Update Time---Nothing Too Exciting

Week 3 of the summer program---not too shabby.     Things have been running smoothly.     We are starting to have a few kids presenting issues but manageable so far.     We had our first puker today too.    Fun times as I'm the custodian for the program.

I am done teaching my summer class for ISU.    I can't submit final grades yet but everything is ready to go.   I would like to teach the class again in the future but I doubt they'll offer it again in the summer of 2018.   Enrollment was too low.    DMACC is somewhat panicking too because their summer enrollment was quite low.     They aren't happy with the looks of fall enrollment either.    I'm curious to see how much I'll end up teaching for them in the fall.     All I am doing for them this summer is the occasional coaching class.   I taught this past Friday and it went well.

I'm excited for the upcoming 4th of July and potential family visit.   I hope the weather cooperates.   I always like the festivities in Ames.    The following weekend is Summerfest in Ankeny so may have some more fun after the holiday too.

Gavin has his consult tomorrow for his wisdom teeth and their extraction on Friday.     He seems pretty indifferent.  

The living situation with Dan and his son has provided ups and downs.    His son is getting more comfortable with me so there have been more situations with him getting grumpy or upset.   I made "root beer pulled chicken" for dinner tonight.    It was one of those recipes posted on Facebook and it caught my attention.    He wanted nothing to do with that dinner option sadly.    It turned out OK but was more bland than I expected.   I'm trying to lighten up with being a neat freak as that's been stressing me out too.  

Here is a review of some movies I watched recently:

"San Andreas":  features The Rock and is one of those natural disaster movies.     It was so bad it was good.   We mainly enjoyed the bad acting and unlikely events.  

"The Machinist"  features Christian Bale as a blue collar worker that is dealing with insomnia.    It basically turns into a thriller/horror movie as he doesn't know if events in his life are truly happening or not.    Interesting twist at the end.     It is the movie he dropped like 100 lbs for so he'd look really sick and tired for the role.

"Aloha"  features Bradley Cooper and Emma Stone.     It is connected to military aspects when a guy returns to Hawaii as a contractor after leaving the service.    It includes a love story and ethical decision too.    It was rather lackluster.

"A Little Chaos"  features Kate Winslet.    It is one of those old English movies.    Kate Winslet is basically a female landscape architect creating an outdoor dancing space for the current king.   It also has a love story as she gets quite friendly with the head architect.   It wasn't great but wasn't bad.

"Antichrist"  I've been watching all the movies created by Lars von Trier and this is one that makes up a trio that got a lot of attention.     All his movies are artsy.    This one doesn't even have a connection to anything anti-religion so the title confuses me.    A couple goes to their cabin to help them deal with the death of their toddler.     The mother basically loses her mind and goes nuts.    It turned into a horror movie pretty quick.

"Melancholia"   Another Lars von Trier movie.   It features Kirsten Dunst and Keifer Sutherland is in it too.    The end of the world is approaching so that is a main issue in the movie.    Kirsten's character is super depressed and has mental issues.    That is a major focus of the movie too.    Very artsy but very weird.    I had wondered what I had watched by the time it ended.  

"Paper Towns"   It is one of those teenager focused movies.     Two opposite sex friends grew up together and he thought he was in love with her.      They have a fun night together but then she disappears and essentially runs away.    He think she left clues behind so he could find her.    He eventually does but the love story doesn't go well.  

"She's Funny That Way"   The main famous actor is Owen Wilson.   I don't know why I added this to my movie list but I sat through it.    It explains how an escort ended up becoming an actress and lots of character story lines cross and meet up in the movie.    Meh.

"Vacation"   The next National Lampoon movie that came out in 2015.  I remember wanting to see it in the theater and I am grateful I didn't waste the money.    It had funny moments but I wasn't wowed.
"The Hangover III"    It had it's funny moments too but they should have stopped after making the second movie.    Mr. Chow is the main character and issue.  I'm surprised they got all of the actors to take part in the movie again.  

