Friday before vacation: a teacher's nightmare

Good Friday Morning to you!

  Today, as many of you in the New England area with children know, is the Friday before April Vacation.  In many New England towns the Presidents Day long weekend is extended into a week long vacation for school-aged kiddos and their teachers (wahooo).  Today  is our last day at school before an entire week off, and Mark and my trip to Jamaica.  I am VERY excited to say the least, and just did our online check-in before I started this post.  I feel like that makes it more of a reality.  I simply can't wait to be on a lounge chair, with my toes in the sand, and the sun shining on my face!

Loblolly Bay, Anegade, BVI

  Now.... if only I could get through this day.  Days like these, the day before vacation that is, are tough for kids.  Many children enjoy the structure and safely of the school routine and don't want to head home for an entire week.  This often causes meltdowns, behavior problems, lashing out, tears, drama etc.  Today is especially sad for my students because a member of our team is moving across the country.  Our section had a party with mini bagels and made her a nice card.  In the past I would bake for my kiddos, but since the new health and wellness policy forbids this, we had a whole wheat mini bagel party with light cream cheese. It's not that I disagree with the policy, I just feel that moderation should be taught alongside healthy vs unhealthy.

On to Jamaica.... I am getting  ecstatic about our trip.  Thus far, Mark and I will partake in a deep sea fishing charter on Monday.  It starts at 6:30 am, but I am excited.  Mark loves to fish, and this will be a nice opportunity the nature that the island has to offer.  The captain has caught many wahoo and yellow fin tuna this week, so I hope we are just as lucky on our venture.  They also see dolphins on a regular basis, another  observation I long to see in the wild.

  We are also planning on visiting 7 mile beach in Negril.  We don't have nay plans for this day, just that we want to do it.  The pictures on Trip Advisor totally rock, so I think it will be worth the cab fare.

Who wouldn't miss this face!

The only things making me sad about the trip is Tucker.  I WISH we could bring him everywhere with us, Jamaica included.  I know that isn't a reality.  Tuck will be spending the week at his dog daycare. I packed up his food last night and bought him some extra special Bully Sticks for snacking.  I will miss him terribly while we are gone ;(  But, we will make it up to him next Sunday for is fabulous 2nd birthday celebration!

Upcoming blog posts... Other than my trip to Jamaica, I am also working on  a Sunday Survey Series to get to know the blogger and readers, as well as some healthy, affordable and convenient lunch post series.  Stay tuned!

xoxo,

Jeanie

Question of the day:  Do you have any plans for the long week/vacation?  If so what are they?

Kick ASS 5k in SHORTS!

Run Stronger Everyday's KICK ASS Virtual 5K  was TODAY!!!

All week I have been eyeing my iphone weather app, and have been BEYOND excited to participate in  Run Stronger Everyday's Kick Ass Virtual 5K!  The weather was the pick of the week, just south of Boston: Sun with some clouds and showers early on, high of 75!!!!

  All day at work I was eyeing the windows to scope out the day's beauty.  Right after my after school meeting, I hit the ground running and headed home.  I dug out some running shorts, dusted them off, and found a running tank tucked away in the basement.  I have had no need for these items for the past 5 months or so, so I was surprised how easy the weather appropriate outfit came together.  After pinning on my race bib and asking my neighbor to snap  a pre-run picture, I was off to the races! I had planned to run the route Tucker and I walked on Sunday, and I assumed it was around a 5K.  Typically I run longer than a 5k, especially in weather like this; but I have dinner plans, laundry and a MILLION papers to grade..

Ready to kick some a$$

  I started off very fast, and it caught up to me around mile 1.2, but I felt "okay".  My legs were tired from the 3 sets of weighted squats I did yesterday at the gym.  Halfway through, I hit this neighborhood filled to the brim with children playing outside, communicating, exercising, and having fun without any cell phones of electronic devices.  I LOVE seeing this, and I find it so rare these days.  Especially young kids, older kids, boy and girls alike, all sharing a basketball and hoop, just enjoying the afternoon rays. 

