Work in Progress

I forced myself to go to the gym Wednesday. I was exhausted Tuesday night, but didn't do the practical thing and go to bed early. I was posting and writing until midnight.

It wasn't that I got a late start on Wednesday (I was up by 6:30) but that I got off to a slow start. Before I knew it, it was 9:30. It would have been easy to blow off the gym: I would have done that a few weeks ago.

By the time I got to the gym. it was 10:15. It wasn't a particularly good workout, but it was a workout. I did better on Thursday: I was finished with my workout by 10:15. I also had a good workout today.

I've been prioritizing my workouts, which obviously has made a big difference in my gym attendance. I've also been prioritizing walks with Lola. I'd say our walks average 50-55 minutes. I want to take this time now before winter sets in, and it gets too cold for leisurely walks.

I finally got started on my new ACT manual. I've only had it since the end of August: just another example of me sabotaging myself. I start with a new ACT tutoring student next week; he's already taken an ACT course. That means I need to get my manual updated as well as figuring out additional material to cover with him. I had a similar experience with another student last winter (without a new manual to update) so at least I have some idea what to do.

I've been seriously considering doing nanowrimo this year. I had an idea to write a murder mystery set in a dog park. Now, I don't think it's  a good time for nanowrimo. I've got the ACT manual to do, ongoing major cleaning, organizing, and decluttering, finalizing (I hope) my mother's estate, financial planning, you get the picture. Even as I write this, I wonder if I'm just making excuses. This just might make me crazy.

If I do forgo nanowrimo, I have to do nablopomo, at least. Oh look, there's also a NaNonFiWriMo, National Nonfiction Writing Month. Pressure.

My last WPA mural inspired writing class is November 5. I want to keep writing. I can try for 500 words a day in addition to my blog posting. I failed when I tried to do that a few years ago, but at least it's doable: not as onerous as nanowrimo's 1667 words a day.

Now it's time to work on my story for my WPA mural class on Monday.

Class Dismissed--ACT Version

Today was the last session of my ACT class--just over a month since it started. We met Saturday and Sunday afternoons with a break for Labor Day weekend.

I'm glad the class is over--nothing against this class or its students--it's just been a busy summer. I just have a few tutoring students to schedule in the next month.

I've made a decent amount of money the past month. Plus I admit that my mother's death has put me in a good place financially. I don't have to worry about money right now.

I have to do some work related to the accounting for my mother's estate this weekend. Next weekend I have a tutoring appointment and I'm proctoring a test.  In between, I can work on the new ACT manual.

I also need to do some shopping to find a dress for my niece's wedding in two weeks. I bought two dresses online: I'll return one. I think the other is too casual for the wedding. It's frustrating. I'll have to figure out something--soon.

Class Dismissed

I've taught three classes this summer and am just over halfway through a fourth. In the past, I've never taught more than two courses per summer.  Ironically we offer fewer courses now, but I guess we also have fewer teachers.

My second SAT course was challenging in many ways. I regret that I didn't do a good job with that class. At this point, I can only do better on future classes.

I'm going to take a hiatus from teaching. Mainly because the next class offerings will interfere with vacation plans. Jeff and I have a destination wedding for our niece in upstate New York next month. We've decided to take the days off between our anniversary and the wedding and explore. We may combine the trip with a visit to Interlaken Inn. We received gift certificates for Christmas. 

Now that we're about a month away, we can start planning, but not too much. Many of  the best times we've enjoyed on vacation have been the unexpected or spontaneous stops.

We can use a getaway.

Teaching Trials and Tribulations

I had a bad day today.  At first I got discombobulated by a change in room assignment for my SAT class. Several students wandered in late, and they sat in different seats than yesterday. There are 19 students. While I had learned most of their names, I was a bit confused. I asked them to give me their names again.

