Start of the Semester....Not too Shabby

ISU has one week under its belt and DMACC has a couple days under its belt.    Things started off well and I'm hoping I'm not jinxing that by making that statement.

I am teaching four classes for ISU this semester and NOT supervising any student teachers.    You wouldn't think that student teachers were a big deal but they suck up a lot of time when it comes to scheduling visits and factoring in travel time.    I usually was assigned teachers in the Des Moines area due to where I live which was somewhat handy.    We have so many teachers that went outside Iowa or outside the country to student teach that I wasn't needed.     I'm really not teaching any PE classes either.    I have three Health Study classes and Swim & Gym is now a class too.    Technically Swim & Gym is a PE class but it basically runs itself.

I have two sections of HS 275 (elementary ed majors that need a methods class so they can teach health education) and with two sections I have 90 students.     I'll have plenty of lesson plans and unit plans to grade at certain points in the semester.    I have one section of HS 375 with 21 students I believe.   They are FCS and PE teachers that want their endorsement to also teach health.  

At DMACC I only have two online classes as  my one web-enhanced class was cancelled due to low enrollment.   I'm sad about the loss of money but not sad to have my Monday evenings free.    My online classes are smaller than usual too so the grading should be manageable.    I will still have a couple extra days/evenings to work for DMACC too as we'll offer a coaching authorization course twice this semester.  

Yoga has been going well.    I've mainly been going to a Restorative Yoga class that does some basic stretching and works on breathing so you can chill out.   I tried a new one last night called Sound Mediation.    Seems a bit corny maybe but you basically make yourself comfortable on your yoga mat and can use any props to help with comfort (e.g. pillows, bolsters, etc.).    The lady that teaches basically plays music with singing bowls and other sound creators so you can just relax and clear your head.    It was tough for me the first time as my mind kept wandering to what I still need to do after yoga and for a bit I was paranoid I would fall asleep.    My 30 day pass is almost done which makes me sad as it was the most affordable way to try yoga.   I'll have buy single class passes or a bulk option and the prices go up after the "new participant" 30 day pass.    There are a couple other yoga classes I want to try but they haven't worked out with my schedule yet.   I never plan to do the hot yoga or the advanced classes because I already know my flexibility will be a limitation and I don't want to pay to stretch in a room and sweat to death.

Dan's mom recently dropped off a basket of apples so I was in apple pie mode this weekend.    I made a pie for her since she gave me the apples.    Dan took one to work yesterday.    I brought two to work today (which has really confused people).     Just eat the pie people.     We have one at home that we are munching on and I'll make one more tonight to use up the apples.    Probably send it with Dan to share with people at his work again.    I'm assuming I'm using a recipe that Mom gave me....it was in my recipe book that allows you to collect recipes and put them in a binder.

Dan and I had a date night this weekend which was nice.    We went to the Miller High Life Lounge for dinner and OMG the broasted chicken was amazing.    Irritated me that I couldn't eat much but I tried.    His mom's husband gave us free I-Cubs tickets for the evening and we watched a decent baseball game.    It was in walking distance from the restaurant/bar and I said no to cotton candy when at the game.    Very tempting but I think I was pulling in enough calories thanks to the hard cider I was drinking.  

Gavin had his first football game on Friday night and as predicted, Dowling kicked Ankeny's butt.    Both he and I were confused as to why he didn't play much.   He had hoped to learn more about that on Saturday morning when the team watched the film but nope.   Most of the plays that can be called on offense (for running the ball) have him in the game as the primary running back.    On Friday, he said they kept calling the handful of plays that do not include him but the second-string running back.   He also said the usual coach that calls plays was not calling plays...it was a different coach.    I think they needed the larger running back as the opponents were big.  We'll see what happens on Friday when they play the other Ankeny team.

Alissa and I were able to bop down to the Farmer's Market on Saturday morning which led to some nice wandering a few good purchases.     I'm already buying some Christmas presents and actually got one on Saturday for someone.    Was nice to get some produce too since we cruised through the stuff that Mom gave us recently.    I may want to go back again next weekend if Alissa and LeAnn are interested.  

I guess that's enough of an updated.    I teach in 20 minutes so I should probably get into instructor mode and prep for that.

Adios!

