Healthy Change

I have made two changes in the past week that I hope to stick with in hope of a healthier me. Last weekend I mentioned I was celebrating a friends birthday on Friday night. My friend is a coworker who also teaches first grade. We had the absolute best time laughing and enjoying  a band at a local tavern. We joked that most of our crowd were teachers and the fact that even though we had left school we couldn't quite escape it as most of our stories were about our kids. I woke up relaxed Saturday and had the thought "hey, I don't have anything to do tomorrow AND don't have school Monday." With that in mind a made a spur of the moment decision to head home to see my parents. While home my mom made me a cup of Chai Tea. 

Here is where my healthy change comes in. I am a HUGE coffee drinker. I love everything about coffee, and often wish it was acceptable to drink it all day everyday. I have been skeptical about hot tea but after trying one cup my mom made me I am hooked. Yes, I still love coffee BUT if Chai Tea is just (or almost) as good as coffee why not make the switch. After doing  a little bit of research I have learned that tea has a ton of health benefits that coffee does not offer.  It is also very relaxing which is nice considering I work with 6 year olds all day. To put it simply, it's healthier. Enough said, I've made the switch. I'm enjoying a cup of Vanilla Chai Tea now! 

...and change number two, I'm so excited about!

 I joined a gym! 

A real gym, with real people and trainers, that I actually have to pay for, unlike in college. 

I am not a huge fitness buff and doubt I ever will be. I am however health consceience and realize that coming home after work and sitting on the couch until bed is not the best idea. I'm excited about my new gym and hope it's something I can stick with for the long run. The main reason I joined this particular gym is because they offer a wide range of fitness classes. Since I have joined I have tried out Party Jam, Zumba and Hot Yoga. 

Here is where I will smile and say hot yoga?  I might not be back at that one for a while. I think I was NOT in a beginners class and thought I was going to suffocate by the end. Yes, not again for a while. Maybe I should have given normal yoga a try first.. 

and just for fun..

Finally Friday

I survived my first round of parent conferences last night.. 

I get to celebrate a friends birthday tonight

It's a three day weekend 

Happy Friday!! 

Election Fun

Just a note: I have no idea who has won/will win the 2012 Presidential Election when I write this post. While the election can bring stress and anticipation it can also bring hope, excitement and a little bit of fun! There is something magical about not knowing what to expect and having hope. My election fun started yesterday when my kids got a taste of the political process. To bring it down to a first grade level my grade level hosted a 2012 Cookie Election. Who will win.. chocolate chip cookies or butter? Students were able to taste test, cast a ballot and vote on their favorite cookie. 

Well votes were cast and chocolate chip it is! 

It's been said that southerners will use any excuse to throw a party. I've heard of everything from it's fall parties to hurricane parties. (yes.. let's have a party because there is a hurricane? not one of my finer moments from college) Just like a reason to celebrate us southerners also love any reason to dress up. Being election day I of course had to sport red, white and blue today! 

To watch the election coverage several girls and I got together to celebrate. We made cupcakes, dip and mulled wine. [just a side note... if it was socially/physically acceptable to drink nothing but pumpkin spice latte's and mulled wine I would do it. Those two things make me the happiest girl in the world] It was so much fun to watch and discuss the coverage with the girls!

Question for my teacher friends:

I really want to set up a website where I can post pictures of my students for parents to see. I also want to make sure it is private, safe and free. Does anyone know of a good site to use?