Not Again!

It’s been quite the day! Yesterday I said to a parent that my life was nice and calm, I guess I jinxed myself.

I got to sleep in this morning as it was a Professional Development Day (and before everyone complains that teachers get too many of these, let me say, I’d rather have less and be in the classroom with my students!), and I knew we were going later as Lyndsay was driving and had to drop her son off first. It felt great to sleep until I naturally woke up! I was also happy I had arranged to go with Lyndsay as it started snowing around 8am and hasn’t quit yet!

I had quite the surprise when I was flossing and suddenly my tooth was in the sink. Talk about disconcerting! I scooped it up, popped it in a snack bag and called the dentist. I had five dental surgeries last year and one thing that’s good for is that I heard back from the dentist almost immediately. They fit me in for 12:45.

Before that however I had to go to my workshops. I do not sit still and listen well! I went to a workshop on dyslexia because it runs in my family and I often suspect some of my students of having it, not that we’ll ever get confirmation of that in grade one where I live:(. I had high hopes for the workshop, but it ended up just being a movie about dyslexia that featured a whole ton of people who are wealthy and can pay for every resource. I didn’t come away with any new knowledge or any new strategies to help my students:(. Definitely one of the reasons I’d like less of these days as this is unfortunately, quite normal:(

The good part of ProD days is seeing all the teachers I’ve worked with. After sixteen years in the district, even a shy teacher knows a lot of people. Every five steps you stop to catch up:)

I then headed to the dentist. My regular dentist left a couple of years ago to have babies, so I’ve been seeing whoever is available. The dentist on call very kindly cemented my tooth back in, but not without setting me up to come in for a consultation with the dentist who arranged all my surgeries last year. My Marilyn bridge had failed and she warned that it will probably fail again. I’ve been told no hard food or sticky food until my appointment in May and she didn’t say it out loud, but after all my experience at the dentist in my life (I have my mother’s teeth), I can hear a conversation about implants coming:(. I’m trying my best not to think or worry about this until May! I’ll just look at the bright side that no hard or sticky foods along with my dairy and gluten allergies has put me on quite the diet for the next three months!

Exercise:

I ran home, well actually trudged through snow a third of the way up my leg, after the dentist, changed, stopped and paid my utility bill and then met up with Lyndsay for a workout. It turned out to be very short as she got called in to her second job to cover for someone so I also did this kickboxing Rabat’s routine tonight.

http://www.afitcado.com/cardio-kickboxing-tabata/

A few things about this workout. First it calls to do each two times so I reversed the exercises the second time so that what I did to one leg/arm, I did to the other. Secondly, I changed the final tabato jabs, crosses, hooks and upper cuts with ducks as I didn’t really see the point of all her multidirectional jabs.

Knitting:

I’m on the heel flap of my first sock. This is a top down sock which I have never done before.

Reading:

Late last night I finished A Rogue of Her Own by Grace Burrowes which I had gotten through NetGalley.

I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.

This book tells the story of the last Wyndham cousin, Charlotte and the upstart she marries, Lucas Sherbourne. The marriage comes quickly and the novel explores the beginning of their marriage.

The start of this novel reminded me in a very positive manner of Julia Quinn’s writing. I was laughing out loud at the heroine’s antics and at the interaction between Charlotte and Lucas. I also enjoyed the storylines surrounding the peripheral friendships and family. Lucas is a loner, so these developing friendships are super important to his success in marriage. Most of the interactions were quite humorous and contributed to the HEA. The characters were easy to like and want to see succeed. I was super invested in them quite quickly. Finally, I liked the realism that a new marriage is portrayed with. It’s not all roses and rainbows, living with someone takes compromise and a lot of learning about that person and yourself and Grace Burrowes does a great job of portraying this.

The only complaint I had with this book is that I would have liked the Julia Quinn lightness and humor to have continued a bit more through the book.

Anyone who enjoys historical fiction would enjoy this book. It’s an excellent addition to the Wyndham series and I am going to miss that family.

I have now started on my next school book club book which I need to be done by Monday!

Cooking:

As much as I enjoy trying new restaurants and cafes, I also firmly believe that better can usually be made at home. Tonight I indulged in one of my favourite pastimes- sitting by the fire with my knitting, a book and a homemade chai latte. I love chai lattes but so dislike how expensive they are at a coffee shop! I’ve found an easy recipe that I enjoy every time!

I put two cups of water with a tea bag in a pot and bring it to a boil. I then add about a teaspoon each of cardamom, ginger and cinnamon. I also add a cup of almond milk at this point. Bring it back to a boil. Remove the tea bag and the spice ball, add sugar to taste and enjoy!

The recipe, I based this on, can be found here:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Home-Made-Chai-Latte/

The only change I make is to use 2 tbsp of sugar only.

And let me know if you try it:). I have to admit I don’t even have to look at it anymore!

I, of course had just bought apples, carrots and celery which I will now be roasting to make them soft. I need to eat my food all ready this weekend so I get back on the eating right track, but if anyone has suggestions of soft food, please let me know:)

I guess I had better go back to reading!

Have fun!

AJ