Laurie's journal - Atkins plan (comments welcome)

[Strings]

Hi Laurie,

So are you still with your head above water? I think you are doing a great job keeping things in balance.

300+ trick or treater is incredible. We get about 75. That is plenty as far as I am concerned.

Take care of yourself.
Beth

 

[LAinSEA]

OK, the candy supply lasted through the onslaught on Sunday night...but there are some leftovers and they are my downfall. Oh I have missed chocolat and I will just have to take it into work and dump it in the newsroom. Those guys will eat anthing! (If I can pry it away from DH - he was actually cherry picking the candy and setting aside the stuff he likes so that it would be left over.)

I spent all-day on Sunday on developing a 20 minute lesson plan that I thought I was suppose to post to my learning team and get feedback - and provide feedback for them as well. Turned out that assignment got combined with our end of class paper and I didn't need to do the plan so soon. Well, I wasn't the only classmate confused...We are on track for our large team project due this Thursday. This week will be crazy both for the end of school and work. I have my teacher observation tomorrow and will then refine my own lesson plan to sync with the teacher I'm observing. I have to teach a portion of the lesson tomorrow that I'm observing and Ms. Berlin says she'll just give me my specs and let me go to it with her honors class. Then I'll be off to work for the first night of our new debut show.

What a mess this new show is! We swiched over graphics equipment between the late Detroit and Northwest shows on Saturday (Although I used the new equipment for the Detroit show also and "flew blind".) The crossover took almost an hour and then we had less than 15 minutes to make sure everything was OK for broadcast. We are still missing some elements for the show tomorrow from Los Angeles...who knows if they will be there in time. Sunday, the equipment wouldn't start up and I almost had to go in. I managed to work with Katie over the phone and couple of re-boots later it was up and working. They had issues again last night and I was on the phone again explaining how to operate things. I got a call today asking where I was...and I had to re-explain that I was caught up on what I need to accomplish and would be in for the start of my shift tomorrow to load any extra elements and build another animation they want but is a really bad idea from what I can tell.

Foodwise - OK except for the dreaded candy.

Exercise - non existant - it just poored last night and mom and I couldn't walk without getting too soaked. I helped her mount her classes art projects for display instead.

It was pooring and cold again today - so folding laundry is about the only physical acitivity I've had - oh and typing on school stuff. Well just another 8 days of class and a break for a week.

 

[Strings]

Laurie,

Keep treadding water sweetie. I think you need to add some countdown timers. You can have a timer for each class. 7 days left before a break that you definately deserve. I'm sorry that work is so horrible right now. Just do what you are paid for. If they want more of your time, they can pay for it.

How's DH?

Enjoy yout time in the classroom, teach.

Take care,
Beth

 

[LAinSEA]

I am so ready for a week of "me" time. I've been giving a heads up on the next class by one of my team members. It seems that it will be quite intense, very much like the 6 week development class was. It is also 6 weeks and perhaps, as my teammate suggested, that 6 week classes should be given 8 weeks instead of 6. That would make sense - as these 4 week classes are the equivalent of a quarter at a regular college, but the 6 week classes are equivalent to 2 quarters.

Still not enough time for excercise. It has not helped that now I'm stressed and overtired. I do not sleep well in this state. It seems that the more exhausted I am, the less I can just collaspe and really rest. My mother said she thinks its a lot like "new mother syndrome" - I'm hyped up waiting for something to happen.

I have been on plan foodwise, thanks to DH. He is still not getting anywhere on the job search. If the economy has turned around, it has skipped Washington State.

I'm still waiting on new PAP test results...I had to wait another week before getting the test re-done. The new study hasn't started yet, so I haven't started back on BC. I'm sure missing the even keel emotional attributes of being on consecutive BC...totally took care of D-zone, emotional eating, keeping my temper etc.

 

[Strings]

Wow Laurie,

You have been working so hard. I hope that your plans for between classes includes lots of rest, and an evening out with DH.

I hope the results come soon. It will be one less thing to worry about.

