Happy February!

I'm pretty pleased with my productivity this week.  I didn't have anything scheduled for this afternoon so I've spent some time with prep work (I am weeks ahead) and also did some inventory duties for my coordinator job.   I'll be heading to Boone soon to meet with my accountant.   I've had to reschedule twice due to the weather so it's nice to get this done finally. 

ISU is going well.    Swim & Gym started and I'm really happy with the group of employees I have this semester.   No one is taking it as a class.   I also hired new aquatic personnel and I really like their energy and passion for teaching.   We have 41 children enrolled which is quite high.   At the moment is seems manageable but I'm irritated I didn't keep track better.   I teach the same class twice in the row on MWF.   (Health methods for elementary teachers)   My tricky class is a fundamentals course for PE majors.   The focus is on individual sport and fitness aspects.   Scheduling has been a struggle as we do not have ample gym space or weight training space in our building.   About four classes need the same spaces at the same time on Tuesdays/Thursdays.   Pain in the butt.  

DMACC is going OK too.   My Sports Diversity class is cake as I made major changes last semester when we updated the edition of the book.    I'm also pretty pleased with my Personal Wellness class too as I've made changes to better help the high school population that takes the course.   I've recorded my lectures so they can hear my explanations and better process the content.   I think it also helps them understand my scope of knowledge since I cannot cover every single detail in our book.    My tricky class at DMACC is Personal Training I.   I still don't feel 100% about teaching the content.   I met with the past instructor and she helped my confidence a bit.   It sounds like I have much easier students.   She's had self-proclaimed personal trainers take the class in the past and constantly argue with her about content.    My students aren't as knowledgeable or just too shy to argue with me.   I still need to contact a local fitness facility to see if they'll let us use there site for fitness testing and workouts.   The Ankeny campus has no fitness space due to construction.   (Why offer the class then?!?!?!)

Dan and I exchanged gifts already for Valentine's Day.   He's made it clear that he likes to give jewelry which will be different for me.   He got me a ring.  It has black diamonds which is something I've always liked even though I really don't have a certain style with jewelry.  

Tax time!  

Reflections

So sixteen years ago, I had been in like 15-16 hours of labor by this point of the day.   I have the motherly amnesia in that I don't remember major details, primarily the pain and discomfort, but it's interesting to think about how different life is now.   It would honestly feel weird to have a child at this point of my life and work around a career and such.   It would be normal but weird.

Sadly I cannot get my hands on the Xbox that Gavin wants; I had planned to give him that for his birthday since it wasn't possible for Christmas.   He may have to pick out a different version too because I don't think they are making the Xbox bundle he wants any longer.   I gave him a gift card to Buffalo Wild Wings and I'm going to renew his membership on Xbox live.   We are going to try and go to the local Japanese steakhouse place too with Dan and his boys.    It would be fun to go tomorrow night on his actual birthday BUT I have to work at night thanks to DMACC.

Speaking of DMACC...I am not thrilled with my workload.   I'll likely feel better when I get my first full paycheck from them but right now I feel like I'm scrambling to keep my head above water.   My wellness course is taken by high school students and holy cow they are needy.   My diversity class isn't too bad since I made a bunch of adjustments last semester with the new edition of the book.   The personal training class is going OK.   I still have a lot of prep to do before tomorrow night.   I feel a little better because the students work out but aren't very knowledgeable.   I only have a couple that make me nervous.   One male student is more knowledgeable than the others.   Another male student seems to have kind of an attitude and I cannot pinpoint why yet.  

ISU is just as busy as I'm still hiring for Swim & Gym so that's getting a little hectic.   My health classes (two sections) are going well since I've taught that class so much now.   The other class is so-so since I'm still planning how to teach it.   The main issue is the lack of space.   Several classes need the gyms and weight room at the same time so it's kind of a mess.   And the class size is huge.   I have almost 40 students.   Sigh.

On a more positive note, I've been seeing Dan now for six months.   It doesn't seem that long but on the other hand it seems like I've known him longer.   It also seems odd that things are going so well.   I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.   It took three years for that to happen with the ex so I'm still worried something will change for the worse.   It helps that our personalities are so similar.   It feels pretty nice to be with someone for months and not be consistently angry.   I've barely been angry at all.   I may have stumbled into a healthy relationship...crazy.