New Hobby, New School Year, New Clothing

Greetings:

I should be sleeping as it's 12:32am but I'm rather wired.    I should be relaxed and sleepy as I did some excellent yoga tonight but oh well.   I can go into work a little bit later in the morning so that should help.   I went to a Restorative Yoga class tonight.   It was my first time going to that style of yoga.    It focused on relaxation and reduction of tension in the body.   It doesn't make you contort or work on crazy flexibility so that was nice.    I would certainly go again and in fact, I may go on Wednesday after work.

Today was the first day of the orientation process for new graduate students.    It went fairly well with a few hiccups.    We have a much smaller group this time around so that makes things a bit easier.    I made an extra effort last week to meet with a restaurant in person to place a catering order for today's lunch.   They were to deliver at 10:40am so it could be set up and we could eat at 11am.    Well 11am rolls around and no food.    I call the restaurant and the manager eventually fesses up that the order was overlooked and they were currently cooking the food.    Sigh.   Thankfully I plan for a long lunch on the first day so the late arrival of food worked.   But they didn't bring all the food we ordered.    I get to call  them tomorrow to talk to the owner to see how the situation will be handled.    I personally think we shouldn't be charged.    I also had some major Internet problems for an afternoon meeting but just ended up moving to another location.    I probably saved another instructor a major headache by discovering the problem this week rather than on the first day of class next week.

I decided to be snazzy today and wore a dress to work for the first time ever.   I wanted to make a good impression on the new grad students.   I'm getting more self-conscious about my loose skin so I bought some undergarments that help keep things close to my body.     They aren't the most comfortable but I feel much more comfortable wearing dresses and formal clothing with their help.   But I won't lie,  it was nice to get home and get those things off.     I don't know how women wore corsets back in the day.

I went to the State Fair last week.     I volunteered for DMACC on Thursday and it was OK.    I just came to the fairgrounds to work for them and didn't wander before or after working for the booth.   I felt ill-prepared to help since no one answered my emails.    I apparently fell through the cracks because I never ended up on the volunteer list hence not receiving informative emails.    They did send my free ticket though so figure that out.  One plus was that I was able to snag some materials for Gavin about the building trades and HVAC careers.   I went on Friday with Alissa and it was fun to explore.   As dorky as it is, going on the "Ye Olde Mill" ride was a highlight.    It's a dark boat ride that highlights the fair's history.    Think the Underground ride at Adventureland but in a boat and it's not designed to be scary.    It was nice to see the animals too.     And yes, I ate some junk food but we were both good about moderation.

We're excited to go to Czech Days and "get away" for part of the weekend.    I'll need a little break between this orientation and the start of the semester.     I still need to complete syllabi for both ISU and DMACC.    I'm glad I didn't finish them early because I was already notified of extra information I have to include on teacher education syllabi.    I'm holding off on one of my DMACC syllabi too because my class enrollment is small (4 students) so I'm expecting it to get cancelled.

I am still putting my office together at ISU.   I've gotten things up on the walls.    I posted a framed collection of pictures of Gavin.   I made it years ago and never had a  place to hang it.   I also got frames for my degrees and posted those along with the award I received in the spring.    I requested a white board so I'll get one of those at some point.   Still have boxes to sort through and I need to reorganize a file cabinet.    Bleh.   It'll get done at some point.

I'm getting very excited for Gavin's football season.    We went to the annual hog roast last night and the players were introduced.   We also received the senior posters (hung one in my office) and had the chance to buy t-shirts.    I also had time to sign up for making desserts for after game meals.   I have to make a lot of brownies in the future on a date in October.   They also let parents sign up for concession work this year rather than randomly assigning us shifts.     I was able to pick a date/time that actually works for me and my Swim & Gym schedule.    The coaches have had good things to say about Gavin.   He gets a lot of credit for his great attendance to activities this summer and his commitment in the weight room.    I'm hoping he makes a lot of good memories in his last year playing the sport.    I also hope he doesn't get hurt.

I guess that's enough of an update for now.     Wish I was tired but alas, I am not.

Depression, Time Off, and a New Hobby

Life has not been super eventual lately.    Summer Youth Fitness ended last week.    I don't have complaints other than low enrollment.    The children behaved well, much better than last year.    The employees were decent too.    My main issue was with grad students that worked hourly for me.    I expected the issues to come from undergrads but nope....grad students.    I still need to write a closing/thank-you email to the participating families.   I also want to create a survey for families so I can get some data about some future ideas.   I'll do some work on the program tomorrow when I need to kill some time at ISU before my eye appointment.  