Have a good weekend. I'm sending you extra ti help you wrap up the class.
Beth

 

[LAinSEA]

Thanks for the magic Beth - I'm nearly done with this class and I just posted my last two papers. I do have to admit that they are not my best effort, but they are done. I now have only participation and my weekly summary due tomorrow.

I have not been a good girl foodwise - too much chocolate still around from Halloween...Oh well tomorrow is another day, as my girl Scarlet always says.

DH did his best to keep out of my way and to keep Niko from disturbing me also. Tilda just loves to sleep the day away in her snuggle ring this time of year. Niko shredded and ate the papers I printed off for research and tried his paw at typing numerous times today. I'm sorry Dog lovers out there, this kitten is more puppy than feline at times. Well he definitely makes sure I get up and take breaks often from the computer.

No excercise to report either. Normally, my mother and I walk on Monday nights while the guys play basketball. My parents had a guest this week down from Alaska. Their church set them up with a lady who was down for eye surgery this week and needed a place to stay after surgery, a checkup and before heading back to her home. She lives in Juneau. She is quite hardy but lost all of her toes to staph infection some years ago. A good walk was out of the question. We did hit every "dollar store" within about 30 minutes, however.

I'm still looking for educational research ideas for my next class. After observing the 8th grade social studies class again, I am leaning towards trying to find a teaching opportunity that would allow me combine language arts with social studies - or interdisciplinary teaching as the industry calls it. These students are so involved with learning about history that it is inspiring. It is really terrible that because of No Child Left Behind and its focus on testing for core subjects (reading, writing, math and sometimes science) that other subjects that really help students learn to reason and think for themselves - like social studies is being pushed to the wayside.

I will be doing training on the new equipment at work for 2 or 3 potential employees next Saturday - which will make for a long end to a long week. I've had to field phone calls with questions each day I've been off this "weekend". The equipment is just not real stable right now and shouldn't have been implemented so soon. However, the big wigs down in LA patted the Ex. Producer on the back for our new show. So now what, only 3 weeks to implement a new show now instead of the 6 weeks he gave us? BTW, it is only appearances - the new show isn't really functioning LIVE as its name implies. Very little of the FSN Live is live - we simply do not have that capability yet.

 

[wilderness01]

Halloween candy is evil isn't it? Sounds like you are doing well otherwise. I have heard many people complain about the No Child Gets Left Behind act. Sad isn't it? You sound like you will be a great teacher. Any student will be lucky to get a teacher that puts so much effort into thinking through her work and really cares.

 

[Strings]

Hi Laurie,

I understand your frustration with no child left behind. My sister, best friend, and Mom are in education. My favorite teacher used to do a holiday ginger bread village. They would make a a post office, library, police station, hospital, etc. They would break down into groups of four and visit the place that they were making in geingerbread, and then they would make a presentation. They learned a ton about the community. After the village was complete, they kids were able to visit again with their "House" and give it to them. She can't do this anymore because it takes too much time away from traditional education.

I hope work goes smoothly. You certainly deserve a break. Just do your best.

Take care,
Beth

 

[wilderness01]

Thanks for posting in my journal and for your support. Take care.

 

[LAinSEA]

It's my 41st today. I slept in until 11:30am and then got a real walk in - full route - before it started to rain. I met a rottweiler named Samantha who weighs slightly less than I do and visited with Max, the tuxedo cat up the block. Our weather has been really really strange. It was near 70 degrees yesterday morning before 6am and blowing like crazy. It was warmish when I started walking and then turned cold and began blowing and raining. My goal is to walk a least three times a week and then do a DVD workout after I get home at night three times a week too.

Jeff is taking me out for dinner tonight to Stanley and Seaforts. I will be careful with my choices but eat what I want tonight. Back on induction level tomorrow but I'm thinking about going more for South Beach style to see if if breaks my trend upwards in weight. I started back on Atkins a year ago. I had OK success as long as I can get regular excercise. Without it, I'm putting on inches if not a huge amount of pounds. I gain it first in my tummy and lose it last there also.

