Hey everyone!  I almost did not write this post because I was a little down this week.  Honestly, I think this was the worst week for me since I’ve been home.  I didn’t want to do anything but just stay in my pajamas. 

No running for me this week.  I know no one really likes to talk about the weather (here in the Midwest it changes every single day) but last week was just bad for me.  I think it was sunny maybe one or two days?  It is weird how a few years ago I ran a lot outside during the Winter when I was training for the Illinois Marathon.  I ran in the snow and in freezing weather.  That is when I learned so much about the proper gear for Winter training.  Now if it is in the 30s then I want to stay inside.

Most of you know I am an introvert.  I was loving it the first couple of weeks.  Now?  I am bored and tired of staying at home.  I know I shouldn’t complain because I know staying home is the best thing to do right now.  I am grateful that no one in my family is sick.  At least now it will be warmer to enjoy some time in the balcony.  OK, rant over.  Moving on.  🙂

Has anyone watched “Unorthodox”?  Wow!  I want to see more.  I mean I want to know what happens to her and what she is going to do.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zVhRId0BTw

I did 2 Peloton workouts.  You know it was with Cody!  I think I would freak out if I ever meet him in person.

Monday was the beginning of a new work routine for me.  Before I was available 2 hours per day for the students and to collaborate with my coworkers.  Of course I was putting in more hours planning lessons, uploading, etc.  Now our work day is from 8am-2pm.  I have office hours from 9-10 am and 1-2 pm and am available for my students from 10 am-1 pm.  Oh and I get one hour for lunch.  🙂  I take my lunch hour in the morning so I can start at 9am.  I mean where exactly am I going to go for lunch anyway?

On Friday the Governor announced that classes were cancelled for the rest of the year.  I had a feeling that was going to happen but it is a different feeling when an official announcement is made.  I was sad because I miss my students.  I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to them.  I am sad for my students because I know they are bored and tired and would rather be at school than all day at home.  It will be very interesting how things will be the next couple of months.  I am assuming summer school will be cancelled.  I wonder when and if we’ll get a chance to go pack up the stuff in our classroom or if we will leave it the way it is till the Fall? 

On Saturday I did my first Zoom meetup with my blogger friends.  I got the time zone mixed up and joined in late.  🙂  It felt good listening to them.  I enjoyed the adult conversation with different people.  Plus it was great “meeting” them even if it was via computer.

And a photo of my babies.  They fight (Mateo is the instigator) but sometimes they do get along.

How was your week?  I hope it was more exciting than mine.  

Linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down.

How was everyone’s week?  This week I ran 5 days and did one Peloton workout on the bike.  Pleased of how it went.  Tomorrow it will be one month since I’ve been in school and seen my kids.  These past couple of week have been interesting and challenging.

Mother Nature couldn’t make up her mind because the weather was just weird this week.  It will chilly one day, 70s and humid another day, and then cloudy and also sunny days.

On Tuesday it was warm and humid.  I ended up running in a tank top and shorts.  Later that day I went to school to get a few things from my classroom.  It felt so weird being there.  The hallways were empty and had an eerie feeling.  The best thing I picked up was my calendar so I could hang in my office.  Now I can see it everyday and know the day of the week.  <

Thursday run didn’t go well.  I set off to run 4 miles but the wind was just too much for me.  I went home.  I think I was just emotional because as soon as I turned around to go home, I started crying.  Nothing wrong with it but not sure if it is because of everything that is going on or because it is that time of the month. 

Later that day I had a PD day/meeting with my coworkers.  The Principal talked what is expected from us for Remote Learning.  I also had separate meetings with my team.  At the end of the day I felt even more anxious and overwhelmed.  It feels like we have more work to do for school now than when we were in the classroom.  The biggest change for me is making office/work hours and sticking to them.  I want students and parents to contact me for any questions but I cannot be writing to them all day.  Beginning tomorrow the District requires us to have 5 hours available each day for parents, students, and to collaborate with my team.  I have also posted a message in Google Classroom.  Let’s hope it works out for everyone and that it goes well.