  After leaving the cul-de-sac, I turned the corner and headed home.  I ended up completing the 5k in 25 minutes or so, but felt tired, hot and out of breath.  While running, I discovered I have a cold, as opposed to the "allergies" I self- diagnosed earlier this week!  

Running nose + Sore throat+ extreme headache + muscle aches =  A cold!

 After the 5k, Tuck and I enjoyed a photo shoot in the yard.  He did his own doggie 5K today at daycare, and played a little tennis with me, while wearing the "official" race bib!  He is so tolerant of my crazy photo antics!

Poster Dog!

Tuck the badd ass! hahaha

Oh man ... Tuck looks much better than me!

  Okay, I must run to meet my mom and Brother for dinner.

xoxo,

Jeanie

Restaurant Review: Alden Park Plymouth, Ma

Last night, Mark and I ventured over to the Colony Place in Plymouth for a few quick returns and dinner at Alden Park.  Alden Park was recommended by a colleague and friend, so I was excited to try it.

 We started out  afternoon out with a few returns at Old Navy and my first visit to "Charming Charlie".  The returns went smoothly, and Charming Charlie's is incredible.  They sell primarily accessories, but they also have a few eccletic dreses, and shirts.  I was utterly impressed with the prices and item variety and originality.  I ended up purchasing a sleeveless dress for our upcoming trip to Jamaica that is white, croqueted material with a long leather belt.  (getting pretty excited!!).  I also pruchases to slip dresses four some upcoming spring events.  The slip dress is a new concept for me.  They feel so light, airy and comfortable, but I am alsways concerb they are too short.  Mark and the sales clerk assured me that each dress looked fine, but I still have my worries!  (more photos to come of each dress).

  After  shopping, we headed to Alden park.  We were both starving, so we were psyched when our server greeted us with garlic bread and a parmesean garlc butter spread.  In fact, the bread was so good , Mark thought that was our appetizer!  I order the roasted vegetable and cheese appetizer.  I thought this would be like a fondue with roasted veggies and pita bread.  When it came out, it was more like a spinach and artichoke dip with some veggies inside the dip, and bread served on the side for dipping.  Although this was not the "light dish" I expected, it was truly delicious.  Mark ordered the lettuce wraps which were also good, but a bit spicy for my taste buds.  We split an entree, the land and seas skewers, which were also good.  The consisted of a shrimp and streak skewer, served over mashed potatoes and a side of asparagus.  On the whole, our meal and drinks (red sangria) were excellent, and we would definantly go back.  They also offer $5 appetizers at the bar through the week, which is exciteing.  The appetizers were excellent, so I would consider heading back for this promotion.

Onto next week.... Mark and I are traveling to Jamaica NEXT WEEK!!!! The trip was relatively last minute, and I am seeking out fun things to do and see.  Please, Please, Please leave a comment if you have been.  This far I have the following intriguing adventures:

Seven Mile Beach and Booby Cay:
  We are staying in Montego Bay, but we were considering heading to Negril for a day to enjoy the Seven Mile Beach.  Across from Seven Mile Beach, there is a remote island called Booby Cay.  Apparently you can catch and purchase your own BBQed lobster right there on the beach?  Sounds kind of cool, so I think mark and I may look into this.

Deep Sea Fishing:
  Mark loves to fish in MA, so he often looks for these opportunities when we travel.  I have been on contact with a few deep sea fishing charters, who have been EXTREMELY helpful.  We are hoping to do a half day charter out of either Montego Bay or Negrill.   I am not one for fishing, but I will gladly go because many of the companies claim to sea dolphins while fishing ;)  I hope I get to !
Happy Red Sox Opening Day!
xoxo,
Jeanie

Ps... Can't wait for Abby's Kick Ass 5K tomorrow!! I have my outfit already picked out!
Question of the day:
  Any fun Jamaican  attractions I should know about ?

