My project, day two

My mom and dad came up to Riverside after a party in Long Beach, so I had a helper for the next step of my project!! After some trial and error, my dad helped me build the frame for my footer. We had a few issues because of the ROCK hard ground, but the second side of the door became much easier.

Behind us here you can see the frame. After we built the frame, we mixed one bag of concrete in the handy tub we bought at Home Depot. Then another and another. Three bags that we thought we needed for the whole thing only filled the smaller of the two side.

After the first layer of concrete, we added a metal reinforcement and I pushed it down into the first layer. After that, we added a second layer and pounded it down to get all the air pockets off. We sent Dave to Home Depot to get six more bags of concrete (it was his fastest trip ever, twenty minutes flat).

After all the concrete was in, we dug in up?!? According to my dad, we do this to get the air out... but mainly because everyone he's seen "do" concrete has done it. After digging, we flattened it out again.

Here we are with our final product--which has to dry for seven days before I can work on the next part of my project :)

My dad is wonderful!!!

New Project

I had a plan for a new project. This weekend, while Dave finishes (hopefully) the bathroom, I wanted to build the brick planter that will attach to the garage. I started by laying out my plan and figuring out all of the supplies that I need. My goal is to go to Home Depot ONE time for this project.After my plan was finished, I went outside to start digging my foundation for the three layers of brick wall. Reese came to help.I dug and dug, shoveling rocks out of the area and onto the concrete. I was sweating... yuck... There was about three inches worth of rocks that had to be moved... My online, do-it-yourself research told me that I didn't need a concrete base, but Dave says that I do. He knows what he's talking about, but the bummer is that my project is on hold because I need him to help me cut 2X4s into a concrete mold... and then it has to set up for 4-6 days. No finished product for me; Dave must keep working on the bathroom :)

After my hard work, the area looks like this and is ready for a wood frame and a poured concrete base. The indents you see are were the wall will be.

Disneyland

The entire Bennett family is now an annual passholder for Disneyland. After taking Grandma and Dad to Dland a few weeks back, Melissa and I worked hard on Mom and Dad to convince them to spend the extra $80 to make the passes Dave and I paid for, into Annual Passes. Thankfully, Mom decided quickly that it was a good idea. This past Sunday, we went to Dland together (matching in red). This picture is right after mom and dad got their passes. Mom almost cried, but was as excited as a little kid...

oh, and Soaring over California with my mom... hilarious!

Confirmation

This morning in an "offical" meeting, I was told that my position was being cut and if no one else volunteers to transfer, I will be transfered to another school site. I already knew all of this, so no suprise.

Sometime this week or early next week, HR will come and sit with my department (and the math department) and ask for volunteers to move and show the available positions. From there, I will know my immediate fate.

Next Year

I've been asked by many people for an update about my status for next year job-wise, so I figured I'd give it to everyone. Although the "status" of our school changes every single day based on money we have or don't have, as of right now I have a job at Central for next year. I may or may not get to teach Yearbook (the "may not" makes me want to run screaming).

We've been given back our "Title I" funds which amounts to almost $250,000 for just my school which puts back in place many programs that had been cut, including several extra sections of Language Arts.

After the events of the past few weeks, I'm trying to really process logically what I want and what I don't want to do next year.

Huh

Last week, I was told that I needed to improve my yearbook program.

Today, our band teacher (who runs middle school honor band for the district, has 210 kids in her five different types of band, and works from 7-5 every day, including Sundays) was told that she needed to give her kids 100%.

I think someone needs to realize that he has good people in front of him and he needs to think before he talks.

Disneyland with Grandma

We took Grandma to Disneyland. At her 80th birthday party last November, she talked about how much she wanted to go see Mickey. She thought that he sister was going to send her a ticket and she was really excited. She didn't get a ticket from her sister, so we decided to give it to her from Christmas. She was in Riverside for Melissa's graduation, so we arranged to take her on Monday.