Have you seen those pictures and videos of teachers participating in a parade for their students?  We did that on Friday.  I will admit that I was on the fence about going.  But I knew it would feel good to get out and do something fun.  It was so much fun.  There were so many parents and students waving at us.  I did see a few of my former and current students.  That made me very happy.

By Friday I had had enough of Facebook and I deactivated my account.  I had already deleted the Instagram and Twitter apps from my phone.  I got tired of many people being judgemental and posting mean comments.  Everything is either an argument or political.  Yes, I could have ignored everything being said but it was just too much for me.  

Saturday I ran 6.10 miles for the Uncanceled Project.  Ugh, I have no idea how I got my numbers mixed up but I needed .10 miles for a 10k.  It still counts right?

Copying this idea from Catrina.  Oh, and what do I hope for?  Here’s my top five list: 

♥ no one else gets sick.  There are just too many right now.
♥ that there is a vaccine available soon so more people don’t get sick or die.
♥ soon we can meet up with family and friends like before.
♥ that I will see my students one more time before the last day of school.
♥ that I can stop being so sad and angry and continue to be my half self.  🙂

The next theme is a fun one.  It is “Humor”.  With everything that is happening right now, we do need more things to make us laugh.

You’d think that being home now I have more time, right?  I have no idea where times goes.  I am doing my best to read as many posts as possible and to respond to each comment.  I get it done even if it is on Friday or Saturday.  🙁

Linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down.

Whew!  What a week it was.  How is it that it is again Sunday?  The Governor announced that schools will be closed until April 30th.  I doubt we will go back to school for the rest of the year.  The Superintendent sent an email letting us know that for Monday-Wednesday it will be the same schedule for remote learning but that on Thursday we will have PD from 8:00-1:30 and then we will be off on Friday (Good Friday).  We’ll see how it goes.

This week started off with me feeling lazy and not wanting to run.  Then I remembered that I signed up for The Un-canceled Project.  We had a few gloomy days and on Friday it was warm and sunny.  I went out about noon and was HOT during my 4 miles.

I took my first Peloton outdoor running class and it will probably be my last.  I was annoyed with the constant talking.  Remember, I am one that dislikes hearing runners talk nonstop on a run or race.  I think maybe that is one of the reasons I like running by myself.  Well, I would run with you as long as you don’t talk too much.  🙂

I ended March with 35.10 miles.  Still pleased with how it went.  I mean it is better than no miles.

My Peloton didn’t get much use at all this week but Lola likes to sit on it. 

April Fools’ Day come but it felt just like any other day.  At least to me it felt like it.  The days go by fast and they all blend in together.  Sometimes I don’t know if it is Tuesday or Wednesday.

My cats were lazy as usual.  Nothing new there.  Mateo loves to sleep pretty much anywhere in the house.  He LOVES to cuddle with my mother and she spoils him too.

Thanks to some YouTube videos I learned a couple of new things for eLearning.  My coworker and I did some assignments on Google Slides and Drawing.  We are ready for the upcoming weeks.  On Friday I spent some time cleaning my desk.  I’ve been using the kitchen table but now I need more space for my computers and my papers.  Looks like I will be working there till June.

For the first time ever I wrote and mailed letters to all of my students.  First I called those parents that I haven’t connected with via Remind.  I left messages for a few and others did not answer.  I did speak to a student and it felt so good to hear him.  When I was done I went to my room and cried.  I know many of us have probably cried a few times already.  

Anyone else watching “Money Heist”?  Season 4 was on on Friday.  There are 8 episodes and I am on season 7. 

How are YOU?  How was your week?  Are you also participating in The Un-Canceled Project?  

Linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down.

Hey there!  How is everyone doing?  I cannot believe it is Sunday.  Even though I was at home it went by very fast.  Gosh, I miss teaching and my students.  As of yesterday we are scheduled to go back to work on April 13th.  This week is our Spring Break and the following week is another week of eLearning.  I am ready to go back but at the same time am not ready.  In some states the schools are closed for the rest of the school year.

I didn’t do much running but did take 4 Peloton classes.  I think that’s the most I’ve taken in a week.  I know there are so many great instructors but seriously Cody is my favorite.  Love him!

