What defines me?

I am tired of making my weight define me.  It doesn't help that I have others (and by others I mean my family) making comments about my weight--but I'm not any easier on myself than they are.  They just further justify my scrutiny.

I am a fantastic mother, wife and friend.  I am intelligent and creative and have more on my plate than the average person.  I can balance work, school and family like no other and don't slack in either one of those arenas.  I am beautiful both inside and out-- so why can't I see that?  Why can't I see that I am more than the number of my pants?  Why can't I see that I have eyelashes others would kill for?  That my skin is flawless and my hair is thick and beautiful?  Why can't I see that regardless of that size, I have a good sense of style?  Why do I stand in the mirror and criticize every single thing I see instead of looking at what I just mentioned?  Why can't I pat myself in the back for working out for the past couple of weeks even though I've been exhausted?  Why can't I give myself a little cheer for the small steps I'm taking to a healthier me?  

I need to define myself... and it should have nothing to do with size.  I rock.  Period.

A look on the bright side...

I've had a busy week starting back at work and I've been coming home a bit frustrated.  Here's a list of things that are great and that make me happy at work so I don't dwell on the negative:

1.  The energy that comes with starting out new at work... everyone is excited, rested from the summer... if only we could keep this feeling well into the school year!
2.  Coworkers/Friends who make me laugh and make time go fast.
3.  School supplies!  Lots of them!  I'm especially loving my new shaped paper clips.
4.  My new class I'm teaching... I'm psyched about it and thinking of all the wonderful things I can do with my kiddies.
5.  Feeling like I have a grasp on things now... after 6 years of teaching.
6.  Being surrounded by talented people.. hope to learn lots from them.
7.  My vision for my bulletin boards coming to life... yes, I'm a dork.
8.  Starbucks.
9.... k... I thought I'd make it to 10 but it's not happening. I'm surprised I made it to 8! ;)

What teachers make...

Count your blessings Tuesdays?

I guess Count Your Blessings went on a bit of a hiatus ;)  I have much to be grateful for!  This summer I am grateful for:

• time to meet up with friends
• having uninterrupted conversations
• lunches with C
• mornings with T
• naps with T
• having the best of both worlds... being a professional and "stay at home" mom over the summer
• being able to see my parents
• having my feet in the sand more than once
• a to-do list that is COMPLETE!
• cuddle time!!
• starting my workout routine again
• school supplies
• my schedule for this school year
• postcards and emails from past students
• all the laughter, joy and love that has filled my house
• a potty trained child that was WAY too easy to train (not complaining!)
• T sleeping until 9.. can I get an AMEN on that one?

Happy in the kitchen!

Things that are making me happy in the kitchen....

These flowers....

Finding green plantains at the grocery store and prepping for some TOSTONES :)  

Finally mastering my Mami's pink bean recipe... doesn't look like much there but they were delish!

My rice cooker... whoever invented this is my hero.

Cooking more at home = awesome :)

Tonight's menu included bistec with onions, rice and beans.
Tomorrow's menu includes tostones and fried pork (healthy, I know!)
Thursday is C and the barbecue... probably chicken and corn on the cob
Friday is shrimp alfredo.

Who wants to come to dinner? ;)