Last night we had dinner out with my parents. Mom and I got in about a half hour walk. Then we went to the Red Crane steakhouse at the Hollywood Casino (its a cardroom downstairs). It is Japanese style food and extremely delicious. The restaurant and casino is owned by the grandfather of one of my mother's former students. The food at both of their side by side businesses is extremely delicious but they are having difficulty getting folks just wanting to eat in the door. The restaurants are smoke-free but the casino's (cardrooms) are not. There is a little filtering of smoke upstairs. The Hollywood casino has a huge collection of autographed photos collected by the owner over a lifetime. They are framed and on display outside the restaurant and upstairs lounge. Having worked a racetrack that did have really good food, I understand the problem of mixing gambing clients with those who want fine dining. Gamblers don't want to spend money on good food - freebies OK, but they spend their money on playing not eating. Vegas as a vacation destination is different.

Class starts again on Thursday...I'm just going to grin and bear it. It is supposed to be the most difficult class in the program. DH has ordered me a book for the statistically challenged to help with it.

Beth and Wilderness thank you so much for dropping by and keeping my spirits up. I'm a little disappointed that I will have to wait a year before beginning my student teaching (according to my academic advisor), unless I can start doubling up on coursework. I will get through this class and then see if I can tackle it.

 

[tlgoblue]

Happy Birthday! Have you read your first post to this Journal? I did! You've come a long Way! You should be proud of yourself!

Keep the Faith!
Tracy

 

[Strings]

Happy Birthday, Laurie!

That is sugar free cake, btw.

Laurie,

You HAVE come a long way this year. You have been eating in a healthy way for a year. You also exercisewhen ever possible. You have some major stressors in your life right now. You have gone back to school, work fulltime and then some, your husband is still out of work. OK, you may not have lost 100 pounds this year, but you aren't gaining either. Without all the hard work you have put in this year, how much would you hve gained? I am really proud of you. You are one of my inspirations.

Enjoy what time you have off before the class begins again. Look at it this way, you are getting the hardest class out of the way. After it is done, smooth sailing. I'm sorry that you won't get to start student teaching this year, but you will make a great teacher.

Happy Birthday and take care,
Beth

 

[geetey]

Am I too late? Nope - I see the cake is still here....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Laurie!!! I hope you enjoyed your special day! Those are some great plans you have there.

I agree with Beth. Soon the hardest class will be over and it will be smooth sailing for there on out. You are working so hard. Be proud of yourself!

 

[Strings]

Hi Laurie,

I hope all is well with you. Are you spending Thanksgiving with your parents? I am hoping you have a peaceful Thanksgiving filled with joy, laughter, and love.
Beth

 

[LAinSEA]

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!

Even though I tried really really hard to avoid them and to limit them in a small way, I still have the Thanksgiving carb hangover. I had a small bit of mashed potatoes, stuffing, and sweet potatoes and I was higher than a kite Thanksgiving night. I'm back on track, but I'm so overly tired right now, I know that it the carb effect weighing me down.

My lack of excercise is really taking its toll too - I've got to find some balance and make time to get in some activity. I've got "week off" from school - no posts to the main newsgroup until Thursday because it wouldn't count anyway - but my group is trying to get caught up and come up with our main project topic. Right now, we are either way too broad for an Action Research proposal or the idea hasn't been researched before and there is a lack of colloborative research available. I'm already behind on points - at B- level and I'm so mad at myself for screwing up. I'd like to drop the class but it wouldn't get any easier...I just can't lose anymore points.

I'm going to have to bite the bullet and ask for a BCP presciption too - I was waiting for the next study but I've found that I just don't do well without the hormones. I will call this week and see if the study is anywhere near starting or have my nurse practitioner write me a script. My pap came out normal - and I am relieved.

