Because Crying and Eating Cake Go Together

It all started with me watching this sappy video this morning...an ad from Pandora. Little kids were blindfolded and through only touching and feeling, they had to try and identify their own mom from several other moms in a lineup.

If you're a woman and a mom, I don't see how you could not get emotional after watching this. Watch it and see for yourself!

And after a long and trying day at work, I found myself thinking about this video again as I drove to pick up Buddy Roller. And what did I start doing? Tearing up again! Then I thought to myself, I sure could use some cake right now. And then I started laughing out loud! Yes I sure did!

Hey! I'm a woman. I'm allowed to get emotional over a commercial. Over anything. Really.

And besides, crying and eating cake do go well together. Just ask any other woman.

A School Snack Packed with Love

I packed Buddy Roller's snack for school today, as I always do, but today I just couldn't resist sending him a love note. Today's snack is an apple, grapes, a bottle of water, and a special little treat...a fortune cookie...from one of his favorite places to eat, Panda Express. Or "Pandy Express" as he affectionately calls it. The note was signed "Mama Moo Moo." A term of endearment he made up for me.

Do you send your little ones to school with notes of love?

Happy hump day!

C-Sections and Lucky Number 21

As a mom, I've always felt sorta cheated that I didn't give birth naturally. You see, I knew for months that I was probably going to have a cesarean section. My baby (I didn't know the sex until he was born) was not in the right position, and even though I tried to accept the fact that I would probably not be laboring and sweating, grunting and moaning...for hours and hours and hours...only to hear my baby cry for the very first time, I was kinda disappointed. Crazy right? Yeah call me nuts, but I always felt like going through all that was a badge of honor to gain entry into the "most important role of my life," and I wanted that badge! 

Later, I would come to understand that no matter how your baby comes into the world...via naturally or by cesarean or even adoption...it's your baby and you earned the title mother.  Since I was going to have a planned C-section, The Hubs and I had a choice of dates for when our little one would be born. That was so hard...making this decision. Who were we to decide? That's all God. Not us. What if we chose the wrong date? What if our little one wasn't done cooking in the oven? 

More on our decision later...

The number 21 has great significance to me. My sister, Chica, was born on the 21st.

And I was born exactly two years later, in the same month, on the 21st...on her second birthday. To this day, my mom swears she didn't plan it, and it was a coincidence. I believe her.

The Hubs was also born on the 21st, and we chose to be married on the 21st. No wonder I kinda have a thing for that number 21.  Right?

Anyway back to childbirth...

Guess what date we settled on? Yup, you guessed right...the 21st. And you know what? It was the right decision. That morning, bright and early, when we went in for my "scheduled" C-section...guess who started feeling sharp labor pains? Me! And guess who was kinda glad she wouldn't be laboring for hours with those kinds of pain? Me! 

And even though things didn't go the way I wanted them to, they sure worked out the way they were supposed to. And you know what? I still got to hear my baby boy cry for the first time. That was the sweetest cry, and it brought tears to my eyes. That was the first day of many tears to come. And in that moment, I knew it didn't matter. Whether he came naturally, or by cesarean, it was my journey to claiming the coveted title of mommy.

So yeah, the number 21 is pretty special to me. Some things were just meant to be!

Chalk Talk - Active Monitoring

Testing began at school last week. 

I'm the type of person who can't sit still. I always have to be doing something.  And even if I'm sitting, I'm multitasking. So these past testing days have been difficult. Make that extreme torture!!! When kids are testing, up to three hours...or more...at one time, teachers have to be "actively monitoring." No. Teachers can't sit and plan lessons, or grade papers, or surf the net. We are required to walk around the classroom, constantly, watching students take their test, and documenting anything and everything out of the ordinary.  We have to make sure students are on the right section of the test, and that they're not looking at anyone else's test.  We have to document if students make too many erasures, and we have to deliver tissues, pencils, calculators, or scratch paper as necessary to students. 

It is tedious and torturous.

So I decided to document my own observations...just to make the time go by. Here's the life of a middle school teacher during one three hour block of testing.

