Time is Running Out

Yup, pretty soon the summer camp will be upon me as well as the course I'm teaching for ISU.   It's been nice having some downtime here and there.   I find it difficult to not work at times but at the same token I feel like I could have been more productive in the past weeks.   I have several tasks I need to do around the apartment and I keep dragging my feet.  I'm rather bummed that DMACC didn't pan out for me but I guess that's one evening I don't have to race back to Ankeny to teach.    It wasn't always pleasant to be hot and sweaty, race home, and get to campus on time in a presentable condition to teach.  

I'm not as confident about my staff for the summer program this year.   I would really like another life guard on staff but no one has applied for a month but I'm going to keep the job position open throughput the summer to see if someone comes out of the woodwork.    I've learned a lot in the last five years so that will help me structure the orientation I'm holding on Monday for all staff.   I've also decided to have a meeting for group leaders alone as well as a meeting for aquatic staff alone.   I'm also doing some different things this summer with the integration of more health, weekly awards for the children, and some Jump Rope for Heart activities.  

We've been cruising through Netflix at a better pace in the past months.   We watched "Her" today, which was interesting to say the least.   I hated the ending.   Not entirely sure why it got so much praise.    Next is "The Book Thief".   I have 48 other movies on my list too so that should keep us busy this summer.    I am grateful that renting DVDs has stayed affordable.   I pay $12 a month to have 2 DVDs at one time.

I've had concerns about my energy levels and my doctor has advised that I take Vitamin D in a pretty high dose for the next month and try to get more exposure to sunlight.   I'm taking 5,000 units a day to see if that helps perk me up.   Lord knows I'll need energy next week and through July.

I thought I'd have more excitement to write about but I'm drawing a blank.    But hey, at least I'm blogging regularly again!

I Hate Money

I hate it.   I thought I had finally figured out my budget for the summer and then the car acts up today.   I am so  nervous to find out what is wrong with it tomorrow.    I know I've been pretty lucky to not have car problems in  years but the timing is horrible.    It feels really odd to not have a Plan B either since I used to have another vehicle to use if mine wasn't available.   It could have been worse though.   It could have acted up when I was on the interstate.   Or even on one of the major roads in Ankeny.    I was shocked we made it to the dealership without the engine dying.   And yes I do have money in my savings account so I can pay a bill as long as it's not too outrageous.   Depending on how much the repairs cost it could significantly gouge the money I have to draw from when things get tough in June, July, and August.   I need to get my butt in gear and find a part time job.

Time for an Update?

Well I've been reminded that I haven't done much with this blog since the snow was flying in February.   In all honesty, I didn't think I had anything worthwhile to blog about.   I don't think I have anything worthwhile to blog about today.    I'll do what I do best...bulleted items in no particular order.

• The semester is over.   I was slammed with grading, which is normal but I did a better job of spreading out the tasks so I didn't have as many super late nights.   It was nice.  
• I taught an online class for high school students for the first time (DMACC).   It was OK.    I need to figure out a way to do a vocal recording of a lecture on the online site, I think that would have helped those students.   The class turned out to be a bell curve with grading.    One kid bombed it, most were average, and I think two ended up with As.   
• I'm supposed to teach two classes for DMACC this summer.  Not holding my breath as enrollment is super low.   I'm expecting an email early this week from the deans at Boone and Ankeny to tell me that I'm not teaching for them.   (Just checked enrollment while working on this and my class sizes are even smaller....sigh.)   It irritates me as DMACC is usually the source for my car payment and anything that Gavin needs.  
• I am SO unhappy with my current appearance.   I had to by some shorts this weekend so I had nice summer wear for the youth program.   I was pleased with the selection but not thrilled by how I looked but I haven't have clothes that cooperate with warm weather.    Maybe if I get my ass in gear, they'll get loose over the summer and I'll be happier.  
• I meant to attend a Weight Watcher's meeting this week.   I came home early on Wednesday and dozed off and when I woke up, it was too late to attend.   Completely forgot about an option on Friday.   Sigh.   Maybe this week.   I am always tired lately.   I can understand that though as my mental energy is zero.    It connects to physical energy.  
• Now that it's nice out, I'm realizing how much I like the location of our apartment.   It's usually beautiful when the sun is setting and living so close to a lake with a walk/run path is nice.   I should probably use that walk/run path huh?  
• I've been trying to be more social.   I've made some realizations this semester in regards to those I work with.   I really don't want to hang out with many of them outside of work.   I've noticed that a lot of them with small children hang out (thanks Facebook) so I don't even get asked to many things anymore.   I've also noticed that a lot of people talk about work and research during social events.    Meh...that's the last thing I want to discuss.  I have other people I've become friends with in Ankeny and Des Moines but I'm usually not motivated to go out.   Not super interested in bars and those scenes.  

