Day 20, A Day in My Life and #weekendcoffeeshare

Jan. 21: Welcome to day 20 of #ADayinMyLife and my Weekend Coffee Share, which is hosted by Natalie the Explorer.

I woke this morning still unhappy about hearing yesterday that we teachers who have books on our classroom bookshelf have to empty those books into boxes or put them away until further notice. They have to vetted by a media specialist, which is something we don’t have in my school due to budget cuts 5 years ago.*In my opinion, not that of my school or district leadership, our state has made very confusing decisions regarding educational freedom.

Here is the Florida law upon which decisions were based to not make books available to students (unless part of the curriculum) if those books haven’t been “vetted by a media specialist” to be appropriate: https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2000/TitleXLVI/chapter847/847_012.html

At least I can get a massage today. I will need that escape. Today is pretty much a relaxing, self-care day. Yesterday was preventative health care day, as in doing what we must to be or make sure we’re healthy. Here is that short post: https://wp.me/p7aqV2-37X

The appointments of yesterday got me to a different part of town, San Marco, where I enjoyed the views of murals.

In San Marco, Jacksonville.

My dad and his partner got out on their way home this morning. It was a good visit with him and Patsy! I think they’re a good pair, but partly because she keeps him on his toes and trying to be a better man. I’m going to try to get to his side’s family reunion in Minnesota this summer. One of his sisters helped me with genealogy and our family history on that side, which is really interesting. It makes me think of this quote ( found on the internet):

Anyhow, I’m at the gym now, doing my 30 minutes on the bike, jamming to Salt-n-Peppa, being a woman- over -forty- in -short- running -shorts (how dare she)! I feel a little rebellious. People will judge either way I might as well be interesting! I come from a long line of unique individuals and will embrace my freedom if expression. Have a great weekend, everyone!

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A Day in My Life, Day 13. #RRBC #weekendcoffeeshare

Jan. 14th–Welcome to my #WeekendCoffeeShare and Day 13 of the daily blogging challenge. I’m having a chai latte to welcome the cool morning.

The weather really cooled yesterday after a rainy night, so we had a warm, relaxing fire going last night. I think my dog Bixby even enjoys sitting by the fire.

A peaceful sight and sound!

Today is a day to take a breath and catch up. Of course, I’ll get my 30 minute cardio. I’ve already walked the dog. Some laundry needs to be done, ( that’s part of the catching up).

I had an interesting dream last night that took me back to my childhood home here in Jacksonville. We lived there 5 years, age 8 to 13. It was the longest time I’d lived anywhere in my youth. The start of my dream was chaotic, I was touring the house, and it was full of ants, the bathroom mirror was covered, I had a memory of being betrayed by a friend and letdown by someone else. But I think the mirror means “leave it in the past.”

As I continued the walk-through, I saw adult friends of recent years, told them I was selling the house, and to come view it with me. It really was a nice house in real life (we moved to an apartment when my parents divorced). I kept finding new, cozy, beautiful rooms (that weren’t there in my youth) and heard my adult friends squealing in delight behind me.

The best I can make of this dream, which totally changed tone halfway through, is: I no longer live in fear, chaos, and self-loathing. Thinking I’m never good enough…that’s no longer me. I NOW LIVE A LIFE OF LOVE, BEAUTY, AND COMMUNITY. I see new beauty everywhere. A Day may start rough for me, but it can change, I can feel gratitude, and I can enjoy my life.

So now, I must get ready for my gym cardio, and later get ready to see my boyfriend, a constant source of laughter, and tomorrow, I’ll see my dad who is visiting from up North. I’ll have some time today to work on a lesson that intrigues me, and yes, catch up on laundry. Life is good!

Have a great weekend, everyone. Thanks for visiting my corner of the blogosphere!

From My Life, Day 6: Weekend Decompress #MyLife and #weekendcoffeeshare @PamSCanepa1

Day 6, A Day in My Life-

Happy Saturday! It’s been sunny here in NE Florida today! Bixby is happy about that, too. I normally do blog as part of #weekendcoffeeshare on Saturday mornings, but since I’ve taken the challenge to blog every day in January, this blog post includes bits of my whole day. ***Addendum – I fell out of the competition with my book club due to forgetting something, as I do at times, but I am still going to try to write daily all month for myself.

