tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125927282024-03-23T18:11:13.891+00:00Cosmic Menu of HappinessOne person's point of viewing.foodteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976067976568102848noreply@blogger.comBlogger195125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12592728.post-38196852548935059622013-05-21T22:36:00.001+01:002013-05-21T22:36:33.505+01:00after the eventit's been a hell-a-ish couple of weeks. Ofsted and external moderators. And I felt myself lacking. But after all that: I got to cook with my favourite group. They separated eggs and then put them back together again and made scrambled eggs on toast. And it was just one of the nicest experiences I've had in a while. <br />
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One of the fellows took this picture of me and you know, I quite like it. It's who I am. Please ignore all the weird stuff around it. :)</div>
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But I'm feeling a different person once again and that I've been through something life changing. We'll see.</div>
foodteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976067976568102848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12592728.post-14424307342629429662013-05-12T09:36:00.004+01:002013-05-12T09:38:08.313+01:00thank goodness that's over and summer focus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ofsted came on Thursday. For my part, which ended up being the last 20 minutes of a year 10 practical lesson (i.e. the part where all of us are in a happy place and in no mood to do any written work) and yes, I ruined it. I got flustered and made a hash of it. The rest of my tightly planned lessons went well, but alas no one saw those. Typical and typical teachery winge.<br />
But the upside is I feel incredibly free of that particular burden now. It's been hanging over us since the beginning of the year. Now we can just get on with things. I went in Saturday morning with all sorts of plans and ended up taking down a display and putting up a new one. With photos of all the things we had accomplished in my room this year. I may take a moment and post a montage here. Will edit it in in a moment. <br />
Friday night, post ofsted haze, my thoughts went like this: oh, well, I always mess up when it comes to crunch time (which is totally untrue by the way), and what if I tried to jog every morning before school? Can it be done?<br />
Last night I traced out a 5k-ish route on google maps. This morning I got up and ran it to see how long it would take. Well, I use the phrase 'ran it' loosely. Ran/walked to be honest. It took me 40 minutes. Not bad. So with that + 25 yoga on the wii and +- 30 minutes waking up/going to the loo/finding all my clothing/taking pills, I may just be able to do it. But I may have to get up a half an hour earlier. 4:30. But to be honest, I'm up then anyway especially in the summer. <br />
And I'm thinking of having a grain free week. Just to have a focus. But still having carbs.<br />
So this morning I had a random breakfast of chicken, cold baked potato and salad (shopping later, no eggs). And a bowl full of cherries. Because everyone should have a bowl of cherries. <br />
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<br />foodteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976067976568102848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12592728.post-18848556220314662222013-03-24T18:49:00.000+00:002013-03-24T18:49:50.220+00:00where have I been?In my own little world. I've come off of Facebook. I've lost quite a bit of weight. I work. I look after my kids. I play a bit of music. I read a lot online and have discovered a real knack for online shopping. <br />
But it's holiday time. And it's so cold and we reckon our town may have the best weather in Britain right now, so no point going anywhere. Who wants to get stuck out in a cottage with no where to go and none of one's favourite things? Not me. <br />
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Food wise, I'm going to spend these two weeks weening myself off of Weight Watchers and remind myself of all the things I do well with or without it. It was a useful tool. But I defo had to adapt it to me and how I go about things. <br />
This is what I ate today:<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">blueberry
smoothie, mackerel, egg mayo on toast (1),2 ryvita, 4 finns, low fat houmous,
apple, banana, spinach and potato soup, low fat cheese 1 1/2 portions, 3
squares of chocolate, a couple of popcrisps, veggie chilli with a bit of rice
and bit of tortilla, couple of bites of trifle which was very nice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">and I'm not done. Going for a run and then wine and bits later. On holiday after all. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I'm still doing my morning yoga</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I'm still making good things at work. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I'm still feeding my kids up and making sure they got the resources to get through the day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I had been blogging on WW. And reading their blogs. Which were a good source, but now I'm wondering about who some of the posters are as one is giving a blow by blow of her extreme juicing diet. More of an advertiment than anything. Which makes me uncomfortable. </span><br />
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Nothing extreme is my moto now. good stuff in moderation. Exercise to keep me in a mental happy place. and remember that I'm more than what I eat and my weight.<br />
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Though food is a pretty damn interesting topic. :)foodteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976067976568102848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12592728.post-11575102777831744502012-07-31T11:24:00.001+01:002012-07-31T11:24:48.359+01:00summer menu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just getting into the summer groove now. It takes me a while. The Girl and I have been occasionally running and climbing trees. I'm quite proud of myself, I actually got in the tree. I leave the death defying heights to The Girl. We've experimented with running barefoot and loved it. </div>
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For 8 weeks I've been on Weight Watchers online and it's been terrific. Lost 11lbs so far and am really chuffed. I doubt I will loose more than a 1lb a week during the holidays as I'm not working (constantly moving as it were), but I'm ok with that. </div>
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I've been making lots of lovely soups (spinach pictured). Lordy, I do love soup. </div>
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Going to London for a couple of days tomorrow. No, no tickets. We are going to see old friends and family, really looking forward to it.</div>
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Later in the month we are going to Scotland as is our want. This time we are travelling over to Tiree. A ferry ride to a lovely island of beaches and sunshine and windiness. (no hills or trees though) We are going to hire bikes and run and play on the beaches. Oh Yes!</div>
<br />foodteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976067976568102848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12592728.post-89043180727085137742012-06-06T12:15:00.001+01:002012-06-06T12:15:55.071+01:00Devilled eggs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sometimes holidays are all about the lunch quite frankly. Devilled eggs rule. And coleslaw. And cucumber sandwiches.</div>
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A week off. Much needed but I am having trouble managing myself within it. It doesn't help that it's cold and rainy and a double bank holiday just didn't make sense. It was like that lull between Christmas and New Year. A good idea until you are in it. </div>
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A nice thing: A boy from school e-mailed asking for the healthy eating recipes and then the world food recipes. That pleased me. </div>
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<br />foodteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976067976568102848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12592728.post-8294225501856547932012-05-02T22:31:00.001+01:002012-05-02T22:31:51.998+01:00blog-versarySo much going on right now. But I didn't want to miss this, another milestone in my e-world. I will have more to say this weekend.foodteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976067976568102848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12592728.post-20410011970482575962012-04-29T19:16:00.000+01:002012-04-29T19:16:18.132+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejc-8NQFOnEVQ29dZks93MUH-70wRPZP_Tw6njfqlrNTGJYg3lsPKXsLcqL_z9gJA7PsUVTTVBJTLmVFg1QmPEcAk6lKjeZvU_f9rvEMsd_7gh_sqps7Nf32NGfnjktU8kzqufA/s1600/IMG00308-20120429-1742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejc-8NQFOnEVQ29dZks93MUH-70wRPZP_Tw6njfqlrNTGJYg3lsPKXsLcqL_z9gJA7PsUVTTVBJTLmVFg1QmPEcAk6lKjeZvU_f9rvEMsd_7gh_sqps7Nf32NGfnjktU8kzqufA/s320/IMG00308-20120429-1742.jpg" /></a></div>
It was a stressful week last week. Partly my fault and partly EVERYONE ELSE AROUND ME...