We picked her up at her friend's house in Lakewood and took her to California Adventure and Disneyland. The highlights of the day were:

• Grandma wearing mickey ears all day, embrodiered with "Grandma"
• Riding Buzz Lightyear (her score=300) and Toy Story (her score=1000)
• Riding "It's a Small World" and having Dave and Dad sing the song over and over again
• Riding "Jungle Cruize" and having Grandma laugh constantly
• Meeting Mickey and seeing tears of excitment in her eyes as he hugged her and kissed her hand.
• Making it ALL day long :)

God's reassurance

I started the day by writing on Facebook that today was going to be a good, powerful day because I was going to concentrate on my wonderful kids. Yesterday's anger is still there and will probably continue to be there, but my kiddos are the important part and they are the real reason I'm a teacher and at this school. Concentrating on them reminds me that my overarching goal is to be a light for them in the darkness.

With that renewed spirit, I came to school without a dred in the pit of my stomach and without worry of running into my principal. I went on with my business with a smile (real and fake) and got ready for the day to begin.

Right before the bell rang one of my yearbook students dropped by this note:

Mrs. Pfeffer,

You have made CMS worth being there every day for Maddie. Thank you for inspiring her and thank you for being an important person in her life.

Love,
Sandy and Larry (Maddie's parents)

Tears came to my eyes as I thanked God for reassuring me that I am doing the right thing here and that I will be okay.

Anger and Tears

Why is it that a woman's anger is typically followed by tears? We talked about crying in class on Tuesday and more than half of the class said that they wouldn't be caught dead crying in front of other people. Now, I'd love to say that I was able to stop myself from crying, but that just doesn't happen.

I was (and still am) so angry that at lunch today, I cried in front of ten people. I don't feel weaker, I doubt anyone in the room thought of me as weaker...

What do you think of crying in the workplace?

Relaxation

Today was one of the most relaxing days I've had in a very long time. I literally watched three weeks of TV (thanks to U-verse DVR) and loved the ability to sit and do relatively nothing.

Melissa Graduated!

Stressful morning

This morning was stressful.

Overwhelmingly stressful.

It was totally and completely my fault too.


First--Last night I stayed up way too late. After school yesterday I went and received my "salt glow" as part of my spa treatment (more on that later), then went to Target and Walmart, and ended up at home about 7 pm. Desiree came over and we worked on our two assignments for tonight's class. While we were working, Melissa called and then came over with two of her friends to celebrate finishing all her undergrad work (woo hoo, Melissa!!). She came over while Des and I finished our papers. Dave got home at 9:15 and started working away on the bathroom. Everyone left about 10:30 pm and I cleaned the bathroom (tupperware party is Wednesday).

Second--today is the first day of CST testing and I volunteered to coordinate and execute the purchasing snacks for multiple teachers. This morning I got to school at 7 am, hauled cereal for 200 kids for 6 days into my classroom and set it all up for the teachers to come pick it up from the hallway.

Third--I scheduled my parent yearbook camp meeting for this morning at 7:45. I guess when I scheduled it I didn't think about testing, tupperware, Mel's graduation, or anything else, because man, it couldn't be worse timing on my behalf. I have seven parents, my yearbook students, and a few siblings for the 30 minute talk about camp, rules, fundraising and money. The tupperware rep that is running our fundraiser was here and discussed how great of a fundraiser it really is (they get 40% of the sales) and how much money they have the potential for raising. The parents were eager, willing, and wonderful. They left shortly before 8:30.

Fourth--8:30 brought nervous students into my room for the first CST test of the year. We start with Math, so students were extra nervous. I went over some of the basic rules (all of which they already know), passed out cereal snacks and water cups. It is stressful to make sure you're following all the rules because breaking them means tests are invalid.

Overall my students handled the tests well and I had two hours to relax a little from the morning of stress. I'm writing this as they finish 36 basic algebra questions and stress about their little futures. Can I just say that I HATE these tests and the pressure that is put on the kids to do well!! Although that is an entire issue all together.

The week will continue to be busy.

• Tuesday night: Class
• Wednesday night: Tupperware party (you're still invited)
• Thursday night: prepare for all of my entire family to be here
• Friday day: 1/2 sub for Melissa's pinning, entire family gets here
• Saturday: Melissa graduates and her party follows

Then to Now

When we moved in... when Dave demolished the tub... and when we put the first TILES up!!

