Yesterday was Total Body Circuit day, 25 minutes of pure torture. Even Tania's modifications were very challenging, but I was proud of myself for not giving up, and being able to practice better planks and getting trained for full push-ups. I still have a long way to go in these areas, but I'm happy where I am now, considering I am quite the beginner in all of this.
I am also starting to feel the positive side effects of working out everyday. My overall mood is improving and I feel more energetic. Being able to finish the 25-minute Shaun T workouts is also a great feeling. I feel very proud of myself. The sluggishness is gone and I look forward to seeing more improvements as time goes by.
It is also the first day of fall break, four days of pure bliss, no work. I woke up at 9:30 this morning to let the dog out and feed her. I went back to bed but stayed up browsing my smart phone. I think I half-slept in the middle of it. I decided to get up at 11:30 to make some breakfast/brunch/lunch and catch up on my British shows. I had leftover Asian salad and three soft boiled eggs. I felt like I wanted to eat more and decided on a chocolate chip cookie and a mint.
I want to practice a healthier diet but the mere thought of it makes me cringe, because no matter how glamorous healthy diets and recipes look on the screen, in real life, it makes me depressed. I love food. I love indulgent meals and desserts and snacks. I don't think I can give up processed food or sugar. I don't want to deprive myself of these things that truly make me happier about life!
I don't plan on changing my diet or abstaining from certain things health enthusiasts find horrific, because I know I will fail. I love food too much. But I know I can start making smarter choices, like portion control. It's an ongoing, learning experience, but I know for sure that this whole 'diet' thing is not for me.
Which brings me to the reason why I started working out again. My goal is mainly to feel better about myself, mentally and emotionally, by giving my body the physical activity that it needs. Being completely sedentary has taken its toll on my mental and emotional wellbeing that I started getting depressed again. I don't want to pay for a therapist or take medication for this, so I decided to work out to help combat these blues. My primary goal for working out isn't to lose weight or look good, but to feel good and to feel healthy, even if, by mainstream standards, my body shape isn't exactly the most 'perfect.' I don't care. I have come to a point in my life where physical attributes don't really bug me as much anymore. Sure, I get body issue woes every now and then, but they're pretty minor. It's the emotional and mental stability that I find really important these days. These are my foundation to being the best person I can be for myself, and for the people around me. And, this is why I work out.
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Monday, October 6, 2014
Me Time: A Change In Perspective
October 6th, Monday. I tuckered out last night at around 12 and knew that tomorrow was going to be rough. I haven't been getting enough sleep during the weekdays, partially because I always feel anxious about coming to work the next day.
I thought I was going to break the commitment before it even started when I woke up at around 5am, that is, after already tossing and turning in between. I tried to go back to sleep, half slept, and woke up at 5:30. I looked at the alarm set on my phone: 6:00am. I only had 30 minutes left to sleep. To hell with this, I'm not working out. I need more than 30 minutes to survive the rest of the day. It was, after all, a Monday.
I couldn't sleep after that. I looked at the clock: 5:50. Out of nowhere, something inside me pushed myself out of bed, and I suddenly found myself putting on a sports bra, workout pants, socks, until finally, I was in my Nike's.
I told myself that I was going to start slow. The reason I gave up a workout routine was because I pushed myself too hard, thinking I could do it. I don't need Tania. I can totally do the entire thing without the modifier. And when I realized that I couldn't, I threw in the towel and said to hell with it.
Not this time. I was going to swallow my pride, listen to my body, and go slow.
I followed Tania the entire time. And it felt great.
That was, until after the cool down. I was ready to begin my day, when I realized how freaking nauseated I felt. I knew I had to quickly prepare my breakfast (oatmeal and bananas), but I could barely walk to the kitchen. When I realized how unfit I was, the familiar feeling of demotivation started setting in.
And with it came other negative emotions, like job dissatisfaction, feeling tired and sick, and wishing that I could just stay in and go back to sleep. Ugh, I had to work after hours today, too. And it's only 6:45.
But I knew I had no choice. I had to keep moving, so I did. I made breakfast, but could only take a couple of bites. I've always skipped breakfast, and this is something that I've been working on to make a daily non-negotiable. I kept my leftover oatmeal in a container and stored it in the fridge for tomorrow.
My day went by quickly, but I only saw the slightest difference in energy, not so much in mood. My husband said it would probably take a week -- maybe more -- to see a real difference. I'll try to be patient.
Tonight, there's that familiar feeling of dreading the next day again, especially since I knew I had to continue waking up 30 minutes earlier to be able to get the workout in. I used to work out after work, but since I have been doing overtime, I knew that wouldn't be much of a commitment and more like wishful thinking. Besides, I do chores, cook, and clean when I get home.
A realization just literally came through: I basically work the entire freaking day. My job starts at 7:30 and ends at 4:30. After that, I either get home or do errands. When I get home, I cook and clean. It never stops.
In other words, I think I made the right decision to wake up 30 minutes early to start my day with "Me Time", my workout. If I could keep that perspective, I think I would feel more motivated to continue.
Saying it one more time, in front of the mirror: 6:00-6:30am working out = Me Time. You're doing this for you.
I thought I was going to break the commitment before it even started when I woke up at around 5am, that is, after already tossing and turning in between. I tried to go back to sleep, half slept, and woke up at 5:30. I looked at the alarm set on my phone: 6:00am. I only had 30 minutes left to sleep. To hell with this, I'm not working out. I need more than 30 minutes to survive the rest of the day. It was, after all, a Monday.
I couldn't sleep after that. I looked at the clock: 5:50. Out of nowhere, something inside me pushed myself out of bed, and I suddenly found myself putting on a sports bra, workout pants, socks, until finally, I was in my Nike's.
I told myself that I was going to start slow. The reason I gave up a workout routine was because I pushed myself too hard, thinking I could do it. I don't need Tania. I can totally do the entire thing without the modifier. And when I realized that I couldn't, I threw in the towel and said to hell with it.
Not this time. I was going to swallow my pride, listen to my body, and go slow.
I followed Tania the entire time. And it felt great.
That was, until after the cool down. I was ready to begin my day, when I realized how freaking nauseated I felt. I knew I had to quickly prepare my breakfast (oatmeal and bananas), but I could barely walk to the kitchen. When I realized how unfit I was, the familiar feeling of demotivation started setting in.
And with it came other negative emotions, like job dissatisfaction, feeling tired and sick, and wishing that I could just stay in and go back to sleep. Ugh, I had to work after hours today, too. And it's only 6:45.
But I knew I had no choice. I had to keep moving, so I did. I made breakfast, but could only take a couple of bites. I've always skipped breakfast, and this is something that I've been working on to make a daily non-negotiable. I kept my leftover oatmeal in a container and stored it in the fridge for tomorrow.
My day went by quickly, but I only saw the slightest difference in energy, not so much in mood. My husband said it would probably take a week -- maybe more -- to see a real difference. I'll try to be patient.
Tonight, there's that familiar feeling of dreading the next day again, especially since I knew I had to continue waking up 30 minutes earlier to be able to get the workout in. I used to work out after work, but since I have been doing overtime, I knew that wouldn't be much of a commitment and more like wishful thinking. Besides, I do chores, cook, and clean when I get home.
A realization just literally came through: I basically work the entire freaking day. My job starts at 7:30 and ends at 4:30. After that, I either get home or do errands. When I get home, I cook and clean. It never stops.
In other words, I think I made the right decision to wake up 30 minutes early to start my day with "Me Time", my workout. If I could keep that perspective, I think I would feel more motivated to continue.
Saying it one more time, in front of the mirror: 6:00-6:30am working out = Me Time. You're doing this for you.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
A Commitment
I have not been at my physical, mental, and emotional best for the past month, maybe even for the past year. And I think my body is finally trying to tell me that enough is enough -- it's time to put myself first and be healthy.
I have certainly gone down a dangerously unhealthy path since getting married. I guess happiness has its tendency to make one slack off and take important things -- like health -- for granted. But I don't think I am doing our marriage any favors by letting myself go like this.
