) that Wendy can say, "The regular?" and she knows exactly what we want - chicken with broccoli and chicken chow mein:) Unfortunately, Wendy told us the death of her best friend, Sara, who used to work at Mings. So sad that such a sweet spirit is gone.

Oh, I forgot to mention earlier that we are remodeling our pantry. I can't believe how much we had in it. Our dining room table, kitchen table, and island and much of the floor and chairs are covered with stuff. Who knows how it held it all. No wonder we couldn't find anything. Ron has done a beautiful job removing the old shelves (I don't know why people like these wire things) and putting in nice wooden shelves. We've added other organizers to try to.... well, keep it organized.

All the Christmas decorations are down, just have to get the tree stored away.

Wow - it seemed like all we did was watch football, but I guess we did accomplish something.

But we've wandered many a weary foot,

Thanks for the great time we had with M & P. They were great host and hostess. The food and drink was wonderful (have to have P start giving me "short pours" as indicated my this morning's sickness), and playing the game Sequence Game
was so much fun.

Here is the English-translated version of the Auld Lang Syne lyrics:

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne ?

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely you'll buy your pint cup !
and surely I'll buy mine !
And we'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS
We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine ;
But we've wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS
We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine† ;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS
And there's a hand my trusty friend !
And give us a hand o' thine !
And we'll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.