• I have 20 students in my testing group...ten boys and ten girls.
• 17 students crossed their legs during testing.
• Four held their head...one did this the entire time.
• Three students fell asleep. One...seven times!!! Another...four times.
• One constantly moved his legs, picking them up and then letting them hit the ground as if he was making his own music.
• Three girls had ponytails.
• One girl had a bun.
• Fives times I picked up pencils that rolled off the desk.
• Three times I delivered tissues to students.
• One student bit her nails.
• Two students sneezed.
• One student's watch beeped.
• The number of students who could not open their scientific calculator...three.
• Black and grey were the colors of choice on said day. 
• Six students wore grey, and six wore black.
• The number of student who wore pink...one.
• The number of student who wore white...one.
• The number of students who wore navy blue...three.
• One student wore blue.
• One wore purple.
• One wore plaid.
• The number of students who wore glasses....five. All glasses were black rimmed.
• The number of students with hoodies...10.
• Now on to shoes!
• Six students wore black shoes.
• Five wore white tennis shoes.
• One wore burgundy.
• One metallic.
• One navy blue.
• One wore construction boots.
• One wore red.
• Two wore purple.
• Two wore grey.
• Four students wore shorts.
• 16 wore jeans.
• The number of students with mismatched socks...two.
• Most male students wore black socks except two who wore white.
• One student opted for no socks...Ewww! Stinky winky!!!
• Seven. That's the number of times my stomach growled....a loud rumbling sound like a volcano about to erupt. 
• And finally. Infinity and beyond. That's the number of times my joints cracked and popped as I walked through every aisle of student desks watching every student intently as I actively monitored!

We have one more day of testing left. Perhaps I can mentally plan my outfits for the next 18 days...that's how many days are left in this school year!

A Perfect Shade of Sheer

My search is over for the perfect sheer nail polish. I have spent years, and money, trying many different brands and shades for the right bottle...a color that makes it look like you've got the perfect manicure. I've found many shades that I've loved, but after one day the paint chips and peels and I find myself re-doing my nails. Who has time for that?

For several months I was doing the gel thing, but again I found it hard to just sit there and wait to get my nails done. I prefer to spend my time doing other things. It's okay once in a while, but not every two weeks. Know what I mean?

This bottle of Essie's Limo Scene is just what I've been looking for.  This is what it looks like after you're done applying the polish. And the best thing? This polish lasts.  I know it. I tested it. Mine lasted a good five days, but it could last a lot longer. I just happen to wash my hands and do the dishes far too many times. I can't wait to try more shades from this brand.

Check it out!

It Lasted Only 12 Days

I tried.  And I was doing really well.  I was eating lots of fruits and vegetables. In between meals, when I felt hungry, I would reach for a fruit or nuts instead of junk. I was doing well.  Even when there was bad food around me, I held strong and resolved to say "no." And it worked. I was determined.

I discovered a few things these last 12 days.  One.  I was over-eating way too much. Two. I don't have to have dessert and I can go without it. I did it for 12 days, and I survived. Three.  Eating less made me feel lighter, and I had more energy. Compared to over eating which made me feel lazy and sluggish.  I'm so glad I was able to do this for 12 days. I love what it feels like to eat healthier and it beats how I used to feel.

But then.  Thursday night came. I went to a meeting at my church and they had these irresistible pistachio macaroons, and I wanted to try them. Have you ever had them? They are delicious! Also, my mom is in town and she made one of my favorite dishes...stew peas...plus another favorite. Her pound cake! These I could not turn down.

And yes, this is a setback.  A minor one. I won't eat like this every day. I'll be eating healthier most of the time. Maybe I'll just take a little break.  Every 12 days.

The Not so Forbidden Fruit

So. I was in the grocery store earlier today enjoying some me time, and shopping for apples when another customer walked up next to me, chose an apple, and casually bit into it!

It totally caught me by surprise and made me chuckle! I have never seen anyone do that. Was he just "testing" it to make sure it met his standards? Was he just hungry and decided he couldn't wait til check-out? I have no idea! He grabbed a few more apples and kept it moving as if this was something he normally did.

I have to admit, I have on many occasions, taken one single grape and tasted it to make sure the whole bunch was sweet enough to buy, but I have never bitten into an apple, banana, or any other fruit...no matter the reason. And you might be thinking, if I did that to a grape, why not another fruit?

So this strange incident made me wonder...would you, have you just tasted any fruit or anything else in a grocery store without first paying for it?

When All You See Are Thorns...

"When all you see are thorns, remember the ROSES!!"

The Hubs had flowers delivered to me at school with this message inside of a card. He often says this quote to me, and I, honestly, keep forgetting to see the roses among the thorns of life.

Life is what you make it.  Inevitably we will face challenges, but it's our outlook, whether positive or negative, that will ultimately see us through.

I need to remember to always see the roses. Thanks Hubs for this beautiful reminder.

What are your thorns? Better yet, what are your roses?

What does this quote mean to you, and how do you apply it to your life?

Day 3 Food Diary

Well.  I'm hanging in there!