"Ricki and the Flash"   Features Meryl Streep.   It was a pretty decent story.     A mom basically left her family when her kids were little to chase her music dreams.    Her now adult daughter is having a crisis so she comes back to try and help.    It was a good story and decent movie.    

I think that's enough for now!

Week 1...Done

And the first week of Summer Youth Fitness is done!    The week went fairly well.    Only major issue was on Tuesday as I had to close the pool due to low staffing.    Placed an add in the local newspapers and hope to hire another 2 life guards by roping in some high school kids.    Seems to be a huge shortage of life guards in Central Iowa though.    It's already making me worry for next year as getting staff this summer (pool-wise) was like pulling teeth.

I've been really happy with the program too because my energy levels are fantastic.     It is much easier to move around the building and outside locations all afternoon.     I'm getting a lot done and even extra stuff too thanks to being peppy.    I only fell asleep early one evening this week too so it's nice to be able to function after a long day.   Next week will be brutal though as it's supposed to be so hot.  

Dan's boy is participating in the program and thankfully Dan was able to bring him on Monday and Tuesday since I was plenty busy teaching in the mornings and doing prep work for the program.    He did have to come early with me on Wednesday and did OK.     We didn't have to come until noon yesterday which should be the norm for the remaining weeks.     I had a somewhat uncomfortable talk with Dan yesterday about some concerns.    At times he seems really disengaged from Jude which A) puts more work on me at home and B) just isn't great parenting.   There have been issues that have popped up (e.g. Jude making a mess) and it happens right in front of Dan and he doesn't seem to notice or care.    He explained that after work he just wants to relax and is tired.    I guess I was a bitch and said "tough, parenting is a 24/7 job".   Plus if he's that wiped out, he shouldn't be working double shifts if it affects his interactions with his son.    I guess I put my foot down about it all because it was eating away at me, especially the past few nights.    I don't mind helping with Jude but I'm not the primarily parent.     I also had to do the hand-off of Jude to his mother last night.    I wasn't happy about that either but it went OK.    She was way too nice (in an overkill way) and I got out of there quickly.     It was a bit funny because I pulled into the drive way and got out to unload Jude.   Before I knew it, his older brother was running at the car and then she was outside quickly too.    We think they were quick to respond so I wouldn't walk up to the house or the door.    Sigh.  

I'm getting somewhat excited about the Fourth of July holiday.    I think our plans are to attend the Ames parade.    Fireworks are the night before on July 3rd.    I think we'll do the use thing at Hilton but come early with outside games and have a fun evening.    Not sure if we have Jude or not and I'm not sure if Gavin works yet.     Speaking of Gavin, he has now been at Hy-Vee for a year.    Ask him about it and he just shrugs.    Shocking.  

Dan and I are planning a long weekend in Milwaukee in July too.    On July 13 we'll drive there as we are attending a concert that night.    (Toad the Wet Sprocket)   It will be the first time (I think) that I take a day off from Summer Youth Fitness.   Makes me a bit nervous due to my Type A style with work.      On July 14 we are likely going to do a river cruise in Milwaukee (historical focus) and also visit a nearby cave that gives tours.     In honor of his Dad, we'll likely do the Harley museum too even though that really doesn't interest me.    Still have some gaps in the agenda and may do something on July 15 before we head back to Iowa.    Not sure yet.     We are also thinking about a trip to Cleveland in August (first weekend).     We may go to Cedar Point Roller Coaster park one day and attend a Cleveland Indians game or two as well.    Baseball games would be for Dan's birthday.   Still no clue as if kids are coming with and how many.   I would like Gavin to come and it may work with his football schedule too.     Dan's kids?    Too early to tell.  

Guess that's enough of an update for now!    Enjoy the heat.

Concerts!