I wont talk about them. What I did to stress myself out was to give up cola cold turkey. I'm on day 7 now. grrr. I've been wanting to do it for years, and yes I did view it as an addiction. At least one can a day from literally as far back as I can remember (I consumed cola, coffee and tea from the age of 3).
On top of that my friend and I were talking about behaviour in school, in particular the swearing from the kids. But of course I swear like a sailor (no, not when the kids are around) and she can have her bad moments, so we decided to make a no swearing pact. And we both properly failed that. :) But we'll try again this week.
And it rained. Oh, lordy how it rained. The Girl and I are trying to train for the Race for Life 5K in June, but it's proving difficult to feel happy enough to get out there. We did go ahead and go on Wednesday and ran in the gale and had a good time.
And I applied for an internal job at work. It's made me feel rather paranoid about my abilities.
Above is my lunch for tomorrow. Good food is the best revenge after all. Quinoa tabouleh on the left and a decidedly green salad with carrot sticks and boiled egg on the right. olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
If everything else goes wrong tomorrow (and it could) I've got my lunch.foodteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976067976568102848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12592728.post-10477779492114515532012-04-04T21:25:00.003+01:002012-04-04T21:42:24.780+01:00So, I'm running now...It's been a long time for lots of good reasons, I'm happy to say. I've been getting well and working on getting fitter. (I've also been learning the guitar, autoharp and ukulele, but that's for the other blog). Slowly loosing weight in what I hope is a healthy sane way. As part of that I've signed me and The Girl up to run in the Race for Life 5k in June. This is a big deal for me. Running in public. I thought it was not part of who I am. Walking yes, running no, but it turns out it is! The Girl and I are in training and we drive up to the race sight and are getting better at it. I envision us running the whole thing by first couple of weeks of May. The Girl needs to work on her pacing as she's a brilliant runner, I just need to stop feeling sorry for myself and get on with it. It's nice to be doing it with her though. This week we are suffering a setback as I have a vicious cold that has completely knackered me. I even slept in today until 7:30, 5 to 5:30 being my norm. and I've been to bed early early early. <br /><br />In terms of eating I've been trying to focus on eating foods that have nutritional benefit and bulking up on veggies etc. instead of starch and fatty foods. I like how the Mayo clinic diet book set things up. I find it harder to deal with when I'm home away from school. School gives me a schedule and planned eating as I pack it all the night before and don't have anything else available. Home means I'm just that bit too close to the kitchen. But I've really cut back on the high calorie cheese and nuts. Exercising every morning before school, going swimming with both of the kids and now the running. <br /><br />Lovely.foodteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976067976568102848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12592728.post-49314218200281461072012-01-01T22:53:00.002+00:002012-01-01T22:56:32.381+00:00Happy New Year<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2z3_GflmL_sgI-gw8BuMKU-4CPN7fZU8S8A-d5Drpe1YEuoTXcgoxgintqK-w22AQrFTaJD4rFX9vUYZIdU2wowyY_r5tr2fXHbb9-mgjLbOBZiil8eBtzS2AcYMtDkf-QYz5A/s1600/DSC01423.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2z3_GflmL_sgI-gw8BuMKU-4CPN7fZU8S8A-d5Drpe1YEuoTXcgoxgintqK-w22AQrFTaJD4rFX9vUYZIdU2wowyY_r5tr2fXHbb9-mgjLbOBZiil8eBtzS2AcYMtDkf-QYz5A/s320/DSC01423.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692800928670226914" /></a>Happy New Year!<div>It's been a lovely lovely holiday. And I've hardly cooked. </div><div>Did make the dough for these gingerbread houses that Momma's boy shaped and decorated.</div><div><br /></div>foodteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976067976568102848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12592728.post-79306118865881046742011-07-27T12:23:00.002+01:002011-07-27T12:26:05.762+01:00Healthy<div>I've just posted the following on a blog that I follow. CarbSane asked are we healthy at any weight? Thought I would post it here as well as I haven't posted in a bit. This is my input. </div><div>I've always had a weight issue, but looking back at childhood pictures I now consider those issues more in the mind of my mother and I rather than in reality. I'm 42, 5'3'" have a BMI of 28.95 (according to the Wii this morning) and weigh 11st 9lbs (163lbs). I'm an American living in England these last 17 years. I've had two kids 7 years apart. My youngest is 5. I grew up on a farm, I was a chef for many years and am now a Food Technology teacher. Food is part of the framework of my life. Reason for this info: I don't consider it a surprise that I struggle with my weight. </div><div>I've pretty much always exercised in one form or another. The only two major health issues that I've had in the last three years have nothing to do with weight. Shingles and I've just had an ovarian cyst removed 7 weeks ago (damn thing tried to kill me). After both incidents I went to the doctors to get my bloods tested because frankly these things can throw you for a loop. Both times the blood work came back fine and both doctors were of the opinion that I was in perfect health and the BMI is only a guideline. As one Doctor said, 'The average height of a man is 5'9", that doesn't make a man that is 6'2" abnormal'</div><div>I don't have any other health issues and now that I've come out of the surgery recovery, feel great. </div><div>I've had some success with LC diet (20lbs starting in January), but it wasn't working completely for me and I stalled in April. But I believe I was eating too many calories. Post surgery I'm eating carbs again, but still avoiding processed and sugary foods. And my weight is steady and am losing a bit again. </div><div>Childbirth and the shingles and the cyst have taught me is that, you only do the best you can do and you may feel great and 'be healthy' but life is apt to throw you a zinger. Eat and exercise to make yourself resilient. Extremes in all things (types of eating, drink, drugs, exercise) may be interesting but from my point of view should be avoided. But I also know that some of us can't avoid, mainly because of how our brains work.