Bixby and I enjoyed an extended walk this morning, it was too beautiful out to avoid! Who needs the gym today? Of course, there is a lot of stop and go with him getting urgent needs to sniff certain areas of the ground. That’s what dogs do, right? Of course, I featured him in my post’s featured image. The image was a great idea I got from Karl Morgan, fellow author, blogger, and RRBC member. I totally stole his idea, so go and check out his blog for me , okay? https://charleswjonesauthor.com/posts/

My morning was also a time for me to go shop at First Place Sports and replace my sneakers. They’re only a year and a half old, but they are running shoes so I wear them when I’m exercising, which is often fast walking, and I also wear them quite frequently to work. I have worn them out! I have to stay really active at work, you know? Comfortable shoes are really important to me now, and dress shoes will not make the cut.

New shoe on the left. Such good shoes, definitely worth the price! They comfort my bunion foot and cushion my bad knee! Man, I sound old….

After lunch, I went for my massage appointment which started with an infrared sauna. I’ve tried to get massages every other week since the frozen shoulder had set in over the summer. The masseuse applies a hot towel to my shoulder and my upper back, and it eases the pain of my frozen shoulder and the tension I frequently get in my upper back leading to my neck. The massage is very helpful to ease the tension and stress, but the infrared sauna is new for me.

It was a payday week, as you likely can tell! I enjoyed the infrared sauna. It gets really hot, but it didn’t hinder my breathing, probably since it was dry heat. In fact, it reminded me a lot of a Las Vegas summer. You are supposed to sweat in the infrared sauna to release toxins, and boy, did I ever! I have a membership with the massage company, so I’ll probably do the infrared again, as I get a discount.

Later, my boyfriend and I will have dinner. My son might join us. We’ll see. Some of our favorite places are Bono’s and Longhorn. Sometimes it’s Thai food, if I can convince my boyfriend! I had Thai delivered to me last night, so probably not. I personally could eat Thai food several nights a week! I love the ginger sauce, and they always add plenty of veggies!

Two peas in a pod, except when it comes to Thai food!

Have a great Saturday and a happy day!

Weekend Coffee Share, A Year in Pictures

Welcome to my Weekend Coffee Share! It’s a chai latte day, with mild temps here in North Florida. Pull up a chair and your favorite morning beverage. I’d like to share some highlights of my year!

January brought Literacy week at school and the Tartan service at church. I’m 7% Scottish and a big fan of bagpipes!

In February, Chris took me to Guys and Dolls at the Alhambra.

He also sent me roses at work for Valentine’s day.

Things were going well this year in my family!

Bixby would concur!

Our family enjoyed an Easter meal and celebration.

Chris and I attended Easter service at my mom’s church.

Chris took me to the Jacksonville Zoo. I hadn’t been there in years! He is a member of the Zoo, now I am too!

I have to mention this fantastic birthday gift he gave, commemorating my Detours in Time book!

The cruise to Cozumel was a real high point!

Chichinitza tour, MX. I may have misspelled that…

We celebrated another young birthday for my mother, with our friend, Bonnie.

We visited Cummer Art museum and Gardens.

I started a new school year with new curriculum and text, and I’m thriving!

In September, Bonnie took my mom and I to the Van Gogh immersive exhibit.

My dad visited for the first time in a few years. I took him to the Riverside Arts market.

My friend, Emily, started a gals’ brunch club once every 4-6 weeks, and I love it!

Chris and I did Painting with penguins at the Jacksonville Zoo.

Awww!

I received a Tax Slayer Bowl Most Valuable Teacher Award!

I celebrated Christmas with those I love!

Lakewood Presbyterian Church Service.

I got tickets for the Tax Slayer Gator Bowl with my MVT teacher package. We attended yesterday!

MVT teachers were honored at the game!

When I focus on the positives, what a great year it has been! Now, I look forward to the upcoming year!

This morning, I helped my mother in hemming a dress she is going to wear on her upcoming Cruise next week!

To think, I didn’t mention my frozen shoulder once, or what my pain may have stopped me from doing. I will not let it define me! Perhaps that will factor into my new year’s resolutions!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have a blessed, Happy New Year! How was your 2022?