I know I've made 'commitments' before to start living a healthier life, but I never really pulled through on any of it. It is so easy to give up because I would always find an excuse, like 'not being ready' or 'I'm too stressed at work.' I know that at the end of the day, these are meaningless excuses.
I have really been feeling the negative side effects of letting myself go. My moods have been so crappy. I haven't been waking up motivated to start the day. I always find the excuse of not being completely satisfied with my job, when I am pretty sure a big part of this dissatisfaction (for life in general) comes from my complete lack of energy and overall wellbeing.
Self-image issues are also beginning to blatantly interfere with my mental and emotional wellbeing. I am over 140 lbs., the heaviest I've ever been in my life at only 5 feet, 5 inches tall. Even though my husband tells me every single day that I am beautiful, I can't help but disagree and deny these words of love and appreciation.
I know I can be more beautiful, more healthy, and more happy for him. But most importantly, I know that I can be all these things for ME.
I set my alarm clock 30 minutes earlier than my usual wake-up call. I am going to start my day for once. I pray for the strength to stick with this newfound commitment, to not make meaningless excuses my crutch, and to finally put myself first. "Me Time" begins tomorrow. May the Universe and God's spirit be with me.
I have certainly gone down a dangerously unhealthy path since getting married. I guess happiness has its tendency to make one slack off and take important things -- like health -- for granted. But I don't think I am doing our marriage any favors by letting myself go like this.
I know I've made 'commitments' before to start living a healthier life, but I never really pulled through on any of it. It is so easy to give up because I would always find an excuse, like 'not being ready' or 'I'm too stressed at work.' I know that at the end of the day, these are meaningless excuses.
I have really been feeling the negative side effects of letting myself go. My moods have been so crappy. I haven't been waking up motivated to start the day. I always find the excuse of not being completely satisfied with my job, when I am pretty sure a big part of this dissatisfaction (for life in general) comes from my complete lack of energy and overall wellbeing.
Self-image issues are also beginning to blatantly interfere with my mental and emotional wellbeing. I am over 140 lbs., the heaviest I've ever been in my life at only 5 feet, 5 inches tall. Even though my husband tells me every single day that I am beautiful, I can't help but disagree and deny these words of love and appreciation.
I know I can be more beautiful, more healthy, and more happy for him. But most importantly, I know that I can be all these things for ME.
I set my alarm clock 30 minutes earlier than my usual wake-up call. I am going to start my day for once. I pray for the strength to stick with this newfound commitment, to not make meaningless excuses my crutch, and to finally put myself first. "Me Time" begins tomorrow. May the Universe and God's spirit be with me.
Friday, September 19, 2014
Those 'Teaching Moments'
It was a long and tiring week. I had my first classroom observation by my supervisor and being a new teacher, I felt pressured to prove myself to him, even though I knew I didn't have anything to worry about. After all, he's seen me teach before. Still, now that he's actually my boss, I had to step up and go the extra mile.
I was being evaluated on my ability to encourage students into higher-order thinking, where every child is constantly engaged and thinking outside the box. I had to teach but at the same time facilitate intelligent conversation between the students. I had to provide some pretty in-depth teaching moments.
It was a challenge, but during those 45 minutes, the class pulled it off. I was so proud of my kids. They showcased their creativity and wit. They spent a great amount of time synthesizing their learnings and going beyond what was taught within the curriculum, and taking it to real life situations and history. A few of them even engaged in a healthy debate. In other words, the lesson was entirely student-centered, which was not only a great thing to share with the principal, but also a memorable teaching moment for me!
I live for those 'teaching moments' at work. I find fulfillment, not in being able to teach kids something new, but in seeing kids teach each other, while I'm just there to mediate or facilitate. I treasure those moments when kids learn to ask meaningful questions and aren't afraid to embrace their curiosities. I love seeing kids experiment and find out things for themselves, with just their hands and their brains to rely on. I love witnessing the magic of light bulb moments when they suddenly figure something out. Oh, the joy in their eyes whenever that happens! It makes everything so worth it,
It's amazing when a big decision instantly turns things around, leaving my old place of employment and moving to this brand new one, with a brand new supervisor and in a brand new environment. Last year, I simply wanted to find the joy that I once lost in teaching again. I can honestly say that now, that joy is back.
I was being evaluated on my ability to encourage students into higher-order thinking, where every child is constantly engaged and thinking outside the box. I had to teach but at the same time facilitate intelligent conversation between the students. I had to provide some pretty in-depth teaching moments.
It was a challenge, but during those 45 minutes, the class pulled it off. I was so proud of my kids. They showcased their creativity and wit. They spent a great amount of time synthesizing their learnings and going beyond what was taught within the curriculum, and taking it to real life situations and history. A few of them even engaged in a healthy debate. In other words, the lesson was entirely student-centered, which was not only a great thing to share with the principal, but also a memorable teaching moment for me!
I live for those 'teaching moments' at work. I find fulfillment, not in being able to teach kids something new, but in seeing kids teach each other, while I'm just there to mediate or facilitate. I treasure those moments when kids learn to ask meaningful questions and aren't afraid to embrace their curiosities. I love seeing kids experiment and find out things for themselves, with just their hands and their brains to rely on. I love witnessing the magic of light bulb moments when they suddenly figure something out. Oh, the joy in their eyes whenever that happens! It makes everything so worth it,
It's amazing when a big decision instantly turns things around, leaving my old place of employment and moving to this brand new one, with a brand new supervisor and in a brand new environment. Last year, I simply wanted to find the joy that I once lost in teaching again. I can honestly say that now, that joy is back.
Monday, September 15, 2014
Appreciating What I Have: 10 Things I'm Grateful For At Work
Today is Monday, and it was actually a pretty decent Monday for a change! I didn't have such a hard time waking up early today, despite feeling ill this weekend. It looks like I'm coming down with an ear and/or sinus infection, but overall, I still feel pretty okay! There are times when I do feel demotivated at work, when I get consumed in thoughts of my 'ideal scenario', and forget to appreciate what I have now. And although it's imperfect, what I have now is pretty awesome. So, in the spirit of counting my blessings and truly appreciating what I have, here are 10 things I am currently grateful for at work:
1. I am grateful for my students. All 19 of them. My third graders are truly what keep me going whenever I feel demotivated at work. I just think of how much they make me smile and laugh with their quirks. I think of how smart and witty they are and just overall brilliant. I think of how lucky I am to have this particular group of students, because even though they can be quite a handful, their 'youness', for lack of a better term, makes it all worth it. You know how that Dr. Seuss passage goes, "Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than You?" My students are the epitome of that passage. They just make each day so much more bearable, simply for being who they are.
2. I am grateful for where I work, in particular, a 2-minute drive, 5-minute (10 minutes tops) walk away from home. You have no idea how much of a relief this has been, and how much gas money I'm able to save and use for other things, like small pleasures. Oh, how wonderful it is to work so close to home!
3. I am grateful for my boss. For the first time in a long time, I feel like the big boss trusts me and believes in my ability to handle my class. Absolutely no pressure or negativity; only support and encouragement. No micro-managing; only someone who believes in my own independence and leadership. It feels great to be able to enjoy teaching again, and that is mostly because of the leadership we have in our school.
4. I am grateful for my co-teachers, especially since one of them happens to be my mom! I love being able to eat lunch with her everyday. I love seeing her in action and learning from her. I've said this so many times, and I'll say it again -- my mom was born to be a teacher. And although I can't exactly say that about myself, I feel extremely blessed to work side by side this kind of educator.
5. I am grateful for growth. I've been seeing this most especially in my students. Transitioning from the comforts of 2nd grade to the amount of material and depth of expectation in 3rd grade proved quite challenging during the first month of school. August was a very exhausting month for all of us. But now I can say that the kids are adjusting well and starting to get the hang of things. It's amazing to see them improve each day, which makes my job so much more fulfilling.
