JULY W.I.S.H. Challenge - Summer of Positive Change

[Summer2018]

I'm motivated by starting to feel more like myself.

I'm beginning to feel more normal for the first time since the end of May. Mouth pain is lessening. No side effects from antibiotics or thrush medication. (I'm monitoring my mouth closely for a reoccurrence.) No GERD symptoms...nausea...coughing...burning...throat pain...loss of voice...at one point, the acid coming up from my stomach was so bad, I had no voice at all for 5 days. I can eat more normally, but I know that I won't be eating a steak for a long time lol.

I got a very negative email from HR this morning basically stating that they can't help me. Wow. Thanks. So I forwarded the very unhelpful email to my principal and detailed my needs based on my severe asthma condition...how I would not only need to stay 6+ feet away from students and colleagues, but would need to wear a mask and take frequent mask breaks. I don't even have time to take a bathroom break. Where and how would I take mask breaks? Anyway, since the majority of my job involves close contact with students, my doctor prefers I do remote teaching from home. I'm hoping that she will have answers for me since HR has dropped the ball. My union is concentrating more on protesting than advocating for individual teachers at the moment, which I understand.

Praying for a miracle.

Update: My principal really disappointed me with an answer that the superintendent instructed her to give..."Follow up with HR and copy the union on correspondence." So, no help whatsoever. That tells me that the reopening negotiations have not gone in my favor. It appears they are not providing the opportunity for teachers with underlying conditions to teach from home. It looks like my only option is FMLA, and that can be denied so...I emailed my union again, detailed everything, and we will see. I very well may end up hiding at my desk all year with a partition around it while I tell the little ones to "stay in your seat; put on your mask; don't hug your friend; sit down now."

Oh. My. God.

Update #2

I spoke with a colleague who is in the same position as me. She got nowhere with HR and actually contacted a friend in the private sector who is an HR director and got a lot of info. ADA applies in my case because of Covid. It will force the school system to accommodate my needs.

The superintendent doesn't trust teachers to teach from home. So, if I teach remotely, I will have to do it in a school building somewhere in a less safe area of the city. There's no guaranteeing my position if I teach remotely this year. I have worked very hard for this position in this new building with these awesome administrators and faculty. I could easily end up in a much less savory position.

If I teach in my classroom with accommodations, at least I have my things, my own bathroom, etc. I'm already considering buying plexiglass shields for my desk. I already have face shields. I wouldn't be risking my job. I'm trying to mentally prepare myself for going back now.

Whatever I do, I have to be very careful that I don't do something that ruins my remaining 7 years of teaching.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Topic Tuesday - Healthy Snacks!!

I'm getting bored, bored, bored with my afternoon snack options lately. Anyone have some healthy ideas to share??

 

[Summer2018]

Frozen pitted cherries.

They are very sweet on their own and really delicious frozen especially in this heat. The nice thing is because they are in the freezer, they don't spoil.

 

[MickeyMom76]

Topic Tuesday - Healthy Snacks!!

I'm getting bored, bored, bored with my afternoon snack options lately. Anyone have some healthy ideas to share??

SAME! I am usually a creature of habit who has no problem eating the same thing every day. But I haven’t found good snacks that I’m happy eating repeatedly and don’t mind preparing. I tend to go to carrots and grapes (not together). I’m trying to get more variations of fruits and veggies and I also tried hummus with the carrots, but I don’t love it enough to eat it every day. I also got a trail mix that I like, but I’m pretty sure there’s more sugars in it than I’d like. And I usually want to eat a lot more than I should.

I did see a watermelon slushy that was just frozen watermelon, a squeeze of lime, and ice cold water blended together. I was planning on trying that next week!

 

[sjrec]

I am, too! I’m usually looking for something around 3:00.
I do like my grocery store’s organic salsa in a jar-I count out a half dozen Scoops and some celery or carrots. Or those Laughing Cow wedges. I just have to add a vegetable to make a bigger plate! Those small cherry tomatoes are coming in now and they’re delicious.
Something I saw in a magazine but haven’t tried yet-Fruit smoothie
Whirl in your blender:
1 1/2 cups frozen blueberries (or any other berries you like)
1/2 can (or about 6 oz) similarly flavored sparkling water

 

[sjrec]

SAME! I am usually a creature of habit who has no problem eating the same thing every day. But I haven’t found good snacks that I’m happy eating repeatedly and don’t mind preparing. I tend to go to carrots and grapes (not together). I’m trying to get more variations of fruits and veggies and I also tried hummus with the carrots, but I don’t love it enough to eat it every day. I also got a trail mix that I like, but I’m pretty sure there’s more sugars in it than I’d like. And I usually want to eat a lot more than I should.