Our hall bathroom has been a major project--four months into the process, it is finally starting to look like a bathroom. The tiling has been a major undertaking. We tiled all weekend long and it still isn't done. We're still shooting to have the bathroom usable when my entire family comes for Melissa's graduation on Friday and Saturday.

Apple

I just had to show you this--this is the biggest apple I've ever seen. Dave picked a few of these beauties up for me at Vons. I weighed it this morning--4 points of apple right there (normal, small apples are one point, average size Galas are two).

Reality

Let me start this off very clearly. I am blessed to have a job next year. Clearly there are a lot of other teachers and people across the world (including Dave and my dad!) who don't have the opportunity complain about their jobs.

I've know deep down that I wasn't going to be working at Central next year for awhile. I've been trying to prepare myself by thinking about all the positives about leaving, including the main joy of going to the high school level, the possibility of teaching a larger yearbook program, etc... I've even tried telling everyone that it isn't a big deal, but truthfully, it scares me. I like control and the sense of being "in control." This situation doesn't feel like I have any sense of control.

This morning I happened to stop in to see one of our office staff, looked up on his wall and saw the master schedule for next year (who is teaching what, which periods) which he has been working on with the principal. The master schedule fascinates me, so I took a second to look it over and noticed something that made my heart sink into my stomach.

My name was on the schedule, but there were no classes attached to my name. They aren't even planning for me. I then quickly looked for the little square that said yearbook. It was attached to Susannah--she'd do great, but she doesn't want the time committment.

Bummed out, I walked slowly back to my classroom. On the way, I stopped by Susannah's room to tell her that she was listed for Publications, she then told me that Tom (my department chair) had said that maybe Maria (AVID/Spanish) would teach yearbook...

At that point, reality set in. Everyone knows that I'm not going to be at Central, I better get on the bandwagon and figure it out myself.

All day I've been thinking about all the reprocussions of moving sites, changing grade levels, breaking my heart. Stupid things come to mind like, "What will I do with all my Central clothes?" to intensely emotional things that make me cry like, "How should I tell my yearbook kids and will they be okay?"

Worse part? I won't know "for sure" until after May 15th and they really have until end of August to make it final.

Inductee

Yesterday, Des and I went to CSUSB to be inducted into the Golden Key International Honour Society. We were selected because we were in the top 2% of the student population. The ceremony was put together by undergrads who are the chapter officers. As I watched them run around doing the behind the scenes work it reminded me of my undergrad days. At the same time, it made be OVERJOYED not to be in my undergrad days :) It is really hard to believe that it in two weeks, I will have been graduated from college for FIVE years.

The officers looked so little and I felt so old... but after the ceremony was over, I got this beautiful certificate to hand on the wall in my classroom!

Des and I graduate from CSUSB on June 21st with a Masters of Arts in Education, Curriculum and Instruction. Woo-hooo! Too bad out graduate days aren't over after that :)

Tupperwear Party!

Who: You!

What: Tupperwear Cooking Party (fundraiser for CMS Yearbook)

When: Wednesday, April 29th, 6 pm

Where: My House'

Why: Have fun, eat dinner, raise money to send my kiddos to camp

Let me know if you want to come and I'll send the invite. Also, if you can't come, but you want to order something, I can mail a catalog. My kids get 20% of everything that is purchased for their camp fees (they are also selling through catalogs).

April Resolutions

I know I'm eight days late, but I've been trying to think of good resolutions that I have a high likelyhood of accomplishing. My track record hasn't been that great...

April Resolutions

• Walk up Mt. Rubidoux four times during the month of April
• Track my food honestly five days a week with the goal of seven days--post points
• Do my Master's assignments at least two days before they are due
• Feel and show "excitement" for students' progress for CSTs
• Try to create a third speed for one-on-one time with Dave (see cartoon)
• Continue recreational activites, drinking water, will/want power, and earring wearing.