OK, that's enough random things for now.    Going to try and blog at least once a week.    Hopefully that will help me get my butt in gear for the goals I have this summer.

So Ready for a Weekend

I am really starting to treasure my weekends.   I will be the first to admit that I could be a little more productive on most weekends and I will have some approaching that need to be spent on grading when more assignments are turned in for both institutions.   I am excited to see some family this weekend and have fun.   The week was better than last due to my workload but there was some drama with the after school program.   I've never had a child act so awful so I'm working through that situation with parents.  

I anxious to hear about my tax preparation as I am very dependent on a refund to help me with summer survival.   I need a solid amount of money in my savings account.   I do know that I need to pay into the state so it would be nice to know that total soon as well.   The only thing I want to splurge on with my refund is a nice new pair of tennis shoes.  

Our family schedule will be changing a bit next week as Gavin starts track.   On some days he needs to lift at 6am since he'll have track practice after school.    As soon as it's nice outside, all lifting will move to 6am.   We'll definitely need to work on getting up earlier so he's on time and diligent.   He's also working with an elementary student on Thursday mornings in a tutor/mentor situation.    We actually talked about the irony in that as he had a mentor in elementary school too.   The student was pretty funny I guess.   Gavin introduced himself to the boy yesterday and the boys response was "Gavin?  That's the name of my bully."   Small world.

It's been fun lately being more social.   I've reconnected with past friends and am making new connections.   I don't know why I felt like such a social slug in the past years.    I always tend to focus on the boyfriend and let other relationships slide which isn't fair to other people and isn't fair to myself.   Luckily a lot of my past friends have been understanding.   I still have absolutely no interest in dating.   I wouldn't say I'm jaded but it's nice being independent again. 

Time to prep some more for teaching.  

Here Comes February...the Month of Love

My intentions to blog regularly have failed.   In my defense, life is always busy.   I should be sleeping right now but I figured I'd update this before hitting the hay.

The new semester has started off decently.   Unfortunately I often feel like I'm scrambling to stay ahead.   I attribute this to the following:

• DMACC has been more work than I anticipated; converting my usual Monday night class to an online class has been more tricky than I anticipated
• It's been difficult to balance all my duties at ISU...I wear way too many hats and there is always something pulling me away from a task 

The after-school program started today and it started off well.   We have more than 35 kids enrolled which is the most we've ever had in the program ever.   I've had to hire extra staff which is fine but it feels like our gym and pool are way too small.    I need to get on the ball and apply for a grant related to the after-school program.   I want to get some $$ to buy some health-related props and equipment.
I procrastinated badly and turned in my yearly evaluation a day late.   Many knew I was sick but I had a month to work on it.   Embarrassing but it is what it is.    I didn't really have much to rave about in the process either.    I need to start researching the process for becoming a senior lecturer.  

Health-wise I could be doing better.    I've been sleeping better but some of that was induced by the recent use of OTC medicines due to my throat and respiratory issues.   We've curbed the eating out in the last couple weeks.    Like usual, I need to boost my physical activity levels.   Broken record there.
I also need to get on the ball and finish unpacking and settling in the apartment.  We don't have the funds to spruce it up but it could be more "homey" if I finished unpacking the remaining boxes.   A lot of the remaining tasks will require me to sort through paperwork and organize some files.    It's not very appealing which is why I keep putting it off.  

As for the title, I'm not as bitter as I anticipated as Valentine's Day approaches.   I'd rather be single and content than in my previous situation.  

Life's not very exciting.;..that's about it for now.

Spring Semester 2015

Tomorrow has approached much too quickly as the spring semester begins for both ISU and DMACC.    I was informed last week that one of my DMACC classes had been cancelled due to low enrollment.   In past semesters, I've usually taught two classes.   Fortunately I was slotted to teach three classes this semester so the fact that one was cancelled doesn't change my income.    I admit it would be nice to earn some extra money.    But it's also nice to know that I don't have to work on Monday nights.  

