As I sit in my classroom and proctor the SAT for the last time this year, I’ve been thinking about all of the things that are making me smile.
Tonight is my high school’s prom, and it’s all the students have talked about for the past couple of weeks. Even the boys get in on the act, figuring out exactly how their going to ask their dates to the dance. Last week I helped my student ask his girlfriend by playing a video he made for her at the beginning of our study hall period. She was floored and so happy, and seeing them relish in their teenage love really made me happy for them. I can’t wait to see the photos of everyone’s dresses, makeup, and hair.
I haven’t been on the treadmill in the morning all week (the 90-degree weather we’ve been having has made me ultra-tired), but next week I’m going to get back to it, no matter what. This photo is funny because I’m wearing my pjs, but it’s a good reminder that when you want to fit exercise in, you do whatever it takes, even if it means hitting the home treadmill in your jammies. Hey, that’s why it’s convenient to have it at home, right? One of the reasons I haven’t been on the treadmill in the morning is that I really dread it. Not doing the work, but the fact that this treadmill my friend is letting me use isn’t high powered, so my obese body is too much for the belt. I have to literally push it along with my feet and legs in order for it to move. So, I’m getting a good workout, and my heart is pumping because of the force, but it’s in no way pleasant or enjoyable, especially first thing in the morning. So I’ve decided to buy a used treadmill that I’m hoping to find on Craigslist (I’ve seen great deals on there) that will work the way it’s supposed to, even at this weight.
I’ve found a few new food items that are helping keep me on track. The one above is Amazing Grass’ Green Superfood, and it was recommended to me by one of my friends on MyFitnessPal. I tried it plain, in water, with a bit of fresh, raw ginger, and I really liked it. But for those who don’t really like the taste of greens, you might want to mask it in a smoothie or buy their chocolate or vanilla chai flavors. Right now I don’t have a problem getting my greens in, but post-op I know I will, especially at first. After the initial healing is complete, I plan to use this to get my greens in. When you can only fit 4oz, and you’re supposed to go to “protein first,” there’s not a whole lot of room, figuratively or literally, for greens. Nor are they easily digestible in the beginning. So this will be a really good solution. Plus, it’s only 30 calories.
Have you guys tried kale chips? I attempted making my own once, but the result was awful. It sort of tasted like green ash. Yuck! I’d seen someone on Instagram or FB mentioning how delicious this brand was, so I gave it a try. I love them! The one problem is that they’re so expensive. This 2.2 oz bag was $5.39 at Whole Foods. I also tried the Trader Joe’s variety, and while they weren’t quite as good as the Kale Krunch, they were tasty. And the $3.99 price is a bit more affordable. I’m going to the Triple-A Giants team game tomorrow (should be fun on Cinco de Mayo), and I’m planning to bring these with me so that I can have a snack, but still stay on track.
You guys know how much I love clothes, and recently I’ve been having a blast shopping in my closet! I’m able to fit into lots of the clothes that I’d put away. I’ve been wearing them to school, and getting tons of compliments. The other day, a student I don’t even know told me how pretty she thought my dress was. How cool is that?! Tinkerbell also shared some clothes that one of her friends had given her in a recent closet purge. I found some really cute things to tide me over and keep me from going to the store for new, smaller sizes. Then on Thursday, I got a text from Amber letting me know that she’d just gone through her own closet, and had some clothes to share. I was so touched by her generosity, because she and I live in two different states, and she’s paying the shipping costs. She said it was a little surgery gift to me. How sweet is she? You guys will remember that I also have clothes from Meghann and Sylvia that I’m excited to wear soon. I definitely plan on paying it forward when the time comes and the clothes are too big for me. I cannot wait for that to happen!!
The thing that’s making me smile the most right now is that there are 15 days until my surgery!!!!!
I hope you have a fantastic weekend!
Bella on the Beach 