Since I don't have much time before the baby wakes up (again), here is a quick rundown of what we ate last week:
Monday: Chicken, rice, green beans
Tuesday: Shrimp pasta with basil pesto
Wednesday: Homemade Pizza
Thursday: Chicken tacos
Friday: Free
Saturday: Chili's Take out
Sunday: Breakfast for dinner (pancakes)
Here is my plan for this week:
Monday: Pesto-crusted tilapia, risotto, corn on the cob
Tuesday: Shrimp stirfry with brown rice
Wednesday: Chicken, black bean, and corn enchiladas
Thursday: Salmon, couscous, and broccoli
Friday: Free
Saturday: I have drill so think I will pick us up some takeout sushi on the way home
Sunday: Drill again, so leftovers it is!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Family Stuff and Me Time
Things are going pretty smoothly in the house now that we have a routine down. Nash seems to be taking better naps and having better nights...although he is still only sleeping a few hours at a time. It's kind of time consuming to give him a bath every night around 730 (those are peak hours, I tell ya) and almost impossible when Joe's not around, but I think it relaxes him. Also, we have to figure out an alternative for Thursday nights since Joe usually takes a shower and gets ready for work around 830 on Thursdays and it totally wakes Nash up. Perhaps we will try sleeping in our own room for that first little Thursday period.
So, last night being Thursday, Joe woke him up and he was uber cranky. So cranky in fact that I had to put him in the Moby wrap (being immobilized tends to knock him out). THEN he was cranky every single time he woke up! Made for a rough night since I had to keep putting him in the moby wrap and then trying to take it off once he was asleep on my chest.
On that note, I am trying a new thing called the Miracle Blanket. It's sort of like a swaddle blanket meets straight jacket. Just got it in the mail tonight and it's the first attempt. He was definitely cranky like last night, so here's hoping. He calmed down and feel asleep, but I am also hoping it will help him stay asleep a bit longer.
The one thing that I am finding surprising is that I am not totally hating the time it takes for him to fall asleep enough for me to put him in the bassinet. Each night I sing to him, rock him, rub his back, and let him fall asleep on my chest for at least an hour, sometimes more. I thought it would be so boring and I would be hating it, but it's totally the opposite. I use that time (spent in the dark, quiet, empty room) to focus on my breathing, think about things I need/want to do the next day, and just enjoy cuddling with Nash. It's only an hour of my life, and it brings me back to when I didn't have tv or internet and spent a lot of time reflecting instead. Good for the soul, I think.
So, last night being Thursday, Joe woke him up and he was uber cranky. So cranky in fact that I had to put him in the Moby wrap (being immobilized tends to knock him out). THEN he was cranky every single time he woke up! Made for a rough night since I had to keep putting him in the moby wrap and then trying to take it off once he was asleep on my chest.
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| Image via The Sleep Store (nz) |
On that note, I am trying a new thing called the Miracle Blanket. It's sort of like a swaddle blanket meets straight jacket. Just got it in the mail tonight and it's the first attempt. He was definitely cranky like last night, so here's hoping. He calmed down and feel asleep, but I am also hoping it will help him stay asleep a bit longer.
The one thing that I am finding surprising is that I am not totally hating the time it takes for him to fall asleep enough for me to put him in the bassinet. Each night I sing to him, rock him, rub his back, and let him fall asleep on my chest for at least an hour, sometimes more. I thought it would be so boring and I would be hating it, but it's totally the opposite. I use that time (spent in the dark, quiet, empty room) to focus on my breathing, think about things I need/want to do the next day, and just enjoy cuddling with Nash. It's only an hour of my life, and it brings me back to when I didn't have tv or internet and spent a lot of time reflecting instead. Good for the soul, I think.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Workouts and Weight Concerns
Today was my first day back in the gym in about 4 months. It was officially my first time attempting to run since I was about 4 months pregnant. Even though I know it is safe to run while pregnant (especially if you've always been a runner), I just couldn't get over the feeling that the baby was bouncing around. It was just too much weight all in the front to be comfortable.