Easter Rally...

 Good Morning and Happy Saturday!

Tuck is in more of a lazy Saturday mood!

  All week long I felt like I was playing a mean game of catch up, in all aspects of life.  Although the Easter weekend was fun with family and friends on the Cape, it was far from productive in the planning and grading departments. I also left the weekend feeling .... fat ( for lack of a better word).  The combination of high calorie foods, sleeping less, and grabbing a quick drink with friends quickly caught up to me.   Ironically, I read one of my favorite blogs, Happy Being Healthy, and Melanie felt the same way.   Although she does have those 5 children that must play a small role in her exhaustion and eater candy availability HAH).  I decided I need to prioritize my week as far as eating, exercise and my  classroom.  Ready go...

1. Meal Prep:
 I started by making some of my favorite Bananas Foster Overnight Overnight Oats adapted from Hidden Fruits and Veggies a few weeks back.  The recipe is perfect for me, because it makes enough for the week, and served with greek yogurt, it hits all the food groups I'm looking for.  It is also easy to make (mix/ set overnight in Crock Pot), and ridiculously easy to pack up and bring to school. I continued to map out me meals for the week according to taste, health and the weekly circular.  This week was a bit tougher, due to leftovers from Easter ( I refuse to waste food), but I did okay with it.  I did not make any new recipes per say, but I did resort back to some oldie but goodies that I will share with you real soon.   How many of you ate more than your fair share of hard boiled eggs this past week? I did, but I only like the whites.  I also had a greek yogurt egg salad one night for dinner that was quite good.
One night I had grilled Swordfish with a new cajun rub Mark's dad bought for me.  The rub is called "Chef Paul Prudhomme's" Magic Blends: Seafood Magic.  The rub is a bit spicy, but not as spicy as the blackened options at restaurants.  I simply defrosted some swordfish (also on sale this week), and rubbed this into each side of the fish.  I grilled it on medium for about 4 minutes per side.  Dinner was light, filling and protein packed.  I also sauteed some summer squash, zucchini, and mushrooms on the side.  None of those veggies are "go to's" for me, but Mark loves them.

2)  Cleaning (house and classroom)
  Both of these areas of my life were a MESS last Sunday night.  I spent the week creating lists.  Not immediate to-do lists, but more so small tasks that are manageable to achieve in one day.  For example, I decided to clean off one round table in my classroom, not all 4 tables that are bursting at the seams with papers, school supplies and stuff kids leave behind.  I also washed one room at a time at home.  On Monday, my task was weekend laundry and putting al the clothes I washed away.  ( I tend to stink at that last part)

3)  Exercise Regime:
  Before I begin, I feel I fell a little bit short in this department.  It is Saturday and I have had two full body workouts, and one yoga session this week, thus far.  Typically, I do at least one more cardio sessions, but this week other priorties took the front seat.  I always feel exercise guilt when this happens, but I will just need to be diligent this weekend to get two stellar workouts in.  I also registered for Run Stronger Everyday's Virtual 5K (see Kick Ass 5K post for details).  this week and am excited to participate in that on Tuesday.

  On the whole, I feel better  than I did last weekend.  I am cognizant of the workouts I need to produce this week, and am committed to doing so.  I also have a great bison burger recipe to share with you folks soon ;)

In closing, I found this picture while browsing Pinterest this week and fell in love.  I also made it into a poster for my students to see each day.  Sometimes things like this can brighten someone's day, so I hope it works for you too!

Because sometimes you just need to know you matter!

Have a great Saturday!

xoxo,

Jeanie

Boston Brain Tumor Ride Update

The plans for the Boston Brain Tumor Ride are in full swing!  The ride will take place on May 19th in Waltham , MA.  There are, like last year, three route options: a 10, 25, or 50 mile course.  Last year I rode the 50 miles, and it was TOUGH!  I was hopeful to do it again, but I am not sure if time will allow. You see, I train on a fitness bike because it was a lot less money than the road bikes ,which start at $1000!  The problem with my bike is it isn't as fast, so LONG rides take a LONG time (excuse the pun). Needless to say, my route choice is undecided!  My team, Riders for Rohan started their fundraising efforts with a BANG!  We have large shoes to fill since we received the top fundraising award last year, bringing in  a whopping $40,000!!!