I did see a watermelon slushy that was just frozen watermelon, a squeeze of lime, and ice cold water blended together. I was planning on trying that next week!

What if you used lime or watermelon flavored sparkling water?? I’m definitely trying this!

 

[PollyannaMom]

I am, too! I’m usually looking for something around 3:00.

3:00 is our snack time too! My phone has learned not to auto-correct "threesies" anymore.

 

[Oneanne]

I've been all over the place with snacking lately. I need to get back to reaching for things like part of an apple and some peanut butter. Grapes were good here for a while, but have been iffy lately. Local cherries are still pretty good, but I've had so many I've kind of lost interest. I was having a breakfast bar for my 3pm snack then quit thinking it was a calorie bomb, but when I was having them I was losing weight so maybe it wasn't such a bad choice after all.

So I'm frustrated with Disney right now. My masks finally came and like everyone else the medium adult size is actually more appropriate for infants. I had tried to cancel the order, but could not find a way to do it. Yesterday I was looking around for a way to request a refund (you can't return them), and can't find how to do that either. First and last time I order thru Shop Disney. And to add to the burn, now ads for the masks are popping up because I looked at them yesterday to confirm the posted dimensions... and they've changed all the sizing, most likely from all the complaints.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I was having a breakfast bar for my 3pm snack then quit thinking it was a calorie bomb, but when I was having them I was losing weight so maybe it wasn't such a bad choice after all.

I think you're right. Calories at 3pm are probably not as damaging as the extra ones you'll eat at dinner if you're starving by then because you skipped snack.

 

[Summer2018]

I've been all over the place with snacking lately. I need to get back to reaching for things like part of an apple and some peanut butter. Grapes were good here for a while, but have been iffy lately. Local cherries are still pretty good, but I've had so many I've kind of lost interest. I was having a breakfast bar for my 3pm snack then quit thinking it was a calorie bomb, but when I was having them I was losing weight so maybe it wasn't such a bad choice after all.

So I'm frustrated with Disney right now. My masks finally came and like everyone else the medium adult size is actually more appropriate for infants. I had tried to cancel the order, but could not find a way to do it. Yesterday I was looking around for a way to request a refund (you can't return them), and can't find how to do that either. First and last time I order thru Shop Disney. And to add to the burn, now ads for the masks are popping up because I looked at them yesterday to confirm the posted dimensions... and they've changed all the sizing, most likely from all the complaints.

I ordered all large in several styles. None of them fit DH. A few fit me. All of them fit DD, but she's tiny. The navy blue Mickey is the biggest one and the one I wear the most. I was going to order again now that the XL are out, but I decided to order a box of disposable ones instead since they are more tolerable in the extreme heat.

 

[gardenrooms]

I like fresh peas (in the pod) as a snack. Started eating them waaaaay back when my son was playing pony baseball. He and his friends liked 'em too when they joined me in the stands while we watched other games. It was my substitute for peanuts. When they are available they still are my baseball snack. You get peanut-like action at about 1/4 the calories. I also like canned artichoke bottoms if you get a good brand. (The first ones I got from Safeway, their brand, were really good - almost sweet and very tender and only 60 calories they say for the whole can - but the more recent ones I bought are horrible and unfortunately I stocked up. Much to my dismay, they all have the same lot number. Ugh.) And I like pickled beets which also apparently are good for your blood pressure.

 

[gardenrooms]

Update #2

I spoke with a colleague who is in the same position as me. She got nowhere with HR and actually contacted a friend in the private sector who is an HR director and got a lot of info. ADA applies in my case because of Covid. It will force the school system to accommodate my needs.

The superintendent doesn't trust teachers to teach from home. So, if I teach remotely, I will have to do it in a school building somewhere in a less safe area of the city. There's no guaranteeing my position if I teach remotely this year. I have worked very hard for this position in this new building with these awesome administrators and faculty. I could easily end up in a much less savory position.

If I teach in my classroom with accommodations, at least I have my things, my own bathroom, etc. I'm already considering buying plexiglass shields for my desk. I already have face shields. I wouldn't be risking my job. I'm trying to mentally prepare myself for going back now.

