#GIRLBYE

Greetings! I'm still FAT. BYE. HA HA! 

HALLELUYER! SUMMER STAYCATION FINALLY ARRIVED!

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, my second year as a Special Education teacher finally came to a close...and not soon enough.

 I enjoy my job, coworkers, and the school, but I needed a break! I knew I needed a break when...

• I knew I needed a break when...I  descended down the stairs one morning dressed for work and my kids asked, " Are you going to work today?" I took that as ...DANG, you look like crap today Mom. As the end of the year neared my clothes got bigger and bigger. So, most of the time I went to work wearing my baggy old big girl clothes.

• I knew I needed a break when...most of my morning ritual, such as eating breakfast and moisturizing my face started to occur in the car (not while driving of course). One morning I moisturized my face before rolling through the toll...business as usual. When I reached the next red light I pulled the visor down to shield my eyes from the sun. I happened to glance at my reflection in the mirror and noticed a huge glob of lotion on my face. The toll lady said nothing!

• I knew I needed a break when...it took 3 alarms to wake me up in the morning: my alarm clock, my cell phone, and an iTouch alarm clock app. Every time each  alarm sounded I hit the snooze button. For next year I might purchase Clocky, an alarm clock my Mom told me about. Check out Clocky...for the morning impaired!

So now that staycation arrived...now what? What's the plan Stan? *blank stare...crickets chirping*  After much consideration, I plan to use the summer as a jumping off point for getting back and staying on track. So first things first I think I need to make some summer goals:

Food

• Cook 80% of my meals and try at least 3 new recipes each week. I found several new recipes I want to try in one of my favorite cookbooks.

 You can find some of the recipes in the book online. One of my favorites...Stuffed French Toast Sundaes. Next time I make these I might use yogurt instead of ricotta cheese. Want the recipe...click here.

• Another summer food goal, incorporate a fruit and veggie with every meal.

Exercise

• I want to exercise everyday, but realistically 30 minutes of something daily will suffice.
• Continue to train for my next 5K by running @ least 3 days a week.
• Weight train @ least 2 days weekly

Okay, I just spent the last 30 minutes fighting & yelling at the AT&T troubleshooting computer. I loathe talking to computers. Can I speak to a real person please? For whatever reason my Internet keeps malfunctioning, AND I lost part of this post. So with that being said...well written, I am wrapping up this bad boy. Okay, so back to the post...

I decided to set only a few goals; whereas, too many goals overwhelm me. BUT, first things first I need  must plan a weekly menu to serve as my guide. I find in life, I need guidance or disaster follows. After menu planning...grocery shopping. I found some great deals in the sales paper this week: cherries $1.88, strawberries $1.38,  and peaches $.87. Once again, why is there no cents key on the keyboard? 

Anyway, HELLO SUMMA STAYCATION...I am so  looking forward to spending more time cooking and in the gym...not really.

What is your favorite summer recipe?

1 DAY & COUNTING!

1 MORE DAY UNTIL SUMMER STAYCATION!! I teach, so I usually spend the last few days of school closing out the year and packing up my classroom. Packing up means storing all equipment and materials and pushing the big ticket items to one side of the room. 

 (pics from last year)

Tonight, I utilized my blogging time to complete forms as well as other paperwork. I just wanted to check in and thank those of you who participated in TOOT TOOT Tuesday. I tried to respond to all comments before my Blackberry malfunctioned and erased all unsaved emails. I plan to resume a regular posting schedule on Monday. Why Monday you ask:

• Thursday: complete remaining paperwork
• Friday: END OF THE YEAR HAPPY HOUR
• Saturday: WW Meeting, Kid's Rehearsal, Graduation Party
• Sunday: Weight Watchers 5K Walk
• Monday: Shopping with Mom and God Mother

Phew...just writing down all of those events and festivities made me tired. Until then, I bid you adieu...

Any teachers out there...When is your last day? To all bloggers, tell me about your plans for the summer.

Got Milk?

I broke my promise. I intended to provide a day by day countdown of the final days as a first year teacher, but my blogging fell by the wayside. Any who...Day 7 Festivities...Career Day

Dairy farming anyone...anyone?

I failed to exercise on the last few days of school, but the daunting task of shutting down my classroom provided some much needed activity....so all was not lost. We moved EVERY piece of furniture to the back of the classroom, and ALL manipulatives and materials found their perspective "summer home." Take a look at the cute red bookshelf. The teacher across the pod from me received a promotion and she gave me the Spot bookshelf, white shelf and the small brown bookcase in the picture. Since I will be teaching Kinder next year, the much needed furniture is so appreciated. Congrats to me! I am super psyched about teaching Kinder instead of Special Ed. I plan to write a blog detailing my first year as a Kinder teacher.

7 Days....

How I spent day 8...

Today the kids enjoyed an afternoon packed full of fun in the sun...and I did too! I ended my day with my favorite summer treat from McDonald's (3 pts.)...

...And yes, I will post a countdown blog daily! I started yesterday, and plan to continue until June 6th. Yes, SATURDAY June 6th is my last day...yes SATURDAY (suck much? Not complaining...grateful to be gainfully employed!). Until then...7 days and counting!

Countdown to Summer Vacate...8 Days Left

As a first year teacher, I am SO looking forward to my first summer OFF! My summer plans include the following:

CHILLIN'!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and

SLEEPING!!!!!!!!!!!

These pictures, courtesy of our field trip today to Bayou Wildlife Park, basically sum up my plans in a nutshell. Of course, I plan to throw in some activity. Until then...8 days and counting...

A few more pics from the field trip:

A goat...looking for a lil' snack. How bout some buttons?

Sally the Camel...she got a lil' to close for comfort...WAY TO CLOSE!

The newest addition to the wildlife park.