The class runs Monday through Thursdays afternoons with one Saturday morning test. Most people in the class speak softly even though I told them I was having trouble hearing them. They don't seem all that interested in the material. I'm not sure if they're tired or bored. I messed up explaining a few problems. As I said, a bad day.

Sigh.

I'm also teaching a weekend class--Saturday and Sunday afternoons through September 7th with a break for Labor Day weekend. This class has only four students, and two didn't show for the first class. I hope all will show for the second class this Saturday.

Then there's tutoring. I've been able to schedule my active tutoring students around the classes without too much trouble. Some days, however, the logistics get challenging.

And so it goes.

First Third of Summer: Teaching, Tudors, and Rabbits

My last post was about the beginning of summer, now it's a third through. No legit reason not to post; I can't explain it.

I started teaching an ACT course the Monday after my last post. It had been a year since my last class, and the class hours dropped from 25 to 18. It was a challenge. Part of it was me being old-school--having individual meetings with students and checking their homework in person. It's mainly  a challenge because there's so much material to cover. Immediately after the ACT class ended, I started a SAT class. I have two more classes starting in a week--a busy teaching time for me.

I've attended three of four lectures at the Norwalk Library on the wives of Henry VIII: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, and Catherine Parr. I  didn't learn much about Anne, but I did learn about Catherine and Jane. I also learned that if I want to get the light lunch at the library, I have to arrive around 1145-11:50 for a 12 PM program.

I was afraid I'd miss the Anne Boleyn lecture, because I was teaching the ACT class. Luckily, the day of the Anne lecture was a test day, so I could get a proctor to sub for me. Unfortunately, the proctor didn't show; one student's parents were so mad, he dropped the class; others got another proctored test; all students got an extra class. At least I still got to the Anne lecture.

I've read four books since my last post: The Helen Trilogy by Preston and Child and Children of Henry VIII by Alison Weir--more on these later.

With morning classes and hot weather, I've been taking Lola for morning walks from Mathews Park to Oyster Shell Park on the Norwalk River Valley Trail (NRVT.) It's a two to five minute drive to Mathews--depending on traffic lights--and Oyster Shell Park usually offer many rabbits and ground hogs. I think we should start a tradition of a ground hog named Norwalk Norm--why should Punxsutawney Phil get all the credit?

Since we started walking around the neighborhood last year, Lola has enjoyed checking out the rabbits in the area. Many congregate in the fenced off area of part of the city's water supply. We once saw two bunnies running around playing. Others seem to hang out in the area; Lola loves to stalk them even though she's always on the leash and can't get close to them. Jeff and I also enjoy greeting Dylan--a dog who lives on Highwood Avenue. If he's outside, he always runs to greet us. His barks first sounded hostile, but he now loves when we pass by to pet him. Today his mom alerted him that we were passing by: dogs are awesome.

I'm not sure I can promise, but I hope this is the start of regular posting.

What a Week

OK, eight days since my last post. 

I finished tutoring for several students this week. A few took the Connecticut school SAT; some took today's ACT; some poor folks took both.

I finished my writing course, Hidden Stories. I really enjoyed it. I may start another course next week with the same instructor. That would be my third  course with her. She's very supportive; she doesn't critique. I think that's appropriate for this kind of class. There were times when I would mentally edit others' pieces--minor changes--the stories were all good. The class was talented. 

The big thing this week--today--was a celebration of my mother's life. She died in January and was cremated. I didn't want to have an event in January because of potential snow/ice issues for family members traveling to Connecticut from New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Another reason I picked today was because it's an ACT test day. I knew I could take the day off without any problems.

Our celebration ran from 12 to 3 this afternoon. Last night I got nervous. Was the room big enough? Would there be too many other guests in our area? How many people would come?

All went well. We had 21-23 people (I keep re-counting; I'm not sure.) Several people told me I did a good job. The room was just large enough; the food was good. We started with some appetizers and then asked everyone to order off the menu.