It's been a great end to May.    Mom and the sistas came down this way last weekend and we had a decent women's weekend.    Highlight was the Neil Diamond concert.    Gavin's football meeting caused us to leave Ankeny a bit later than I wanted but thankfully Mr. Diamond didn't start his concert on time.    I was surprised by how high our seats were but it was still a good concert.  I don't think I've ever been to a concert or event in Wells Fargo with so many people in attendance.    Neil's voice is still pretty solid for it being used for 50 or so years.    I believe the only song he didn't sing that I missed was "Kentucky Woman".

Dan and I attended a concert last night.    The night started with Fastball.    They had some hits in the 90s but weren't my favorite band.    I just kind of waited for them to be done but the crowd overall liked them.     Next up was Vertical Horizon and they were fabulous.    Very good set.    The headliner was Everclear.     It is their 20th anniversary of the CD "So Much for the Afterglow".    They showed up dressed in suits just like they did for the album.    I was also very impressed by their sound and the lead singer's voice was great.   They played all their hits and even some extra songs I didn't expect.    I encountered a pretty solid contact high from all the marijuana being used at the show.   I felt bad for Dan.     I'm surprised security and the cops weren't cracking down on it.  

Dan and I are starting our new schedule with Jude this weekend.     Today was his last day of school and it is Dan's weekend to have the boy.     We now have Jude some weekends but primarily Sunday nights-Thursday evenings.     The living situation isn't ideal in the apartment as Jude has to sleep on a loveseat.  We have clothes here for him and I did some grocery shopping to ensure we had some of his preferred food in the house.      His grandma is helping with him a bit this upcoming week since I have trainings and meetings at ISU that require no child to be in attendance with me.

Speaking of which, I have my orientation meetings for SYF employees on Thursday.   I'm offering it at 1pm and 6pm.    I'm also doing CPR training for employees on Wednesday.    I have one more life guard to hire on Tuesday assuming the interview goes well.    Still have other tasks to complete too to prep for June 5th but for the most part, everything is going well.    My summer course is turning into a piece of cake too since I only have three students.    I need to write up some quizzes this weekend though.    

Gavin is finished with school on Wednesday but started finals today.     His schedule is all weird with late starts and/or early dismissals.     He has started working more for Hy-Vee and football will pick-up soon too.     Speaking of Gavin....I got my personalized plates today!      Great picture to end with...

6 Month Check-Up

Monday was my sixth month check-up for my post surgery progress.   I met with the nurse practitioner instead of the surgeon.   Apparently I don't see him again until November at my year appointment unless something goes horribly wrong.     I haven't lost much weight in the last 4-6 weeks but they said it's normal to plateau at this stage and I should have another major weight loss later in the summer.    My body composition is still changing nicely though which is a comfort.    I'm still dropping sizes in clothes so I could tell something was still going on even though the scale wasn't changing much.  

My blood work was good too and my Vitamin D is elevated again.    I forgot to get a copy of my bloodwork results so I need to ask for one to be mailed.   I was in a rush to leave after meeting with the dietician because they were running WAY behind.    I had to teach at ISU at 9:50am and got to my classroom at 9:53am.    I was supposed to see the nurse practitioner at 8:00am and didn't see her until 8:45am.    I had to wait a bit after her to see the dietician too and didn't drive out of West Des Moines until 9:15am.  

Dan and I are trying to play tennis more often in addition to going on walks and biking.    It didn't work out for tonight because we had Gavin's track banquet.   He has a cardiac consultation tomorrow due to his recent cholesterol readings so I'm sure they are going to encourage more exercise too.    We are making more plans for the July venture to Milwaukee.    I reserved a hotel for the first night there so it's located close to the concert location.   We'll get a different (cheaper) one for the second night.   We haven't decided what we are doing yet on Friday or Saturday when we are in the city.    I've had a lot of people suggest brewery tours but I hate beer and Dan can't drink it.    Doesn't seem like a great idea.  

