Madhatter's for Brunch

Last Saturday, Phil and I were running errands and decided to stop by Madhatter's for brunch. I have posted a few things about Madhatter's which is a wonderful locally owned restaurant which is delicious as you can tell by the photos. Phil had the french toast with strawberries and I had their huevos rancheros without the tortilla. They buy most of their food locally which I am a big fanof and you can just enjoy the tastes of wonderful fruit or veggies in every bite. The atmosphere is great in the restaurant and dining in is not always easy to find a seat but guarantees good people watching as well as art on the walls to enjoy.

Book #5: The Reason I Jump

If I never accomplish my goal of reading 50 books this year or even if I do this will be one of my favorite reasons I chose this goal. This book blew my mind. It was written by a 13 year old boy who has autism who is nonverbal. In it he details his daily struggles, his dreams, his writing skills which are translated letter by letter by a teacher. This book was worth every minute not because I work with children who have autism but because my perception of children with autism has depeened. I used to work with a nonverbal student who I always knew was brighter than people had claimed she was and this book reaffirms what happens when we place judgments or biases on people regarding their IQ score or their communication level... Sometimes we are severely mistaken.... And, I am very grateful for that. 

Definitely worth a read even if you know no one with autism it will enlighten you.

Hayleigh's 100lb Celebration!!

Last Friday quite a few ladies and Phil gathered to celebrate the awesomeness that is Hayleigh and her astounding pound loss of 100lbs! We gathered at our old home La Cocina. Hay and I used to eat there every week to this day I know exactly what she used to get. So after almost a year of no jumbo margaritas she finally got to enjoy one! The staff at the restaurant didn't even recognize her because of all the weight loss. I had a great time and ate fairly well because I am still working on weight loss efforts... :)

Hayleigh has been using weight watchers and working out regularly. She sticks to the program and tracks everything and pushes herself to strive for more every week. Truly an inspiration! I asked her last week when weight watchers was going to make her a poster for the meetings....maybe someday soon. Hayleigh and I have been friends for almost two years and I am so proud of her accomplishments. She has been an inspiration to me to look at what I am eating and to live a happier life. I am so proud of her and cannot wait to celebrate more and more of the amazing goals so has yet to accomplish. Yay!

Book #4: Catcher in the Rye

I had picked up this very old well used book a few years ago from a book sale at my parents church. I for some reason had never read Catcher in the Rye. I am thinking that it was assigned to me and I must have cliff noted it for a paper.... Not the greatest idea but I have finally read it and I am glad. This is a very well written character that I at first hated but over time noticed his better intentions and struggle through adolescence...because no one struggles through adolescence right? :) 

I noticed the other day using what I had learned from the book with working with my students and other students of the school...instead of being black and white about thinking that the students that were out if class skipping or avoiding their teachers I thought to myself what if their lives were so difficult that they just need time to talk to someone so I began to listen more and want to connect with them more and all in all I felt really good about not being so stern all the time and bringing a little but more me into my teaching. Ahhh... Lessons learned from chapter books.... The best!

13.1 Done for January

My first half marathon of the year! One of my students colored the bib for me. I am attempting to run/walk a half marathon every month of the year. I stole this idea from my friend Meredith. I had to do 3 miles on the stationary bike because I ran out of time this month with the runny/icky weather. Unfortunately the treadmills at my school are broken which makes it slightly difficult to get some of the miles done. I have realized that I am a fair weather runner.... cold/hot not so great for my motivation. Hopefully this month's half marathon which I am beginning this Saturday will be more running than walking! :) 

Snow Day!!

Today is the first snow day I have had in a few years and it actually snowed! The snow was supposed to start yesterday afternoon so we had an early release from school so that every one could make it home safe and sound. The snow started in the evening and I watched from the warmth of our apartment. 

I am grateful for the snow day and hopefully everyone stays safe!

Book 3 out of 50: Chicken Soup for the Soul: Runners

I seem to be reading a lot these days which makes me very happy. I finished my 3rd book the other night which my mother bought for me a few years back when I began running. I had started the introduction of the book but never finished it. I really love the Chicken Soup series of books which there are many titles. I read Chicken Soup for Teens when I was a teenager which I loved very much because it made me feel like I wasn't crazy for being so moody all the time. 

The running book was filled with great stories some funny but mostly encouraging stories of why running is so powerful for people and why people push themselves to the next level. While I have never said I wouldn't do a full marathon I am happy sticking with my half marathons but this book made the idea of a full a little more appealing to me. I am grateful that I put aside time to read this and now it is one of my books off of my goal list. Yay! 

47 more to go!