Weekend Coffee Share, Reaching the Joy

Welcome to my Weekend Coffee Share, hosted by Natalie the Explorer . It got into the 20s in Northern Florida last night, so today calls for a hot chai tea. Grab your beverage of choice and pull up a chair! We had a fire going last night and are sure to start the fireplace again this evening.

I’m all done with Christmas shopping and preparations! I’ve been relaxing and enjoying myself the last few days. All of the gifts are under the tree, and it even now looks fuller than above. I got Bixby a chew toy that he will get on Christmas Eve. I’ll be going to a family service at my church tonight that includes a live nativity. I’m looking forward to it!

My dad sent a Visa gift card for Christmas, so with those unexpected funds I bought tickets to a Christmas Event called Dazzling Light at the Jacksonville Arboretum for myself and my boyfriend to attend Thursday, because he takes me to so many fabulous places; he deserves it! Needless to say, we both loved it and felt like kids again! This includes the hot chocolate that warmed me as walked the grounds from 8 to 9 p.m. We were in 50 degree weather then, but the cool humidity made me crave something warm.

Let it snow!❄️

I haven’t been there in years, but even at night the place is magical! There was music food, and lights in many varieties as well as exhibits the kids could play in. Let’s not forget the pretend snow to play in! I used to play in snow as a child, forty-plus years ago!

All in all, we both had such a great time, and Chris really appreciated this surprise! I’m so glad.

Lately, I’ve started painting when I get a creative bug and my hand and shoulder hurt too much to write. I’d done two coasters before today, and my son wanted to help me do some ‘modern art’ today. Of course, I said yes and got out the materials in my garage “studio.” We both contributed! It was an excellent mother/son activity!

Halfway through, he told me modern art started out as US CIA/ government propaganda. Well, he’s close. He really is into some interesting things! He asked Siri and she found us an article. Read about it here: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/modern-art-was-cia-weapon-1578808.html

Our product!

It was so fun making art with my son, and such a wonderful bonding experience! I’m truly enjoying this Winter break, and not a single silent moment has me bored.

Fun at the Jacksonville Arboretum!

I am wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas, happy holiday, and a Happy New Year! May the joy of this season be yours.🎄⛄

Weekend Coffee Share, Evolving part 295

He is the King of all he surveys. LoL!

Welcome to my Weekend Coffee Share, hosted by Natalie the Explorer. It’s a chai latte fo me, how about you? I slept in, but this’ll be enough to get me going on a Saturday, when things are usually at my own pace.

You can see above that we got our house decorated. Bixby approves! I’ll be wrapping a few more gifts today. I’m just about done with Christmas shopping!

Today marks the start of my Christmas break from teaching. Woohoo! Time to rest and catch up with some friends. I went to see a rheumatologist Wednesday morning, which also gave me a morning off.

The appointment led to two things: While I don’t have RA, she gave me gabapentin for leg and nerve pain. She also confirmed osteo-arthritis and said I might have fibromyalgia. If you’ve known me or read my blog regularly, you know I have a relationship issue with pain. So, there will be more tests. I feel this is proactive.

You may recall that I won a teacher award (MVT) from our Gator Bowl association, to include a $1,000 grant for my classroom. Well, I spent $400 of it on an oculus. My retired friend from last year volunteers with my News Club. He and his wife talk about this technology at schools.

He and his wife came out to demonstrate it’s use and the how-to’s during one of my classes. This so excites me! I’m learning something new. Maybe I’ll become an expert. I’ve been saddened by my lack of gumption to write, wary of hurting my shoulder or wrist. It will move slowly. But here is something new, that doesn’t hurt. I see possibilities! I can evolve.

It’s giving me ideas… but those are for another day, another conversation.

Don’t worry, I can still sit with a journal and hand-write a page of gratitude and/or intention for my day. Albeit sporadically.

This morning when I woke late, I was grateful for the morning air, for my family, my boyfriend, for my soft, handsome dog, and a restful night. Also, for my job! My challenging, yet rewarding job.

Have a great weekend, all, and a Joyful Christmas or holiday season!

Weekend Coffee Share, Hello, December!

Welcome to my Weekend Coffee Share, hosted by Natalie the Explorer. Saturday, a.m.: I’m enjoying a chai latte and watching Bixby move about the house, rolling on the floor, shaking it off, staring at me and asking when he can go out again, then running back to someone else’s bedroom, wanting everyone to be up and about.