6. I am grateful for the extra support I get daily from the special education team. I have quite a soft spot for special education, and I am always so thankful for the amazing SpEd professionals who support us regular classroom teachers everyday. It makes my job so much easier to have that extra support, yes, but I think the fulfillment comes mostly from seeing these kids grow and mature under the wing of such nurturing individuals. So, hats off to you, SpEd team!
7. I am grateful for recess! Yes, I am a firm believer in physical activity in between grueling hours of work inside a stuffy classroom. You'll be surprised how even a short, 10-minute health break outdoors can change the disposition of a student, making learning so much quicker and effective.
8. I am grateful for the little things, some of the little pleasures that make even the most mundane things at work so much easier. The teachers' workroom, which houses all our supplies, the printer, and a copier, which is just two doors down from my classroom. Our teacher's lounge, where I actually don't mind spending my lunch with other staff members (someone once said that a happy teacher's lounge makes a happy school).
9. I am grateful for my kids' parents. I've never had this much parent support and involvement before, and I am loving it! I, for one, love keeping in constant contact with my kids' parents. I think this is so important, because I believe success in school is a three-way partnership between the teacher, the student, and their parents.
10. I am grateful for the financial support I am able to give my family for having this job. It's rare to hear about a teacher being thankful for their living, but in the spirit of gratitude and appreciation, you'll hear it from me today. It's not much, but it's still something.
Sigh. That felt great, and now I'm ready for Tuesday.
1. I am grateful for my students. All 19 of them. My third graders are truly what keep me going whenever I feel demotivated at work. I just think of how much they make me smile and laugh with their quirks. I think of how smart and witty they are and just overall brilliant. I think of how lucky I am to have this particular group of students, because even though they can be quite a handful, their 'youness', for lack of a better term, makes it all worth it. You know how that Dr. Seuss passage goes, "Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than You?" My students are the epitome of that passage. They just make each day so much more bearable, simply for being who they are.
2. I am grateful for where I work, in particular, a 2-minute drive, 5-minute (10 minutes tops) walk away from home. You have no idea how much of a relief this has been, and how much gas money I'm able to save and use for other things, like small pleasures. Oh, how wonderful it is to work so close to home!
3. I am grateful for my boss. For the first time in a long time, I feel like the big boss trusts me and believes in my ability to handle my class. Absolutely no pressure or negativity; only support and encouragement. No micro-managing; only someone who believes in my own independence and leadership. It feels great to be able to enjoy teaching again, and that is mostly because of the leadership we have in our school.
4. I am grateful for my co-teachers, especially since one of them happens to be my mom! I love being able to eat lunch with her everyday. I love seeing her in action and learning from her. I've said this so many times, and I'll say it again -- my mom was born to be a teacher. And although I can't exactly say that about myself, I feel extremely blessed to work side by side this kind of educator.
5. I am grateful for growth. I've been seeing this most especially in my students. Transitioning from the comforts of 2nd grade to the amount of material and depth of expectation in 3rd grade proved quite challenging during the first month of school. August was a very exhausting month for all of us. But now I can say that the kids are adjusting well and starting to get the hang of things. It's amazing to see them improve each day, which makes my job so much more fulfilling.
6. I am grateful for the extra support I get daily from the special education team. I have quite a soft spot for special education, and I am always so thankful for the amazing SpEd professionals who support us regular classroom teachers everyday. It makes my job so much easier to have that extra support, yes, but I think the fulfillment comes mostly from seeing these kids grow and mature under the wing of such nurturing individuals. So, hats off to you, SpEd team!
7. I am grateful for recess! Yes, I am a firm believer in physical activity in between grueling hours of work inside a stuffy classroom. You'll be surprised how even a short, 10-minute health break outdoors can change the disposition of a student, making learning so much quicker and effective.
8. I am grateful for the little things, some of the little pleasures that make even the most mundane things at work so much easier. The teachers' workroom, which houses all our supplies, the printer, and a copier, which is just two doors down from my classroom. Our teacher's lounge, where I actually don't mind spending my lunch with other staff members (someone once said that a happy teacher's lounge makes a happy school).
9. I am grateful for my kids' parents. I've never had this much parent support and involvement before, and I am loving it! I, for one, love keeping in constant contact with my kids' parents. I think this is so important, because I believe success in school is a three-way partnership between the teacher, the student, and their parents.
10. I am grateful for the financial support I am able to give my family for having this job. It's rare to hear about a teacher being thankful for their living, but in the spirit of gratitude and appreciation, you'll hear it from me today. It's not much, but it's still something.
Sigh. That felt great, and now I'm ready for Tuesday.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
My mind is giving me insomnia!
Ever since work started up again a month ago (new school, new perspective), my mind has been overflowing with so many different things that it keeps me awake at night. The melatonin supplement helps sometimes, but most nights, I just can't give myself a full night's sleep! I know this is bad. I know that we all need enough sleep to give our body time to repair itself, but sleep has been such a challenge for me lately. I've tried everything, from sleep hypnosis videos to yoga-before-bed sessions, but I just can't do it! I know my body is craving it, to sleep like a baby again.
I've been wanting to do so many things lately, and I think that's why my mind has been racing. I have a lot on my plate, but I always try and think of ways to squeeze in the things I want to include in my daily routine.
For instance, today I decided that I wanted to do yoga on a regular basis again. Our town yoga studio is offering a great rate for teachers, which is primarily what made me decide to maybe try it out again. Going to a regular gym is too expensive for me, and yoga has always been the most consistent form of exercise I've done and I'm pretty sure I'd stick with, especially if there's an actual instructor making me accountable. I'm signing up for daily classes again starting next week.
I also have been toying with the idea of getting nationally board certified. This is my third consecutive year of teaching elementary, which makes me eligible for it. I thought, hey, why not? It's a credential I could bring anywhere in the states, and it gives me an edge if I apply for another teaching job elsewhere (in case my husband finds a better job opportunity out of town, which is a likely possibility in the very near future).
But since I am still finishing up my third year of teaching, I also have to renew my current teaching license! I'm taking two of the required teacher competency tests next week. I've been reading up and reviewing what I can from study guides and test samples, so I'm not really that worried. What I'm worried about is my dossier, which I need to complete before June next year. I mean, I can totally do it; I finished a dossier the previous year as well, but as usual, I want it to be perfect. And this makes me nervous.
Aside from these things and my daily lesson planning, grading, and trying to keep our house in order, I can't help but keep these thoughts and plans and ideas running through my mind, especially late at night! I know I have to learn to let go sometimes and let my mind rest, but I'm not exactly sure how. I've tried reading before going to bed, but I still always end up waking up in the middle of the night and not be able to go back to sleep until it's time to wake up at 6:30. My body is starting to feel it, that's for sure. I've been getting more headaches and starting to feel more fatigued each day.
Any tips on how to clear your mind to prepare for a good night's rest? Please comment below! I need some advice!
Sunday, August 3, 2014
The first day of school is just around the corner...
Before I visited my new classroom, I had the worst anxiety. I always get anxiety whenever I move to a brand new classroom, because it brings me back to my first year of teaching (at a start-up charter school) where I had to start from the ground up, literally. It's like a first time home owner making a completely empty room more livable with just a few things to start off with. As a new teacher, I haven't really collected as many teaching supplies as, say, my mom, who's been teaching for more than 20 years. So, stepping into my new classroom at my new place of employment was nothing short of a jelly leg experience.
I was pleasantly surprised to see that the previous teacher left most of her classroom supplies for the next teacher (moi!) to enjoy! Her cabinets were filled from top to bottom with basic classroom needs, plus a few extras. Her bookshelves were complete with teacher resources and third grade literature. The classroom was clean, organized, and all it really needed was decorating and technology.