I unfortunately had to take a sick day today because I was up most of the night with horrible abdominal pain.   I felt funny in the late afternoon and into the evening yesterday.   I fell asleep for a bit after 11pm but woke up around 1 AM and felt really bad.    I calmed down and thought about my symptoms and realized it was an ovarian cyst that likely ruptured.    Hard to explain as I don't want to call it pain, more like pressure.   I thought I could still function and go to work this morning but I was A) too tired and B) still in some decent pain.   It was hard to drive Gavin to school so I figured driving all the way to Ames and trying to teach may not be in my best interest.   Luckily by this afternoon I felt quite a bit better so I was able to tackle my email and do some online grading.   I'm sure my students were distraught that class was canceled today too.   *eye roll*

OK, that's enough for now.  

Bring on the Spring Semester

I've been meaning to blog for days but have legitimately been busy due to prep for next week.   Usually when I get home, I have no motivation to turn on my laptop so it's been a slow process.   I'm still at work (shhh) and figured I'd finish this entry. 

My first piece of excitement is the fact that I bought a piece of furniture.   When talking to Mom, I realized that I never really purchased any furniture in the past.   It was either used/handed down or someone else bought it.   Captain Dipshit bought our bed, new living room furniture, and dresser so I'm actually surprised with how much furniture came with me to the apartment.   Anyway, I got a graphite colored loveseat.   I fell all adult-like making a big purchase like that.   We don't get it til January 16 though. 

 

Some day I hope to buy another nice lounge chair of some sort for the living room.   We'll never fit a couch but then again I'm not sure how many more years I'll live there anyway.   I'm hoping the color and style will easily match to other furniture if I buy more things in the future.

I'll note that I'm not really listing my points of excitement in any order.    In December, Dan and I decided to change our relationship status on Facebook.   It was discussed in the fall  but didn't take place and I guess I was surprised it happened in December.  I unfortunately had a couple "friends" act negatively when they saw the announcement so that was interesting.   Can't say I've communicated with them much anymore.   In theory I should have mentioned this before the loveseat but oh well.  I don't want to copy and paste. 

Let's talk the spring semester:

• I'm teaching two sections of HS 275 back-to-back.  Fairly easy as the content is repeated but the amount of grading skyrockets since I have about 70 students between the two sections.
• I'm teaching KIN 236 which is the Fundamentals of Individual Sport and Fitness.   It's the first time the class has been taught as we've merged two classes into one.    I have to include weight training, which makes me nervous as it's not my fortay.   
• Swim & Gym will start on February 2nd.   Just reminded myself to complete background checks.   Sigh.  
• I'm overseeing the grad students again.   We have a start to the semester meeting tomorrow.   In my head I have an agenda.   I'll organize things better in the morning.   
• I have an all day meeting on Friday and was asked to present during it about my teaching style and strategies.   I'm focusing on how we've added online components to our physical activity classes.  
• I am supervising two student teachers.   Both are located in the Des Moines area.   Both are strong students but it will be interesting to see them in high school settings, especially in the area of Des Moines they are assigned.
• I am teaching PEH 110 (online) for DMACC again.   It's only for high school students.   I still need to record some video and audio to try and better the class.   I learned a lot about high school students last year...they need more hand-holding so I'm hoping some audio with my presentations will help them.   If they bother to listen to the audio....
• I am teaching PEH 178 again for DMACC (online).   It's a sport diversity class.   I made a buttload of adjustments and changes last semester.    It should be easy to implement since I did all the hard work in the fall.   
• And sadly I'm teaching PEH 120 for DMACC.    It meets on Wednesday nights.   Everything else is online.   It's a personal training class.   Yea...I know maybe 25% of what I should to teach the class.   I'm helping my boss out since the instructor for the class is leaving DMACC.   Just irritates me that I'm going to look less than competent.   Sigh.   I haven't even done the syllabus or prep yet because I'm beside myself.   There was a chance it would be cancelled but no such luck.    I shouldn't complain because I'll be teaching 8 credits for DMACC which should pay very well.   It should help me save up money to survive the summer when I don't have full time work.   

I guess not working for the Red Cross is sort of a godsend because I'll have plenty to do between the two institutions.    (Ya, I just taught CPR for ISU an hour ago so it's not like I'll have a break from teaching Red Cross content.)

I was scared to death this past weekend because my back gave out.   It was the same sensation that I dealt with in 2011.   All I did was walk out of the bedroom and when I stepped into the hallway, BAM my legs gave out.   Luckily it was much better within 24 hours.   It was weeks of agony back in 2011.   I kept moving even though it hurt like hell and I think that helped a lot.   My only complaint now is that my left leg is super tight.   I think my back is back to being fine but may be out of alignment so my lower back is pulling on my left hamstring.    It could be my I-band too.   I'll take that over my back giving out though.   And thanks to all this crap, I'm barely noticing my plantar faciatis.  (Not spelled right but too lazy to fix it.) 