Review of March Resolutions

• Every weekend do some type of recreational activity (walking to the plaza, riding my bike around, etc.): 100% success--several trips to the plaza, pet store, bank, good will, FlameBroiler on my bike and feet
• Record and POST my daily Weight Watchers journals every day: 8/31 days, FAILURE... I did lose weight those eight days, so this is still something I need to do.
• Drink two mugs of water per day while at school and more at home: 90% success--made is almost every day of the month, missed a few days because of busyiness!
• Expect high performance from my yearbook students and stop doing the work for them (no more late, late nights): FAILURE, who am I kidding, I am going to be there late even if I do expect high performance!
• Tell Dave how wonderful he is everyday: FAILURE, I'm a crummy wife

Review of February Resolutions:

• Create willpower over food. NEED HELP HERE STILL--as we learned today in the WW meeting, weight loss isn't about will power, but "will want"
• Attend CardioTennis for the 4-week session: sessions finally done and I actually made improvement as I went

Review of January On-going Resolutions:

• Wear earring to work most days. Complete success for three months! Why is this one so easy??!!??

Bunny and Dog Bonding

Both dog and buns know that I'm in charge during our bonding sessions. Reese has fully understood that she isn't allowed to bark or whine loudly at the bunnies. The buns know that they're really in charge.

We've had multiple bonding sessions over the past few days. Reese has done exceptionally well and I do believe that I might have three bunnies very soon :) Darcy and Reese have accepted each other; it is clear by his behavior that Darcy believes he is the Alpha Bun and Reese should do what he says. They sniff and circle each other until Darcy gets bored and he jumps off. Reese isn't allowed control over the situation, so she can't follow. The only agression we've seen is from Darcy and it takes the form of a lunge towards Reese.

Charlotte is a completely different issue. She moves fast and has no desire to get close to the doggie. Of course, because of her quick movements, Reese wants to play with her even more. Needless to say, they've had no interactions in our bonding sessions.

Right now the buns are napping under the blue chair and Reese is laying down looking at the chair, begging them to come out and play. It's pretty darn cute!

Wooohhhh

Why is it that some days seems to drag forever and others seem to go so fast? It always seems like the days that you want to go fast, go slow and the ones you want to go slow, go too fast! I made it to Spring Break, but SB is going soo fast!

Saturday, Desiree and I started our Masters of Educational Administration offically. We're in a cohort group that will be meeting every Tuesday (4:30-8:50) and Saturday (8:30-3:30) for the next five quarters. We are the youngest members of the cohort and appear to be the only ones who've been in school recently. Saturday's class was great, we only have to be there from 8:30 to 10:30 because we took the companion class last quarter. Dr. Jindra is teaching the class and she is my favorite professor I've had at CSUSB. Tonight we had our second class; it will be a lot of work (so much so that I already did my first assignment because I feel a bit stressed by it).

Other than Masters' stuff, I've had a great time hanging out with Tawni and Des. On Monday, I had lunch with Tawni, drove to CSUSB with Des then ate dinner at California Pizza Kitchen and saw "I love you, Man." This morning Tawni, Des, and I walked up Mt. Rubidoux with Sammy and Reese. It took a bit longer than normal, but it was fun.

Tomorrow, Melissa and I will be driving down to San Diego to get ready to go BEACH CAMPING!!

Introduction

I've begun the bonding process between the bunnies and doggie. This cool website seems to have a lot of ideas (dogmeetsbunny.blogspot.com) and after carefully reading everything I could find, I'm willing to make the effort. Right now, the bunnies are allowed in the living room and the doggie is allowed everywhere BUT the living room. Reese doesn't like it and it makes it difficult to spend time with the bunnies because the dog doesn't understand why we are in there without her.

Anyway--they've been looking at each other through the babygate for the past two weeks. Tonight, I look Reese into the living room with a very tight leash. She wasn't really allowed to move as the bunnies jumped around her. Darcy wasn't shy--he came directly us to her and smelled her nose several times. Reese was excellent, she didn't whine, jump, or scare the bunnies.