I was so happy Joe agreed to let me have this one hour three times a week. It means he has to stay here alone with the baby, which I know makes him nervous because he feels like the baby is attached me and he can't console him. But I really need my "me" time, and the baby will never be comfortable with him if he only spends an hour a day with him. So I made sure I pumped plenty of milk for him and set him up with everything he needed before heading off to my playground.
I literally had to fight back tears of joy when I stepped on the treadmill...literally. I was just so happy to be back to doing something I love, something totally for me, and something that I knew would make me feel good. I haven't had much time to myself, to focus on myself, since the baby, so this was incredible. I didn't go very far or very fast, but it was enough to get me back in the saddle without over doing it. I also did about 30 minutes of weights, since I believe it's a balance of the two that achieves ultimate fitness (and a killer bod).
Afterward I had to hit up Wal-mart to pick up groceries for the week. I was nearly finished and still floating on a cloud when this girl started talking to me. She was like, "Wow, I keep seeing you everywhere." You're here buying milk and we're getting half n half, that's so funny." Meanwhile, I'm like, uh, I've never seen you before in my life. Then she drops a bomb on me. "Are you pregnant?" she asks all nonchalantly. I am literally speechless. Although yes, I did just have a baby six weeks ago, I actually weigh less than I did before I got pregnant. And I think I almost look normal...definitely not pregnant. So I stood there for about a minute...before I am finally able to say, "No, but I did just have a baby." After finishing our conversation, I make my way to the checkout like a zombie...totally fucked up that some random person saw me and thought I was pregnant. Ouch.
Only thing I can posit is that I do have a slight pooch because my abs are not strong right now, and maybe I wasn't sucking in or something. And because I am skinny everywhere else with this little bulge, I must be pregnant. Ballsy move, chick, nonetheless. People didn't even ask me that when I was pregnant (until I looked like I swallowed a basketball). Second time in a day I had to fight back tears...
Bitch.
I was so happy Joe agreed to let me have this one hour three times a week. It means he has to stay here alone with the baby, which I know makes him nervous because he feels like the baby is attached me and he can't console him. But I really need my "me" time, and the baby will never be comfortable with him if he only spends an hour a day with him. So I made sure I pumped plenty of milk for him and set him up with everything he needed before heading off to my playground.
I literally had to fight back tears of joy when I stepped on the treadmill...literally. I was just so happy to be back to doing something I love, something totally for me, and something that I knew would make me feel good. I haven't had much time to myself, to focus on myself, since the baby, so this was incredible. I didn't go very far or very fast, but it was enough to get me back in the saddle without over doing it. I also did about 30 minutes of weights, since I believe it's a balance of the two that achieves ultimate fitness (and a killer bod).
Afterward I had to hit up Wal-mart to pick up groceries for the week. I was nearly finished and still floating on a cloud when this girl started talking to me. She was like, "Wow, I keep seeing you everywhere." You're here buying milk and we're getting half n half, that's so funny." Meanwhile, I'm like, uh, I've never seen you before in my life. Then she drops a bomb on me. "Are you pregnant?" she asks all nonchalantly. I am literally speechless. Although yes, I did just have a baby six weeks ago, I actually weigh less than I did before I got pregnant. And I think I almost look normal...definitely not pregnant. So I stood there for about a minute...before I am finally able to say, "No, but I did just have a baby." After finishing our conversation, I make my way to the checkout like a zombie...totally fucked up that some random person saw me and thought I was pregnant. Ouch.
Only thing I can posit is that I do have a slight pooch because my abs are not strong right now, and maybe I wasn't sucking in or something. And because I am skinny everywhere else with this little bulge, I must be pregnant. Ballsy move, chick, nonetheless. People didn't even ask me that when I was pregnant (until I looked like I swallowed a basketball). Second time in a day I had to fight back tears...
Bitch.