Both my DMACC classes are online classes.   One is my usual Sport Diversity class.   The other class is the same class I was going to teach Monday nights but its online only and is for a select population.  Apparently only high school students are enrolled in the class.   It should be interesting.

My load at ISU is lighter this semester, thank God.  I am teaching one health course for two sections.   The grading will be heavy but at least the prep is identical for each section.   The other course I'm teaching is for PE majors and I haven't taught it for a few years.    I'm still trying to figure out how I exactly want to teach the information so my syllabus isn't done yet.   Shame on me.   I am also supervising student teachers this semester but I only have one during the first half of the semester and only one during the second half.   The first is placed in a town very close to Ames and the other is student teaching in the Ames district.   

I think the lightening of my schedules is a sign or an indicator that focusing on my social life and having more fun should be a priority this year.   It can also help me with including exercise and physical activity in my life and making it more of a routine.   I had blood drawn last week (ick) and got my results.   I was happy to see my cholesterol had improved and my triglycerides are lower.   Now mind you, my triglycerides need to be much lower but at least they are lower.   My LDL cholesterol can also decrease too.    I'm in no rush to get my blood work checked again any time soon.   I also forgot to have them type my blood.   Sorry LeAnn!

I am also happy to report that I am sleeping better.  The first week of the new year was very rough in terms of quality, restorative sleep.   I even had a few rough days last week.   The last couple nights haven't been perfect but an improvement nonetheless.   My main issue is with falling asleep.  

The new living situation has been pretty decent too.   The set-up makes it look like I'm a college student again.   Our living room is still kind of haphazard.   I haven't hung anything up yet.   I still have a few random boxes in some rooms.   It's been nice to just having Gavin and myself in the apartment.   It feels normal for us to be the only ones in the residence.   A sad realization but a true one that I cannot deny.  His birthday is next week and luckily he is happy with having friends over to spend the night so that the cost can stay low.   We'll order some pizzas and they will play video games.   I will hide in my room.   It will be a wonderful Saturday night.    Hard to believe years ago I was organizing birthday parties at bowling alleys.   He didn't seem thrilled to do try that next weekend.

Anyway...time to wind down so the morning starts of well.

Happy New Year!

Well 2015 is upon us...I am more than happy to start a new year.   In a sense, I am happy that all my personal drama happened toward the end of 2014 rather than in the beginning or in the middle.   We've been back in Ankeny for a few days and I haven't been as productive as I had planned.   I still need to organize my "office area" but sorting through file cabinets hasn't been appealing.   Gavin and I have been fairly lazy but it's been nice to read for pleasure and watch TV/movies.  

I have been up and down but the valleys have been less common, which is nice.   The holidays were very nice and I was happy to spend a week up north.   I had been a little worried about how I'd be around Christmas and in all honesty, I was just fine.   I was a little bummed on New Year's Eve but it could have been worse.   I also go between being fine/relieved, a little sad, and angry still.  I'm sure the variance with my moods will continue for awhile but it gets annoying at times.   I can safely say that I have no motivation to date and I'm sure that will be the case for awhile.  It feels defeating to have put so many YEARS into a relationship and have someone just discard all that time and effort.  He has successfully ruined my trust in men, kudos to him.  

I need to crank out more tasks for work.   I need to work on my syllabi for my ISU classes and my DMACC classes.   One of my DMACC classes is new in a sense.   It's the same class I teach on Monday nights but it will be offered online with no in-person contact.  I need to start putting the class together...at least the first weeks.

Over break, I finally went to the Wellness Center in Waukon and did really enjoy it.  It was fun to play tennis during December.   I racked up a lot of fitness points with my tracker that day.   I need to figure out if and how I can use my treadmill in the apartment.   Whenever I try to use it, it trips the breaker in the living room.   I'm not sure if using a power strip will help or if the machine is too much for the electrical set-up in the apartment.   Sigh.   It's set up perfectly so I could watch TV while I use it...if only it would work.   Nevertheless I want to be more active.   And our eating choices need to improve too.    Luckily our strict grocery budget will help with eating out and poor dietary choices.  

Happy New Year!