We all discussed that we shouldn't wait until a death to get in contact. We committed to be in closer touch but I know it will be hard. Hopefully, we'll all work on this.  

It was a tough weekend for Lola. We were out last night, this afternoon, and again this evening. That's unusual for us. We took her out to Mathews and Oyster Shell Parks this morning for a 45 minute walk. This afternoon before we went out to dinner with my stepbrother and his wife we took Lola for a long walk around the neighborhood--probably our longest. 

Good-bye Mom. I hope you're happy with what we did today.

Road Trip

Today I proctored an ACT practice test in Guilford. I usually don't go that far to proctor (around 50 miles) but I haven't been working many hours, I was free, and I was hoping for a nice autumn afternoon. I thought of going to the beach or walking the labyrinth at Mercy Center.

Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate. Rain had stopped by late morning, but winds picked up. I had to consciously grip the steering wheel on the drive home.

The 50ish miles to Guilford is the farthest I've driven the car in the 22 days I 've owned it. That could be the farthest anyone drove it. This 2010 Jetta had only 12,150 miles in eight years.

I am loving the car, though still learning about it. On Thursday, when temperatures were in the 70's, I accidentally turned on the seat warmer I didn't know I had. Just haven't gotten around to reading the owner's manual.

***

Jeff and I saw our super this afternoon. He is driving a 2002 car that a former tenant owned. When he got the car, it had only about 20,000 miles.

Thanks to all the little old ladies who don't drive much.

A Quiet Independence Day

That's what I wanted for this holiday. I got what I wanted, but not the way I wanted it.

I've halfway through an ACT class--we meet Monday through Friday mornings. It's been more administrative work than I expected. The course lasts three weeks, with today as a holiday break. I'll probably just get used to the schedule by the time it ends. At least that happened last year.

Tuesday afternoon I got back from class, unpacked a box from homechef.com (our first order), had lunch, and then worked on an ACT test. I had misplaced my test, so decided that I should retake it. We were in the midst of a heat wave; working on the test would be a cool and productive way to spend my afternoon.

Unfortunately, Jeff had emergency dentist visits--first to his regular dentist, then a specialist. He'll need a root canal. I left home around 3:50, got caught in traffic and a downpour when I went to pick him up. Then I had to get his prescription, Tylenol and Advil. About four hours later, I got back home.

Luckily Jeff hasn't been in pain. Still we decided to keep things low-key.

Here's a picture from Independence Day 2016.

Good Intentions Don't Cut It

In my last post, I complained that I've been unfocused, and I would start by getting up early yesterday.

I didn't anticipate that I would have a horrible night's sleep. I was up a little later than planned because we watched the coverage of the Alabama Senate race--thank you black women of Alabama. Then I just couldn't get to sleep. I was uncomfortable, my pillow didn't feel right, Jeff was snoring, my feet got cold, I had to pee. Ugh.

Needless to say, I wasn't ready to bound out of bed in the morning. I forced myself to get up around 7. I could barely keep my eyes open the first few minutes. I told myself it was foolish to go to the gym when I was so tired. I honestly don't know if that was a reasoned decision or just a cop out.

It was bitterly cold. It would warm up later, but the wind strength would increase. I took Lola to Schenck's Island around 10. Later I went food shopping, did a little cleaning and had my first session for my new ACT class. I even managed to exercise.

At least the day wasn't a complete loss.

Transitions

Thanksgiving is officially over. As I mentioned yesterday, I started seeing Christmas trees on car roofs. I went to a tutoring session at a decorated home. It must be Christmas season.

Christmas always seems to sneak up on me. Usually because the holiday hoopla starts so early, I lose track of it. I didn't notice that this year. Maybe because I haven't been in many stores lately.

I'm bummed that I had to take care of some expensive car repairs two weeks ago. I second guess if I should continue to put money into my 20-year-old car, but it beats getting a new car. It's worse to pay out at this time of year.