We'll continue this for awhile--not that you care, but I'll keep you posted :)

Here's the goal (minus the fact that my bunny is BIGGER than my dog)

Dog gone Bunny

We have a new family member. Her name is Reese and she wishes that she was a bunny so she could play with Darcy and Charlotte.

Dave was helping out a friend when they found Reese. She was lonely, lost, and super scared. They knocked on every door for three blocks to find her owners, but no one knew her and where she belonged. She didn't have a name tag on her collar. They called all the shelters to see if anyone had reported her; no one had. Dave brought her home (without permission!) and I was deadset on her staying at our house. The first night she slept with him in the extra bedroom and their mutal attachement was obvious. Over the next few days, she showed how well she had already been trained (house broken, sit, stay, etc).

We went to San Diego for Devin's second birthday the next weekend and she came. Reese did great with all of the kids, adults, and other dogs while there... several people fell in love with her (including my dad)!

Needless to say, after the trip I gave in and decided that she could stay. Oh, was Dave excited! She is his pal; the moment he walks in the door, she gets so excited, but still waits paticently for him to come to her. She LOVES people and really wants to play with the bunnies (but she isn't allowed to yet). She doesn't bark and only whins/crys a little bit when she wants attention.

We took her to the vet this week. According to the vet, she is probably between 1.5-2 years old and is a mix of mini-pinscher and chihuahuas. She weights less than Darcy! The vet gave her several shots and checked her overall health.

Melissa named her Reese because she looks like a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup and we thought that the name went well with Mr. Darcy and Charlotte.

Easter Suprise

The door alerted them that something was up...

Then they starting seeing eggs all around, questions are swirling around, curious minds are working...

"Man, they are everwhere Mrs. Pfeffer!" "I see one, I see one!!"

Darcy made a visit or two, visiting with students who eagerly pet him.

When they were finally allowed to "hunt" an egg, they found this... my version of scrambled eggs. Each team was only allowed to find one color and inside wasn't sugary goodness, just hard vocabulary words.

"Aww, come on, Mrs. Pfeffer... that's not cool," whin a few inconsiderate kiddos.

"Unscramble the egg," I say in return. They quickly decide that they do, indeed know the meaning and definitions and call me over to see this...

"Yes! Go find another one!" I say with glee... and off they go to find another egg, unscramble it, and get another yes. After egg one, you'd never guess we were doing work... this can't be school, we're having way too much fun!

Of course, because I'm a nice teacher this also followed the Easter Bunnies visit :)

Lack of Blogging

I haven't been blogging very regularly, sorry. I'm behind in everything, including my blog. Spring Break is coming and I have to be caught up by then so I can relax because the REAL stress comes after we come back from S.B.


What's left before then, you ask?

• 28 class periods to teach


• 3 periods of packets to grade (90+ packets of work)


• 162 short answer tests to grade


• 2 weeks worth of Caught 'yas (that's 300+ pieces of paper)


• 2 socratic seminars to hold and grade (with the GATE kids)


• 2 more late nights at school (Band concert and Awards night, last night was Open House)


• 45 yearbook pages to final proof and return

Here's how I feel when I grade

Wedding Photography

Today I photographed a wedding for a friend's brother. It was a small, intimate ceremony and reception with a very laid back couple. They had very little expectations from me (thankfully) and probably wouldn't have even had a photographer if my friend and her step-mom hadn't insisted. I LOVED the experience and I feel like I got some great shots--the bride capativated my lens. As laid back as they were, I'm hoping that I don't disappoint too much.

I'm so glad to shoot in digital and have the benefit of Adobe Photoshop CS3 when I get home! Tawni, I'm sorry I wasn't better back when you got married... I'm sure I could enhance some of the images you have on CD now :)

A day at home

Trying to kick my sickness away, I spent the day at home. It was interesting... my bunnies crack me up. Darcy is calm and likes to sit... Charlotte never stops moving, and even when she lays down it is only for a short second. She jumps right on top of Darcy. They want to be near each other, but I can't see how he doesn't want to kill her everytime he wakes her up. When they are in their cage, they sleep, when they are outside of the cage, Darcy sleeps and Charlotte jumps!

