Share Four Somethings- September

I was planning on linking up with Jennifer for Share Four Somethings on Saturday (I had this written by Friday). But we lost power Friday and into Saturday so I couldn’t. Then I was going to on Sunday but we didn’t have internet Sunday morning. So I am linking up today and with Joanne for Talking about it Tuesday.

Something loved:

1. Getting back into the swing of things in school- I started subbing in September for the first time since late last March. I subbed an almost average of two days a week which I think is pretty good- I definitely eased back into it which was nice. For the most part, my days at school were good. There were two notable exceptions. But you know what is nice about being a school sub? The school day ends. And then you’re done. And you never have to sub for that teacher/ in that classroom again. Well, unless you signed up for a multi day gig which is what I did and was quite unfortunate. But those days, too, passed and then I had a day off. A day off is super enjoyable when the previous two days at school…were not!

I subbed during spirit week and joined in the dress up themes. On Wednesday, it was Wacky Wednesday so I wore an Ohio State football jersey and an M (U of Michigan) hat. The two teams are big football rivals. Of course the Buckeyes are more popular here but it is not uncommon to find Michigan fans. I have a few friends who are big MI fans so I asked to borrow a MI hat to wear to school. The jersey was an old one of Jacob’s that I found in his closet. It’s a boys size medium and it appears to be over-sized because it fit me well. I am more of a Michigan fan than OSU due my mom being from Michigan. And from finding OSU fans super annoying. 

Far be it for me to self aggrandize/ brag. (On the occasions that I do so, please forgive me! I also try to give a heads up when I am going to brag about one of the kids, lol) So this is more in the spirit of calling a spade a spade than bragging... but, I CRUSHED Wacky Wednesday! I received lots of compliments for the wackiness. Some students feigned dramatic outrage, “I cannot go into a classroom where the teacher has a Michigan hat on!” declared a couple of the students. I loved it! 

But wait, it gets even better. You see, Tuesday was jersey day. And I wore a jersey on Wednesday for Wacky Wednesday. I Wacky Wednesdayed it up a notch! A few of the students pointed out that aspect of the wacky. Wacky, doodle, deux!

2. Seeing my sister- I took a short road trip to Canada to see my sister on her birthday. Lots of driving but lots of fun to see my sister and her family. We only typically see each a few times a year (last year was four times but that was an unusually high number. We are only at two visits this year) so each one is super special.

3. Embracing the benefits of empty nesting while acknowledging that some days/events/things are not easy-  One benefit includes only making dinner for Donnie and me and/or not making dinner- sometimes we just sort of graze or even snack when watching a movie in lieu of sitting at the kitchen table and eating a meal. When we had kids at home, it seemed vaguely maltreatmentish to not make a meal? 

Something that needs improvement- My eating habits per a book I am reading. I bought the book Good Energy by Dr. Casey Means when I heard Dr. Means on Allie Beth Stuckey’s podcast. Oh boy! This book could be life changing... if I were willing to give up sugar completely, eat even whole grains very sparingly, and eat virtually only fruits and vegetables but (throw in some obscure spices). The spirit is willing but the taste buds are weak! The book is really interesting in that it describes exactly what happens, from a cellular perspective when we give our body “bad energy” ie. sugar and processed foods. But it’s also depressing. Because what happens at a cellular level is NOT good and it has negative consequences on weight and overall health. I will not implement all of the advised changes in my diet. (She advocates for zero sugar, 100% of the time. Not happening!!) But I do plan to make some changes.

Accomplished- Well... running has not been happening and will not be happening for the next little bit (see below)... but I have upped my walking game. Namely, I have been doing some fast walking on the treadmill. My goals have moved up but there’s a finite amount of walking speed one can have before one is no longer walking but running. 

Something noticed- It’s a few days shy of my six month surgery-versary. Six months post op, I am supposed to be able to run again. But unless something changes really fast in the next two days, I do not plan on running just yet. I noticed in September that the tendon still feels wonky at times. It doesn’t hurt but it doesn’t feel normal either. So I am going to wait. If it still feels wonky in a couple of months, I may take up running then- figuring that the wonkiness is the new normal. **Update- it is now October 1st, exactly six months post op. Definitely no running in the very near future. Maybe next month!