Speaking of Dan, we went to Adventureland on Saturday.   It was a gorgeous day.    It was odd to be there without children.    The good news is that my butt fit on every ride.     I will admit the Outlaw was a tight squeeze but that was the case back in the day when I rode it years ago too.    The new Monster roller coaster was very fun but did mess with my stomach and head.    I only rode it once.    I noticed other rides were kind of getting to me too but was wise and took breaks to make sure I didn't get sick.    Hoping to go there again later in the summer for another go at things.  

My ISU summer class started and I only have three students showing up.     Being there is an attendance requirement, I'm assuming the others will be dropping the course.     I'll admit I'm kind of winging it this week and need to get more structured with things for the remaining weeks.    I know all three students well so the casual setting is working out just fine.   My DMACC summer class was canceled due to low enrollment.    I'm not shocked but it does suck as that is good money.    I'll still teach the coaching class periodically in June and July.    

I'm working part time now until the week before ISU starts up in August for the fall semester.   It's been odd only working a few hours each day.    My general schedule is to work from 9:00am-1pm on Mondays-Thursdays.     I usually take some work home with me though and do things at home for work on Fridays too.    It's nice not having to drive up to Ames on Fridays though.   I'm all about saving the gas money.  

I guess that's enough of an update for now.    I'm excited for some girl time this weekend too.     I wish the weather forecast was better though!  

Not so Much Grading

Greetings:

It's almost 2am.    First day back to work after a fun weekend and I already screwed up my sleep schedule.     I was wiped out when I got home from work around 5pm and I think I made it until about 6pm before I had to lay down.    I woke up at 11pm.   Good news is that I basically finished grading for two more classes.   I only have one more class to finish grading tomorrow.    I still have all of their unit plans to review so I'll do that all day tomorrow.  

The weekend was quite fun.   I took off earlier than I expected from work on Friday and stopped in Cedar Falls for a few hours.   Saw Alissa's new home.    Celebrated Cinco de Mayo.    Got my 2nd wind when we got to Waukon and went on a walk with Mom at night.   We got up on Saturday and went to Decorah.    I admit I was a bit nervous as I was afraid I'd feel as awful as I did a few years ago after completing a 5K in Waukon.    It was enjoyable and I finished it in an hour.   It's nice to have a completion time in mind so I can shave time off the next one.   And I want to start jogging 5Ks in the future too so that'll help my time.    We played tennis afterwards and that was fun.   That is becoming easier for me too in terms of moving around more quickly.  

We went to a couple graduation parties.    I felt a bit out of place at the first one as I barely know Andy's wife and his step kids.   The party in New Albin was fun though since there was quite a bit of family at it.    I got more compliments than I was expecting and apparently I look a bit different.  

So speaking of the weight loss...my weight has been stable for about a month and that worries me for my upcoming appointment.   My body is still changing though and I've dropped quite a few clothing sizes recently.    So hopefully my body composition readings keep me in good standing with the doctor.    My extra skin in my abdominal area is making the attempt to job unpleasant though.    I need to find some garments that hold all that still when I'm moving a bunch.  

I was supposed to get my blood drawn today since I chickened out last Thursday.   I left work too late and didn't get to the lab in time.   I thought they were open until 5pm but nope, they closed at 4pm.  I got there at 4:10pm.   I'll be honest that part of me wasn't too sad about it but I have to get it done tomorrow or it won't be ready for my doctor's appointment next week.  

Yesterday (Sunday), Dan and I went on our first bike ride together.   It was fun but shorter than I anticipated.    We went a total of 5 miles.    I could tell he was getting pretty tired so gave him the option for us to turn around and he took it.    The bike path by my apartment is really nice and we went west on it for the little trip.     Not sure when we'll do it again since he's currently not feeling well.   My bike rode amazingly.   His bike needs some work and his tires need to be inflated better.  

I supposed I should try to sleep so I get up at a decent time in the morning so I can start working on time.   I am going to work from home to save gas money.     I am technically "off" from ISU this week so it shouldn't matter that I don't come into the actual office.    Plus I'll be more likely to get to my blood draw in the appropriate time frame.

Until next time!

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.