Menu Planning Monday
Like I mentioned in last week's post, we didn't really do much cooking. Not sure why, but it was kind of a hectic week. So without further ado, here is a breakdown of what we actually ate:
Monday: Leftovers
Tuesday: Leftovers
Wednesday: Maple/brown sugar salmon, 4 cheese couscous, and yellow squash
Thursday: Spaghetti squash with meatballs (him veggie, me turkey with spinach)
Friday: Leftovers
Saturday: Cream of chicken and orzo soup (veggie chicken)
Sunday: Leftovers
This week is already turning out better...perhaps because we have begun our nightly routine with the little man, so everything is a little more organized. Here's a breakdown of the plan:
Monday: Grilled salmon and mahi (we split both), grilled eggplant and portabello mushrooms, and green beans
Tuesday: Shrimp pasta with homemade basil pesto & tomatoes, asparagus, and an arugula and spinach salad with gorgonzola, pecans, and apples
Wednesday: Homemade wheat crust pizza (four cheese with a tomato sauce)
Thursday: Tacos
Friday: Free
Saturday: Unsure (have a wedding that night but only attending the ceremony, so....)
Just wanted to explain what "free" means on Fridays, in case any of you are wondering. See, Joe always works on Friday nights and has to be in around 630 or so. Combined with the fact that he has to get a delivery in the early afternoon and rarely eats lunch until he gets home around 330 or 4, means that he is never hungry for a regular dinner before work. So I often just make myself something. So, that's what "free" means...I'm free to make whatever!!
Monday: Leftovers
Tuesday: Leftovers
Wednesday: Maple/brown sugar salmon, 4 cheese couscous, and yellow squash
Thursday: Spaghetti squash with meatballs (him veggie, me turkey with spinach)
Friday: Leftovers
Saturday: Cream of chicken and orzo soup (veggie chicken)
Sunday: Leftovers
This week is already turning out better...perhaps because we have begun our nightly routine with the little man, so everything is a little more organized. Here's a breakdown of the plan:
Monday: Grilled salmon and mahi (we split both), grilled eggplant and portabello mushrooms, and green beans
Tuesday: Shrimp pasta with homemade basil pesto & tomatoes, asparagus, and an arugula and spinach salad with gorgonzola, pecans, and apples
Wednesday: Homemade wheat crust pizza (four cheese with a tomato sauce)
Thursday: Tacos
Friday: Free
Saturday: Unsure (have a wedding that night but only attending the ceremony, so....)
Just wanted to explain what "free" means on Fridays, in case any of you are wondering. See, Joe always works on Friday nights and has to be in around 630 or so. Combined with the fact that he has to get a delivery in the early afternoon and rarely eats lunch until he gets home around 330 or 4, means that he is never hungry for a regular dinner before work. So I often just make myself something. So, that's what "free" means...I'm free to make whatever!!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Thoughts on Me
Since I was officially cleared today to work out, I naturally began thinking about getting back in there. I think for both achieving my goals and for my overall sanity, I will begin going to the gym next week. I think starting at three days a week is a good place...don't want to get too sore or tire myself out by overdoing it.
So, I asked Joe if I could have one hour three times a week starting on Monday. Thinking I will go to the gym Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays...since those are the days that Joe generally doesn't have anywhere to be in the morning. That's one hour that will be entirely mine. It will be great to focus on getting a little bit of "me" back and just zone out. After spending all day with Nash today, I realized that I need a break.
I would love to be one of those moms who says I can't be away from my child, but I'm just not. It's not that I don't like being around him, it's just that I cannot hold him all day and all night like he wants. But what am I supposed to do? Let him cry when I don't come to pick him up? I just can't seem to figure it out. I'm tired. And he fusses when he gets bored, which seems to be all the time. It makes it really hard to get anything done or even just relax. So I need some space. Just a little. Plus, I think it will do Joe some good to spend time with him, comforting him, without me. I am always the answer and I am getting worn out.
