You know what they say about the length of skirts in the fashion world rising or falling indicating how bad national economics are? The better we fare, the longer the skirts, the worse we fare, the shorter the skirts become?
I have an indicator for my stress level. The more stress I am under, the skinnier I get. The more settled I am, the fatter I become. In times past, I was pudgy or resembling a concentration camp inmate depending on what was going on in my life. Ive got pictures so don't argue.
At the beginning of December, I had a challenge to my mental stability, pretty much in my head but perception is reality, right? Anyway, I was in a constant state of upset so I didn't eat much. Nothing tasted good and even though I was hungry, I didn't eat. I worked constantly cleaning and organizing at home, not setting down for long at all before I was up again. I worked out at home. Then I started working out at the Y as well. Things began to settle the middle of this month and even though I am feeling much better, I am still heading to the Y every morning except Sunday to walk the treadmill at 9 and a half percent incline and use 10 lb free weights. I have found its not so bad to go that early in the morning even though I have always avoided the Y in the mornings. My usual outside walk doesn't compare to the treadmill since I can't find any hills in town to kick my butt with. My metabolism has apparently been kicked into gear too. I feel better but that was the case in November. That sluggish feeling Ive had for a few years had started to dissipate.
So anyway, Im in better shape all because of this incident in December. No resolutions. No diets although I am eating healthy stuff when I eat.
Just stress to kick start me. Crazy. I think I can maintain this level of exercise too at least for a while.

My co-worker and I get a day off (of sorts). We accompany the group of elementary students that have managed to get in 100% of their homework turned in. Pizza and video games in Springfield for the day. It will be a nice change of pace from our normal routine of not leaving our classroom all day because we have a steady stream of remedial students through our doors. On average she and I help between 30 and 40 students with math or communication arts in a day. It's a load.

It's time to fill out apps for student aid and scholarships for E. She is already taking a college algebra class in school and she scored a 30 on her ACT which is fabulous since it qualifies her for all tuition paid at the university in Springfield. Yay! We have some other local scholarships she will apply for and hopefully things will look peachy- even more so than now.

J has a gig with the pep band every home game and he has managed a celebrity status because of it. He plays cowbell. People are coming up to him in public, recognizing that he is the cowbell player in the band. I just witnessed his shtick last night first hand. Let me tell you, the boy expends some major energy. Ive never seen a white boy with a head of hair like his, head bag like that. I can't even describe it. Maybe YouTube will have a video of it soon.

Have a good day and an even better weekend.

I Struggle, Therefore I Am

Does anyone one of you ever feel like you are a sham, a joke of an adult, a chameleon and ready to be what people want you to be? Do you feel like you are the weirdest person alive or that you have let too much of your life pass you by without finding what you are really made of?
Do any of you worry that if put to the test and given real problems to handle, you would fail miserable and cower in fear in the nearest closet?
Do you feel deeply alone in the universe and move among people like you are an outsider, masking that with a facade of belonging? Even though you know you have connections with the people you love and count as family and friends, you still feel alone?


Yeah, me neither....much.

It's Been A Week

Magnet my children bought me long ago-

You'll know dinner is ready when the smoke alarm goes off

On a Cold Blustery Day, Nothing Satisfies Like Viewing the Past

After Anne and Mom posted snippets of their past year's posts, I decided to read some of my own posts from years past. What I was reminded of was delightful and thought-provoking comments from my good blogger buddies. Some of you are still around thankfully and some are long gone. I miss posting (having something relevant to say) and have to admit, my posts weren't as topical and low-brow as I usually viewed them.
I miss Natas/Otis and Iamnot, Kate and Jetpass. Hope they are well and enjoying themselves.
I decided to re-post something from the past from Natas.

Life's rules according to nataS?

1. Life is difficult.
2. Perception is reality.
3. Change is the toughest thing a human being can do.
4. You can never change another human being; you can only change yourself. Once you change, they change, but you cannot change them.
5. I am responsible for everything I do and say. I am not responsible for your response.
6. The future and the past are seldom as good or as bad as we anticipate or remember.
7. Nobody has a squeaky-clean psyche.
8. The only thing that lasts forever is...Now.

courtesy of Dr. Friday