</div><div>So in summary I am healthy at my weight, was healthy at my heaviest and lowest, but 'health' isn't totally in our control. Wish it was.</div>foodteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976067976568102848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12592728.post-13720659088328963412011-07-02T20:35:00.004+01:002011-07-02T20:56:40.363+01:00Optimum BS<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3G5f277FSCZoG2VSuzjxpmoJMAUCjQ5hoPW2_mAXRgT8A04Odau1_u-YHeFaJosrHmIoNgAYD_l-uJ4Xnii95tuwD0_I5mc9j3Sti5ZwcvOyjojj5us5FGIVzcj1jkghPUBe0A/s1600/DSC01084.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3G5f277FSCZoG2VSuzjxpmoJMAUCjQ5hoPW2_mAXRgT8A04Odau1_u-YHeFaJosrHmIoNgAYD_l-uJ4Xnii95tuwD0_I5mc9j3Sti5ZwcvOyjojj5us5FGIVzcj1jkghPUBe0A/s320/DSC01084.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624841376275106162" /></a>Optimum nutrition. Optimum fitness. What a nonsense. As if you can achieve perfection and not get ill, not get hit by a 'black swan' . Like selling a religion. You can only do your best and not forget to LIVE your life as well. <div>Am recovering. I think walking is the secret. We went downtown yesterday and had lunch in Brasserie Blanc. It was marvelously simple and perfect. We had summer minestrone and poached salmon. It inspired me to make a green lentil broth today with corn cakes (mamma's boy loves corn cakes, won't eat anything that looks vaguely like soup, drat him : )</div><div>And I walked. I walked on the Wii and then I walked the girl to where she needed to go. Had a nap in the afternoon and felt the better for it all. Supper was roast chicken and salad with a proper vinaigrette, inspired by Blanc and reminding me that I do know how to do these things.</div><div><br /></div>foodteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976067976568102848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12592728.post-12426106849836140722011-06-20T20:38:00.003+01:002011-06-20T21:30:26.374+01:00What happened next...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyXtJHgGQ9njiY4jPchqd80RMbzA9rvCKocgGtbyBD-PK8qNLq19JO7UgPM2VJCUAUZ3S5EcUwlmRGtEY5ea_0x7QPF2ZqDQ27qqLoN7VFD3nUY76VRPT5SsbpPoooSCpcEtNJQ/s1600/i-love-the-nhs.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 196px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyXtJHgGQ9njiY4jPchqd80RMbzA9rvCKocgGtbyBD-PK8qNLq19JO7UgPM2VJCUAUZ3S5EcUwlmRGtEY5ea_0x7QPF2ZqDQ27qqLoN7VFD3nUY76VRPT5SsbpPoooSCpcEtNJQ/s320/i-love-the-nhs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620401766464969122" /></a><br /><div>Last Thursday I ended up in the hospital with severe pain. Thought it was (in this order); e-coli, because I had carried on eating cucumbers from Lidl, kidney stones because of this low carb diet, appendicitis and it goes on. A CT scan in the middle of the night revealed a growth and I was sent to the gynecological hospital. I had a ovarian cyst the size of a grapefruit and the damn thing was thing was trying to kill me. Operated on Saturday to have it removed along with the ovary. </div><div>As you can imagine, it's been a shock to all of us. Here I was in the previous post talking about my waist size. How could I not know that this thing was inside there????</div><div>My husband has been fantastic. My kids, neighbours, in-laws, colleagues have all been fantastic. Once again, I have nothing but praise for the NHS. Throughout the people working in the doctor's office and hospitals have been kind, sensitive, concerned and did their job well. I was in safe hands.</div><div>So now I'm off of work until September. Being home and recovering is it's own journey. I'm tired and sore and having to learn to be still. hmmm.</div>foodteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976067976568102848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12592728.post-75977847157516854032011-06-05T09:19:00.003+01:002011-06-05T09:46:22.651+01:00magic realism can happen...For these last 5 months I've been following a low carb diet. And I've lost 19lbs. I was going to say 20lbs because I like even numbers and it sounds better, but it's not the truth. I've also been reading lots and lots of blogs and wondering if this is the right thing to do. It all seems too magical really. Eating bacon and eggs in the morning, not eating wheat or sugar products and *poof* the weight comes off. But that's not the whole picture. I've also been weighing myself on the Wii fit every morning, doing yoga afterwards, walking to and from work (until we bought a car in April) and enjoying Just Dance. And I do eat vegetables and salad. A lot of these low carb gurus post their meals and they seem to eat only meat and butter, and a lot of it. <div>I feel really good physically and in control. But one wonders about the long term truths of low carb dieting. <a href="http://carbsanity.blogspot.com/">CarbSane</a> has been doing a lot of questioning too and it's been helpful to read her posts. A lot of people comment on their belly fat that wont shift. Also a LOT of them don't get to an ideal weight. They loose weight, but only so much. And, while I'm as vain as the next person, the reason I started this was to get healthier, not worry about becoming diabetic and not have aching hips and knees. How big your tummy is a definite health marker.</div><div>I want to get into the wii fit ideal bmi range <i> and </i> have a smaller tummy. So I've decided to move more to a 'balanced' diet. Reducing my fat intake, putting a few more carbs in there and increasing exercise (especially as I'm driving to work now). So this morning I had a poached egg on a slice of toast and half of my son's apple. </div><div>I'm quite convinced that my weight will stay the same or go up these next few weeks while I adjust what I eat. I've just got to keep logical about this and think long term. </div><div>Meanwhile I did finally go out and buy work trousers that fit and don't have to be safety pinned into place! </div>foodteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976067976568102848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12592728.post-35438134914817653112011-05-14T22:36:00.002+01:002011-05-14T22:42:54.882+01:00fleshFlesh like drawings is what I have been making. I think they are grim, but I like them at the same time. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvkNNXoR2GFGsmYzORtpjFE34l7T08x5ZdTkOuXxQdIVei8VBDPqc6FWUxhBaGVg1pnWCFQDkWiMfjEuVUC4W_wwZTU8H3LQ9CluJsH61IW-y2Tot7OecD4gApU5ShLAQZxFsyg/s1600/Sketch+2011-05-14+16_24_53.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvkNNXoR2GFGsmYzORtpjFE34l7T08x5ZdTkOuXxQdIVei8VBDPqc6FWUxhBaGVg1pnWCFQDkWiMfjEuVUC4W_wwZTU8H3LQ9CluJsH61IW-y2Tot7OecD4gApU5ShLAQZxFsyg/s320/Sketch+2011-05-14+16_24_53.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606689474818963826" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPECIf8J_ncu8PN2WA6YvvFe3-cqsXyJZjmL-_ZONsBq-ewtC_QRQBfTOGYXT-dRL0sN3K9KXf308Rkc8DrnOZHaxAhy5bfrrYXoQt1rNs8fkMLSHa8GBmgtkwphgrEGT9BD0UA/s1600/Sketch+2011-04-20+15_09_20.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPECIf8J_ncu8PN2WA6YvvFe3-cqsXyJZjmL-_ZONsBq-ewtC_QRQBfTOGYXT-dRL0sN3K9KXf308Rkc8DrnOZHaxAhy5bfrrYXoQt1rNs8fkMLSHa8GBmgtkwphgrEGT9BD0UA/s320/Sketch+2011-04-20+15_09_20.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606689470343752642" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeFHKSdeAYDX1SG1JuTCdQYPRCqIgtLP2VmZ3v1EohwCtyKIY_DQd3RArr1zp0sG_MxJJtRGaOHKiYOCvC_rNAIDgR_ypbv0lGRQTrQ57rcCq7vB0I4WmbYJQyRFvL_v4M7DpEg/s1600/Sketch+2011-04-15+22_04_09.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeFHKSdeAYDX1SG1JuTCdQYPRCqIgtLP2VmZ3v1EohwCtyKIY_DQd3RArr1zp0sG_MxJJtRGaOHKiYOCvC_rNAIDgR_ypbv0lGRQTrQ57rcCq7vB0I4WmbYJQyRFvL_v4M7DpEg/s320/Sketch+2011-04-15+22_04_09.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606689468798876994" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEInR25y-lP1lsfkY0Vt18KaEVXFL3hYpMuRv4bp0JyuIfdzHKchmPrhTGRDrhDUOMDr-Vbx0ioiH7p5OUiu1S7ODMk4Uehj94o7zhdO0cIDiF_1oDv7m45vpR49zSzYYywRt5vA/s1600/Sketch+2011-04-15+11_20_17.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEInR25y-lP1lsfkY0Vt18KaEVXFL3hYpMuRv4bp0JyuIfdzHKchmPrhTGRDrhDUOMDr-Vbx0ioiH7p5OUiu1S7ODMk4Uehj94o7zhdO0cIDiF_1oDv7m45vpR49zSzYYywRt5vA/s320/Sketch+2011-04-15+11_20_17.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606689455364132018" /></a>foodteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976067976568102848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12592728.post-9799818742547419372011-05-07T21:29:00.004+01:002011-05-07T21:50:40.929+01:00It's all about the..<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7tm6X3N7JxVaEKJvnuVaMmNW8NhvQQI5w_KqpEa28Q3TuFpS77DtI56_lf6PshFoY-4dqjqQtmdUV81J4zgKU_-DSMNI3Lcoay-UztoKndFNEtNw8hh-6H22K3MTzQSxPXnJShQ/s1600/bird+drawing.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7tm6X3N7JxVaEKJvnuVaMmNW8NhvQQI5w_KqpEa28Q3TuFpS77DtI56_lf6PshFoY-4dqjqQtmdUV81J4zgKU_-DSMNI3Lcoay-UztoKndFNEtNw8hh-6H22K3MTzQSxPXnJShQ/s320/bird+drawing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604078609415551618" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div>Birds. Robins have set up a nest in the outside part of the air conditioning unit for my classroom. We can't touch them of course and don't feel we can turn the thing on in case we do damage. So the room is terribly hot, but it's for a lovely reason. I made up a nut ball today and hung it nearby. Hopefully the robins get the food rather than the GIANT seagulls that feed off of the pupils' scraps.<div><br />Prom. Well not really, but that's the fun/stressful bit of my brain. It's coming up this month. I've got the dress and the shoes. I've been walking around the house in the heels, getting used to them so I don't look like some old lady hobbling onto the dance floor. I'm going to have to alter the dress because it's too big. (big grin) and if I ruin it...well that's what credit cards are for!<div><br /></div><div>Car. Lovin' the new car. Instant freedom and expansion of time and possibilities. We've made mental lists of all of the places we are going to go. But it was great to be able to get The Girl to orchestra practice in the pouring rain. </div><div><br /></div><div>Boy. He's not been feeling well and he's all quiet and not eating very much. It's bothered me so much I've bought in sugary treats and chocolate. He's not interested. Hope this changes soon.</div><div><br /></div><div>Diet. I have been reading a lot today. About exercise and how it doesn't really help with weight loss. And through personal experience I know it's true. I've spent the week dancing and doing more muscle work rather than yoga on the wii fit in the mornings. And I know I've overdone it. But I was concerned about making up the difference from not walking to and from school.</div><div>And I like to dance. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>foodteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976067976568102848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12592728.post-40378017470027339742011-05-02T20:07:00.002+01:002011-05-02T20:20:33.567+01:00blogiversary.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUwX1jU_0esiaWCch2qAaaA51IcBnHzrUFQUS63V4h-TbIN1uwru2J-zIz1Rqw9jpeDyONB9AqTLhTpXU4E9lk5lve5knzUq9s3UBdy6Iilj5RGF7y_kQVhYCw-9cfv2cv4baAQ/s1600/101.png" style="text-decoration: none;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUwX1jU_0esiaWCch2qAaaA51IcBnHzrUFQUS63V4h-TbIN1uwru2J-zIz1Rqw9jpeDyONB9AqTLhTpXU4E9lk5lve5knzUq9s3UBdy6Iilj5RGF7y_kQVhYCw-9cfv2cv4baAQ/s320/101.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602197846567470082" /></a>I made this picture to use as a card for all of the babies that have been born in the family, 4 girls!