So, here is my general plan. Gym three times a week doing a combo of cardio and weights. Break down:
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| arielsfitnessjournal.com |
I would love to be one of those moms who says I can't be away from my child, but I'm just not. It's not that I don't like being around him, it's just that I cannot hold him all day and all night like he wants. But what am I supposed to do? Let him cry when I don't come to pick him up? I just can't seem to figure it out. I'm tired. And he fusses when he gets bored, which seems to be all the time. It makes it really hard to get anything done or even just relax. So I need some space. Just a little. Plus, I think it will do Joe some good to spend time with him, comforting him, without me. I am always the answer and I am getting worn out.
So, here is my general plan. Gym three times a week doing a combo of cardio and weights. Break down:
- 20 minutes cardio (most likely the treadmill since I have to focus on passing the PT test)
- 30 minutes weight training
- Monday: Full body
- Thursday: Lower body/abs
- Saturday: Upper body/abs
- 10 minutes cool down and stretching
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Setting a Schedule for Baby Nash
I know there are a lot of people out there who think that you should follow a baby's schedule, especially when they are young. I also know there are those out there who adamantly insist that you need to get baby on a schedule for your sake. I think I am taking the middle ground. Here's why:
My best friend from high school, Kristi, had a baby last February. I believe we are similar people and so value her opinion on mothering as much or more than anyone else out there. So when she suggested a book to me about sleeping, I ordered it from Amazon right away. The book is called "The No-Cry Sleep Solution" by Elizabeth Pantley. It's premise is that a lot of people say the only way to get your baby to sleep through the night is to prevent them from relying on you for comfort..which is done by having them "cry it out." Having spent a few nights here with Joe at work and the baby crying for hours, I know I am not capable of this. It all seems to cruel and counter-productive. This book suggests that although this may work because the baby gets so exhausted and "gives up," that this is detrimental in the long run. Is my sleep worth their sense of security?? No way.
So, I have been diligently reading the book and taking notes. The best thing I have absorbed so far is the need for a schedule. A "gentle" schedule aimed at maximizing baby's awake and asleep times. So, on that note, I have begun to adhere to a semi-flexible nighttime schedule. Here is my plan:
We are on day two of the experiment and tonight went much better than last night. Both night's have been a success, but it was much more smooth tonight. Last night he woke up every hour to nurse too, so hoping that will not happen tonight. I was a zombie today, so cross your fingers! The book says it will take about two weeks for the routine to really be effective, so I just have to stick to it. Will keep you posted on whether or not it works. In the meantime, if you have/had a baby and found a routine that worked, leave me a comment and let me know. Maybe your tip will be my lifesaver!!
My best friend from high school, Kristi, had a baby last February. I believe we are similar people and so value her opinion on mothering as much or more than anyone else out there. So when she suggested a book to me about sleeping, I ordered it from Amazon right away. The book is called "The No-Cry Sleep Solution" by Elizabeth Pantley. It's premise is that a lot of people say the only way to get your baby to sleep through the night is to prevent them from relying on you for comfort..which is done by having them "cry it out." Having spent a few nights here with Joe at work and the baby crying for hours, I know I am not capable of this. It all seems to cruel and counter-productive. This book suggests that although this may work because the baby gets so exhausted and "gives up," that this is detrimental in the long run. Is my sleep worth their sense of security?? No way.
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| Image from Amazon |
So, I have been diligently reading the book and taking notes. The best thing I have absorbed so far is the need for a schedule. A "gentle" schedule aimed at maximizing baby's awake and asleep times. So, on that note, I have begun to adhere to a semi-flexible nighttime schedule. Here is my plan:
- Encourage baby to take 3 1-2 hour naps during the day (this prevents him from being overtired)
- Bath/diaper change/pajamas at 7:30 pm
- Cuddling/Googling with Momma until ~ 8pm
- Nurse/rock until he falls asleep at ~ 8:30 pm (Repeat as needed if he wakes up)
We are on day two of the experiment and tonight went much better than last night. Both night's have been a success, but it was much more smooth tonight. Last night he woke up every hour to nurse too, so hoping that will not happen tonight. I was a zombie today, so cross your fingers! The book says it will take about two weeks for the routine to really be effective, so I just have to stick to it. Will keep you posted on whether or not it works. In the meantime, if you have/had a baby and found a routine that worked, leave me a comment and let me know. Maybe your tip will be my lifesaver!!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Menu Planning Monday
I'm a little behind in the blogging (life with a new baby), but I wanted to make sure I did all the entries for this week. I also failed to write down exactly what we ate for dinner last week, but I know it strayed quite a bit from my plan as noted here. But here is what I did write down:
Monday: ?
