Back in School again

Well, 6 weeks in school and I'm still alive. My science classes are doing well. I'm only teaching 7th and 8th grade this year. We're in a brand new building with fun new techno toys to play with - mainly a smart board. For those of you who don't know what that is, think of a white board that's connected to your computer and you can treat it like your computer screen. It makes life a lot easier when you're trying to explain what an animal cell looks like or even what a bug looks like. :)

I'm also on the school's sex ed commitee this year. I'm actually one of the co-chairs (yeah for me!). I'm looking at this as a learning opportunity in many ways. It's one of the first leadership positions I've had so far at the school. It's also a subject that (sadly) isn't being taught in the homes with parents who are able to communicate with these kids. And (unfortunately) we as teachers become the next in line. I remember being scared to teach this 5 years ago when I first came to PDSD. Now, I've resigned myself to see there's little options left if students are to be healthy.

On to happier news, I'm going to be the aunt of twins. I never thought that being an aunt would be so fun. I love playing with and hearing all the stories and antics of my niece and nephews. Jayden has the cutest smile. Jaxxen has the funniest laugh. Logan is smart as a whip (when he knows who his Mom is talking to - that's one smart kid!). Cooper just tells it like it is and keeps things in perspective. Adrienne is growing up into a beautiful young lady. I can't wait to see what's the next chapter of the Aunt Christina adventures.

I guess that's it for now. More in a few weeks. 2 1/2 weeks until Fall break (at least I'm not counting the days). :)

Summer Halfway Over

After the 4th of July, I came to the sad conclusion that summer is more than halfway over for me. I report back to PDSD on the 29th of this month, but I'll probably go back the Thursday before to look over my room and get a few things set up. But enough about that. :)

So here's some updates:

Work
Sylvan is going well. I'm working about 1/2 of the hours that I worked last summer. It's averages to be about 6-9 hours a week. I guess tutoring is a luxury that gets bumped when gas keeps going up. It is nice to work for a few hours then relax the rest of the day. I also love the summers because I don't work on Saturdays!!! During the school year, Saturday would be the day I would get the most hours from Sylvan, so I would feel like I have a very short weekend. It's nice to have a full weekend now.

Cooking Class
I LOVE IT!!!! I can't say much more about it. I wish I had taken more advantage when I was living at home and learned from my mother (who's a terrific cook). I've made a vegetable soup that was easier than making mac and cheese. I've made a Shepard's pie that was tasty with Mexican spices and chilies. And I've learned to freeze and reheat the left overs so I have like my own frozen microwave dinners already in my freezer.
Another bonus - I've lost 20 pounds since the end of May!!! I guess I never learned until now how much damage I was doing by being lazy and going through the drive thru on the way home from work. Now, I just by pass Panda Express (my normal spot) because I know I have food ready in the freezer. I Love it!!!!!!

Arizona Heat
Well, it's been a pretty hot summer. But the monsoon storms have started so it has cooled us down. I think that today is the first day that the height temp is supposed to be under 100 degrees!! Yeah! Anything is bearable with AC and lots of water!!!

I guess that's it. More later......

Summer Goal - Become "Chef" Christina

I have signed up for an on-line cooking class for this summer. (It will keep me busy and away from the T.V. - hopefully). It started today and I'm going to try one of the dishes tonight - Chicken a la King. (The above picture is how it turned out - I made a few substitutions like green beans for mushrooms, but it tasted good!)

The class is called Luscious, Low-Fat, Lightning-Quick Meals. I hope to get more ideas on what to cook instead of my basic tuna pasta salad and cold cereal dinners.

Here are some of the recipes to come:
Italian Meat Loaf
Turkey Tetrazini
Ground Beef Stroganoff
Cinnamon Chicken
Pan Broiled London Broil
Grilled Ginger-Lime Salmon
Asian Tangerine Scallops
Farmer Chili (with soybeans)
Tofu Pumpkin Custard (?????)
Oven-Fried Chicken
Speedy Lasagna
Tofu Key Lime Pie (if I like this one - then the class is definitely worth it)

I'll keep you updated on my culinary adventures. :)