Charlotte is getting big, but still likes to cuddle. They both think that it is fun to eat plaster off the walls and bite my socks/slippers.

Dave was home working away on the new bathroom. He's doing something with the plumbing and goes from whisling one of three sounds to getting angry every thirty seconds or so... it is interesting to listen to.

My neighbors hang out and talk to each other outside during the day. The mailman (who is very nice) stopped for a cookie and milk with Jake, the two year old who lives on the other side of the street. I've seen four older couples ride their beach cruisers down the street and very, very few cars.

Happy St. Patrick's Day (late)

Last night, Rachel made her traditional Irish dinner for us girls. She makes it every year and I'm going to let her keep making it for me as long as she offers! St. Patrick's Day is a big deal to Rachel and I love every minute of the food; she made corn beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots, asparagus, jello pears, and thin mint-green chocolate brownies. Yummy! The most entertaining part of the night for me what that Brendan, Sammy, and Mercy were all there in their green. For most of dinner Brendan yelled at us (he broken his second tooth last night), Sammy talked, and Mercy wanted in and out of her chair about ten times. All of the girls talked on and over the babies, Rachel, Tawni, and Casey feeding the children and eating at the same time.

Anyway--we took a ton of pictures of the three kiddos together, but here is one of Sam and I.

Pink Slip

You'd have to be living under a rock to not be aware of the budget crisis in the state of California. You'd also probably have to put great distance between yourself and any part of education to know that the budget crisis is having a major impact on school as we know it. For the past several months (and last year too) every newer teacher in the state has been worried about a dreaded pink slip or RIF notice deadline of March 15th (this year March 13th because of the weekend). Schools, both public and private, have seen such cuts in funding over the past two years that there is no way to cut more money without cutting people. Junior colleges, Cal States and UCs are also being effected.


RUSD scrapped by last year without losing many teachers (and even hired more mid-October!). This year will be a different situation. Last night, at the Board meeting, they approved 316 RIF notices that will need to be sent out before Friday. The general consenses seems to be that every first or second year teacher will receive one, along with teachers on special assignments (all those literacy coaches, district specialists, etc).

I know that Central will be losing at least one Language Arts teacher, possibly more due to class size "un-reduction" and loss of double block periods for under performing students. I happen to be the newest teacher in the department so I figured that I would be getting a pink slip. I was somewhat assured when I saw the district seniority list and my ranking of 487 (meaning 486 teachers were below me), but the stress is still there and my hair is still falling out.

This afternoon my principal came into my tutoring session to let me know that I am not on the RIF list; in fact, no one in my entire department at CMS is either. Good news is that I'll have a job. As he turned and walked out the door, he added, "Now we wait until after May 15th to see where your job is at..."

On a related note, I was intrigued as I read President Obama's first public speech about education reform. Most of you know, I don't particularly like him or his politics, but I was impressed that he was willing to stand up and say some wildly unpopular things for the Democratic party.

Interesting statements he made that will surely offend the Dems and the Teacher Unions who paid, in part, to elect him (in no particular order);

• There is a mass of teachers who are undertrained and thus performing poorly
• Bad teachers, reguardless of seniority, need to be out of the classroom
• Teachers should be paid on based on merit
• Our school year and day is not long enough
• Our textbooks aren't challanging enough to compete with other nations
• Our state standards are not focusing on what it important for our future generations
• We will "fund" the mandate of NCLB properly (yeah, right, like to see that one happen)

Steamy

I love simply veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, squash, and many others. Growing up, my parents always had veggies with our meals and even as a small child, I ate them with a bit of butter and salt. Melissa didn't like them, but then again, she didn't like much of anything. We always had steamed veggies--my parents used one of these beauties--->

After awhile it started to rust and my grandparents decided that my parents needed a "real" steamer and they bought them a fancy, electronic steamer for Christmas. It was wonderful. We continued to eat steamed veggies at almost every meal. When I went to college, I got my own metal beauty and used it for several years. When we got married, I registered and recieved my own fancy, electronic version that Dave and I use pretty much every time we eat at home. It cooks veggies, fish, chicken, rice, and pretty much anything else you could decide to steam (although, we've only used it to make veggies). It fits enough veggies for six people using one layer--a pure beauty.