I had a really rough weekend in terms of mental health.    I couldn't get out of bed and was in a really bad funk.    Dan had me get up and go out to eat with him so that helped a bit.    I felt bad paying to go out to eat because I'm not able to eat  much lately either.   I have no appetite.    Yes, I know...time to schedule a doctor visit.    My friend Mike reminded me of something that plagues me from time-to-time.   I thrive when I'm busy and structured.     When I have downtime I struggle.     He reminded me that I need to do things for myself and I need hobbies.    And my hobbies need to not be related to working.     Seems pretty sad that I only get enjoyment from work at times.    I've had a growing interest in yoga as I need to find ways to relax.    I am trying some yoga classes this week.   The studio is here in Ankeny.   There are several in Ankeny but one stood out to me because of its well-designed website and nice variety of classes.    I need to start out simple since flexibility isn't my forte.  

Time for some honesty:

• I didn't enjoy my time with Jude as much as I thought I would.    The step-parent experience frustrates me more than anything.    I keep comparing him to Gavin and I shouldn't be doing that.   Jude has had a different upbringing and that upbringing is what is causing some issues.   Don't get me wrong, Gavin's upbringing wasn't always sunshine and rainbows but I think he had more stability when he was younger.     And I cannot stand how dependent Jude is on technology.   It drives me crazy.     

• For awhile, Dan has been wanting to speak to my parents about marriage.   He wanted to be traditional and make sure they are on board and I can appreciate that.    He has been wanting to bop up to Waukon on occasion and I've told him to calm down about it.    It finally seemed logical to go up recently since LeAnn was having her garage sale and I wanted to see Grandma Stika.   I know it would be tricky to get both Mom and Dad in the same place at the same time.    He did speak to them about it and I don't feel it went as well as it should have....sigh.    Go figure.     Combine with me feeling rather down lately, things haven't been great with he and I as he doesn't feel it went super well either.     

So I plan to do some yoga this week, minimal work, and attend some appointments.    I paid a buttload of bills yesterday and everything is ready for Gavin and his school year.    He had his physical on Friday along with a second meningitis shot.  His registration fees are paid except I still need to buy his athletic pass but that will be a bigger deal in the winter when he goes to basketball games.    He bought his own stuff for football so I don't have to bop out and accompany him to stores.   I need to schedule some senior picture shots.    I do want him to have some taken in NE Iowa too in the fall (ahem Alissa).    

That's enough for now!

Milwaukee: Land of Beer and German Stuff

Greetings:

Back to the grind today.     The remaining two weeks of summer camp at ISU should be fairly easy and I don't have anything on my schedule in the mornings and only need to work in the afternoons.    I do need to start packing up my office to move to my new location in the building.   It's not really a new location as it's my previous office.    They are currently painting it and waxing the floor.   Hope to start moving by the end of the week so I don't have to deal with the move when I'm off in August.
Dan and I took an excursion to Milwaukee the past weekend.   It was a quick trip but organized well so we balanced our time with sightseeing and resting.    We departed on Thursday morning and took our time since we didn't need to be at our first planned event until 8pm.    I used some of those travel sites to book our hotels and our first hotel was a Ramada.   The one in Des Moines is decent and the one I used in Sioux Falls was really nice too.    The one in downtown Milwaukee?   Not so nice.   You could tell it had been smoked in and seemed a bit musty too.    It served it's purpose though and it was a place to lay our head for one night.

We took some time to walk around the downtown to find a place to eat.   I decided on The Safe House which is a spy-themed restaurant.   It took a little bit to find because it was hidden in an alley.    I should have figured they would make it difficult to find.    It was confusing at first because you enter a small room and a guy simply asks you for the password.   We both guessed a password but were wrong.    We then had to perform a challenge to prove we were worthy to enter the establishment and weren't enemy spies.    At this point I was like "what the hell did I get us into?"   We were to act like monkeys at the zoo and fling poo at each other.    Dan did this very well and I was like I said....confused.    We were then granted access and one of the walls opened and we walked into the restaurant.    We then realized that TVs are positioned all over the restaurant and people can see you performing your challenges.    Embarrassing at first and you get over it as you start watching other people act like fools too.    Decent food.    Interesting establishment.  