For breakfast I had a boiled egg and some fruit.  For lunch, grilled chicken and assorted vegetables.  I ate a Larabar later in the afternoon when I got super hungry.  For dinner, I made a huge salad with romaine lettuce, boiled eggs, carrots, broccoli, avocado, raisins, and sliced almonds.  It was delicious especially with blue cheese dressing! And yes, that's not the healthiest dressing, but I was so hungry by dinnertime, and didn't feel like going the extra mile to whip up some boring healthy salad dressing!

I sound grumpy, don't I? LOL.  I do feel tired and sort of miserable...especially because I'm still hungry!  I'm hoping I'll adjust to this eating plan soon, and won't feel so hungry all the time.  I've also been experiencing some slight headaches, but not sure if that's all related.

I'm calling it a night and hoping I can at least dream about cake tonight.  Just kidding!

Tortuous or Torturous?

I love words!

I love learning new words and looking them up when I don't know their meaning. So I was kind of surprised when I came across tortuous and discovered that until today, I had never realized it ever existed! I have always known about torturous and just assumed they were one and the same. Not!

So glad I discovered the difference today, and now I have a new word to add to my repertoire.

Did you know the difference?

Still Hungry on Day Two

It's day two of my 30 day eating plan, and one thing's for sure. Since I've been eating lighter, I don't really feel full after any meal. Before, I suppose I was loading up on all the heavy stuff...rice, pasta, potatoes, etc....and honestly, I always ate a little bit more even when I felt full. And even after feeling full, it seems I always had room for dessert.  Now I find I'm eating less and not feeling as full. I guess it makes sense.  Who wants to eat more lettuce when eating French fries or cake tastes so much better!!!  Right??? And that's precisely why I'm choosing to change my habits. 

I've got to re-train my brain that making healthier choices is the better way to go. I'll be the first one to admit that I don't think I could eat this way for the rest of my life. Once the 30 days are up, I'm sure I'll be incorporating other not so healthy foods into my diet, but I hope the portions will be much less than I've had in the past and all in moderation. Or who knows! Maybe I'll never have cake again! LOL! Who am I kidding!

Today I ate a banana and other fruits for breakfast. For lunch I had tuna on romaine lettuce with an apple. The Hubs grilled today, so I had a hot dog and a hamburger with onions and peppers sans the bread.  Eating with my family today was hard.  There was mac and cheese and potato chips which were very tempting, but I stayed strong.  Inevitably, there will be more temptations, but I just have to remain focus and determined. 

What's been helping with the hunger pangs? Grabbing a handful of almonds here and there have helped to subdue my hunger along with drinking lots of water. Also staying active! I've found riding my bike or playing basketball outside with Buddy Roller and The Hubs have kept my mind off of food!

So far it hasn't been too torturous, but I have also been in a very controlled environment at home these last two days. What worries me is returning to school tomorrow. Long days and hunger pangs mean I need to be prepared and have my arsenal of healthy foods available and ready!

Feeling Hungry on Day One

In an effort to have some accountability, I've decided to share some of my 30 day journey of eating healthier. Remember my plan consists of only three food groups.  Fruits. Meats. And vegetables.  First of all, you should never decide to start any new eating plan without first going to the grocery store and stocking up on all the necessary food items. I was so gung-ho about starting this challenge that I just decided to do it this morning...with absolutely no planning. And after my two mile run...I found myself starving with not that many options of food to eat! I ate an orange and some tuna and was starving  for most of the morning. I stopped at Panera Bread for a chicken salad and apple before heading to the grocery store to get my food items for the week.

Three things were clear to me on this first day of my journey. One, hardly anything I picked up was in a box or processed which means I got mostly healthy foods. Two, eating healthier costs a little bit more.  And that's okay. And three, cooking healthier is actually faster than the other meals I'm used to preparing. I was excited to try out some quick and easy recipes for my first dinner eating the right way.  Tonight's dinner was simple, yet it had a ton of flavor. I grilled some scallops, asparagus, carrots and yellow peppers in a savory lemon butter sauce. I also marinated some chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper for about 20 minutes before grilling them. Dinner, which was surprisingly delicious, was finished off with a very sweet and juicy navel orange followed by a Larabar only because I just didn't feel quite full.  I'm sure it's because I have this really bad habit of trying to complete any meal with something sinfully sweet.  That's a main reason I want to do this challenge. I need to stop my bad eating habits.