My new school isn't so new -- it's actually been around for so many years, even way before I was born. The only two things that needed some work were my low functioning sink with faucet and drinking fountain, and technology. Our lovely custodian, Mr. H, was able to successfully fix the pressure in the faucet, although the drinking fountain still didn't work. I didn't mind that at all, it just meant we had to have water fountain breaks within the day, so students can regularly fill up their water bottles or quench their thirst using the water fountain in the hallway.
Then, I tackled technology. This was probably the most challenging task I had to complete and the first thing I decided to tackle before anything else, because I knew it was going to be a big pain. And it was. I had four student desktop computers, all of which were still running on Windows XP, which makes everything run so slow and prone to viruses. I'm going to send out a help desk ticket for that tomorrow. I also have to replace two keyboards that aren't working at all, which is fine because Mr. H told me storage had a bunch of keyboards to replace them anyway.
The only other thing besides updating the Windows software, is for me to find a teacher's computer. Yes, the classroom didn't come with it. Apparently, the previous teacher used a laptop and had to turn it in when she left. The principal had me try out her old laptop, which didn't work (it also ran on Windows XP, by the way!). So, I'm still waiting for my new work laptop, which is kind of making me a little bit anxious because I use technology every single day for my lessons.
Anyway, I'm sure it will all work out. I have a wonderful principal who is so helpful and kind. I have a great team of 3rd grade teachers to work with, and that includes my mom! The other teachers I've met so far are all incredibly nice and welcoming. I feel quite blessed to be here.
My class web page and teacher blog (sponsored by our district) are almost set up; I just have to add parent members so they can easily access them at home. Other than that, all I have to do, really, is to decorate my classroom! Looking back at what I've written so far, it seems like I still have so much to do, but I'm not worried. Summer break was great, and I wish it didn't have to end so soon, but there's something very exciting about the first day of school as well. I'm ready!
I was pleasantly surprised to see that the previous teacher left most of her classroom supplies for the next teacher (moi!) to enjoy! Her cabinets were filled from top to bottom with basic classroom needs, plus a few extras. Her bookshelves were complete with teacher resources and third grade literature. The classroom was clean, organized, and all it really needed was decorating and technology.
My new school isn't so new -- it's actually been around for so many years, even way before I was born. The only two things that needed some work were my low functioning sink with faucet and drinking fountain, and technology. Our lovely custodian, Mr. H, was able to successfully fix the pressure in the faucet, although the drinking fountain still didn't work. I didn't mind that at all, it just meant we had to have water fountain breaks within the day, so students can regularly fill up their water bottles or quench their thirst using the water fountain in the hallway.
Then, I tackled technology. This was probably the most challenging task I had to complete and the first thing I decided to tackle before anything else, because I knew it was going to be a big pain. And it was. I had four student desktop computers, all of which were still running on Windows XP, which makes everything run so slow and prone to viruses. I'm going to send out a help desk ticket for that tomorrow. I also have to replace two keyboards that aren't working at all, which is fine because Mr. H told me storage had a bunch of keyboards to replace them anyway.
The only other thing besides updating the Windows software, is for me to find a teacher's computer. Yes, the classroom didn't come with it. Apparently, the previous teacher used a laptop and had to turn it in when she left. The principal had me try out her old laptop, which didn't work (it also ran on Windows XP, by the way!). So, I'm still waiting for my new work laptop, which is kind of making me a little bit anxious because I use technology every single day for my lessons.
Anyway, I'm sure it will all work out. I have a wonderful principal who is so helpful and kind. I have a great team of 3rd grade teachers to work with, and that includes my mom! The other teachers I've met so far are all incredibly nice and welcoming. I feel quite blessed to be here.
My class web page and teacher blog (sponsored by our district) are almost set up; I just have to add parent members so they can easily access them at home. Other than that, all I have to do, really, is to decorate my classroom! Looking back at what I've written so far, it seems like I still have so much to do, but I'm not worried. Summer break was great, and I wish it didn't have to end so soon, but there's something very exciting about the first day of school as well. I'm ready!
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Faith in the midst of anxiety
With the new school year starting up next week, I am definitely starting to get the jitters, what with a brand new school and a brand new community awaiting me. I have no problem going through change and new experiences, but this particular change of scenery makes me nervous.
In particular, the new parents make me nervous.
The doctors, the judges, the lawyers, the fellow educators, the hands-on moms. With a shift in environment and demographic comes very different personalities and expectations. The standards of these parents are, obviously, quite high. Don't get me wrong--it's a great thing, because I have pretty high standards for my students as well. It's the expectation setting and situations that call for debate and problem solving that give me jelly legs.
It is also much more complicated when you're new to town (and by new, I mean that I've lived here for six years), given this particular demographic that is very close-knit and quite homogeneous. It's a small town. It's a small, rural community of families and neighbors who go to the same doctors and borrow sugar from each other all the time. As far as they know, I am an outsider. And this outsider has just been given the responsibility of taking care of their child 7 hours a day, 5 days a week... more if they send them to after school programs.
With this particular community, I always find the need to make an extra effort each day to look presentable, professional, and elegant enough for these doctors, lawyers, and their wives.
I get depressed having this point-of-view sometimes.
I know that I am probably overreacting. It's my tendency, once again, to stress myself out in order to push myself to succeed. But am I supposed to live my life in the classroom trying to please the parents who send their kids to my care? No. That's not my job and I know that. My job is to support their children and help them become successful in school and in life. That's really the best I can do. I won't be able to please every single parent that comes for parent teacher conference, and that's okay. As long as their child learns something valuable in my classroom, as long as I am able to instill in them what it means to be a good human being, then I've succeeded. I've done my job.
What does this have to do with my own spirituality? It's all about being in the right frame of mind when you encounter anxieties that are similar. It's about staying true to your principles. It's about having faith that God will not give you a problem that you can't handle. So here's to a new school year and all the new experiences that come with it!
In particular, the new parents make me nervous.
The doctors, the judges, the lawyers, the fellow educators, the hands-on moms. With a shift in environment and demographic comes very different personalities and expectations. The standards of these parents are, obviously, quite high. Don't get me wrong--it's a great thing, because I have pretty high standards for my students as well. It's the expectation setting and situations that call for debate and problem solving that give me jelly legs.
It is also much more complicated when you're new to town (and by new, I mean that I've lived here for six years), given this particular demographic that is very close-knit and quite homogeneous. It's a small town. It's a small, rural community of families and neighbors who go to the same doctors and borrow sugar from each other all the time. As far as they know, I am an outsider. And this outsider has just been given the responsibility of taking care of their child 7 hours a day, 5 days a week... more if they send them to after school programs.
With this particular community, I always find the need to make an extra effort each day to look presentable, professional, and elegant enough for these doctors, lawyers, and their wives.
I get depressed having this point-of-view sometimes.
I know that I am probably overreacting. It's my tendency, once again, to stress myself out in order to push myself to succeed. But am I supposed to live my life in the classroom trying to please the parents who send their kids to my care? No. That's not my job and I know that. My job is to support their children and help them become successful in school and in life. That's really the best I can do. I won't be able to please every single parent that comes for parent teacher conference, and that's okay. As long as their child learns something valuable in my classroom, as long as I am able to instill in them what it means to be a good human being, then I've succeeded. I've done my job.
What does this have to do with my own spirituality? It's all about being in the right frame of mind when you encounter anxieties that are similar. It's about staying true to your principles. It's about having faith that God will not give you a problem that you can't handle. So here's to a new school year and all the new experiences that come with it!
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
The Perfect Breakfast Burrito
Today, I finally figured out how to make my own version of the perfect breakfast burrito, and you will not believe how easy it is! It's really filling and also great for brunch or lunch.
Bacon, Egg, and Green Onion Burrito
Ingredients (serves 2):
5 strips of thick cut bacon, chopped in small pieces
4 eggs
4 strips of green onion, chopped in small pieces
2 flour tortillas
Sriracha to taste
1. Cook bacon until crispy. Drain with paper towels and set aside. Keep 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan, and discard the rest.