I’m slowly resolving the frozen shoulder and listen to Dan Bruglio’s Pain Free You videos almost daily. Pain Free You focuses on addressing what is inside in order to curtail the body’s hyper alert pain in response to brain danger signals. He says we should acknowledge our emotions without judging them. My pain responses throughout the day are growing smaller. Yesterday, I felt like I had a normal shoulder as I walked out of work. Such a big win! (Even if it bothered me later). There’s such interesting science between the brain and bodily pain.

Saturday afternoon: After a break from this post, today’s exercise was walking my dog for 30 minutes. He enjoys that! My knee has been bugging me lately, and I don’t know if it was due to knowing I have bone spurs on my knees or knowing I’ll be done with shoulder physical therapy and continuing the work at home. Either way, I decided not to let it stop me from my walk. That in itself is sometimes a battle.

This past Monday, I received many of the materials purchased with my grant from the Gator Bowl Tax Slayer for MVT award. I unveiled them at the News Club meeting and let the kids help me unpack them. It was so exciting!

Many functional Items were ordered, as well as a VR oculus I need to learn how to use in my 6th grade classrooms and the News Club.

I have permission to share student photos, but I won’t here, because this is my personal blog.

My co-sponsor for News Club is William Jackson, a blogger and retired teacher who helped us start the club and continues to volunteer in his retirement. He is well-versed in the technology side of news and got us started in podcasting! He’ll need to train me and the students on how to use the oculus to explore new things. It’s exciting! He reaches out to news outlets and has arranged interviews for us. Tuesday, we’ll have a news person come out to interview us.

Lots of good things are going on, and I aim to keep up. Hopefully, I’ll succeed.

Saturday evening: Tonight, my boyfriend Chris took me out for scrumptious dinner at Stonewood Grill, and later we visited St. Augustine to view their Nights of Lights decorations.

Chicken Tuscany:

Nights of Lights is a yearly event that draws people from around the globe. Trolley tickets are available for those wanting to take a rolling tour. However, we used our feet! You can’t tell from the photos, but the place was packed, and trolley tickets sold out quickly. I feel fine after the walk, though.

So, that’s another week in a nutshell. December is looking good to me. Have a great weekend everyone!

Weekend Coffee Share, What Day is It?

Welcome to my Weekend Coffee Share, hosted by Natalie the Explorer. Ah, the holidays draw near, we get time off, and we forget what day it is! Never mind that my chai latte has already been consumed before I can get to this! Grab your favorite beverage and pull up a chair…

My routine was topsy turvy Saturday morning, as I had to be awake at 6:30, get dressed, and leave the house without breakfast or coffee. I’ll use that as my excuse for not posting Saturday! I had to take a fasting lipids blood test. No, the lipids weren’t fasting, I was. 😉 I think it interfered with my sleep Saturday night, knowing I had to wake up and do that. Needless to say, my breakfast afterward tasted great!

Once I ate and had my chai latte, I was in a wonderful mood. Yesterday was the day for my school’s drama club to put on their play, a dinner theater style lunch of lasagna to start it off. Scrumptious! My boyfriend accompanied me and met several of my coworkers, friends,and my boss, who told him that I’m ” a treasure.” Nice!

The students put on a great show!

We all really enjoyed it! My friend Jen, her husband, and her son met Chris. He had a great time and enjoyed meeting everybody. The superintendent was there, and I’m sure she was quite impressed with the play as well!

Now, on to health, a thread as common as writing used to be for me . I made a good attempt to sleep Saturday, and despite the tossing and turning due to leg nerve pain, kept getting back to sleep. My shoulder has much better motion, but my pain gets worse with cooler weather change, which happened this week. I’m still in shoulder physical therapy, and I’m seeing a specialist on Dec. 14th about the nerve pain and overall chronic pain. I’ve been trying to take extra vitamins, like B12, and to eat healthy. You might appreciate this week’s random post on my experience: https://wp.me/p7aqV2-33W

I wish I had more to share on writing, but healthy living attempts seem a full time hobby in addition to full-time teaching lately. Hopefully the holiday vacation will allow some time to write. I joined Planet Fitness, as I can’t stand working out in the outdoors while it’s cold. So I bike in the gym and type blog entries. Their fees are low, too. Maybe I’ll get answers soon.

