computer hospice

My five year-old computer is shuddering through her last breaths. So, sorry for the absence of posts. Plus, the janitor was locking up the school at 4:30 instead of 5:30-- so there went another opportunity.

But, the weather is gorgeous. It's in the best and most fleeting part of spring. It's that two-three week window of flowers and the lively, new green and perfect temperature. It's glorious to walk outside-- everything around you is magical. It's like being in a fairytale. Finding a little fairy perched on a toadstool wouldn't feel that uncanny right now. Or a little gnome digging in the dirt.

Yesterday, the 7th grade went to Old Salem in Winston-Salem, NC. It was a fantastic field trip-- my only regret was that we didn't stay longer. I was in charge of 9 students who behaved beautifully. I took all the brats because I wasn't going to dump them on the parent volunteers. So, I was dreading it a little. But, the kids were fascinated with all the tours and guns and ideas. I bought them hot cross buns and we chatted about Easter symbolism and moravian baking. I think it helped that I thouroughly enjoyed myself-- it's a good reminder. Kids are like horses; they smell emotion.

Then last night after attending to business (faxing and mailing applications), I went to my new favorite restaurant and had a portabello sandwich and went to a GK Chesterton lecture. The lecture was phenomenal. A professor dressed up as GK Chesterton and gave the lecture from his perspective. It was delightful and thought-provoking. Chesterton was such a witty guy that it was a brilliant idea. Then, this morning after pilates, my book club discussed his Orthodoxy-- how providential was that?

One more week of Lent to go! I'm ready for some meat and bread. I've lost about ten pounds and feeling really good. It's been a really good experience and reminder.

After much angst, I've decided to attend one of the thirty singles sunday school class. For some reason, this has been a really tough decision. Clearly, it represents a lot of unresolved issues in my psyche and heart. It feels like admitting defeat-- a lot like resignation. Plus, I get fairly annoyed in these kinds of set ups; a down side of studying theology. But, clearly, I need something if I went through so much angst. I'm just so completely opposed to categorizing.

I'm applying to some jobs and programs. I hate waiting.

bronchitis

A bad bout of bronchitis is making me feel like death... and sound like it too. I went to the doctor and got meds. So, I should be on the mend. Apparently, my sicknesses are related to allergies... and everything is in bloom. It's glorious outside. Perfect.

The conference was inspiring. It reminded me there is a point to teaching... beyond the paperwork, annoying parents and lack of supplies.

I was at school one, whopping day this week. Yea, spring break... well conference and death by bronchitis.

I bought some really fun fabric today (I can see my sister rolling her eyes now). I am checking Consumer Reports on sewing machines.

weird day

I stayed out of school. I slept a lot, talked on the phone and watched The Gospel of John (the three hour version). I did put potting soil into some pots but no seeds. I did unload the rest of the dishwasher. Then, I was pooped. I'm waiting to feel normal. My aunt with a brain anuerism (sp?) reminded me how great normal is. I just wrote a really bizarre email to a school requesting an application. We'll see how that goes. And, I talked with a friend about his book proposal, which didn't feel like it went well. But, then, I get a text to stop what I'm working on because he's revamping it. So, maybe, it didn't go that badly. I'm headed home to the humidifier and nasal spray.

infected sinuses/sini/sinus

Yep. I'm sick. I have antibiotics to prove it. I felt like an idiot at the doctors-- I would have sworn I had strep throat. Good thing, I don't have money to place high stake bets. I've been feeling cruddy since Tuesday of last week. I left a half day to see a doctor today. I'm more relieved to find out what it is. As I drove to Charlotte, my strep throat was mutating into cancer. So, good to have professionals negate my imagination. I've deemed tomorrow a sick day too. Then, it's back to the proverbial grind.

Looking for work. Trying to be smart and methodical. Such things come hard for me. I found the article in The Atlantic both depressing and cathartic. But, I'm finding hope and encouragement in the Gospel of John, GK Chesterton's Orthodoxy and Books and Culture. God is at work... in the world, including my life. And, let's face it, there's lots of room for improvement. God, the sky's the limit.

Going home to sleep and heal.

letdown

I was so sure we were going to get a snow day... or at least a two-hour delay. Nothing. I was miffed this morning (and still am a little... can you tell?) But, I got an excellent workout out of my self-generated hype as I mentioned before.

The Chief has been sick, and I've been cranky with her. It's just that all her drama and loud breathing are getting to me. And, she sends me out multiple times to get a single item. I told her last night before I went on a hamburger mission-- Is there anything else? Then I listed about twenty things I thought she might want or need. She wanted rainbow sherbert to soothe her throat. So, I saved myself an extra trip.

I'm going to skip my writing class because I think I'm coming down with what the Chief has. Dayquil can only stave it off for so long.

My students were far better behaved today. I can't pinpoint what was different: it has to be a mixture of them and me. But, I didn't argue-- instead, I was a broken record, which is far more effective with this age group.

As for the Daniel Fast, 2 of 6 weeks have been completed. I've lost 8.2 lbs. I'm praying more regularly-- I've set aside ten minutes of my commute each way, and inevitably I pray more or get side tracked. And, I'm more in tune/aware of my physical, mental and spiritual goings on. It's not as if I've stopped sinning or become holy, but it's as if I can see sin for what it is. How I'm eating is affecting how I'm sleeping, my running, my energy level (all for the better). I'm feeling how integrated my body is. Although I had a really emotionally rough night last night-- overall, life feels more manageable. Perhaps, it's because of the discipline being applied in one area.
Anyway, I'm a big fan of this fast.

snow 1.5 hours?

Forget a snow day. Our school system let out one hour forty minutes early. Okay, whatever. Class was kind of pointless for the most part-- the kids were all high on snow... and getting out of school. So, I left school at 2:35, went to the Y, ran 6.5 miles on a treadmill, then aced a piyo class. It was my best yoga class ever because I was warmed up after just having run an hour. Of course, everybody looked cute and all yoga chic, and I was wet with sweat in my old running gear.

I really want a snow day tomorrow. So, I'm at the library checking out KL Going's Saint Iggy and the 2010 Newberry Winner When you reach me by stead. Snow day. The sky has been dropping these huge, luscious snow flakes. However, said snowflakes melt as soon as they touch the ground. I hope it gets cold tonight.

biz E

*Busyness and no internet at home are my only excuses. Sorry. I didn't even make my self-imposed quota for February. C'est la vie.

*Career Day went well, leaving me very pleased. My cousin's law school friend had an interesting presentation with pictures he'd used in court, but he had an even cooler message of dedication and persistence.

*The custodian has given me a deadline to get out of the building: 5:30. It seems reasonable, but when you have a bunch of parent conferences and a bunch of work to be done on the computer and things to run off. It gets dicey.

*So, some people are calling for snow, and some people are calling for cold rain. I want snow, but the rain people have a stronger argument. All shall be revealed by 6am tomorrow.

*I went to a Yoga class last night-- my first since college. It wasn't that scary; there were other yoga-phonies in there like I am-- they had on lacrosse t-shirts. But, I am sore: there's some funky bending and lifting going on.

*I now must put a hotel on my credit card for the middle school conference and get my stuff ready to start the novel.

*Lent is going well except I inadvertently ate some cheese in a vegetarian lasagna. I just wasn't thinking.