<div><br /></div><div>It's been a great couple of months. I've lost 16 lbs and have totally changed how I eat and feel. Really pleased with that. Buying new clothes, getting ready for prom in a few weeks. Funny that, it's their prom, but I'm just as excited about it. Found a dress with the tags still on it at a small boutique while on holiday (charity shop!) and then splashed out on a killer set of high heels. Now I've got to practice walking around in them. And I've been using <i>Just Danc</i><i>e </i>on the Wii to help get into the groove in case someone asks me to dance. : )</div><div><br /></div><div>We've been on holiday for practically all of April. And it's been sunny and beautiful and relaxing. </div><div><br /></div><div>And we bought a car. We've been without for 2 years now. Hiring cars for holidays and walking everywhere else. When we hired the car this time, we were in love again and started looking. It's an 'energy efficient' car that is just right for getting around in. Tomorrow The Girl and I get to drive to school in our little blue baby and show off. Yipee!!!</div>foodteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976067976568102848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12592728.post-21280867657292258892011-03-16T22:59:00.002+00:002011-03-16T23:08:16.345+00:00twice baked potatoes, difficult?Practical today with year 10's. Purpose? Cooking two things at once and with foods that help with calcium and vitamin d. Not the most able group, so smoothies and twice baked potatoes. With the instructions written on the board, with me talking 'em through those instructions, with me and LSA helping them. How hard could it be? What a bizarre dream that was. Pupils peeling potatoes before putting them in the oven. Pupils throwing out the skins after they scooped out the flesh. Pupils ACTUALLY struggling with making the smoothie. Why? Because they don't listen. Because they think listening is for suckers. Because they think that cooking is some sort of voodoo magic instead of a skill to learn. Because they think it should reflect their state of being in that moment (and being teenageers, that means chaotic).<br />So what is a girl to do? Say oh well and help them clean up the mess. Parents' evening tomorrow night and so tonight thinking through exactly what I'm going to say to their parents. Diplomacy is needed for long term success and harmony.<br />Came home to a peaceful house. Which is all that matters.foodteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976067976568102848noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12592728.post-9064114283469176542011-02-22T21:31:00.004+00:002011-02-23T09:05:11.119+00:00So, what's been happening?A lot really. I got really excited about the idea of starting again.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Background: </div><div>I went off the radar for a personal reason. So no facebook, no twitter, very few emails to friends and no blogging. Instead I've been doing yoga in the morning before school, getting my act together in terms of work stress, being with the kids, reading more, and drawing stuff. And it's been good. </div><div><br /></div><div>Today's story:</div><div>At the end of October I bought two beautiful bread loaf tins and got to baking. Obsessed with the prices of food and wanted to still feed the family well. We now call November the Month of Bread. By Christmas I had put all of the old weight back on while still doing everything else the same. I was also getting numb feet while I was exercising. Quietly thinking to myself, this isn't good, but didn't say the 'd' word outloud. Not happy about all of this.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then my husband sent me a link during our first week back in school in January. <a href="http://www.garytaubes.com/blog/">Gary Taubes' blog page</a>. It spoke to me. Two main things that I got out of it personally was this: I am NOT LAZY and I DO NOT OVEREAT. and I really am not lazy, I exercise at 6 in the morning, walk 20 minutes to school and 20 minutes back again. I never sit down at work and teach in 5 different rooms, I teach a practical subject in which I have to be moving and working the whole time. I get home and do all the stuff the us grown ups have to do and don't tend to stop until about 9 at night. I burn calories dammit. Calories in = Calories out do not equate in my situation. </div><div>I immediately stopped eating bread, potatoes, pasta, anything with sugar, etc. Researched what were low carb vegetables and what weren't and adjusted. I lost 7 pounds in the first 2 weeks. And have been loosing weight steadily ever since. I bought Taubes' Diet Delusion (good calories bad calories in US) and read it through. I highly recommend it's dense pages of information. I also have been reading this website:<a href="http://sparkofreason.blogspot.com/"> The Spark of Reason</a>. I have found it a good read. One wants to avoid zealots and one wants to avoid becoming a zealot, but at the same time one wants information.</div><div><br /></div><div>Zealots who espouse without logic or reason is why I went off the radar by the way. </div><div><br /></div><div>I personally can only tell you how these things are effecting me. I've lost weight. I'm never hungry. I don't have an energy dip half way through the day. My skin is clear. My nails are growing. And I have no more numbness in limb (which is probably the most important detail if I'm honest) I'm excited about it and at this point think that is going to become the WOL for me. </div><div><br /></div>foodteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976067976568102848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12592728.post-7266224975381601142010-05-04T21:43:00.002+01:002010-05-04T22:05:23.969+01:005 years<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3vN5jTf3Um5V6t0yNFaIu30uvTNkHP-qavgxJlWecVMWbDH5UyaO-buYMBauojTDpltGZzuoS_Ag6pZxrY-OSsCFyeV3gNd7B8xg7MHVsp4uIR6FM6cHR__l0H9fQ_JzRChu1A/s1600/P030510_22.41.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3vN5jTf3Um5V6t0yNFaIu30uvTNkHP-qavgxJlWecVMWbDH5UyaO-buYMBauojTDpltGZzuoS_Ag6pZxrY-OSsCFyeV3gNd7B8xg7MHVsp4uIR6FM6cHR__l0H9fQ_JzRChu1A/s320/P030510_22.41.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467518569964268546" /></a>Must not miss today. Five years!<div>May brings breathing space at work and I allow my thoughts to go to other things. </div><div>Sourdough going well(we've named it Bliss after the character in Whip It, great film)</div><div>A bit of Gonzo Gardening. Spent the weekend ripping out stuff, moving the shed, moving the compost box. Secretly enjoyed the hard work. Have left it too long. </div><div>The Girl is growing up and she makes me laugh out loud with her wit and humour.