  Personally, I decided to take a slightly different approach to fundraising.  Since it is hard to be solely reliant on friends and family donations, I decided to orchestrate gatherings to raise funds in a more creative way.
Our plans are as follows:

Grey Matters Benefit Event:
  On April 27th, A few members of Riders for Rohan and I,  organized a benefit night at the Turnpike Cafe in Canton , MA.  The night include a live band, intriguing raffle and silent auction items, light fare and a whole lots of FUN for a great cause.  I am very excited about this event, and was hopeful it could all pan out.  The planning is in full swing and many local business have been VERY generous in the raffle department ;)

Let's Walk the Lake for Brain Tumor's Sake:
  This is a new event I am organizing at school, with the help of the Peer Leaders and Students Council Members.  Students and faculty alike can pledge to walk Lake Massapoag for a $5 minimum donation, although larger donations are welcome.  The group will walk after school and then enjoy light snacks after the event.  There will be a T-shirt contest for groups that plan to walk together with some kid-friendly prizes.  I am VERY excited about this walking event.  What is better than getting out there and moving for a great cause?

Wednesday Morning Breakfast:
  Sarah and I are hosting a Wednesday morning breakfast for the staff at our school. The breakfast includes coffee, light breakfast items and non academic conversion with colleagues in all three grades.  It is a great time to sit back, relax, and have a face to face conversation with someone. This will also be the first day of "Grey Matters" bracelet sales.  I am super excited about the bracelets this year because we adopting a new lime green writing color.  NEON ROCKS!

I hope that these events help fundraising, but more so bring others together for this great cause!

Happy Thursday!
xoxo.
Jeanie
Question of the day:
  Do you have any great fundraising tactics?  If so, please share ;)

Sites that may interest you:
My Personal Page
Riders for Rohan Team Page
National Brain Tumor Society Website

Kick Ass 5k!!!

Happy National Autism Awareness Day!  This post is in blue to spread awareness for autism ;)

Man do I have a GREAT opportunity for you!!!
  One of the blogs I began reading recently, Run Stronger Everyday, has a great opportunity to support a worthy cause, experience some of the warm weather we (New Englanders) are experiencing lately, and  exercise for 3.1 miles!! What a win, win!!!
  Abby, the blogger behind Running Stronger Everyday, has (had, read her blog for more details) Ulcerative Colitis, an auto-immune disease that attacks the digestive system.   She has truly been through the ringer with this disease; one that affects many women I know (and men too, probably, I just don't know any).  
  Anyways, Abby is running the Chicago Half Marathon for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation.  To aide in her fundraising venture, she is hosting a Virtual 5K on April 9th, 2013. All participant's donate $15 to her fundraising page, and run, walk, bike, hope, jump or skip for 3.1 miles total.  Still not satisfied?!?!  Well, the amazing Abby is entering all participants into a raffle for miscellaneous gear. The exact items are not listed, but she does promise for the loot to be great! Ps- Abby moonlights as a Lululemon Ambassador... need I say more?!?!
  Wondering how you  join me on this journey to kick some ASS?
1) Click the link below to read  the full story on the Virtual 5K
Kick ASS Post and Donation Link
2) From there, Click her donation page link to donate your $15.  Abby will also email you a "race" bib!
3) Tweet, Facebook, or Blog (if you have one) for added entries into her super cool raffle ;)

If you are planning on participating, "holla" at me via commenting on this post, Twitter, or email !  I am super excited for this unique 5k opportunity, and I want to hear ALL about your workout plans!