Tuesday: Joe's parents
Wednesday: Mahi, sauteed spinach, ?
Thursday: Veggie sloppy joes, corn on the cob
Friday: Free
Saturday: Cookout with family (chicken, steak, mahi) with rosemary potatoes, salad, and sauteed green beans
Sunday: Italy Italy (he had linguine with red clam sauce and I had baked ravioli)
This week we aren't doing much better. We've had some long, rough days with the baby, so we've had some thrown together dinners. Here is a rundown:
Monday: Leftovers
Tuesday: Leftovers
Wednesday: Maple-brown sugar salmon, four cheese & herb couscous, and yellow squash
Thursday: Spaghetti squash and meatball (he had veggie, I had turkey and chicken)
Friday: Free
Saturday: Chicken and orzo soup and spinach salad
Sunday: Leftovers
Next week I start working out again (got the green light from the doctor today!), so I am hoping to start eating better. More on this in another post.
Monday: ?
Tuesday: Joe's parents
Wednesday: Mahi, sauteed spinach, ?
Thursday: Veggie sloppy joes, corn on the cob
Friday: Free
Saturday: Cookout with family (chicken, steak, mahi) with rosemary potatoes, salad, and sauteed green beans
Sunday: Italy Italy (he had linguine with red clam sauce and I had baked ravioli)
This week we aren't doing much better. We've had some long, rough days with the baby, so we've had some thrown together dinners. Here is a rundown:
Monday: Leftovers
Tuesday: Leftovers
Wednesday: Maple-brown sugar salmon, four cheese & herb couscous, and yellow squash
Thursday: Spaghetti squash and meatball (he had veggie, I had turkey and chicken)
Friday: Free
Saturday: Chicken and orzo soup and spinach salad
Sunday: Leftovers
Next week I start working out again (got the green light from the doctor today!), so I am hoping to start eating better. More on this in another post.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Foto Friday
This week was Nash's one month birthday, so we dressed him up in a big boy outfit and headed up to Grammie and Grampie's in Viera for dinner. We tried to weigh him and came out with something 10.6 pounds! Pretty insane...
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Post Baby Body Adventure
As I slowly approach the six-week postpartum mark - that is, that magical date when one can return to working out - I stop to think about my strategies, goals, and worries.
First and foremost, I am a little nervous about getting back in there. I don't feel as though I am healing the way I should. Not that I really know how I should be healing, but not quite the way I thought I would. My doctor's appointment is set for the 20th, so hopefully I'll feel more confident by then or else I can ask her what she thinks. I hope everything is ok and I can be reassured that starting up my workouts will be safe. Funny I always thought I would be "sort of" working out by now and waiting for that appointment just so we could "get busy" again, but it's not that at all. I just want to know I can move freely without fear.
So, what are my goals? I think I have several, all of which I hope to accomplish simultaneously. Here's the rundown:
Strategies are simple. Work out. And eat better. I am already working on the eating thing, but there are still a lot of improvements to be made.
First and foremost, I am a little nervous about getting back in there. I don't feel as though I am healing the way I should. Not that I really know how I should be healing, but not quite the way I thought I would. My doctor's appointment is set for the 20th, so hopefully I'll feel more confident by then or else I can ask her what she thinks. I hope everything is ok and I can be reassured that starting up my workouts will be safe. Funny I always thought I would be "sort of" working out by now and waiting for that appointment just so we could "get busy" again, but it's not that at all. I just want to know I can move freely without fear.