I didn’t feel well on Thursday and did not run.  It felt great to get out on Friday.  Ran 4 miles and again did not worry about pace.  On Saturday I woke up not feeling well again and decided to wait and see how I felt in the afternoon.  I took aspirin and did feel better.  I changed and went outside.  It was chilly and raining.  I had no desire to run in that weather.  I went back inside and got on the bike. 

Today’s run almost didn’t happen.  Woke up early, had coffee, and got dressed.  It was WINDY.  As soon as I made it outside, it began to rain a bit.  And it was windy.  Ugh, I wasn’t in the mood to deal with it.  I knew I wouldn’t run the 4 miles I want so I turned around and then did a few loops around my house and I was done.  

Did anyone enter the lottery for the Marine Corps Marathon?  I know I said that I was going to enter it, but now am not so sure about it.  Part of me does and doesn’t want to train for another marathon.  Plus, 2 of my out of state races were cancelled so now I want to look for and run half marathons in other states. 

Anyone like House Music?  Julian Jumpin Perez has live music sessions on Saturday night at 8pm (Central Time) through Facebook.  His music is takes me back to when I was in high school.  A few songs I remember from grammar school.  🙂  Last night I was listening till 10pm!

Just something funny I saw on social media.  🙂  I will be going to St. Bathroom to clean it from top to bottom.

How are YOU?  How was your week?

Linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down.

I have been home since Monday.  I spent most of Monday and Tuesday preparing lessons for my students using Google Classroom.  I prepared 8 days of lessons.  “Last” day of school is March 27 and then we are off for Spring Break.  At the moment we are scheduled to go back on April 6th but that can change.  In some states schools are closed for the rest of the school year.  Also, CPS will be closed till the 20th.  My district will most likely follow CPS’s plan but so far haven’t heard anything about it.

What I am not liking about this is that my students have not done the work nor turned it in.  On Friday I gave them all a folder full of worksheets.  I also told them to go to Google Classroom because I would be leaving additional work there.  One week has gone by and only 5 students have logged in.  Maybe 2 or 3 have turned in the work.  I am trying to be understanding and patient.  Maybe they’re all working on their worksheets?  Who knows?

The two weeks after my half marathon in Atlanta, I did not run at all.  First, I was recovering from said race.  I felt better by Thursday but still did not want to run.  Then I was just tired and wanted to sleep.  Before I knew it 2 weeks had gone by and I told myself to snap out of it.  I did and ran on Monday.  Not too long but a little over 2 miles.  My pace was slow but I did not care.  I ran again the rest of the week except on Tuesday.  My goal was to run each day longer than the day before.  I did it!  

I ran by the area where I fell in January.  Well, I walked.  

It was gloomy most of the week and I got tired of it.  I think one day it was cold but not windy.  I wore an insulated jacket and ended up being too warm.  It is now my favorite jacket for running on cold days.  

Being home all day I saw just what my cats do all day.  They sleep all day.

Lola prefers to hang out with me than Mateo.

This is my favorite one.  They were both waiting for me after my run yesterday.  OK, enough cat photos for today.  🙂

I had planned to run 3 races from March-May and they were all cancelled.  Right now the race I have in my calendar is in July.  So for now I will continue to run.  Since now I have more time, I am thinking of using again the Hansons Training Method.  I already printed out a 16 weeks schedule.  I know it is an intense plan.  Will I run 6 days a week?  Maybe.  Maybe not.  I might just run 3, 4, or 5 days depending on how I feel.  Right now I need a plan so I can keep on running.  I know there are other plans I can use, but I’ve used this one before and like it.  

So what else did I do this past week?  My mother was here this week so I spent some time with her.  I made the mistake of watching “Outbreak” and “2012”.  HUGE mistake.  🙂  I have a TiVo in my room and have been catching up on a few shows such as Chicago PD, Bull, and Hawaii Five-O.  Quite a few episodes were from September!  I have yet to finish Hawaii Five-O, Young Sheldon, and NCIS.  Yep, will be busy for the next couple of weeks!

How are YOU?  How was your week?

Linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down.