I'm just struggling mentally right now. One of DH's old coworkers said that he might be able to get him some contract tech work, but it only pays $9.00 an hour! Now, I don't want to be ungrateful, but $9.00 an hour won't pay for the gas to get to the job! DH told me about the "opportunity" and I just fell apart on Thanksgiving day. I'm glad we were off to my folks house for dinner and not over to his dad's. At least I was around supportive family - no I didn't mention why I was so blue. DH's dad had his GF's family over for the feast and he is really laying the guilt down on DH for not being there to help. I'm sorry 10 people I don't know and don't really want to know were just to much to take on a holiday. At my folks house it was only my parents, aunt & uncle and my grandmother. Very low stress.

I need to get my niece her birthday gift tomorrow and get it in the mail. It will probably be a gift card - clothes is what she wants but I'd never get her size right. It is so strange how last year it was still toys and now she's in junior high, its clothes and makeup! I miss both my nieces terribly right now.

Niko and Tilda are happy with some leftover turkey and have been playing and playing and playing. They snuggled and slept in with me this morning. Niko has really improved his balancing on his back legs up on the stools after jumping his long distance. We are going to start to teach him to turn in a circle on his backlegs next. Tilda can do this on the floor but won't do it up on the stool.

Everyone, thanks so much for the birthday wishes and support. I am really hoping that I can get to everyone's journal over my break.

 

[wilderness01]

Happy Belated Birthday. Hope it was a good one.

Sorry about the job situation with your husband. I know so many people who have taken cuts or who have been out of work. It is really sad.....this economy stinks. Hang in there with your class. You are doing a great job with all you have to do.

 

[Strings]

Hi Laurie,

I know you will pull off the class. After this class is over, it will be smooth sailing. I am sorry to hear about the insulting off that DH received. Do you think it would be worth it, just for him to be working again. I don't know how he is feeling. Does he need to feel more productive? I know that Won's self-esteem was in the toilet when he wasn't working. I am still praying that your DH finds something that he can enjoy and pays well.

I hope you are taking advantage of your week off from class, and you're relaxing just a bit.

Thanks for your support. Contacting the media is the LAST thing we want to do. I definately don't want the Jerry Springer aspects of my life on tv, but it may be necessary. Thanks for the caution, though.

Take care of yourself,
Beth

 

[Strings]

He Laurie,

I just wnated to let you know I am thinking about you. Take care of yourself.
Beth

 

[LAinSEA]

I'm going to admit I'm just this side of overwhelmed dealing with my class, work (got stuck with an extra shift this coming Sunday), and the holidays. I just got my weekly summary posted for class and have decided that other than checking in with my learning team, I will not be making any other posts to the main class group. I will be trying to work in my reading assignment in between production at work today - who knows how successful that will be as our schedule is packed tonight.

DH decided that we needed to put up Christmas lights and decorate outside this year. Now we have been in this house for 11 years and I gave up several years ago asking to do lights. Maybe, he feels a little Christmas cheer is needed after a really disappointing year. (I'm a little concerned that the money spent on outdoor decorations should have been used for family presents...as the budget is extremely tight right now.) I told him that the only gift I would like this year is for the furniture we purchased several months ago - a kitchen table and stools - to be stained and sealed so that we can bring them into the house and out of the garage. He asked for new shoes (badly needed), socks and two new dress shirts for interviews...

Foodwise, I have been on plan. My clothes are all tight again because I haven't found the time - made the time - to excercise. I hate myself for gaining back all that hard fought to lose pounds.

Beth, thanks so much for keeping an eye out for me. I appreciate the support!

-Laurie

 

[Strings]

Laurie,

Please don't feel bad about gaining back a few pounds. You are totally overwhelmed. You are juggling so many things right now, and not being on BCP isn't helping. You are doing the best you can with what little time and energy you have. I think you are doing a great job. Remember, this is the toughtest class. You'll be able to have more time when this is over. I think the gift ideas are good ones. I asked for practical this year too. We'll see what I get.

Laurie, I continue to pray for you and hubby. I hope things settle down for you two soon.

Take care and thanks for keeping us posted.
Beth