Three of my students are taking the SAT on Saturday. They may all take the test another time or take the ACT. I hope to see them back soon.  At least I start another class the following week. I need more work.

Getting Back on the Horse

That is, posting on this blog. It's not the best analogy. I haven't had an experience comparable to falling off the horse.

It's been five weeks since my last post. It's not that I had nothing to say. It's not that I didn't have time. Time just gets away from us. I prioritized other things over posting, journaling and working out.

I taught a SAT class in July; ten classes and four tests. I hadn't taught a SAT class since last July. I did a lot of review for this class (one of the missed opportunities in June.) Before the SAT class ended, an ACT class started. Then I got two tutoring students, then another two.

I'm not complaining--I need and want work--but this kind of work requires several adjustments--from test-to-test, from morning-to-evening classes. I never really got into the morning class schedule because it ended after just three-and-a-half weeks. It's the same thing with the evening class. I have two sessions left and I'm glad. I don't like evening classes--they mess up my dinner and sleep schedules.

I've been thinking about the things that I haven't done in the past month-and-a-half: blogging, working out--at least I've walked a lot with Lola. I made her a priority after teaching/tutoring and associated prep. I've barely journaled. I've done minimal cleaning. (To be honest, I don't think I've ever done maximum cleaning.)

Summer's Almost Gone. I didn't even make my summer fun list. I guess I can work on last year's.

So, here I am, trying to figure things out. Let's see how it goes from here.

Taking It Easy

I'm still recovering from the cold that blasted me on Christmas Eve. Yesterday I worked on my ACT manual--it was something that I could do while relaxing and drinking tea.

I discovered a Game of Thrones marathon on TV. Apparently HBO is marathoning a season each day. It reminded me of  last year: watching Game of Thrones helped me deal with losing Spike--I guess by distracting me from my pain. I wonder if Games of Thrones marathons will always remind me of Spike.

Today I forced myself to do some household work: I finished unpacking my suitcase (on Christmas Day when we returned home I only threw my dirty clothes on top of the already full hamper) and did seven loads of laundry. It was tiring--I had to take a few breaks. I also managed a few pages in the manual.

Tomorrow I have to take my mother to the eye doctor. I guess I should be in bed already, but Cold Care PM Tea should help me sleep.
 

Friday Thoughts

This has been a transitional kind of week. Four of my tutoring students are taking the ACT tomorrow. They got a lucky break because it snowed this morning--enough to cancel the local schools, but the roads were cleared by the afternoon--the test will go on as planned. I had just written about a similar scenario a few weeks ago. I hope my students were able to take advantage of this extra time to prepare.

The other day I looked at my calendar and got a little nervous. I only had three students continuing after Saturday. Then I got two new students. One is a student who I tutored last summer for the ACT. This time, he wants to try the SAT. It's a good sign.

Another good sign: I got approval for a raise request.  I don't know the amount of the increase yet. I'll be surprised if I get my full request, but an increase is definitely good news.  

It's Official

I heard today that I've been recertified to teach the redesigned SAT.  As I wrote earlier this week, I figured I would be recertified, but it's nice to know it's official.

As an added bonus, I also got word that I passed a quiz to complete an ACT training update based mostly on upcoming changes to the essay.

Hooray for me.

Math Madness and Reading Rigor

The redesigned SAT will be launched in March 2016. Because I'm an active tutor, I'm among the first group in my company to be trained for the new test. I'm glad because the live training will be in the second half of June, a traditionally slow time. Unfortunately the flip side is that I have to take a redesigned SAT practice test now when I'm busy with SAT and ACT students prepping for tests in early June.

I mistakenly thought this test would be relatively easy for me because I'm already certified to teach the ACT. The writing is similar to the ACT, but the rest is different. The new SAT math is tougher than the ACT's. Apparently, the reading is also tough: I've only finished one passage.That means SAT reading is on my agenda for today. And the redesigned essay.

What fun.