We then literally went across the street for the concert.    Dan's favorite band is Toad the Wet Sprocket and they were playing at the Pabst Theater.   It was the first day of their new tour.    It was a very good concert.    The venue was awesome too as it is a very old theater.   They sound just like they did back in the 90s.    I feel their most popular song was the one in the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12bM1CqHoBY

I remember the song playing when we would swim at Lonning's or the pool when I was kid.

On Friday we slept in and found a local place to eat lunch.   It has the longest bar in the USA.   If I remember correctly, it was called Buck Bradley's.     Milwaukee is all about fish fries on Fridays so Dan ordered that for his lunch.   I got a basic salad because I couldn't carry leftovers with me all afternoon.    The fish (cod) looked amazing though.   We then took a river cruise down the Milwaukee River during the afternoon.    It was focused on history so we learned a lot about the turmoil in the area and various immigrants that settled in the region.    The cruise took us out on Lake Michigan too.   The only bummer was that it was cloudy and rather gloomy.    I gracefully cut my hand on one of the doors too when going back and forth from inside to outside the boat too.    I had been wanting to try some German food so we did that for supper.   It turned out to be our pricey meal of the trip but it was worth it.   I got a meal that included a flattened, breaded chicken breast on top of spatzle with a mushroom gravy.   So good.   Dan got a platter of various meats including brats, sausages, etc.

Our second hotel was a bit better as it was more modern and smelled a lot better.   It wasn't in a great neighborhood though but we didn't die and my vehicle wasn't broken into.     I thought it was further from downtown but we were still really close so that was nice.  

We left on Saturday morning.   Originally we were going to visit Cave of the Mounds for a cave tour but changed our minds and went to House on the Rock instead.    Dan had never been there and I was in the mood to go again.   We spent a couple hours there and drove into Iowa.    We took a pause in Cedar Rapids, ate at Red Lobster, and then continued to Newton.  

Overall it was a good trip.    Thankfully Milwaukee was semi-easy to navigate.   It was actually rather cool there so I was glad I brought a hoodie.     Gavin survived my absence and didn't burn down the apartment building.

Here are some pictures from the experience:

Gavin's Lost Some Wisdom.....Teeth

Greetings:

I guess the big news in the past week has been the removal of Gavin's wisdom teeth.   We went in for a consultation last Wednesday and got good news.    The doctor said Gavin's case was one of the easiest of the week.   Only one of the teeth were erupting and the other three were still under the gums and nice and straight too.    The plan was to go ahead and pull those babies out on Friday morning.

He had three options:

1. Just get local anesthetic and have them removed (12 shots total)
2. Get local anesthetic and laughing gas
3. Get an IV and be put under

At first he wanted option 1 but I talked him into option 2.   He thought it was cool during the procedure because the doctor would tell him what he was doing.   Unlike most people, the sounds he heard didn't gross him out.    Makes me sick thinking about it.   

The procedure went fast and he was done more quickly than I expected.    I wasn't expecting him to need 5 prescriptions after it but luckily our usual pharmacy is right across the street from the surgical office.    They gave  him prescription pain killers (barely used them), prescription strength Ibuprofen (used it a lot), steroids to help healing (took last dose today), an antibiotic to prevent infection, and a prescription mouth wash too.    He had a few moments of bad pain but he did really well with the process.    He was quite puffy on day 2 and 3 because he wasn't on top of the icing process.    We can see some signs of bruising now too as parts of his jaw are yellowish in color.    

I'm just glad we were able to get it scheduled and done this summer.   Next on the agenda is to figure out senior picture ideas.    I am very  much OK with Alissa doing some fall shots with him in NE Iowa.    The question will be when we can get up there with her schedule and his football schedule.   Or maybe we could do some shots at Ledges by Boone.    I do want a professional photographer to take some too down this way, especially with his athletic equipment.   I should probably line that up at some point.    

I'm starting to feel a bit old as the "list of things to do" for Gavin's final year of high school is starting.

1.   Wisdom teeth out

2.  Senior pictures

3.   Figure out college options---he's still indecisive but he needs to do some visits

4.   FAFSA stuff 

He's made it somewhat clear he doesn't want to move with me to Ames next year.    Further pressure for him to figure out what he's going to do because if he does end up going for a trade and attending a place like DMACC, we'll also need to get apartment stuff figured out too.     

Guess Gavin was the focus for this one!

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.