OK, time to pack up and work from home.  I want to record some lectures for DMACC and I have to use my laptop.   It would probably look more professional if I did them from my office but oh well.

Happy 2016!!

Merry Christmas-New Years!

2015 is shaping to end well.   It is now December 27 and we are still spending time up in Waukon.   Mother Nature will determine exactly how much longer we are here but it's been a good visit.

A little bit of a change related to first meeting at LeAnn's on Christmas Eve Eve rather than coming directly to Waukon.   It made sense due to Mom's work schedule.   It was nice to eat a good meal together, watch our waiter run around like a crazy person, snack on goodies, and watch TV together.  
We did our usual 8pm Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve and watched a Christmas movie afterwards.   Alissa and LeAnn did a spectacular job ushering at the service.   No one was burned with wax this year.  

Christmas was wonderful like usual.   The reduction of presents and gifts didn't seem apparent.   The gifts were thoughtful though.    I have enough black licorice until March.   I was more concerned about Gavin liking his gifts as he's difficult to shop for and I still feel bad that I couldn't get my hands on his Xbox One.   Let's hope I can get one before his birthday.   Considering he's attached to his new furry blanket, apparently that was a good purchase too.

The Smith Christmas was a little bit lackluster energy-wise compared to other years.   I was the vocal side to the White Elephant gift exchange.    Alissa's boyfriend (Michael) joined us for the event.  

I'm still thinking about my New Year's resolution(s).   I would like to do something less predictable (e.g. lose weight, be more active, etc.).    And yes I need to work on those too, don't get me wrong.   I may try to do something more social in nature.   Developing a hobby or getting involved in a regular activity of some sort.    Just not sure yet.  



That's it for now!   I'll write a more in-depth meaningful entry in January.

The start of my 33rd year...

I have some time to kill before heading to a social gathering on campus.    Let's see if I can post a quality blog entry in 15 minutes.  

My birthday was great.   It was nice to be home and see family and be lazy.    I wasn't bummed to not stay overnight at Ron and Elaine's.   I slept much better going to Mom and Dad's on Thanksgiving Eve.   I also got to see Nicole while up in NE Iowa which was nice and she brought the fiance along too.   I wasn't a complete bum and did some work while in Waukon too.   And 33 feels no different than 32. 

I have made good headway with grading.   I finished some major assignments today.    I have about 65 unit plans to grade in the next two weeks.   My DMACC students also have to turn in their handbook assignments.   I'm fairly sure not all will submit the project too which will make grading less strenuous.  It seems that about six students have "checked out" and decided they were done learning for the semester.    Enjoy your Fs!

Finances are starting to worry me a bit as we end the year.   I had hoped to have more in savings by now but extra expenses have ruined that goal most months.   My main concern is Gavin turning 16 and our insurance changing for the car.  Not to mention that he does need his own vehicle too because my Ames schedule is progressively conflicting with his schedule. 

I sent some questions to my supervisor at the Red Cross and I am indeed laid off from all teaching opportunities at the Red Cross.   No more Babysitting Training.   No more CPR/First Aid.  They have fully contacted paid instruction to an outside company but instructors can still teach but only if they volunteer.    I still will teach classes at Iowa State University.   I need to ask more questions about how I'm supposed to be aware of updates and trainings so I'm still active for our needs on campus.   I have a feeling the answer may not be great.

I thought I had more enthralling topics to write about but I guess I don't.   I am excited to get a start on my new grading tasks this weekend as well as decorating for Christmas.   I wasn't fully into it last year due to the move and my emotional state.   I wish I had a Christmas tree.   I refuse to buy one at full price though. 

Time to head out!   And for your visual pleasure....

It Is Done!

It sounds like I just ordered a hit on someone through the mafia and they completed the job for me but my entry actually relates to my application to be advanced to a senior lecturer.  

Fingers crossed.

I feel a combination of relieved, happy, sick to my stomach, and exhausted.    It would be nice if the negative feelings would fade away so I can enjoy the rest of my Friday. 

Shortest entry ever!

Procrastination is My Middle Name

Greetings:

As my title states, procrastination and even prioritization has been an issue in recent weeks.   My application for promotion is due at the end of the week and I have SO much work to do on it.   Sigh.   But to be fair, I've also been working my butt off on grading too.    I almost wish I had waited to apply for promotion in the spring.

Other than being buried in work, life is pretty good.   Home life seems more relaxed since Gavin is done with football.   He lifts after school on most days but it's still easier to pick him up and transport him now.    I had to guess when he was done with football on many days which got irritating very quickly.   I am still waiting for his PSAT scores.   Anxious to see how he does on that type of testing since he should be thinking about the ACTs soon too. 

