I Should Be In Class Right Now!

I'm not happy. As you know, one week after classes started, the faculty went on strike over a variety of issues. While I support that right I'll now admit to getting antsy about this semester. There are only so many classes scheduled and in 2 weeks I start my student teaching. I am now beginning to wonder if that will even take place! I'm trying to keep a positive attitude but it's getting tougher--especially when I'm not hearing about them even being back to the table! Okay, breathe in/breathe out :)


On another topic, I went to Stratford with my mom and brother this Saturday. It was a gorgeous day and there was lots going on. We walked around, did some shopping and just enjoyed the scenery. In case you don't know, Stratford, ON is world-renowned for it's Shakespeare theatre festival. I'll never forget being in Stratford, England and having someone from there tell me that they thought the Canadian one was nicer! I haven't been to a play in some years but they are incredible productions. If you're ever looking for a weekend trip GO!

As for the healthy me, YUCK! I've been slacking off the last few days and it's mostly because I'm not in school. So, today it's back to my schedule without the snacking!!!!!

And finally, HAPPY FIRST DAY OF AUTUMN! I hope you all had a great weekend and are able to enjoy some fine fall weather as I plan on doing :)

No Classes For Me

Well, my classes were cancelled today due to a strike by faculty. It's very unfortunate because of the effect it has on students, particularly those of us who are in a demanding program like the Bachelor of Education. However, I support the faculty in exercising their right to strike. I just hope that there is a quick resolution because my practice teaching begins mid October! Fingers crossed.

On a positive note, I have finally managed to work in an exercise routine. I've started running again, albeit at short distances, and I'm trying to get in as many bike rides as I can while this beautiful weather holds. I've put on a few pounds--nothing drastic as my clothing fits the same--just a number I don't care for when I look down at that scale! So, now that I'm in a routine I expect (you hear me?) those pounds to go away and put me on track to losing the last few to get me to my goal.

Having had a few beautiful Indian summer days (I'll be going out this afternoon and taking some pictures of my garden) and cool nights put me in the mood for my favourite pumpkin bread. I can't remember where I got the recipe but I love it! It's moist, spicy and absolutely yummy with a nice cup of coffee. I'll include the recipe for anyone who'd like to try it out. I bake mine in the longer, narrower loaf pans because it bakes evenly without overdoing it (you know how the middle can stay raw for a long time?)

Anyhow, hope that you're all having a great week so far and that I'll be hearing from you! (P.S. How do you like the new background? I was playing with the colours and am never sure about how it comes across to readers--let me know what you think!)

PUMPKIN PATCH BREAD
1 ½ c. sugar
1 c. canned pumpkin
½ c. vegetable oil
½ c. water
2 eggs
1 2/3 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
¾ tsp. salt
½ tsp. each ground cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon
½ tsp. baking powder
½ c. chopped pecans (optional)

In a large mixing bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, spices and baking powder; gradually add to pumpkin mixture and mix well.
Pour into a greased loaf pan. Bake at 350° for 70-80 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Yield: 1 loaf. (I have a convection oven and it's usually 1 hour baking time :)

School Daze!

Wow, first day of classes and I must say I'm pooped! There is a lot to do in a relatively short time so I'll see how my Library skills come into play when it comes to organization and time management. Today's classes were Science, Education Foundations, and Music. Last Thursday and Friday I had the opportunity to visit a local public school and sit in on the first week of classes for 5th grade and a 3/4 split. What a great experience that was as it's been, ahem, 30+ years since I've been in a public school setting. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to learning a lot!

I must say that I've been lax in the exercise department and when I manage to fit it in, I'm not getting it down on my workout calendar. I'll have to look at my calendar carefully and make sure to schedule the time for it, especially while the nice weather is still here. It was great to get responses for goals you'd like to set for yourself this month. I hope that we can all manage to keep up the pace no matter what else is going on in our lives.

So, I have no interesting numbers to report as the end of August was a bit of a downer. I'm hoping that with a busy schedule I can have good figures to share with you all at the end of this month! I hope that you all have a great week and I look forward to catching up with your blogs over the coming days :)

Happy September!

I hope that you all had a wonderful Labour Day weekend. The day was perfect here and I got in a bike ride and some gardening. My sister was visiting and left late this morning. She's been living in Illinois for over 8 years and has quite the drive home. We had a lot of fun shopping. Believe it or not, that's something that I hate doing more and more as I get older--at least when it comes to browsing. I like to go in, get what I want and leave.

Well, she insisted that we visit the MAC counter (she LOVES the stuff!) and got me set up with a few starting essentials. I've never been one who enjoyed playing with makeup and apart from some foundation, lipgloss and maybe blush, I've never bothered with doing my eyes. Well, the older I get I realize that I could use a lift in that area so my dear sister gave me some tips. I think that with some time I could look quite polished and professional!

So, tomorrow I go back to school and I'm quite excited and just a little bit nervous. Classes don't start until next week so the few days this week are mostly about meetings, some panel discussions, etc. I'll fill you all in on my experiences while in the program.

Some of you know that I usually do a wrap-up of how my month went. Well, because of my nasty bout with sinusitis I'm not going to tally up the numbers. It started out well but the exercise was missing for 2 weeks even though I managed to get some in the last few days. I'm down a few pounds (haven't looked yet--sorry Bonnie!) but I don't think I'm down by many inches.

My goals for September are to do well in school, first and foremost, then try to fit my exercise routine into my new schedule. It shouldn't be too hard judging by what I've seen so far. I would love to lose a minimum of 6 pounds but I'll be overly optimistic and shoot for 10. Any little inches can join those pounds too!

What are your goals for September? Anything new or just to keep on keeping on? I'd love to hear from you all.