So, what are my goals? I think I have several, all of which I hope to accomplish simultaneously. Here's the rundown:
- Get under 130 lbs (this is my happy weight and I tend to hover between 130 and 138, so I want to try and get under 130 for a change).
- Earn a 270 or better on my PT test scheduled for 6 months from my delivery date (so approximately June or so).
- Run a half marathon by the end of the year (or early next year if there isn't a good one in the area before then)
- Overall, tone up. Better booty, better abs, stronger arms. Do a pull up.
Strategies are simple. Work out. And eat better. I am already working on the eating thing, but there are still a lot of improvements to be made.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Menu Planning Monday
The last week was kind of disheveled when it came to meals, since we had a couple rough night AND Joe's parents are in town, so we tend to just head up to their house to eat yummy Italian food. So I only ended up cooking three times. Here is a rundown of our meals for last week:
Sunday: Rigatoni with veggie chicken strips and broccoli in a basil cream sauce. Not the healthiest, but tasty and quick.
Monday: Leftovers
Tuesday: Pan-seared crusted Tilapia, asparagus risotto, and corn on the cob.
Wednesday: We had Salmon and Mahi with vegetables at Joe's parents' house.
Thursday: I made orzo with shrimp and tomatoes, green beans. This was delicious!
Friday: Leftovers
Saturday: Leftovers
Sunday: Pizza. We watched the football game with his parents.
This week I am going to try to do better, but his parents are still in town so some of my planned meals may fall to the wayside if we get together with them. The upside of his mom cooking is that she always makes really healthy, delicious meals. But here is my plan anyways:
Today: We are doing our own thing. Joe is eating leftover pasta and I cooked up a bunch of chicken breasts and added a microwaved sweet potato with cinnamon.
Tuesday: Mahi, couscous, and sauteed spinach.
Wednesday: Veggie meat sloppy Joes with corn on the cob.
Thursday: Veggie chicken and orzo "chicken noodle" soup and spinach salad.
Friday: Joe works, so this is usually a free day. I will likely eat some mini turkey meatballs I made with some brown rice and veggies.
Saturday: Pasta with shrimp, corn, and avocado.
Sunday: Spaghetti squash and meatballs.
Sunday: Rigatoni with veggie chicken strips and broccoli in a basil cream sauce. Not the healthiest, but tasty and quick.
Monday: Leftovers
Tuesday: Pan-seared crusted Tilapia, asparagus risotto, and corn on the cob.
Wednesday: We had Salmon and Mahi with vegetables at Joe's parents' house.
Thursday: I made orzo with shrimp and tomatoes, green beans. This was delicious!
Friday: Leftovers
Saturday: Leftovers
Sunday: Pizza. We watched the football game with his parents.
This week I am going to try to do better, but his parents are still in town so some of my planned meals may fall to the wayside if we get together with them. The upside of his mom cooking is that she always makes really healthy, delicious meals. But here is my plan anyways:
Today: We are doing our own thing. Joe is eating leftover pasta and I cooked up a bunch of chicken breasts and added a microwaved sweet potato with cinnamon.
Tuesday: Mahi, couscous, and sauteed spinach.
Wednesday: Veggie meat sloppy Joes with corn on the cob.
Thursday: Veggie chicken and orzo "chicken noodle" soup and spinach salad.
Friday: Joe works, so this is usually a free day. I will likely eat some mini turkey meatballs I made with some brown rice and veggies.
Saturday: Pasta with shrimp, corn, and avocado.
Sunday: Spaghetti squash and meatballs.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Foto Friday
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| Too bad the damn Eagles lost, so this is the first and last time Nash will wear this onesie. |
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Workin' Wednesday Post 1
Since it's Wednesday, I need to think about work. I have been looking for a job for a year now after being in DC for the last two, and it hasn't exactly gone as planned. I never expected to go a whole year with barely a nibble. It's really demeaning to think all my hard work in school and professional endeavors (not to mention the time spent sending resumes, maintaining social media sites, updating portfolios) has amounted to nothing. My $50,000 contribution to Georgetown, which I thought was a surefire way to boost my marketability, has yet to reap any rewards. Thankfully, I was able to defer my student loan payments since I am on unemployment or else I would be in deep trouble.