</div><div>Mamma's boy is growing and becoming, as we say in school, a little man. A little man who loves his food, goes to sleep when you want him to and gets very upset when you ask him to do something he doesn't want to do.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sourdough</div><div>flour</div><div>water</div><div>on the kitchen counter in a glass bowl for 3 or 4 days</div><div>each day discarding a cup of mix and adding a cup of flour and cup of water</div><div>waiting for it to bubble right up.</div><div>than use it.</div><div>You don't need me to tell you, just google it and you're away.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>foodteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976067976568102848noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12592728.post-85398210740569473012010-04-13T15:22:00.008+01:002010-04-13T16:13:15.222+01:00and then he was four...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEzw_-997vUFIMSrktdUZR1CA4VJoK_5QP3A_kT6-1ypcvL1QA9y80_ngEhdzhTpSsNgyQVprlVmdnt136EgpnbEJV2e461v0rOwRCVPn2s7L8b-PBQEetX9ZNK_ftsku3fYDAA/s1600/DSC00346.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEzw_-997vUFIMSrktdUZR1CA4VJoK_5QP3A_kT6-1ypcvL1QA9y80_ngEhdzhTpSsNgyQVprlVmdnt136EgpnbEJV2e461v0rOwRCVPn2s7L8b-PBQEetX9ZNK_ftsku3fYDAA/s320/DSC00346.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459628833252565298" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jGcBEEDY-K79Y-2j2FpAKP5QnCJD8-VOCwEnSxllOE8Ip1zA2wIEU85M5r_cUBsv9S2PCqbCMrB5MhsGamknLt8ryA-y2p7PPqvQqhFOOYc0aTbo6Kg4RVcJ2Omj6TPKlNOkMQ/s1600/DSC00341.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jGcBEEDY-K79Y-2j2FpAKP5QnCJD8-VOCwEnSxllOE8Ip1zA2wIEU85M5r_cUBsv9S2PCqbCMrB5MhsGamknLt8ryA-y2p7PPqvQqhFOOYc0aTbo6Kg4RVcJ2Omj6TPKlNOkMQ/s320/DSC00341.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459628842961383330" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINS3LpNF7Md_FfG_xppB6hIvUqj2RYDUm9Y_Ks8tBOMSsBmTIZgxNgT_B138W0K5Mms8dP_xAadNQPH2uDCIoKY8E1z9l59_WMK13Xi5lXDvbc2Mfbdnzq9LIcqhEAUuo_fb-kA/s1600/DSC00294.JPG"></a><div></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINS3LpNF7Md_FfG_xppB6hIvUqj2RYDUm9Y_Ks8tBOMSsBmTIZgxNgT_B138W0K5Mms8dP_xAadNQPH2uDCIoKY8E1z9l59_WMK13Xi5lXDvbc2Mfbdnzq9LIcqhEAUuo_fb-kA/s1600/DSC00294.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINS3LpNF7Md_FfG_xppB6hIvUqj2RYDUm9Y_Ks8tBOMSsBmTIZgxNgT_B138W0K5Mms8dP_xAadNQPH2uDCIoKY8E1z9l59_WMK13Xi5lXDvbc2Mfbdnzq9LIcqhEAUuo_fb-kA/s320/DSC00294.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459628846231620626" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mamma's boy is four today. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I love my kids. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As requested the cakes are chocolate with a honey frosting. The honey from the honey bear jar that we brought back with us from the </span><a href="http://www.thehoneyfarm.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Honey Farm</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> in Wales. Before we went away I bought the Thunderbirds cake toppers from ebay. He's very pleased. I am too. </span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">For 16 or so cakes</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">3 eggs</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">100 grams of butter (lurpac for best cakes)</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">100 grams of caster sugar</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">100 grams of plain flour</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">2 and 1/2 tsps of baking powder</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">35 grams of cocoa powder</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">15 grams of cornflour</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">dash of vanilla extract</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">dash of milk</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Beat the room temp. butter and sugar for a full 3 minutes (it does help) so that the mixture looks like frosting. Then eggs and dry ingredients stirred in in 3rds. Milk at the end if you need it.</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The butter creme was 250 grams of icing sugar, 100 grams of butter and about 2 tablespoons of honey, beaten together until irresistible.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And where have I been? Besides the coast of Wales I mean?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Well, after the shingles in October, I needed to do something to make me feel fitter and calmer. And it was raining a lot. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A lot</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. And therefore couldn't go for long walks with my kids (not all kids are game for that sort of thing). By Thanksgiving evening, I couldn't take it anymore and asked hubby to buy us a Wii and Wii fit. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And he did.</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> It's been the best thing ever. I highly recommend it. I do yoga in the morning before work and then another 45 minutes of exercise fun after I get Mamma's boy to bed in the evening. I haven't lost loads of weight, but I'm much happier and coping with work. I've also had a check up with the doctor, who says that all the tests show that I am rude with health. He says to not put all your energy into trying to fit into the BMI chart. Each person is different. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I like my doctor.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The other place I've been is Facebook. I know, I know, you don't have to tell me, I've experienced it fully. I can't discuss everything as this blog is about being positive. Don't worry, I'm ok now and will get back to doing productive things again. promise! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div>foodteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976067976568102848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12592728.post-28509956425095868022009-11-02T23:05:00.003+00:002009-11-02T23:25:44.424+00:00cornbread and soup<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6w8uJXq8qk-Y5vfX1ggRmZxrBqjI3ozPF3tQKaBb3sljifhfDmL1buOpfweo8rnI-sqHu8iylusb5Z0LuJzqfklL_sWml_GXXuX35QYSAnqMugHyYWMHR-2hSYtL986Ng61wUdQ/s1600-h/P281009_18.35.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6w8uJXq8qk-Y5vfX1ggRmZxrBqjI3ozPF3tQKaBb3sljifhfDmL1buOpfweo8rnI-sqHu8iylusb5Z0LuJzqfklL_sWml_GXXuX35QYSAnqMugHyYWMHR-2hSYtL986Ng61wUdQ/s320/P281009_18.35.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399647494027797794" /></a>Back to work... harsh.<div>I'm getting better at letting the kids cook. Mamma's boy is a baker and loves cornbread. Really loves cornbread. The Girl's spicy black bean soup was the bomb! As I may have stated before, if you are planning on letting the kids cook, make sure that you tack at least an extra half an hour onto the planned making or make sure it isn't crucial for the next meal. </div><div><br /></div><div>First day back at school: </div><div>We compared homemade rough puff pastry to bought and I demonstrated a cheese and onion jalousie with the two pastries.</div><div>In the afternoon I had the pupils analyse pot noodles in groups and then I showed them how to make a much better 'own' version. They liked own version best. (thank goodness)</div><div><br /></div><div> </div>foodteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976067976568102848noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12592728.post-63981481502609496392009-10-21T20:59:00.003+01:002009-10-22T10:19:53.689+01:00ghouls and shingles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiou6xlLMbv-L-krsXMXmRkAHm1BB7F1Hw5PIo3wUcqQdKbS0f0w02ldUy2304cVw2i48TpOAJMIdRf942KDDCTZi5hVBGYBCulBjN-_DK1r0_HhKevS-TiEB7uiyFGk__v0xYXDg/s1600-h/P151009_12.14%231.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiou6xlLMbv-L-krsXMXmRkAHm1BB7F1Hw5PIo3wUcqQdKbS0f0w02ldUy2304cVw2i48TpOAJMIdRf942KDDCTZi5hVBGYBCulBjN-_DK1r0_HhKevS-TiEB7uiyFGk__v0xYXDg/s320/P151009_12.14%231.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395146012740697826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckK05tglsBI9C4_TDQ_JUq-rAn6VMyu2aFK9YCasN8LVFmDRyfUcdsoYofjA7Oy75_eVXXxdf9-EzT2RA9H7HCngag2enqjSStW9OyCn_QtUSGWHGdNA2WIwG3S1yI4AI7-6e1g/s1600-h/P201009_21.12.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckK05tglsBI9C4_TDQ_JUq-rAn6VMyu2aFK9YCasN8LVFmDRyfUcdsoYofjA7Oy75_eVXXxdf9-EzT2RA9H7HCngag2enqjSStW9OyCn_QtUSGWHGdNA2WIwG3S1yI4AI7-6e1g/s320/P201009_21.12.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395146012885814546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAoCPfaeWNvfjOuworTh_1oXWp67sn_tJbpmp9IHRE0pqJwzo9ZrW4QX7YmivrLYDyi2lAxjWGSltAwffl1o-HAY7tjNhdS8cwfsaQsSVEtm8inDYvGAzjQy56KdwKigktYyduEQ/s1600-h/P201009_19.41_%5B03%5D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAoCPfaeWNvfjOuworTh_1oXWp67sn_tJbpmp9IHRE0pqJwzo9ZrW4QX7YmivrLYDyi2lAxjWGSltAwffl1o-HAY7tjNhdS8cwfsaQsSVEtm8inDYvGAzjQy56KdwKigktYyduEQ/s320/P201009_19.41_%5B03%5D.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395146003523370402" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseJhzQZSSs9ca8avenZ-El2Q07IajcnW_r534o05q6TThEFczR6UrZYqOV6qtKIezYYzBm_sN-UZyqoO3iPLAQAn_dNIWKVcUsXJah9u4jBW6euasuRUAAMAAzvHv8laSxhAUhw/s1600-h/P201009_19.41_%5B02%5D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseJhzQZSSs9ca8avenZ-El2Q07IajcnW_r534o05q6TThEFczR6UrZYqOV6qtKIezYYzBm_sN-UZyqoO3iPLAQAn_dNIWKVcUsXJah9u4jBW6euasuRUAAMAAzvHv8laSxhAUhw/s320/P201009_19.41_%5B02%5D.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395146000330949186" /></a>Year 7's went away on camp. Except for a few. It was my turn last Wednesday to teach them. But what? I was thinking of just a bit of drawing, just let them entertain themselves while I got on with paper work. But, that morning, their temporary tutor came next door to me and asked on their behalf what they would be doing. He looked at me with his puppy dog eyes and said that they were lovely. AWWW... monster bread it is then!<div>We had a fab time. Mine from that lesson is the top photo. </div><div>I love the idea of monster bread. So I did it again with The Girl. She came up with the gold that is the mummy bread. We made Mamma's Boy a frog as he expressed concern over the theme of monsters. Packed it for his lunch and he actually ate the whole thing. The most positive event of his day. </div><div><br /></div><div>And the shingles? Well, got to enjoy being 41 last week, feeling on top of the world, feeling I'd cracked this ageing thing, and then I started to feel unwell in a very non specific sort of way. And I was trying to figure out just when I bruised my back. Woke up Saturday morning, took a bath to try to get the pain to go away and did a check. Still couldn't figure it out. Got out of the bath and then the realisation hit. Shingles. Oh Crap. Google. Husband does physical check, no those aren't ordinary spots. What?! NHS direct nurse. Lovely woman. Good. Yes, you have shingles. Christ. </div><div><br /></div><div>Flashback. Remembering my Granddad's shingles. He was stoic but in lots of pain. Begin to panic.</div><div><br /></div><div>But all shingles are not the same. Mine are mild. I went to the doctor on Monday and he gave me the week off, but that's all I'll need. And amazingly, this time (for he tells me I will get shingles again) I would have to say shingles have been a gift. I've slept, thought, and have been able to be there for my kids while they are going to and coming back from school. An honour. I've allowed myself to rest and get better. A sure sign of ageing well. Rather than running back to work, working too hard and making myself twice as ill.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>foodteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976067976568102848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12592728.post-47053458718292374532009-10-13T22:58:00.002+01:002009-10-13T23:34:19.019+01:00end of 40A lot has happened this year. But that is the way for everyone. I've learned a lot. I've learned to have more confidence in what I know. I've learned to stand by what I know is right. I've finally learned that old demons are just that: old and demons. Best to be either battled or ignored depending on their D & D level (bear with me). I've also learned that being family is not enough. There has to be respect and empathy.