Websites that may interest you:
Run Stronger Everyday
More info on Crohn's and Colitis
Allstate Chicago Half Marathon

Question of the Day:
Are you thinking of participating?  If so, what exercise mode will you choose to complete you 3.1 miles?

Happy Belated Easter

What a Weekend!

  This weekend was jam-packed with family, fun, and hard work to get our Cape cottage ready for the season.  I apologize for being distant, but we do not have internet or cable at the cottage.  It was something that meant a lot to me last summer, because I felt Mark, myself and the guests that visited, could truly connect and chat without technological distraction.  I realized this weekend this will make blogging infinitely harder, and Mark and I are looking into internet and cable options.

Friday:

  Friday was a day filled with hard work! After I posted the last lenten friendly recipe post,  I had to get  our house ready for inhabitants.  I relied heavily on Josi's Cleaners and Delkin Laundomat to assist me with these tasks!  The ladies from Josi's cleaners arrived right now time (8am!!) and got started on our cottage.  Meanwhile, I collected all of our laundry/ bedding and pillows and headed to the laundromat.  Not only do we not have cable and internet at the cottage, we also don't have a washer and dryer. Both would have come in handy ;) 

All my hard work!

Stop cleaning and PLAY WITH ME!!!

 After all the laundry was washed, dried and put away, and the cleaning service had left, the house was spotless and I headed out for an amazing run.  I planned on doing about 4 miles, but ended up running five because the landscape was simply picturesque.  I kept running to get a better view of Nantucket Sound, Martha's Vineyard and the coastline; and before I knew it I  was five miles from home.  I love when this happens.

Hello Heights Beach!!! Check out these clouds, they look fake ! ;)

Oh Martha... How I've missed you ;)

  After my run, my mom came over and we headed over to visit with my Aunts and Uncle.  My Mom and her sisters have an Easter tradition of making traditional Italian Easter foods.  The make Strufollies( sp) and Pizzagana(sp).  Strufollies are small pieces of dough that are deep friend until crisp, and covered with a sugary syrup and sprinkles.  Pizzaganaa is like an egg, ham and cheese pie with a top and bottom crust.  Strufollies are not my favorite, but I love pizzagana, although it is definitely not a healthy choice!  After a quick visit, Mark picked me up, and we headed to a new restaurant that he was eager to try:  DJ's Famous Wings.  Dj's is a new restaurant in town, and I think they will do quite well.  They offer a wide variety of drinks and food items, as well as specialty nights.  Mark and I sat in a booth equipped with our own TV for March Madness ( I am sensing a trend here).  Mark and I each ordered a light beer, and Mark ordered the honey barbecue boneless wings.  Mark adores wings of all varieties, and since this place is known for their wings and they offer 16 wing sauces, I thought why not? ( They even offer Peanut Butter and Jelly as a wing sauce!!).  The wings arrived quickly and really were delicious.  They were served with house-made blue cheese as well, which had poppy seeds inside it;  a welcomed addition.  I loved scooping up the mixture with the celery pieces.  For dinner, I ordered fish, and Mark ordered ribs;  another dish they are well-known for.  The food was delicious and plentiful; we left with three take out boxes!

 

Mark and his beer of choice: a Cape Cod Blonde... (insert witty remark here!)

Saturday:

  Mark had a few appointments booked on Saturday, and my bother and I had plans to visit  and have lunch with my Gramp.  He made his homemade raviolis for lunch, which I really do love.  Unfortunately, my Gramp like to eat early, and I wasn't quite ravioli ready at barely noon!  Oh well, more for everyone else!  My Gramp also sent us home with quite the spread of desserts to conclude our easter meal.  He made a cheesecake, brownies and red velvet cupcakes ;)

  Later on, Mark and I met my parents for sushi and chinese food, as well as three competitive games of bowling.  Bowling is an on going joke between my Mom and I because we are terrible, and my brother and mark take it VERY seriously.  We ended up winning a game and losing the other two.  Oh well!