That being said--tonight I'm eating alone because Dave's at class and because I ate A LOT of points at lunch, I decided that I'd eat a bit of chicken and lots of veggies for dinner. Awhile back, Vons was having a special on the bags of prewashed, precut veggies so I purchased them. Tonight, I decided to follow the "steam in the bag" directions instead of using my pretty beauty.

Overall I wasn't impressed. It took half the time, but the veggies were mushy and I put them in for LESS time than suggested (I did it for 3 minutes, it suggested 4.5-5 mintues). I think that if I ever neglected my beauty again, I'd put it in for even less time... but I think I'll just stick to my beauty, the steamer.

Today's story

Sixth period today Mrs. Pfeffer was walking across the classroom carrying the poster paper and several markers. Yearbook students were working in groups finishing their trimester assessment project. As she tries to wiggle between the white board and a group of unsuspecting students, she steps on the edge of Micheal's backpack. The immediate thought of failing crosses her mind, but she quickly tries to right her body without dropping her load. Instead of her attempts helping, it is immediately clear to Mrs. Pfeffer that she will ultimately fall to the ground and drop everything causing a scene and gathering the attention of all twenty-seven consciencely working students. Rather than falling all the way to the ground, Micheal (who's backpack caused the whole silly fall in the first time) broke her fall. Tackling Micheal in his chair, Mrs. Pfeffer didn't make it to the carpet. She walked away with a bruised shin and a great story about tackling a student to the group. Micheal, on the other hand, is traumatized that his teacher was practically tacking him.

Food Journals

To correctly follow my March resolutions and work this WW plan the way it is suppose to be worked, I've created a blog simply for the food journals. If you care, they are available here.

Up the mountain

Tonight Des and I walked up and down Mt. Rubidoux for the first time. Our plan is to try to get up as many times as we can each week. We gave ourself a mini-goal of ten times. When we get there we are going to buy new college sweatshirts.

The last time I walked up the silly mountain, I weighed close to 275 pounds. I hated every minute of it and questioned if I would die before the cross appeared at the top. This time I weigh 184 and I didn't particularly like it, but I wasn't worried about dying!

We did decide that there should be bathrooms at the top and we need kleenex in our pockets! We've already planned to go up again on Saturday afternoon.

March Resolutions

I truly can't believe that it is March already!

Continuing my monthly resolutions trend for 2009, here are my thought about this month's goals.

1. Every weekend do some type of recreational activity (walking to the plaza, riding my bike around, etc.)


2. Record and POST my daily Weight Watchers journals every day


3. Drink two mugs of water per day while at school and more at home


4. Expect high performance from my yearbook students and stop doing the work for them (no more late, late nights).


5. Tell Dave how wonderful he is everyday.

Review of February Resolutions:

1. Create willpower over food. Limit myself without other people limiting themselves. So-so results—limiting eating out helped, but I still have a long way to go


2. Attend CardioTennis for the 4-week session (February Fridays) and walk one day a week around my neighborhood Only got to go to CardioTennis once because of the rain and freezing weather—three more to go during March. Rode by bike once and went on one long walk.


3. Keep my desk more organized at work and eliminate half of the piles that grow as they grow. So-so success—I’d say I had a clean desk half the time for the month of February


4. Communicate my expectations clearly and ahead of time with Dave. Ongoing practice

Review of January On-going Resolutions:

1. Wear earring to work most days. Complete success! I missed one day (since Jan. 1st) this past week, but my students said that my little stud earrings counted J

Read the rest of my resolutions here and here.

buns

My baby bunny is getting bigger :) Here is a picture of her in the same mug from 15 days ago, she needs my hand in keep her in the mug now because she is SO big!

Darcy and Charlotte are great friends. When he is out before her, he goes over to her cage and sniffs through the front wire gate. It is adorable!