I am so ready for next week.    ISU is closed all week and I need Monday and Tuesday to catch up with work.   DMACC is technically in session Monday-Wednesday but I gave my online course a work week for a handbook they have to create.   I am hoping to be able to go to NE Iowa and not bring any work with me.   Who wants to grade on their birthday anyway?

Things are going very well with Dan too.  It turns out that I need someone that is as quirky and goofy as me.   Tomorrow is four months since I've met him.  It truly seems longer which I take as a good sign.  I am hoping to introduce him to some family now at the end of 2015 or as 2016 begins.  He and I went to see "The Martian" and it was a pretty decent movie.   I still plan on reading the book some day.

Gavin and I are doing a good job of plugging away through our Netflix list of movies too.

"Rendition":   Jake Gyllenhaal and Reese Withersoon.   Women's husband is detained as a possible terrorist.   It was OK and kept my attention but I'm not a huge fan of that type of movie.   It had two story lines and showed how they were connected by the conclusion of the movie so that was neat.

"Wish I Was Here":  Zach Braff (Scrubs) is the main character about a family struggling with money but also dealing with a terminal cancer situation with a grandparent.   It had interesting comedy and I did really like it.

"Boyhood":   I was really surprised by this movie.   It won major awards.   It really doesn't have any famous people in it.   It follows a boy's life from like 5 years old until college.   As Gavin and I were watching it, we were wondering how they found actors that looked so similar as the boy ages in the movie.   Turns out the director used the same kid throughout the movie and took 12 years to create the film.   No wonder the kid continues to look the same as he ages.

"Men, Women, and Children":  we actually saw the preview of this before watching "Boyhood".   Adam Sandler and Jennifer Garner are main characters.   The foundation of the movie is on technology and how it affects relationships.   I was surprised by the nature of the sexual situations but in the long run, it made sense to include them in the movie.

"Birdman":  I was intrigued about this movie as it was supposed to win a lot of awards and I hadn't seen Micheal Keaton in a movie for a long time.   It's centered on a broadway show and an actor struggling with the decrease in popularity.   It alludes that he's a super hero (Birdman) as that was his first acting gig and was super popular in the 90s.   It was rather confusing at times and was WAY too long.    Don't bother with it.

"St. Vincent":  It was nice to see Bill Murray in a movie again.   It was pretty funny but there were serious parts too.  He ends up babysitting for a single mother and helps the boy cope through a divorce situation.   He's also dealing with his wife dying from Alzheimer's and his own health problems too.

"The Giver":  the book is better.   Decent job with trying to relay the message from the book but definitely liked the book better.   Jeff Bridges did a great job and most of the acting was decent.    I guess they tried making this book into a movie since the 90s. 

"John Wick":  I was interested to see if Keanu Reeves was still a decent actor since he's not appearing in many films anymore.   The film was excellent but had a very sad beginning.   It's like "Kill Bill" but with a male lead actor. 

"Whiplash":  This movie was up for major awards so I added it to our list.   It's about a man going to a post-secondary music school that focuses on jazz.   He is striving to be a great drummer.   The main teacher (the dad from Juno) is a very difficult teacher and some awful things happen in the movie in regards to deception.   There are scenes where the drummers have to practice so much their hands bleed.   Yikes.

"The Boy in the Striped Pajamas":  I wished I had read the book before the movie but reading for pleasure isn't doable at the moment.   It was a good movie with a sad ending.   It relates to World War II.  It turns out that some of the wives of German officers didn't fully know what was happening in the concentration camps.   The movie shows one of those wives realizing what is happening at a local concentration camp and their son never fully understanding the purpose of those sites.   I assumed that everyone was in the loop in regards to the camps' purpose so it was an interesting perspective.

"Gone Girl":  I saw this in the theater and wanted to see it again for the heck of it.   Gavin thought it was good and really twisted...because it is.   I still need to read the author's second book. 

"A Million Ways to Die in the West":  The dude that made Family Guy created this movie and it was actually pretty funny.   Lots of crude humor though.  I liked it more than I thought I would.

"Sex Tape":  Cameron Diaz movie.   It was 'meh'.   Another one of those sexually-based comedies that tries too hard.    Moral of the story:  don't film  yourself having sex with your Ipad and let it automatically sync to "the cloud".

Don't get me wrong, we aren't sitting around just watching movies.   Some movies are from September and October.   We are currently waiting to receive "Babel" and "The Constant Gardener".

I've been working on this for two days.   Time to finally hit 'publish'.