2. Beat the eggs and add the green onion. Cook scrambled in bacon fat.
3. Lay flour tortilla flat on a plate and put scrambled eggs in the middle. Season with Sriracha and add bacon. Roll to make a burrito.
That's it.
Three simple steps and you get this...
Yum!
I thought of adding refried beans, which you can. But the bacon, eggs, and green onion stand great on its own. No need to add salt or pepper as the bacon fat already gives enough flavor!
Enjoy!
Monday, July 28, 2014
Let Go, You Control Freak!
'Honey, I've been feeling quite troubled lately,' I whispered to my husband in the dark at half past twelve last night. I had to tell someone about it, and I knew my husband would give great advice and comfort in this situation.
I told him I wasn't feeling very happy with my career. And with that feeling came the guilt associated with being ungrateful for even having a career, in a country where decent jobs are pretty hard to come by. I knew I was better off than a lot of Americans, and way better off than most immigrants, but I can't seem to make myself feel satisfied and genuinely thankful for what I have. I had very conflicting emotions that night, and this was something I had been feeling for the past couple of months.
I have a lot to be thankful for. I left my previous work place because I knew that working closer to home would be less stressful for me. That, and, I get to work with my mom in the same grade level. My mom has always been the light at the end of a tunnel ever since I started teaching. Daily stress is always easier to deal with if your mom is there to comfort and guide you.
My new boss is great. He is like a doting grandpa and clearly trusts his teachers, which is, to me, of utmost importance as an educator and employee. He has seen me teach a class in the past, and he believes in my capabilities in the classroom, which he made clear during my job interview. It felt wonderful hearing something like that from someone whom parents, teachers, and the community trust very deeply.
'I am not completely happy with what I am doing', I told Chris. And I am trying each day to make myself like and enjoy what I do, but sometimes, you just can't force it anymore. You end up pretending and we all know trying to disguise emotions doesn't last very long; it will eventually catch up with your reality.
Chris thinks I'm working myself up too much, and quite unnecessarily too. I know I'm a control freak and a perfectionist, especially when it comes to my job, or really, any task given to me. The negativity always gets in the way--I worry too much and don't really give myself a lot of credit. I think it's because I spent fifteen years of my life in Catholic schools where expectations are always high and you always have to achieve a particular standard. If not, you're a failure. Stressing myself out is pretty much the only way I know how to cope and actually push myself to succeed.
But we all know we can't succeed all the time, and during those moments when I failed at something, they build up and I would carry them with me during my next task. It's an endless cycle.
But I think Chris was right--I should relax. I should embrace this year with all its triumphs and failures and allow myself to make mistakes without dwelling on them, but rather, learning from them. I think it's time that the teacher in me be open to being a student again.
I will let my new boss teach me what it means to lead. I will let my mom mentor me during my first year as a 3rd grade teacher. I will learn from my colleagues. I will learn from my students. I have to accept the fact that, although being a teacher comes with great responsibility, I still have to learn to let go.
I think my dissatisfaction and seeming unhappiness with my career doesn't really come from hating what I do for a living. I think it comes from being so uptight when it comes to finishing a task or fulfilling a responsibility. I should learn to relax and let go.
I told him I wasn't feeling very happy with my career. And with that feeling came the guilt associated with being ungrateful for even having a career, in a country where decent jobs are pretty hard to come by. I knew I was better off than a lot of Americans, and way better off than most immigrants, but I can't seem to make myself feel satisfied and genuinely thankful for what I have. I had very conflicting emotions that night, and this was something I had been feeling for the past couple of months.
I have a lot to be thankful for. I left my previous work place because I knew that working closer to home would be less stressful for me. That, and, I get to work with my mom in the same grade level. My mom has always been the light at the end of a tunnel ever since I started teaching. Daily stress is always easier to deal with if your mom is there to comfort and guide you.
My new boss is great. He is like a doting grandpa and clearly trusts his teachers, which is, to me, of utmost importance as an educator and employee. He has seen me teach a class in the past, and he believes in my capabilities in the classroom, which he made clear during my job interview. It felt wonderful hearing something like that from someone whom parents, teachers, and the community trust very deeply.
'I am not completely happy with what I am doing', I told Chris. And I am trying each day to make myself like and enjoy what I do, but sometimes, you just can't force it anymore. You end up pretending and we all know trying to disguise emotions doesn't last very long; it will eventually catch up with your reality.
Chris thinks I'm working myself up too much, and quite unnecessarily too. I know I'm a control freak and a perfectionist, especially when it comes to my job, or really, any task given to me. The negativity always gets in the way--I worry too much and don't really give myself a lot of credit. I think it's because I spent fifteen years of my life in Catholic schools where expectations are always high and you always have to achieve a particular standard. If not, you're a failure. Stressing myself out is pretty much the only way I know how to cope and actually push myself to succeed.
But we all know we can't succeed all the time, and during those moments when I failed at something, they build up and I would carry them with me during my next task. It's an endless cycle.
But I think Chris was right--I should relax. I should embrace this year with all its triumphs and failures and allow myself to make mistakes without dwelling on them, but rather, learning from them. I think it's time that the teacher in me be open to being a student again.
I will let my new boss teach me what it means to lead. I will let my mom mentor me during my first year as a 3rd grade teacher. I will learn from my colleagues. I will learn from my students. I have to accept the fact that, although being a teacher comes with great responsibility, I still have to learn to let go.
I think my dissatisfaction and seeming unhappiness with my career doesn't really come from hating what I do for a living. I think it comes from being so uptight when it comes to finishing a task or fulfilling a responsibility. I should learn to relax and let go.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Five Things: Summer Non-Negotiables
It's summer! That only means one thing for me, since I don't work summer as a teacher -- I have all the time in the world to get into a healthier lifestyle. During the first few weeks of summer break, I have to admit, I went all-out by sleeping in until 1pm, having dinner at 9pm, and going to bed at 4am! It was fun while it lasted, but being a total couch potato eventually made me feel extremely sluggish. Couple that with the hot summer days in the Southwest, it's like welcoming unnecessary stress with open arms.
I am a huge believer of starting each day right, and no matter how 'boring' a daily routine may sound, keeping a healthy, daily habit actually reaps more benefits for your body, mind, and spirit. So, I've made a commitment to do precisely that this summer, and hopefully even after that, by practicing five daily habits religiously each day for a better, healthier, happier, and more balanced lifestyle.
I am a huge believer of starting each day right, and no matter how 'boring' a daily routine may sound, keeping a healthy, daily habit actually reaps more benefits for your body, mind, and spirit. So, I've made a commitment to do precisely that this summer, and hopefully even after that, by practicing five daily habits religiously each day for a better, healthier, happier, and more balanced lifestyle.
#1: First Thing in the Morning -- Warm Lemon Water
 |
| Creative Commons Image |
This summer, 7:30 is my usual wake-up call. After getting up, kissing my still-sleeping-hubby good morning and letting our dog out for morning potty, the very first thing I do for my body each day is to drink a glass of warm lemon water. It's a great way to kickstart your morning, before eating anything or working out. It perks me up and it's also a great way to help your body detox.
#2: Breakfast -- Porridge
 |
| Creative Commons Image |
I know I live in America and everyone here calls it 'oatmeal', but for some reason, 'porridge' sounds better! This is where the routine really kicks in, because I eat porridge for breakfast every single day. I use steel cut oats, which I prepare the night before and heat up in the morning. I love my porridge with non-fat milk (still trying to eliminate dairy from my diet but it's hard!), honey, a fruit of my choice (usually half a banana or strawberry slices), and cinnamon. I don't get tired of porridge. It's yummy and it fills me up that I don't need to snack at all until lunch time.
#3: Workout Routine -- Quick and Foolproof
 |
| Creative Commons Image |
I currently can't afford a gym membership or attend yoga classes, so I opted for an easier, more convenient but still effective way to get some movement in. My 10-minute morning workout includes:
50 jumping jacks
15 body weight squats
15 push ups
15 reverse lunges
30-second plank
(repeat 3 times)
Three times a week, I put in an extra 15-20 minutes of strength training by lifting weights.