On the bright side, I have a wonderful family, things are great for my son, I have wonderful friends, a loving boyfriend, and the funniest dog. I ordered the new technology with my classroom grant, so my already rewarding job is starting to become more interesting!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone, and have a great Thanksgiving!

Weekend Coffee Share, Tough as Nails?

Good morning, and welcome to my Weekend Coffee Share, hosted by Natalie at https://natalietheexplorer.home.blog/2022/11/11/bay-of-fundy-5-historic-sites/ My beverage of choice today was a blend of chocolate -flavored mushroom coffee called Mojo. I got a free sample pack online.

So, yeah, I tried something new for my health. Low on caffeine and high on an adaptogenic herbal blend but tasting like chocolate, this is supposed to be the answer. Well, I can’t say much for it’s effects on my energy level. Of course, this is the first time trying it. :)I will admit, it produces less jitters than real coffee.

Need..more.. sunlight!

This past week, we had a level 1 hurricane come through Florida to the west of us. Bixby was not happy with the wind and rain. He did, however, bravely walk out in the rain once to relieve himself. We didn’t really have a rough time, but Bixby didn’t like the loud, howling wind. Nor did I! It kept me up one night as it battered against the back gate, like a monster trying to get in.

Photo by MESSALA CIULLA on Pexels.com

The next night, the wind was much more quiet. However, I woke in the middle of the night to a strange sound. Was it an alien? I saw that Bixby was on the bed. Was he choking? Was he about to throw up? The dog hadn’t moved. He was breathing steadily. I heard it again! He was sleeping so soundly, I thought he might have let out some gas, but there was no smell. (Dogs do that, you know). He kept sleeping unbothered.

I realized it was his stomach grumbling. Poor fellow hadn’t gone outside that day except the one time to pee in the rain. He also had not eaten all day, either because he was so spooked by the wind or he was determined to avoid a potty break in the rain again. That tummy of his was complaining chaotically! Bixby slept through it, unfazed.

That stubborn dog is, at once, tough as nails and frightened by the rain. At least he can sleep through the tummy rumbles! Sadly, though, he probably had to do that often when he was a stray.

Such was the worst the storm held for us here in my house. There was flooding in our downtown area. They had cancelled the Veterans day parade days before for the sake of safety. The storm is now gone. I caught up on my sleep last night, and Bixby heartily enjoyed his dinner last night, even after I’d given him bits of my apple!

I followed the extra day off and the storm watch with a massage yesterday and another night of peaceful sleep! Have a great weekend, everyone!

Weekend Coffee Share, Self care and Rewards

Welcome to my Weekend Coffee Share, hosted by Natalie the Explorer! It’s a Self-care Saturday, so green Tazo tea is in order! Enough to open my eyes without giving me jitters.

Today is massage day. I’ve been working hard at physical therapy to strengthen my shoulder, so my upper back has gotten slightly tense. I haven’t found time for chiropractor visits in a great while, but I’ll get in to visit next week.

Despite a busy, busy week with PT and candy-filled students being over-energetic, I experienced the value of fun and having a social-life Thursday evening. My boyfriend took me to Painting with Penguins at the Jacksonville Zoo for hors’doeuvres and fun. We painted a background, then took our canvas for the penguins to walk on with painted feet ( washable of course)!

Making his mark on my painting!

Before they brought the penguins in, we learned about them and their changing habitat in South Africa. I seriously feel ready to adopt one now! The event benefits their care and research into their lives and needs at the zoo.

Before, and….

After the penguin signature! Such a fun experience!

In addition to the busy work week, and fun event, I found myself being awarded a Gator Bowl Tax Slayer MVT ( most valuable teacher) Award! They came in led by my principal during my morning class Wednesday. It was awesome to be surprised this way! (Balloons and a big check to spend on my classroom are always a nice touch)!

My principal, me, and the Gator Bowl Tax Slayer representative.

I’ll also get two special tickets to the Gator Bowl game. Woohoo! The MVT award is something I could apply for personally, but a friend actually nominated me.

Wow, what a week! There are so many highs and lows to my job. Sometimes it’s really hard to motivate a student. Other times, I get to see the light come on in their eyes, which is so fulfilling! I experienced all of that this week, but I am staying laser focused on the positives!

Have a great weekend, my fellow WordPressers and readers. Keep pressing on!