So, this morning I went online and applied to two more English teaching jobs here in Brevard. I started on the teaching path last year when the regular professional world wasn't panning out. Plus the idea of summer's off and working with kids in a family-friendly profession really looks appealing knowing that I know have a baby. Plus, it's something I can do here in Melbourne, where there seems to be a shortage of jobs in my field.
So, I applied for an English job at a high school and a temporary position at one of the middle schools. I think I will put together some formal resume packets this week and fax them out to all the schools I've applied to since the beginning (which is about 8 or so that have had English or Journalism job postings). Perhaps this will help, since the whole Brevard County School system online thing doesn't seem to elicit much response.
My only concern is that I have never taught before. Not only that, but it's not like I took education classes in college or anything, so I have no real idea how to create a lesson plan or what material I am supposed to cover or what's the best approach to teaching certain things (I realized my lack of knowledge when I took the certification exam and 50% of the questions centered around teaching skills). So it's not enough to have a degree and have working in the field...I need to know how to properly teach it to kids. So it makes me wonder if a school would even hire me with no experience...
Still waiting to hear about a few Orlando jobs that I applied to last week or so... And need to follow up with the unemployment since something was screwed up the last time I logged in to report my earnings.
As much as I don't want to leave little man, I know I will just be depressed if I don't find a job. Even if it's just part-time somewhere so that I feel like I'm contributing and I have something to do with myself outside of this house. Plus it will be nice to socialize and meet people again. I really hang out with no one these days and that does not help the morale.
So, this morning I went online and applied to two more English teaching jobs here in Brevard. I started on the teaching path last year when the regular professional world wasn't panning out. Plus the idea of summer's off and working with kids in a family-friendly profession really looks appealing knowing that I know have a baby. Plus, it's something I can do here in Melbourne, where there seems to be a shortage of jobs in my field.
So, I applied for an English job at a high school and a temporary position at one of the middle schools. I think I will put together some formal resume packets this week and fax them out to all the schools I've applied to since the beginning (which is about 8 or so that have had English or Journalism job postings). Perhaps this will help, since the whole Brevard County School system online thing doesn't seem to elicit much response.
My only concern is that I have never taught before. Not only that, but it's not like I took education classes in college or anything, so I have no real idea how to create a lesson plan or what material I am supposed to cover or what's the best approach to teaching certain things (I realized my lack of knowledge when I took the certification exam and 50% of the questions centered around teaching skills). So it's not enough to have a degree and have working in the field...I need to know how to properly teach it to kids. So it makes me wonder if a school would even hire me with no experience...
Still waiting to hear about a few Orlando jobs that I applied to last week or so... And need to follow up with the unemployment since something was screwed up the last time I logged in to report my earnings.
As much as I don't want to leave little man, I know I will just be depressed if I don't find a job. Even if it's just part-time somewhere so that I feel like I'm contributing and I have something to do with myself outside of this house. Plus it will be nice to socialize and meet people again. I really hang out with no one these days and that does not help the morale.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Blog Updates For the New Year
In the spirit of the new year and keeping to my resolutions, I've decided to amp up my blog content. In order to accomplish this, I have come up with some regular topics to post on each week, so that I always have something to write about. Also, it will let everyone know what to expect each week, in case you find one particular segment interesting and want to make sure you keep up with it.
So, here is my tentative schedule:
Monday: Menu Planning Mondays. This is where I will detail what I plan to make for that week (I do this now in order to keep up with grocery shopping and never be left without a plan). I will also look back at the previous week and talk about what I did/didn't like and how things turned out.
Tuesday: My Life as a Wife and Mom. This is where I will talk about my daily adventures/struggles/reflections on being married and having a new baby. This is the family topic!
