Lots of Grading

It is currently Dead Week at ISU (not sure why DMACC doesn't use a fun term like that) so I'm buried in my usual grading.     I have the usual clothes baskets filled with binders sitting around the apartment.   I'm in a very good place with DMACC which is good because their final grades are due first.    My head is above water with ISU but I'll have a very busy weekend but I'm using my time at work nicely too.    I've noticed a nice change this semester as I have nice, consistent energy while at work.    I have the extra energy to get just a few more things done each day which has helped me reach more goals with the summer camp preparation.    I've also been able to tie up some loose ends with other tasks at ISU too.  

I FINALLY took my bike down the road and had it repaired.   It rode around with me in Elvira for like a week and then I realized I needed my back seats and cargo space for Easter weekend.    They only needed to do a general tune and and replace my pedals.    It was in decent shape despite how long it sat in storage.   I was concerned about the condition of the tires but they are good.    I walked to the bike shop last Friday and rode it back to the apartment.    It felt odd and clumsy to ride a bike again.   Dan has a bike here at the apartment now too.   We plan to add more biking to our physical activity.    I may need to buy a new bike helmet though.   It's old too and they technically expire.

I won a Distinguished Service award this week at ISU.  It was a nice little reception.    I left the award at work so I can eventually put it up on the wall.    I get my past office back in late May or June.   When I move back to that space, I want to hang that award as well as my diplomas.  I get a stipend too but I'm not sure exactly how I receive it.    Kinda sucks if it is merged with my paycheck because it will be taxed.   But I wouldn't mind it being included in my May pay since that paycheck is usually smaller.  

I am teaching a summer class for ISU which is nice for some income too.   Technically they should have canceled it because enrollment is low but some teacher education students need to have the class in the summer to keep on track for student teaching.    Tiny class, easier for me to teach.    I am on the books to teach an online class for DMACC too but it also has pretty low enrollment.    Not holding my breath but we'll see.

I have like 75% of my employees hired for the summer program.    (Contingent on them all passing a background check)    The stressor has been my aquatic staff.    I have not had one life guard apply yet.  I need to have at least three to meet state requirements for pool safety.    Blah.   I increased the pay rate so hopefully that gains some interest.  

Dan and I went to a concert this past weekend at ISU.    It was a very small gathering.   The lead singer of Toad the Wet Sprocket did a solo show.   They had the huge hit "Walk on the Ocean" that was played a ton on the radio.   His name is Glen Phillips.     Toad the Wet Sprocket is Dan's favorite band from the 90s.   We are going to try and go to an actual Toad show in July when they are in Chicago or Milwaukee.   The show was acoustic and intimate.    I wasn't feeling 100% but I'm glad I went.   The singer's voice was the same so that was nice and yes, he was pretty nice to look at.  

My next appointment for post-surgery is on May 15th.  I got a letter in the mail asking for another blood draw before that appointment.    Blah.   They want another check on my nutrient levels so I get it.    It's just hard for me to willingly wake into the Mercy clinic in Ankeny for the draw.   Luckily I don't have to fast so that usually helps.    I am snacking more and I can tell it's slowed my weight loss.    I'm not gaining weight but I've been stuck around the same weight for longer than I probably should be.    My clothing size is still changing though which is good.   I'm trying to just drink tea at night and not graze.    I'm usually not hungry at night I'm just going back to bad habits of thinking I need to eat if the TV is on.    

I'm pretty excited for May because of the upcoming 5K in Decorah, the Neil Diamond concert, and my Everclear concert too.    I'll be excited when grades are submitted too.  

I guess that's enough of an updated for now!  I'll leave some health teacher wisdom.