The first bite of my Larabar was really bad and my first thought was no way I'm eating that! But...after swallowing, it really wasn't that bad, and it helped to satisfy my urge of wanting something more. Larabars are made with fruit and nut, so it's perfect to eat when I feel I need a little something extra.  And they're going to help me get through these next 29 days.

Day one. Check. I'm feeling pretty good. I hope the next few days will go well. I'll keep you posted!

If I Am What I Eat...

If I am what I eat, and that's true, then I don't like the images of what I've been feeding myself. Picture this.  Carrot cake, any cake, doughnuts, brownies, ice-cream, M&Ms, Doritos, and the list goes on. And on.

I've been dreaming of a healthier me for a while now. I want to be healthier. Eat healthier. Be healthier. I want to be in the best shape of my life. I want a body with toned muscles and definition and abs that are rock solid. Okay maybe that's a stretch LOL!  But I know what I don't want.  I don't want a body that's soft and bulgy.  I want to look and feel good.

It's easier said than done.

When I think of all the things I'm putting into my body, I can't possibly reach my goal eating this way.  If I want to accomplish these goals and live a longer healthier life...things have to change. I have to do it for me, but I also have to do it for my family. I'm my son's role model, and he sees me eating all this unhealthy stuff, then he may very well adopt my very bad habits. I can't be responsible for that! I know this takes commitment and discipline. Motivation and determination.  It makes me think of all the people who've cut either meat or sugar from their diet. Why can't I be just as committed?

I'm running the Peachtree Road Race in July. I'm hoping this annual Atlanta tradition will jump start my healthier routine because I have to train and prepare for it. I mean it's the largest 10K in the world! Even though I ran a half marathon eons ago BK (before kid), running a 5K would be a little challenge, but since the Peachtree is twice as long as a 5K...this girl better get moving!

So. Starting today I am what I eat, but in a good way. That means all fruits, veggies and meat. No sugars. No junk. I'm challenging myself to do this for 30 days.  And please understand that I don't believe in diets and weight loss fads. I do believe in eating healthy and exercising, but I do need to go without the unhealthy stuff for a month to re-train my mind and body how to do it the right way.  I will also be running three times a week and incorporating many other activities into my life...riding my bike with my family or playing a game of basketball with the neighborhood kids.

I can do it. I know it, but I need accountability. So writing about it makes this challenge that more real and that more doable. I can't wait to see the results. But more importantly, I'm excited to be a healthier me!

It's Just the Little Things

Sometimes don't you find that it's just the little unexpected things that make you happy?

I do.

Like this morning, for example. Waking up to cloudy skies with the threat of an incoming storm forced me to slow down, stay indoors, and just take it easy! Slowing down is good.

Because I was able to slow down, I got a chance to wrap a birthday present for a special friend. Yes, it's way easier to put a present in a gift bag with some tissue paper when you're in a rush.  But.  I find it way more special to take the time to wrap a present and put a bow on it! That makes me happy.

And then I received a special delivery! I had been expecting it, and I knew it was on the way, but it still made me just a teeny bit happy to get it. The story all started here, and I can't wait to get immersed in this group and start reading our first book!

Looking forward to more of life's "little things" and blessings that make one's journey that more purposeful.

Happy Friday!

Taking Outdoor Play Inside

What happens when you take the outdoors inside?

A lot of fun, sweat, laughter, squeals and an enjoyable good time for all!

Imagine a showroom for kids filled with over a dozen outdoor wooden play sets, trampolines, and basketball hoops. And the best part? Kids can play inside year-round away from the heat, cold or rain! Buddy Roller and I had a chance to check out this really cool place today when we met up with some friends. Thanks Angela for recommending this awesome place!

Here's a peek inside if you'd like to see more...

When Life Slows Down

A week off from school means life slows down.

And when life slows down, there are no schedules, no alarm clocks, no deadlines. No rush. No hassle. Just life. Without restrictions. Ahhh.

When life slows down, little things take on a bigger meaning.  There's beauty and appreciation in life's simple pleasures.

You get to play out loud in a pit full of colorful balls.

You actually make it a priority to work out.

You rediscover the joy of reading a good book.

You appreciate a visit from Pippa, a furry friend, and you actually make time to have an authentic conversation with your neighbor.

You remember how good it feels to just let loose and be goofy.

When life slows down, you recognize what it's like living through a child's eyes.

You see things from a whole new perspective and you ponder....what would life be like if I slowed down just a bit more?

"It's Not Fair!"

 

We're way past the, "No!" stage in this household. That was years two and three.  Now the unwelcomed words from this five year old are, "It's not fair!" said with a whining voice and lips that pout for special effect.

