Disclaimer

Not that anyone is really reading this blog seriously, I still have to put the disclaimer out there. When I originally started thinking about blogging, I wanted it to be for me to see only -- and I knew I wanted to focus on, among other aspects of my life, health. But then I thought that I should at least make it available to those I invite. And that is where I am currently -- so now, onto the disclaimer.

I plan on focusing a bit on health -- using this space to keep track of my workouts and how I am doing with fitness goals. It could stink to read -- admittedly -- and if it does, don't read it. I will not focus solely on health; I will still write when I have something to say, but when I don't, a post may only consist of the exercise and the time, sometimes more.

So today, I left school a little after 3 -- after the time I spent with a couple of kids who are failing my class -- it is mandatory after school work -- called TASS -- Teacher After School Support. I changed when I got out to Peru, and even though it was pretty chilly and the roads were snow-covered, I ran. After a few minutes of a windy and cold warm-up, I was just that, warm and happy to be breathing hard. I only ran for 38 minutes -- down Dickvale and onto Lacroix Road -- which is a dirt road when not snow-covered. It felt so good -- and where I turned around, I was rewarded with the most beautiful view of Tumbledown Dick and the full moon. A long stretch after I returned, and I could feel the change in my mood. When getting ready to head to Farmington, I had more patience and focus.

Jim and I headed to the barn and I cleaned the stalls while he fed the horses grain and hay and also brought them water. They were funny -- typically amped because of the full moon -- munching on their food -- remarkably warm for how cold it was. And then we were off to gather supplies for the weekend. It is Jim's birthday Sunday and we are spending the weekend in Peru with Alison and Barry -- snowshoeing and skiing on Sunday after going out to dinner in Rumford and partying in Peru on Saturday. It should be a great weekend. I did something I NEVER have done this weekend. I brought NOTHING home in the way of school work -- only my computer (which I consider a personal luxury). I did not bring the essays I need to grade soon and I did not bring anything to "read in advance" for teaching. Working this weekend is NOT an option, and I can't believe how liberating that feels. On my run this afternoon, I decided it needs to be a goal of mine and a part of my life that I do this once a month. One weekend a month I will not bring home any work. I will like that. This time I did it only to be available and free for Jim for the whole weekend since his birthday is Sunday, but the more I thought about it and how it made me feel, the more I realized it has to be a regular occurrence. A good find -- one I recommend to my fellow teachers.

Along with taking a weekend truly "off", I am also going to keep exercising. Yesterday I left work at 2:45 and was snowshoeing with Luna and Moose by 3:15. It was excellent to be in the woods and to be exercising in that way -- not running. Definitely going to keep that up too -- running tomorrow morning too. I want to be in the committed shape I was in when I first moved to Turner and I ran so regularly. Running changes the decisions I make in a very positive way, and I know that -- so now I need to do it and feel the results. Will do -- taking time off makes getting back into it so sweet. I literally look forward to my morning run tomorrow -- the run I will take BEFORE I drink Bailey's in my coffee with Jim -- the run I will take BEFORE I gorge on White Wonder Bread Texas Toast French Toast with Thurston Maple Syrup (wish I had some Nezinscot Anadama for the French Toast, but so far from the farm (and the BLC is closed tomorrow) we will be rocking it old school). Run, then tons of food and fun throughout the day and NO schoolwork all weekend -- good friends, good times, good days and it is all about Jim and his weekend -- I make no decisions, I just help to make what he wants to happen, happen. Should be good. Thankful for this time with him. Thankful for good health.