Hi all,

I know it has been a while since I blogged but I am really overwhelmed with school and classes and my personal health issues right now. I blogged about them previously, there has been little change except that my hip pain is growing in frequency and intensity. I considered going to the ER with it today, but I know that they can't really help me and the only thing I can gain from that is quicker service with my orthopedic group. It is interfering a lot with my work outs now though.

I don't want to dwell on that right now--I have positive things on my mind. I am thinking about my youngest daughter who just did her check-in call during her first prom night. She looked beautiful when she left--but I almost think her hair is far more gorgeous when it is down, with all of those beautiful curls than the expensive (mandatory, lol) up-do. She is at the fitness center right now where her school is holding their after prom festivities. It's an odd choice of locations because none of the girls with their expensive hairstyles will use the pool. They have a lot of really entertaining things planned--obstacle courses and grown-up trikes for racing for a couple of things. The kids can win lots of prizes for sticking it out until the morning and the plan is keeping them off of the street and out of mischief. The bigger schools around here have really big prizes, often including a car, but our little school district cannot do all of that.

The baseball game is on for Monday, barring rainy weather, and I am excited for the many kids at our school who haven't ever gotten to go to one. Our little A level team has a pretty nice stadium and they do a lot of good things for the community during their on (and off) season. Certain people not to be named tried to make me the person to stay behind on Monday to be with the kids who refused to meet their reading goals (even with extra chances and help) and the kids who haven't returned one of multiple permission slips but I put my foot down and said that I was going. I have put in a lot of hours and a great deal of stress into making this game happen and I am not going to stay at school and miss it. Now, we just need nice, not rainy weather!!

Personally, I am thinking SUMMER!! I am more than ready for summer weather and summer break. I am thinking that even if it is available, I might not teach this summer. It is rewarding for children but given the stress that I receive at school on a regular basis is something I could use a break from. I may change my mind in the next few weeks, but this is how I am thinking right now. I am, however, thinking of flowers and gardens and outside pools and reading in the sunshine and grilling outdoors and parks and rest and relaxation.

I am also thinking of taking care of myself and feeling better in every way I know how. I miss my doctor who would probably know how to relieve my current pain and I may go out of town and hunt her up as well--she is less than a couple of hours away. I also am going to put my cataract surgery back on the schedule pretty soon. I need to lose a few more pounds, ugh, to get to that new BMI for my new and unimproved, reduced height. With the 3 surgeries I have had since December, I haven't make many gains in that arena. I don't think I can count what I have lost while I have been sick because I am losing it way too fast and it will come back. However, people have noticed that I have lost weight and that is always motivational. I am struggling to eat and trying to get my fruits and veggies in because they are not at all agreeable with me right now. Bland protein is somewhat okay, but all that I really can enjoy are popsicles. I am guessing that after two weeks this is more than a "bug" as well. I am getting a bit nervous about visiting doctors of any type because I seem to need big tests, procedures and treatments as a result. Yet, I am aware that I am not going to be able to continue this way much longer.

Anyway, summer is on my mind and all of the beauty and activity that goes along with it. I think I am like my students, so many of whom are already getting harder and harder to keep focused. Maybe we are all just kids in disguise. Thoughts of summer keep me smiling.

I hope that you are all feeling the pleasure of sunshine and spring. summer too!

Gentle hugs,
Sylvia