#4: Green Tea
 |
| Creative Commons Image |
I learned this all-day-everyday habit from my grandmother, who is a cancer survivor. I say 'all-day-everyday' because I drink green tea three times a day. I do worry about the caffeine sometimes (I have yet to find a good decaf green tea), but so far, I have no complaints, but rather, only the greatest things to say about a daily green tea regimen. I drink it instead of coffee in the morning, and it keeps me pleasantly awake. I drink it after lunch and dinner, and it's a great top-off to a heavy meal.
#5: Curl Up and Read
 |
| Creative Commons Image |
I always, always make sure that I put in at least an hour (sometimes more) to read a book each day. It's my way of shutting off instant gratification (disguised as Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Netflix) and feeding my brain and spirit by going back to the simplicity of reading and spending time with myself, my imagination, and a great story.
What is your daily routine like? I hope everyone has a healthy and happy summer!
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Happy Pentecost Sunday!
Today is the feast of the Pentecost. I learned something new today at mass: today is the 50th day after Passover.
I first learned about Pentecost -- the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and the Virgin Mary through 'tongues of fire' -- when I was in elementary Catholic school. The teacher showed us a drawn picture of several men and a woman gathered together in a room with fire floating above their heads, like decapitated candles. Imagining it as a kid scared me; I could almost smell burnt hair just thinking about it.
The Holy Spirit has always been such an abstract concept to me. My sister even said that she used to be intimidated by the whole notion of praying to the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Trinity, which comprises of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, was perhaps the most important Catholic concept I had to learn growing up. God the Father and God the Son were more concrete and humanly understandable; the idea of an all encompassing father figure and the son who once walked the earth as a human was definitely something I could embrace more than the idea of what the oldies liked to call 'the holy ghost', a term that scared me as a kid.
Who or what is the Holy Spirit to you?
It took me a while to 'get it', although at times I still don't think I understand completely. I realize God is something we are not supposed to fully understand or grasp with our limited human minds anyway, but to simply embrace through the grace that fills our spirit.
Spirit. So intangible. There's that word again. But as an adult, I've learned to appreciate the concept of the Holy Spirit. Through my limited, human mind and understanding, I have come to appreciate the Holy Spirit as the all-knowing, positive, and perfect energy that gives enlightenment and understanding, guidance, and peace in our lives.
Enlightenment and understanding. As a child, I was taught to pray to the Holy Spirit before taking a test. I pray to the Holy Spirit before job interviews, presentations, or even before simply having a conversation with someone that requires a lot of patience and trust. I pray to the Holy Spirit when I need to ask someone for their forgiveness, or when someone asks for mine. Enlightenment. Light. The Holy Spirit, on Pentecost, is depicted as 'tongues of fire' floating above the heads of the members of our first church. They were blessed with the ability to speak and share God's word throughout the world, and the humble understanding of their duties as Christians following Jesus Christ's footsteps. The Holy Spirit enlightened them, and gave them understanding, preparing them for their first steps as followers of Christ--quite a big feat, if you ask me.
Guidance. I pray to the Holy Spirit when I am in the middle of making an important decision. I find that praying to the Holy Spirit, in particular, when trying to figure out God's will for me, has always been the most effective and clarifying. The Holy Spirit's energy clears my head and prepares my heart when I run into a crossroads, so that I may choose the right path.
It took me a while to accept and learn and completely embrace praying for what God wants instead of what I want. But then almost every time I do the latter and simply go for what I want, it flops. So now, even though I still let God know the desires of my heart--which I truly believe is also important to Him--I would always say that, in the end, His will be done. Praying to the Holy Spirit gives me the strength to do precisely that, and the guidance that comes with choosing wisely.
Peace. I am a nervous wreck, especially when dealing with people who are not close friends or family. I am a nervous wreck whenever I travel alone, or whenever my husband travels alone without me. I am a nervous wreck during doctor's visits. I am a nervous wreck every time I am pulled out of my comfort zone. I pray to the Holy Spirit to calm my heart during such occasions. Again--all knowing, positive, and perfect energy. The Holy Spirit is also often depicted as a white dove, the perfect epitome of peace.
The Holy Spirit is a glorious gift and presence. I urge you to try letting this all knowing, positive, and perfect energy into your daily decision-making. You will be surprised at how much more fruitful and purposeful your lives will become.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
I first learned about Pentecost -- the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and the Virgin Mary through 'tongues of fire' -- when I was in elementary Catholic school. The teacher showed us a drawn picture of several men and a woman gathered together in a room with fire floating above their heads, like decapitated candles. Imagining it as a kid scared me; I could almost smell burnt hair just thinking about it.
The Holy Spirit has always been such an abstract concept to me. My sister even said that she used to be intimidated by the whole notion of praying to the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Trinity, which comprises of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, was perhaps the most important Catholic concept I had to learn growing up. God the Father and God the Son were more concrete and humanly understandable; the idea of an all encompassing father figure and the son who once walked the earth as a human was definitely something I could embrace more than the idea of what the oldies liked to call 'the holy ghost', a term that scared me as a kid.
Who or what is the Holy Spirit to you?
It took me a while to 'get it', although at times I still don't think I understand completely. I realize God is something we are not supposed to fully understand or grasp with our limited human minds anyway, but to simply embrace through the grace that fills our spirit.
Spirit. So intangible. There's that word again. But as an adult, I've learned to appreciate the concept of the Holy Spirit. Through my limited, human mind and understanding, I have come to appreciate the Holy Spirit as the all-knowing, positive, and perfect energy that gives enlightenment and understanding, guidance, and peace in our lives.
Enlightenment and understanding. As a child, I was taught to pray to the Holy Spirit before taking a test. I pray to the Holy Spirit before job interviews, presentations, or even before simply having a conversation with someone that requires a lot of patience and trust. I pray to the Holy Spirit when I need to ask someone for their forgiveness, or when someone asks for mine. Enlightenment. Light. The Holy Spirit, on Pentecost, is depicted as 'tongues of fire' floating above the heads of the members of our first church. They were blessed with the ability to speak and share God's word throughout the world, and the humble understanding of their duties as Christians following Jesus Christ's footsteps. The Holy Spirit enlightened them, and gave them understanding, preparing them for their first steps as followers of Christ--quite a big feat, if you ask me.
Guidance. I pray to the Holy Spirit when I am in the middle of making an important decision. I find that praying to the Holy Spirit, in particular, when trying to figure out God's will for me, has always been the most effective and clarifying. The Holy Spirit's energy clears my head and prepares my heart when I run into a crossroads, so that I may choose the right path.
It took me a while to accept and learn and completely embrace praying for what God wants instead of what I want. But then almost every time I do the latter and simply go for what I want, it flops. So now, even though I still let God know the desires of my heart--which I truly believe is also important to Him--I would always say that, in the end, His will be done. Praying to the Holy Spirit gives me the strength to do precisely that, and the guidance that comes with choosing wisely.
Peace. I am a nervous wreck, especially when dealing with people who are not close friends or family. I am a nervous wreck whenever I travel alone, or whenever my husband travels alone without me. I am a nervous wreck during doctor's visits. I am a nervous wreck every time I am pulled out of my comfort zone. I pray to the Holy Spirit to calm my heart during such occasions. Again--all knowing, positive, and perfect energy. The Holy Spirit is also often depicted as a white dove, the perfect epitome of peace.
The Holy Spirit is a glorious gift and presence. I urge you to try letting this all knowing, positive, and perfect energy into your daily decision-making. You will be surprised at how much more fruitful and purposeful your lives will become.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
Saturday, June 7, 2014
What's On My iPhone? (Image Heavy Post)
Hey! It's been a long while. Finally, the 2013-2014 school year is over and I am officially on teacher summer break! I decided not to work summer school this year because I had an extremely stressful year, despite the fact that I had what could possibly be the best group of students I've ever had. I will miss my kiddos but I am also excited for them to move on to third grade--yes, each and every one of them got promoted!