Whatever I do, I have to be very careful that I don't do something that ruins my remaining 7 years of teaching.

Glad you found some support. I spent most of today writing more emails. We have another special Board Meeting tomorrow. So, more emails, and this is the first time we will be able to comment live (Zoom) as well as just submitting comments online for someone else to read (and not very well). It's going to be a long night.

 

[4Mickeys]

Could you get tested a few days after returning so the kids wouldn’t miss as much of their practices?

I think the problem with that is that sometimes people come up negative but then later positive - that is also why they try to give 14 days for symptoms to appear - but of course all bets are off with asymptomatic people - eeek

Praying for a miracle.

Oh no @Summer2018 - I am sorry you are having this difficulty - it really is a hard place to be. I know over here they kept narrowing the parameters for 'vulnerable'.

Sorry I have been MIA for a couple of days - had a headache all day yesterday. So update - is not all that much - Dr wants an MRI of brain and neck - he was frustrated that the GP did not order one back when I had the suspected TIA 20 months ago - I asked the GP then but they resisted and said wait for the specialist to order tests he wants aagghhh - health systems can be so frustrating. Anyway he seemed confident that he was not overly concerned and felt that aura migraine was more likely than TIA. In relation to current issue - he confirmed he felt muscle strain was interferring with vestibular system causing the disequilibrium. He did say that I may have been more susceptible due to hormones (peri-menopause), auras, and blood sugar fluctations. He said to do more muscle strengthening - to assist with blood glucose management - and obviously to just build strength so they can cope with the demands I place on them - but also for age as we lose about 8% of muscle each decade after 40 I think he said - so it then contributes to blood glucose and other issues.

So long story to say that he was reassuring but now just waiting on MRI appointment.

@Piglett1979 - hope DD is doing a little better this week


WooHoo Wednesday - this morning I did a 5 minute walk around outside and I didn't feel like I was on a boat

Not so woohoo some completely awful irresponsible young women broke our states Covid border laws - went to a state that is banned - gave false names and provided false declarations on re-entering my state and - after 8 days of going to work and about their business tested positive for COVID - one works at a school as a cleaner !!!! Already one of their close contacts has tested postiive - so am expecting a cluster outbreak in our state - they are about 90 minutes from where I live - so hoping it stays down their way. But we have done so well in our state with 0 community cases for quite some time now - that it is just awful. Police are investigating and I hope they get jail time - selfish girls who were apparently up to no good in the other state anyway trying to steal high end clothes!

 

[PollyannaMom]

It's WooHoo Wednesday! - What are you celebrating?

 

[Summer2018]

"Sorry I have been MIA for a couple of days - had a headache all day yesterday. So update - is not all that much - Dr wants an MRI of brain and neck - he was frustrated that the GP did not order one back when I had the suspected TIA 20 months ago - I asked the GP then but they resisted and said wait for the specialist to order tests he wants aagghhh - health systems can be so frustrating. Anyway he seemed confident that he was not overly concerned and felt that aura migraine was more likely than TIA. In relation to current issue - he confirmed he felt muscle strain was interferring with vestibular system causing the disequilibrium. He did say that I may have been more susceptible due to hormones (peri-menopause), auras, and blood sugar fluctations. He said to do more muscle strengthening - to assist with blood glucose management - and obviously to just build strength so they can cope with the demands I place on them - but also for age as we lose about 8% of muscle each decade after 40 I think he said - so it then contributes to blood glucose and other issues."

I'm glad that your Neurologist is giving you answers. In my experience, I've gotten much more help from my specialists than my GP.

"Oh no @Summer2018 - I am sorry you are having this difficulty - it really is a hard place to be. I know over here they kept narrowing the parameters for 'vulnerable'."