<br />I've been thinking a lot these last few weeks about the stories and the facts of my life. I often fantasize about being asked about what I know and what I know to be true. But as we are all aware, that just doesn't happen. People look without asking. Ineffective.<br /><br />What I know is...<br />The best advice I was ever given. I was 19ish, at university and for various reasons feeling pretty messed up and emotional. I decided to partake in some psychotherapy. I was in there for 20 minutes and came out of it wanting to...well you get it. I went to my art teacher/ mentor. He said to me magic words. Words that I never heard from anyone else ever since. But they are logical. First he said not to go back to the therapist. Paint and talk to him. He then said that I shouldn't have goals. Too many goals and you can't see the opportunities in front of you. Epiphany.<br /><br />I looked at what my goals were. And they were these: to get to university and to be like Mary Tyler Moore. Well, obviously I was at university and let's face it, even though it's cute and very midwest child of the 70's/80's, Mary Tyler Moore as a role model isn't going to get you far. <br /><br />So I started to look around me. One night I saw a man across a crowded room. I turned to my friend and said, 'That is the man I'm going to marry.' I knew it was true. And it was.<br />With him I gained love, security, adventure, children and family, friends and friendship. All of which I'm convinced I wouldn't have had without him. <br /><br />I'm going into 41 feeling solid, secure and loved.foodteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976067976568102848noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12592728.post-6893734664671998482009-09-26T17:53:00.002+01:002009-09-26T18:01:22.646+01:00september sun<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlrnX7GymnOj6-b-udNEhZbFDx_TNPJIwtIMUSXSFc-2flCu5k6WKfRiSeEwJ0XkOvH0FDPUua8iSfTXB7sBHSzb-NQntPFKdil0KWhkUIiSHujBiu-3dv6yhalitTsGsyK4ehQ/s1600-h/Drawing+Panel0.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlrnX7GymnOj6-b-udNEhZbFDx_TNPJIwtIMUSXSFc-2flCu5k6WKfRiSeEwJ0XkOvH0FDPUua8iSfTXB7sBHSzb-NQntPFKdil0KWhkUIiSHujBiu-3dv6yhalitTsGsyK4ehQ/s320/Drawing+Panel0.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385820810174969106" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_ozHcrFQmwTVlzMo8_q0zT9_5t9BES71SUXfxg0pRs6v9wnZhVov_SYrwO3xcF-Woe-qX2BG-P3p2vWYVbawBHSot_YK48ZgQUk_yMAzzZhIcLtG5aSD8UyAQPZM7aV4d6gZIg/s1600-h/Drawing+Panel_5.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_ozHcrFQmwTVlzMo8_q0zT9_5t9BES71SUXfxg0pRs6v9wnZhVov_SYrwO3xcF-Woe-qX2BG-P3p2vWYVbawBHSot_YK48ZgQUk_yMAzzZhIcLtG5aSD8UyAQPZM7aV4d6gZIg/s320/Drawing+Panel_5.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385820804263795858" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2DZAUeoeOfZMOVDtmbKprhLBarBhyphenhyphenSceIN-d4CRHZABGgVHB_3lyUMqCFQCfQKHgoQjfUI2bIDsK7SotCC8dzg1LGi5Gda0LcViLp0fxH_rU1Urb4Dl7HNtDQ2r2lS5lK3VCbg/s1600-h/P200909_16.36.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2DZAUeoeOfZMOVDtmbKprhLBarBhyphenhyphenSceIN-d4CRHZABGgVHB_3lyUMqCFQCfQKHgoQjfUI2bIDsK7SotCC8dzg1LGi5Gda0LcViLp0fxH_rU1Urb4Dl7HNtDQ2r2lS5lK3VCbg/s320/P200909_16.36.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385820794791807410" /></a>It's been an absolutely brilliant Saturday. It's made the stressed of the week melt away. <div>I'm back to teaching a lot more cooking this year. Which means more apple pies, pizzas and curries taken home from demonstrations. So not so bad really. </div><div>I have been sketching on my mobile phone, a great way to unwind before I go to sleep at night. </div><div>Have a big painting in my head waiting to get out onto the plexi glass that is in the shed. </div><div>The rest of my brain is filled with education, fear of ofsted and strategies for troubled kids.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>foodteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976067976568102848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12592728.post-599674938765617432009-08-28T11:56:00.002+01:002009-08-28T12:23:44.709+01:00eating well is avengement<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv31t9m_UCYEJemQE7kmKg7i9UCNkmuZiaQ-s0XFnhdjuCUybGB6nkCfskIFkzkh-qze1CCMxCu19XuYkXCIy0Duk2iVhvpboe3tA6WeD7KCYIO74Ktf6Am22f2ZTMSjOgj3ryNA/s1600-h/HPIM5703.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv31t9m_UCYEJemQE7kmKg7i9UCNkmuZiaQ-s0XFnhdjuCUybGB6nkCfskIFkzkh-qze1CCMxCu19XuYkXCIy0Duk2iVhvpboe3tA6WeD7KCYIO74Ktf6Am22f2ZTMSjOgj3ryNA/s320/HPIM5703.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374967063106057442" /></a>Ah, I love a cheap posh meal. Don't you? For brunch this morning: homemade potato cakes, poached eggs and fresh green beans with loads of butter, salt and pepper. Even better knowing that with my clever marked down purchases it was a real bargain. 4 eggs 54p, 4 potatoes 35p, and green beans 18p = £1.07 . Am feeling smug. I am a bit like the dad in Everyone Hates Chris, doing the costings as I sit around the table watching people eat, then bothering them with the details. <div><br /></div><div>Poached Eggs. My Grandma M. used to poach an egg every morning for Grandpa. She always had a small pan boiling at top speed and just dropped it in. And it worked. How??? I have to put the salt and bit of vinegar in the shallow, slow simmering water. I crack the egg into a small tea cup, spin the water ever so gently and slip that egg into the water...then hope. I also have to change the water for the 4th egg. Not one of those meals that we all sit down at the same time for. Restaurants, for those of you who may be wondering, do them ahead of time and re-dip them in hot water to order. I never volunteered for that job.</div>foodteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14976067976568102848noreply@blogger.com0