Janae Says...

I woke up at 5:40, after having woken up a couple of times in the night drenched in sweat. The thermostat was set much higher than my body prefers, apparently. I got ready and ate my pre-made cinnamon apple refrigerator oatmeal. I got to school and tried to get my class ready. My grandma arrived before advisory started to help me with the first day’s work. The hallways and my classroom were really hot. My grandma even pointed it out first thing in the morning. Advisory was OK. I felt kind of bad because I did not sufficiently explain the lunch schedule to the seventh graders before they left. But I think they were mostly OK. I had way more kids this year walking into the wrong classes and getting totally mixed up than I remember having last year. I have first period prep on both days. I’d prefer second, since I can’t do much in first (I have nothing to grade since I’ve had no classes yet). It’s also less motivating because I can’t think of things I could or should be doing...

I entered the busy, dimly lit sweat center just before rush hour when everyone compensates for their sedentary jobs by becoming a hamster. I warmed up on my usual machine without anyone next to me. Thank goodness. But then I went to find a treadmill. I opted for the front row and left an empty space between that lady and me. As it turns out, said lady was at the gym but really just didn’t want to work. Because I could hear the bottoms of her sneakers scraping the treadmill tape. It sounded like squeaking mice. Or baby birds. But not cute ones. Or like a needs-oil Hamster wheel That doesn’t annoy the hamster but annoys me to death. And it wasn’t just every few steps. like she was getting tired or had a bad knee or had been running for a while. It was every single step. I tried to just focus on my music. I tried not to give her an evil glare. I tried to just run. Bu...

So a while back I watched this movie called Forks over Knives . It was all about animal related products and how eating a whole foods, plant-based diet could reverse cancers, obesity, and a plethora of other health issues. While I found the movie completely convincing and intriguing, it takes me a long time to mentally work up to committing to something. (I'll probably write another blog about this chock full of examples.) I've been reading a lot about clean eating as well on different fitness websites and blogs of women who have changed their lifestyles. I recognize the benefits of it and want to move away from processed foods. I've been doing a better job in recent weeks. But I know the work and research it would take to start a completely healthy and nutritious diet like that. I also put a lot of energy into the things I commit to doing. Those who know me know that when I want to make a change, I do it. I see it through. That's why it takes me so long to work up...

It was only a matter of minutes ago that I thought I overheard someone telling a complete stranger that I am "boring." Obviously, I don't think I was meant to hear that, but I wasn't eavesdropping on purpose or anything. Because of who said it, my stomach dropped, and I started to feel sick over it. But I thought I should instead reflect further on the matter. I have long been of the mindset that what people find boring is very subjective. Take my students, for instance. Some of them like English. Some of them don't. Some of them think my class is fun, and it's their favorite. Some of them hate it, and they think it's their most boring class. This is partly a matter of interest, partly a matter of attitude, and partly a matter of ability. I like to work out. I think it's fun. I go to the gym, do some cardio and lifting, or I try out the classes at the gym. I like to watch movies. I think they're fun. It is probably my most favorite pastim...