I thought it would be fun to share what's on my phone, what apps I use on a regular basis, and what I think other people might also find useful. Most of my apps are free--I think I've only purchased one app. Of course, I also buy from the iTunes and iBooks stores. But most of these apps are not only free, but pretty awesome.
I own a 1-year old iPhone 5, which, I believe you can no longer purchase from the Apple store because it has been phased out (correct me if I'm wrong). But it's a great phone and I have no real complaints except that the battery sucks. This is what's on my home screen--a picture of my husband and Boomer taken during Fourth of July last year.
As much as I would like to organize all my apps into appropriate folders in order to use up just a single page on my main screen, I failed. Haha. I think I have way too many apps anyway. I have the following folders comprised of themed apps: Everyday, Prayer, Bills, Music, Photography, Games, Health, Shopping, and Utilities. Wow. Nine folders. I didn't realize how absurd that sounds!
Everyday Apps
My Everyday folder is pretty self-explanatory--these are the apps I use every single day. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. I think my favorite everyday app is the YouTube app. This is like my television. I keep updated with my favorite YouTubers and I have a really long subscription list. I probably watch 90% of these YouTubers every single day.
Prayer Apps
This is my current favorite group of apps that I also normally use everyday. I love Rosary Guide because rosaries are kind of like the hair pins in my life--I tend to lose them! I don't use this everyday, but it's pretty useful during times I want to clear my head and meditate. It has a text guide if you're like me and tend to forget the Luminous Mysteries.
Laudate is the best Catholic app out there, and it's free! It's the most comprehensive Catholic app you can find, with daily mass readings, an assortment of prayers (including Latin prayers), Saint of the Day, the complete New American Bible, and so, so much more. I haven't even gone through half of the content yet!
Through the Word is a new discovery for me, and I've been using it every single day since I downloaded it. It's a Bible reading app with reflections, audio readings, and a journal. It's a great daily habit and fun way to read the entire Bible--you go through one chapter everyday.
Bills
This is my least favorite folder. Hehe, I'm kidding; it's actually a lifesaver. I pay my credit cards through the Discover and Bank of America apps, and our phone bill through My Verizon. I know there are other finance management apps out there that I am unaware of, so if you have any suggestions, let me know, especially if you're also a home renter, you do your taxes on your own, etc.
Music Apps
My playlist obviously needs a lot of organizing; if you notice, the album art covers do not match the artists. Embarrassing. Anyway, these are songs and albums I've purchased from the iTunes store, but I honestly don't fuss over this generic iPhone playlist at all. I listen more to my radio apps--Pandora and iHeartRadio.
I'm currently listening to the 50s and 60s Blues station on Pandora, but let me take a moment to talk more about iHeartRadio, which I think is also a pretty cool radio app. I get to listen to my favorite Bay Area station through iHeartRadio, and frankly, their current hits and pop stations are more accurate than Pandora's. I listen to a lot of Bruno Mars and Lorde, and iHeartRadio does a better job at finding songs that are similar, songs I would actually appreciate as a Bruno Mars and Lorde fan. Pandora has great oldies stations, though, so I can't let go of it precisely for that.
Photography Apps
PhotoWonder (shown on third screen capture): I'm a little bit embarrassed to admit that I use the PhotoWonder app to make my selfies look better. Haha. It's a Chinese app with features like 'Beautify' and 'Thinify.' Yeah. I know. I'm sucked in.
LINE Camera: A Japanese app that also caters to selfie junkies like me. It has really cute stickers and offers collage options, too.
Moldiv: This is the app I use to create photo collages. It's the same app I used to create the first photo for this blog post. It's pretty straightforward, and I think they have the best background designs available.
Rhonna Designs (shown on the first screen capture): This is my favorite photo editing app for filters and text. It offers very elegant design options. This app is $1.99.
VSCO Cam: My most used photo editing app whenever I post on Instagram. I love the filters on this one.
SloPro: This is a video app that helps you capture movement in slow motion. It's actually pretty fun to use, although I've only ever used it a couple of times. The free version has the basic things you need, which I think are enough, except that it would publish your videos with a really annoying watermark. I don't plan on wasting money on added features. Again, I don't really use it often.
Games
Bejeweled Blitz, Zombie Tsunami, Temple Run 2, and Flappy Bird (no longer available in the app store). That's pretty much it. I play Bejeweled Blitz the most (I'm currently losing to my mom), and Zombie Tsunami. Other than that, this folder needs a little dusting, that's for sure. Any other game recommendations?
Health Apps
I love this folder, but I don't use it as often as I should! The Couch to 5k app is really good. It has very doable daily running exercises that are supposed to prepare you for a 5k run. I don't think this is the official Couch to 5k app, which is actually $1.99 (still not bad), and I'm not sure how different they are. I don't have complaints about the free version, so I see no reason to purchase the 'official' version.
If you don't have Blogilates on your phone yet, you're missing out. Cassey Ho is my favorite YouTube fitness guru and her app has a lot of stuff to offer. Workout videos, recipes, and a forum where you can interact with other POPsters. I'm a sucker for this app.
MyNetDiary is my favorite calorie counting app. It's pretty comprehensive and does a great job tracking your progress. I highly recommend this app to those who want to track their daily calorie intake. As you can see, this screen cap shows that it's already 10:38am and I haven't consumed a single calorie yet, which means I have 1,667 more calories to go. Yay! Haha! Your daily quota is based on your specific fitness goals, which the app will determine for you after you take a quick survey. In my case, I am going for weight loss.
Shopping Apps
I have to admit, I don't really use the Amazon app that often on my phone; I normally use my computer when I do online shopping. I don't know why, it just seems more secure that way. But I enjoy browsing the Amazon store on my phone. I also browse the Etsy store a lot. I like going through CheapOair and Groupon for travel and lifestyle deals and coupons. This is where I also keep my store membership and rewards cards. Key Ring helps me organize all my store cards, making it easier for me to use them at the counter; no more fumbling through your keys or wallet!
I haven't actually purchased anything on Printic yet, but it's a cool app for printing Instagram photos. I have yet to try it, and I'll make sure to do a review once I have.
That's pretty much it. For fellow iPhone users, y'all know there's not much to say about the Utilities folder. This is basically where we store apps that we never use, unless you're into stocks. I do keep the Emoji thumbnail here, though.
Hope you enjoyed this image heavy post! Let me know if you have other app recommendations on the comments section. Have a beautiful weekend!
Friday, June 6, 2014
Bless me, Father, for I have sinned...
I can't remember the last time I attended mass, but today, I decided to give First Friday Mass a shot.
I wasn't exactly sure what time I should be at the cathedral. My mom suggested I look into their website for mass times.
First Friday's
6:30am Mass
7:00am - Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Sacrament of Penance
8:15am Mass
Since I am not 83 years old, I opted out of the ungodly (no pun intended) first mass of the day and decided to go for the more doable 8:15 schedule.
I wake up at 7:15 and drive to church at 7:30. Except for a few small coughs and wooden pews creaking against the weight of various joints (mostly arthritic, I imagine), the elegant, spacious cathedral was completely quiet.
I find my spot, kneel, sit. Attention deficit moment in 3, 2....
I get up and walk to the back of the church, following an old man who needed the restroom. A woman enters and out of nowhere, I approach her, saying,
'I'm sorry ma'am, but can you tell me where I can go to confession?'
She was middle aged and obviously still sleepy. She pointed toward a side door right next to the wash room.
'You see that door?'
'Yes, but, how do I know if someone is inside? Should I knock?'
'If the red lights are on, it means there's someone inside. Wait until the lights turn green.'
Ah, yes. Red means stop, green means go... even in heaven, I suppose.
Anyway, back to this peculiar instance--yes, I suddenly felt compelled to go to confession.
I did not believe in confession. At all. It's one of those Catholic things I thought was completely unnecessary.
But today, I felt like talking to someone.