Holy Hamstrings

My hamstrings are killing me and I'm not quite sure why.    I played tennis days ago but I'm don't think that's the connection.   Standing, seated, or lying down...the muscle groups are not happy.  

I decided to take a night off from work tonight (aka no grading at home) so I could relax and hopefully go to bed early.     I was already asleep at 9pm (yippee) but the fire alarm went off throughout the building.   Based on the smell in the hallway, I'm assuming something burned in someone's kitchen.   I'm wondering if a sprinkler or something went off to trigger the whole building. It took fifteen minutes for the fire trucks to get here and it was obvious they weren't in any hurry.    Thank god the weather was nice tonight.    I was a good Samaritan and helped a bit with the guys next door since they are disabled.     They had two people working with the three gentlemen and the two workers seemed a bit frantic to get them out of their apartment.

I am currently buried in grading tasks.    The bulk (95%) is ISU-related.   I've kept up well with DMACC classes.    I have 90 fairly simplistic assignments to grade for my health methods class.    Should take me a 2-3 hours.    I also have about 75 more in-depth assignments to grade for that same class and those will take me much longer.    I need to tackle those tomorrow as they are more time sensitive.     I have about 25 moderate assignments to grade for my PE course too.    Sigh.   I haven't even started grading the teaching assignments that are taking place in all ISU classes yet.    Blah.  Ideally I'd like to have all that grading taking care of by Monday next week.    It's good that I'm not traveling for Easter weekend since I need to be grading for most of the weekend.

I plan to take my bike to a nearby bike shop this week.    I might do it on Thursday morning before I head to ISU.    I think I bought the bike in 2008 but I'm not sure.     I want them to do an overall check on it and prep it for recreational use.    I know I need a new pedal too.    Dan is keeping a bike here at the apartment too and we plan to start using the trails more regularly.    I'm curious to see how long it takes for us to bike to Saylorville Lake from the apartment.  

My weight loss has definitely slowed a bit.    I've been around the same weight for awhile.    It's still slow dropping though.     I have to be careful at night because my desire to snack is coming back when I'm watching TV.    I try to drink hot tea instead.   I'm letting my work take over too and I'm not working out as much either.    Bleh.    Just need to do some self-reporting since I'm not entirely thrilled with myself.

I finished reading "The Order of the Phoenix" so it looks like I only have one Harry Potter book left!   Whoo!    Considering my workload, I'm not reading for pleasure again until May.

We've been taking time to watch the occasional movie so here are some movie reviews:

The Hangover II:   Just as silly as the first Hangover movie so it was pretty funny.    The first was better but this wasn't too bad for a sequel.   The friend in the group that is a dentist (can't remember his name at the moment) is the one getting married in Thailand.     They end up partying in Bangkok and things get wild again.

Crazy, Stupid Love:  Steve Carrell is the lead actor in this movie about a couple going through a divorce and he tries to get back out in the dating scene with the help of another single guy.     Neat story about his kids are adjusting and how lines cross with various actors/actresses in the movie plot.
The Judge:   A serious movie that features Robert Downey Jr.   He comes back to his hometown for his mother's funeral and during that time his Dad causes an accident that kills a man.   Furthermore his dad is the county's judge so that causes more controversy with the death.    It causes the family to bond and brings up issues from childhood/teenage years.

Safe Haven:   Holy crap what a chick flick.    It is a Nicholas Spark book made into a movie.    I wasn't too impressed but there was an interesting twist at the end.

The Theory of Everything:   It's the biography of Stephen Hawking's life.    It was actually very good.   It's based off his first wife's book.    Explains his time in college and how they met.   It also shows his progression of his ALS and why he ended up in a wheelchair and why he can no longer speak.

Fireflies in the Garden:   A surprisingly great movie about an author's life.    He had a tumultuous childhood, especially with his father.    I do think it is fairly a true story.    Not sure why I added it to my Netflix list but I'm glad I did.    Ryan Reynolds is the lead actor.

And in the spirit of Easter...