It's not fair to have to go to bed on time, it's not fair to leave someone's house after a play date, it's not fair to have to brush one's teeth, take a shower...yadda yadda...you get the point.

What are the favorite lines from your little ones these days?

Would You Dine Alone?

Panera Bread's Thai chicken salad and creamy tomato soup

Would you dine alone?

In my 20's and early 30's, I hated to eat alone and wouldn't do so voluntarily. Now in my 40's, I don't mind it a bit. There's something empowering and confident about dining solo.

Earlier today I had some rare "me time," and I treasured every moment.  I had an early morning appointment at the hair salon. The drive in the car was very peaceful and tranquil. I've said before that after working all week with children, the calm and quiet are a welcomed treat.  After my hair appointment with Creative Director, Rebecca at Toni&Guy, which included a blissful head massage and a "flawless" blow out, I casually wandered the mall browsing through a few stores. I did so at my leisure with no distractions or restrictions. If you're the mom of a young child, you can understand how being at the mall alone is refreshing. In fact, in the last five years, I've considered it a treat just to go grocery shopping alone. Ha! Can you relate?

On the way home, I was starving, so I stopped at Panera Bread for lunch. Alone. It was lovely. I ate in solitude and took my time. Not the usual 20 minutes I get at school, where you literally have to do what I call, "bite and swallow"!  I treated myself to some hazelnut coffee too, and the best part about eating solo...people watching! Just ask The Hubs. It's a favorite hobby of mine!

After my sequestration, I was ready to head home and see my two favorite guys. That's what "me time" does.  It gives you time to yourself, to do what makes you happy, to sort out your feelings and emotions, to just have time to think and process. It brings you peace of mind so that when you are around others, you can be a happier you!

So.  Back to my question...would you dine alone?

Do You Know?

Little me

Do you know the exact time you were born?

I don't, and I'm wondering if I'm in the minority on this. I've never felt that this was really important information I needed to know about myself.  I do know that many moms can tell you the exact moment their child was born.  They know this information like they know their own birthday! Yet it's something I don't know about myself.

In fact, up until yesterday, I didn't even remember the exact time of my own son's birth. I knew of the approximate time....late morning...but that's it.

Where did this curiosity come from? I was teaching my kids about text structures and we were talking about chronological order. To help them remember that chronological order is all about time and dates, I told them to draw a clock in their notebook along with the date of their birthday and the time of their birth...if they knew it. To my astonishment, a lot of them knew and they thought it was strange that I didn't.

Hmmm.....

Why is that? Why don't I know the time of my birth? Is it because back then, when I was born in Jamaica , in 1974, there weren't any smart phones and social media...technology...to record such a special event? Perhaps it's because my mom was too exhausted after laboring to push me out into the world that that was the last thing on her mind? Perhaps indeed. After a little investigation, talking to my mom and even looking at my birth certificate (it doesn't list the time of birth!), we weren't any closer to an answer. My mom feels badly that she could not help me solve this mystery. I don't want her to feel bad. Not being able to provide me with this information doesn't in any way make her less of the awesome mother she is.

Because I don't know my birth time makes me wonder if that's why it wasn't important for me to know Buddy Roller's.  I saw the excitement in my students' eyes when they shared their birth times with me, and it made me realize that Buddy Roller should at least be given the option to determine if it's important to him.

While I will never forget the events surrounding the day Buddy Roller was born, I am now going to make it a priority to remember the exact time of his birth and make sure he knows it too.  And it was easy to find. It's on his birth certificate, and it's shown on the little blue card I received in the hospital that day more than five years ago.  

11:18 a.m. 

Buddy Roller was born at exactly 11:18 a.m. on a Friday morning.  So every year, starting this year, on August 21, at exactly 11:18 a.m., we can remember the significance of that special day back in 2009.

Do you know the exact time you were born?

Life, a Metaphor

So...we're working on poetry and figurative language at school this week, and I'm really proud of some metaphors my kids wrote today. And because I promised I would, here are some of their metaphors...

Life is a story; it can be short or long.  Y.B.

Life is a seed waiting to sprout.  J. A.

Life is an ocean, mysterious, beautiful and full of surprises.  T. J.

Life is a mall. You go up, down, and all around.  L.D.

Life is an amusement park with so many rides, thrills, chills, and torture.  J.J.

Life is a treasure chest full of jewels in it.  S.C.

Life is an elevator; it can move up or stay stuck.  A.D.

Life is a bird taking flight.  M.H.

Cool right? And so insightful! 

Happy hump day!

Senor Cool - 7th grade's spotted gecko