Green. Go.
The kneeler was extremely hard and hurt my knees. Bad. I was out of church shape.
Finally settled albeit still quite uncomfortable, I nervously tell the priest, who had a thick Indian accent, that my last confession was ten years ago. He calmly responded with an 'Okay.' He had a kind enough voice. I imagined a benign Pagoda from The Royal Tenenbaums behind the screen.
I talk to him about living those ten years focusing on the physical world, going through life's trials on my own, and deliberately refusing God even though I knew I needed His divine intervention.
I tell him about my love for science and everything that is tangible and true. There's that word--true--which I had, for ten years, defined as the things I can see with my eyes and touch with my hands.
I tell him more until I run out of ten years worth of stories to tell.
I pause and wait for my penance. I mentally calculated five hundred Hail Mary's, based on those ten years worth of what my Catholic upbringing would call utter transgression.
Benign, calm, and kind Pagoda clears his throat and says,
'God loves you.'
I keep waiting for his order of five hundred Hail Mary's and walking the rest of the way back to my pew on my knees. But he spends the next couple of minutes telling me about how beautiful this world we live in truly is, how remarkable and blessed the sciences were, and how, despite how utterly magical all of these were, I was still missing out on a life that means so much more than what we can merely see with our eyes and touch with our hands.
'There is so much more to life, my dear daughter-in-Christ. I urge you to start seeking that life by opening up your logical mind and curious heart to the wonders of the intangible and spiritual.'
And my confession was done.
I walked out of church ready to take on that journey to appreciating the intangible and spiritual. I found peace that day, but also excitement. I can see today with my eyes and feel it with my hands. I do not know what tomorrow will bring, but this strange unknown makes life so much more fascinating, and meaningful.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Wisdom from Leftover Easter Ham
Remember when I wrote about the persistent egging in my side of the neighborhood? How frustrated I was and how I felt like the unluckiest person in the world for being such a frequent victim?
Well, I kind of want those eggs back, especially after what happened today.
I had a long, exhausting, but pretty okay day at work. I couldn't wait to get home, continue reading The Scorch Trials at an unnecessarily and dangerously quick rate, and relax. So this afternoon, as I finally parked my car after a long day's work, Ellie Goulding CD on full blast, I see my brother-in-law heading towards my car. I turn off the ignition switch and open the door, and brother-in-law greets me with, "Did Christopher's car get broken into?"
Shit.
I see shattered glass all over the driver's side of my husband's car, his window completely gone except for a few crumbly bits hanging onto the frame like snaggletooth. I call him and as I see him walking out the gate, I immediately call the cops.
The officer arrived an hour later, a bit unimpressed as if broken car windows were a common occurrence in her job description. But she did look a bit sympathetic when she opened the car door and saw more shattered glass all over the rug and driver's seat. She takes down notes and mutters, "Dumbass kids."
Of course I knew she didn't mean us; she mentioned that, just recently, she did an entire roundup of similar car vandalisms apparently happening all over town--slashed tires, torn up convertible hoods, more egging and even more broken car windows.
"I don't see why they find pleasure in destroying other people's property", she grumbles. "The last time I was here at your street, old man next door had his mailbox blown to bits with fire crackers."
I asked her if there was anything we could to help prevent these things from happening. Motion detectors? Cameras?
"Just keep your car away from the street."
I don't blame her. I understand that cops can't be driving around town 24/7 looking out for petty crime. Sometimes I wish there was a group of them specializing in 'egg checkpoints', writing up tickets for suspicious possession of eggs. But in this town, there just isn't enough manpower.
We don't have our own garage, but our brother-in-law and his wife, who own the house we are renting, basically moved mountains (i.e., garage storage) to give both Chris and I space to park our cars somewhere safe. This made me realize that, despite our consistent streak of bad luck these days, Chris and I are blessed and well taken cared of.
It sucks, for sure. Having that kind of damage fixed will cost us at least a couple hundred big ones. Accidents and surprises like that do happen to everyone, and it will definitely mess up our usual monthly budget carefully set for bills and food.
But tonight, we had a feast of a meal -- I re-fried some amazing ham from Easter, with a side of dad-in-law-approved (a.k.a., Mexican style) potatoes and onions, fried eggs, and tortillas.
In other words, we may consider ourselves quite unlucky, but the unlucky streak just keeps getting balanced out with blessings and great fortune we often take for granted.
Times like these, when things seem to go just one way (i.e., downhill), try counting your blessings. Know that, no matter what, there will always be at least one person looking out for you. In our case, there's two--thanks, Mike and Amy!
And of course, when all else fails, stop and smell the re-fried ham and potatoes from Easter. They are made of yum.
Well, I kind of want those eggs back, especially after what happened today.
I had a long, exhausting, but pretty okay day at work. I couldn't wait to get home, continue reading The Scorch Trials at an unnecessarily and dangerously quick rate, and relax. So this afternoon, as I finally parked my car after a long day's work, Ellie Goulding CD on full blast, I see my brother-in-law heading towards my car. I turn off the ignition switch and open the door, and brother-in-law greets me with, "Did Christopher's car get broken into?"
(not Christopher's car, but looks damn close)
Shit.
I see shattered glass all over the driver's side of my husband's car, his window completely gone except for a few crumbly bits hanging onto the frame like snaggletooth. I call him and as I see him walking out the gate, I immediately call the cops.
The officer arrived an hour later, a bit unimpressed as if broken car windows were a common occurrence in her job description. But she did look a bit sympathetic when she opened the car door and saw more shattered glass all over the rug and driver's seat. She takes down notes and mutters, "Dumbass kids."
Of course I knew she didn't mean us; she mentioned that, just recently, she did an entire roundup of similar car vandalisms apparently happening all over town--slashed tires, torn up convertible hoods, more egging and even more broken car windows.
"I don't see why they find pleasure in destroying other people's property", she grumbles. "The last time I was here at your street, old man next door had his mailbox blown to bits with fire crackers."
I asked her if there was anything we could to help prevent these things from happening. Motion detectors? Cameras?
"Just keep your car away from the street."
I don't blame her. I understand that cops can't be driving around town 24/7 looking out for petty crime. Sometimes I wish there was a group of them specializing in 'egg checkpoints', writing up tickets for suspicious possession of eggs. But in this town, there just isn't enough manpower.
We don't have our own garage, but our brother-in-law and his wife, who own the house we are renting, basically moved mountains (i.e., garage storage) to give both Chris and I space to park our cars somewhere safe. This made me realize that, despite our consistent streak of bad luck these days, Chris and I are blessed and well taken cared of.
It sucks, for sure. Having that kind of damage fixed will cost us at least a couple hundred big ones. Accidents and surprises like that do happen to everyone, and it will definitely mess up our usual monthly budget carefully set for bills and food.
But tonight, we had a feast of a meal -- I re-fried some amazing ham from Easter, with a side of dad-in-law-approved (a.k.a., Mexican style) potatoes and onions, fried eggs, and tortillas.
In other words, we may consider ourselves quite unlucky, but the unlucky streak just keeps getting balanced out with blessings and great fortune we often take for granted.
Times like these, when things seem to go just one way (i.e., downhill), try counting your blessings. Know that, no matter what, there will always be at least one person looking out for you. In our case, there's two--thanks, Mike and Amy!
And of course, when all else fails, stop and smell the re-fried ham and potatoes from Easter. They are made of yum.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Thursday Inspiration: The 12 Rules for Being a Classroom Hero
Rule 1: Rules are made to be broken.
Rule 2: All for one and one for all.
Rule 3: Bring your passions into the classroom.
Rule 4: Never teach to the test.
Rule 5: Keep it real.
Rule 6: There is no such thing as an un-teachable child.
Rule 7: Necessity is the mother of all invention.
Rule 8: Produce good people, not just good students.
Rule 9: The future is now.
Rule 10: Be the person you want your students to become.
Rule 11: You can't do it alone.
Rule 12: Be a student of your students.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)