Thanks. I had a long talk with my assistant. She really doesn't want to lose me and seems willing to handle the close-contact situations. The more I consider teaching in some random room in some random building in a scary part of the city, I get sick to my stomach, especially because they are not guaranteeing that I would get my classroom back the following year. If my assistant is willing to handle the hands-on tasks, I can teach from the front of the room and physically distance myself from the kids. I purchased three plexiglass screens for my desk, social distance footprint stickers, and more disposable masks. I already have face shields. I have a closet where we store the napping cots and shelves of supplies. It has a window that opens about 6 inches. I could keep a chair and table there and use it for mask breaks and lunch. We get one special a day, so I would be able to take two 30 minute breaks away from the kids in a 7 hour day. I have a window next to my desk that opens about 6 inches as well which I will leave open at all times. Since I'm not allowed to teach from home, being in my own classroom with my supplies and having the help from my assistant, I might be better off than another remote location. The survey results from my union show that 100% of teachers want to do remote teaching all year, but if we are forced to go back to school, 95% support a hybrid model, cutting our class numbers in half, with group A & B attending two days and remote teaching on Fridays. The protest is tomorrow, and I'm hoping that superintendents respond by going with the hybrid model instead of a full opening which would be immensely difficult for everyone especially the over-crowded high schools. (These teachers have a whole other level of worries dealing with gangs and drugs.)

Woo Hoo!...there's still enough summer left to enjoy and accomplish things at home before it hits the fan!

 

[Oneanne]

What am I celebrating today...

... my fuzzy little officemate, who sleeps most of the day and isn't very good at typing but sure is cute.

... over all my feet are much better, I've even had extended periods where I didn't think about them, which would indicate they weren't bothering me. I tried going two weeks between acupuncture appointments, so I could stretch my covered visits out, and that seems to have worked well.

... I've figured out how to interpret the local covid numbers and have started focussing on just the percentage of positive cases... the county is consistently around 5% and the city is around 3%. So it does appear that we've flattened the curve again, but it is way too high, so still need to be vigilant and thoughtful.

 

[piglet1979]

Update: My principal really disappointed me with an answer that the superintendent instructed her to give..."Follow up with HR and copy the union on correspondence." So, no help whatsoever. That tells me that the reopening negotiations have not gone in my favor. It appears they are not providing the opportunity for teachers with underlying conditions to teach from home. It looks like my only option is FMLA, and that can be denied so...I emailed my union again, detailed everything, and we will see. I very well may end up hiding at my desk all year with a partition around it while I tell the little ones to "stay in your seat; put on your mask; don't hug your friend; sit

This situation stinks. We have the choice here for 5 days in school or 5 days virtual. My kids are staying home. They teachers in the district will be teaching the online classes unlike some other districts that are out sourcing it. I did hear that they are giving online preference to anyone that is high risk. Age does not count. I feel teachers are in such a bad spot right now. The Ohio teachers union is fighting the school districts and trying to get them to only do online. 3 of the biggest districts in Ohio (Cleveland, Columbus and Akron) will be only online the first 9 weeks with Cleveland also saying no sports. I hope things start to get better for you with your district.

 

[piglet1979]

Thank you everyone for the kind words. They helped me a lot. Sometimes I can feel like a bad mom when things go down hill with DD. She seems to be doing much better this week. She sees Molly again on Saturday. I have done some ready on what I can do to help her and more of what to watch for. In teens I read that they can fake being happy but they are not deep down or they can seem happy because in that moment they are but it can change. She is talking much more with friends right now so i think that is helping. I was telling my husband when this started that I was really happy that 3 years of therapy is paying off. This was the first time she was able to recognize what her feeling were and was able to voice them to me. We are treating her the same but asking her to do more stuff with us.

So I have 2 woohoos today. None being a weight lose thing. That has been really bad lately. But I am woohoo that DD seems to be happier right now. and 2. Today is my birthday. No plans to celebrate though. We normally go out to eat but we are not doing that yet. So just a nice quiet day working and being at home.

 

[Summer2018]

Lunch:
Spinach, Romaine lettuce, carrots, frozen raspberries, frozen blueberries, vanilla Iconic protein shake. Yum!

 

[Summer2018]

Thank you everyone for the kind words. They helped me a lot. Sometimes I can feel like a bad mom when things go down hill with DD. She seems to be doing much better this week. She sees Molly again on Saturday. I have done some ready on what I can do to help her and more of what to watch for. In teens I read that they can fake being happy but they are not deep down or they can seem happy because in that moment they are but it can change. She is talking much more with friends right now so i think that is helping. I was telling my husband when this started that I was really happy that 3 years of therapy is paying off. This was the first time she was able to recognize what her feeling were and was able to voice them to me. We are treating her the same but asking her to do more stuff with us.

So I have 2 woohoos today. None being a weight lose thing. That has been really bad lately. But I am woohoo that DD seems to be happier right now. and 2. Today is my birthday. No plans to celebrate though. We normally go out to eat but we are not doing that yet. So just a nice quiet day working and being at home.