Wednesday: Workin' Wednesdays. This is where I will discuss my professional endeavors. Since I have been looking for a job for a full year now, it will likely begin with discussions about where I am applying, interviews (hopefully), and what else I am doing to further myself professionally.
Thursday: Free post. This is where I get to write about a random thing that inspires me that week.
Friday: Foto Fridays. This is where I will post my favorite photo (or photos) from the week. One of my desires for this year is to get a fancy schmancy new camera and improve my photography skills.
Saturday: Day off. I am allowing myself one blog-free day of the week...this way I won't get overwhelmed. And I can spend more time with my family!
Sunday: Sewing Sundays. This is where I will blog about what I have sewn or would like to sew...will include links to projects/blogs I like, so all my fellow crafters/seamstresses out there, keep your eyes peeled for this one! I may not start this right away since I haven't had much time to sew lately with the baby and all.
So, here is my tentative schedule:
Monday: Menu Planning Mondays. This is where I will detail what I plan to make for that week (I do this now in order to keep up with grocery shopping and never be left without a plan). I will also look back at the previous week and talk about what I did/didn't like and how things turned out.
Tuesday: My Life as a Wife and Mom. This is where I will talk about my daily adventures/struggles/reflections on being married and having a new baby. This is the family topic!
Wednesday: Workin' Wednesdays. This is where I will discuss my professional endeavors. Since I have been looking for a job for a full year now, it will likely begin with discussions about where I am applying, interviews (hopefully), and what else I am doing to further myself professionally.
Thursday: Free post. This is where I get to write about a random thing that inspires me that week.
Friday: Foto Fridays. This is where I will post my favorite photo (or photos) from the week. One of my desires for this year is to get a fancy schmancy new camera and improve my photography skills.
Saturday: Day off. I am allowing myself one blog-free day of the week...this way I won't get overwhelmed. And I can spend more time with my family!
Sunday: Sewing Sundays. This is where I will blog about what I have sewn or would like to sew...will include links to projects/blogs I like, so all my fellow crafters/seamstresses out there, keep your eyes peeled for this one! I may not start this right away since I haven't had much time to sew lately with the baby and all.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
New Year, New Me
I love new beginnings...I used to get all jazzed up when the fall came because it was the start of a new school year and a chance to change things that just didn't seem right. It was an opportunity to become a better person, focus your goals for the year, and reflect on what's most important to you in the coming year.
Well since I am no longer in school I have started to really treat New Years as it should be...the real time to start over. Ever since I can remember, I have made New Years Resolutions. I know some people think they are a waste...just hopefully goals that never get achieved and get swept under the rug, but I still do them. I love to look back on my resolutions and see which ones I accomplished and which ones were just out of reach (automatic for next year!). So, in the spirit of the new year...here is my (working) list for this year:
So there you have it...perhaps I will think of some more in the coming days and add them in. Till then, must log on to Livestrong.com so I can track my food!
Well since I am no longer in school I have started to really treat New Years as it should be...the real time to start over. Ever since I can remember, I have made New Years Resolutions. I know some people think they are a waste...just hopefully goals that never get achieved and get swept under the rug, but I still do them. I love to look back on my resolutions and see which ones I accomplished and which ones were just out of reach (automatic for next year!). So, in the spirit of the new year...here is my (working) list for this year:
- Get down to 125 lbs
- Work out at least 3 times a week unless sick or on vacation
- Track diet with livestrong
- Sign up for yoga and pilates
- Complete a half marathon
- Save $5,000
- Maintain blog and increase network
- Make money with sewing/craft projects
- Get promoted to CPT
- Earn at least a 270 on PT test
- Drink at least 64 ounces of water a day
- Join a "mom" network in Melbourne
- Find a job
- Be the best wife and mother I can be (not really sure how to make this quantifiable)
So there you have it...perhaps I will think of some more in the coming days and add them in. Till then, must log on to Livestrong.com so I can track my food!
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