Christy and I have gone on a diet that is a cross between Slim-Fast and Weight Watchers Online. And guess what? It works! I’ve lost nearly 10 pounds, and Christy isn’t far behind. Of course, I’m the one who really needs to lose weight, not her, but it helps that we are both on the same diet. Plus, Weight Watchers Online is kind of fun to use, offering a variety of online tools.
Tip: Combine forces for maximum weight loss!
Yes, Christy and I took the plunge and got cable. After a failed attempt at having satellite TV installed ("There's no clear view to the southern sky." Damn tree.), Christy saw how disappointed I was and ordered cable. God bless her. Now our Tivo is happily recording our ever growing Season Pass list.
You may or may not know that good quotations, especially from literature, drive my life--not single handedly, but fairly strongly. Today I read from our friend Aristotle the following: "Those who educate children are more to be honored than parents, for these only gave life, those the art of living well." As we know, Aristotle spoke a lot about education, and these are words of high praise. I think I can lump myself in with those who educate children--even adults in college are somebody's children. Anyway, this quote brings to mind again something that I think of often, my belief that teaching is one of the noblest professions, and that I am proud and honored to be attempting it. I actually got some very high praise from my summer school students, who insist that I taught them something, so that made me happy. I just think that to pass on knowledge, to foster knowledge, and to illustrate and encourage a love of knowledge is one of the most important tasks a person can have in life. I wouldn't go so far as to say that I am to be more honored than people's parents, but I do think that what I do is vital, and it is necessary, and it is beautiful. Every time I think about this, I tear up a bit (as I am now), being so thankful that I seem to have some talent for this profession. I do feel that this is where I belong, and every day is a step toward being a better teacher. I have the highest respect for all educators. I want to be seen how I saw my beloved late professor and friend, Dr. Terri Joseph. To me, and to many others, she was simply gentle and brilliant.
Speaking of gentle (VERY nice segue!), I must be very careful and considerate of my hands and feet right now, since I have been diagnosed with stinking dyshidrotic eczema. It doesn't literally stink, but it is metaphorically malodorous. (Nice use of alliteration.) I am happy, though, that I don't have some life-threatening illness, just damned itchy skin. God bless the people who made Aveeno lotion, because it's been a savior. I've done some thorough research: the cause of dyshidrosis is unknown, but appears to be triggered by stress and anxiety. And so again we have generalized anxiety disorder to thank for discomfort in my life. But it could be much worse, so I will stop complaining right.....now.
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