Better Off Jenn

cat mom | teacher | science nerd

[betteroffjenn]

When you choose what to read based on your mood, you have to have options.

[betteroffjenn]

This is the year I put myself first.

Today, I moved my little workout area from the basment to the second bedroom because in the 3 years my partner and I have lived in this house I never worked out at home. If it’s out of sight, it’s out of mind. Now, I’ll see it every day and the plan is to get into a good routine! (Ignore the electrical mess as I just wanted to get everything set-up. I’ll clean it up later.)

I am also working on changing my eating habits so I’m working through The Intuitive Eating Workbook. I completed the introduction and I’m about to dive into Chapter 1 today.

[betteroffjenn]

Best day of the year (so far!). I got my cast off today! While I’ll still have to complete some physical therapy to get back my full range of motion, I am just happy at all the things I can now that I have my hand back (even this much).

[everybody-loves-to-eat]

[betteroffjenn]

🤤🤤

[betteroffjenn]

First week back from break has been hell. Especially because we had to do testing every morning Tuesday-Friday. I have so many emotions that need to be sorted out after this week.

[betteroffjenn]

Here are my top picks to read this year to help reduce the 96 unread books on my shelves. Very excited to have a goal and specific challenges to help read more this year!

[betteroffjenn]

I am about to finish this book today. My first read book of 2020!

[betteroffjenn]

Started using my accupressure mat again today. And wow, I have missed it!

[betteroffjenn]

3.72 mile walk. It was cloudy and 36 degrees, but I got it in. And it felt great.

[fiercefatfeminist]

I am a strong supporter of girls complimenting other girls

[betteroffjenn]

A friend from college just posted this on her Facebook and this really resonated with me. Over the past 10 years or so, I’ve ridden a similar emotional rollercoaster, pushed myself in certain ways while neglecting other areas, and more recently, I have completely sidelined myself from my life.

For the past 9 years, I have kept myself busy with a full-time job, part-time graduate classes, and part-time jobs. I didn’t realize until very recently that I was keeping myself busy as a way to avoid my emotional issues and physical health. I’m too busy to exercise. It’s too hard to meal prep/eat healthy when I have no time. It was even easier to make these excuses once I became a teacher!

It all got worse in 2016 when I was diagnosed and treated for thyroid cancer. I was out of work for 2 months because if it. When I was supposed to return to teaching, I ended up with a mild case of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and was hospitalized for about 3 weeks. I never did return back to work that school year. It sucked. It damaged my mentality more than I realized. Plus, my weight ballooned up after all this even after a couple years of gaining back weight little by little.

And I’ve been at this heavy weight since. My heaviest ever. It has caused me to avoid get togethers with old friends, traveling, and numerous other experiences. Mainly, I’m struck by the amount of hate I have for myself. Just like my friend wrote about in her post, I’m old enought to feel like weight gain is okay. But I am only 34 and have a lot more life to live. So it’s time to get my head and body in order. Not to impress others, but so I can live my best life. I have middle schoolers to keep up with these days and they have the energy of toddlers most days!

[fatmaninalittlesuit]

[betteroffjenn]

Just a little Dollar Tree therapy to help update my classroom for second semester in a couple weeks.

[betteroffjenn]

I broke my fifth metacarpal on 12/3/19. I was in a plaster splint for 10 days before getting this cast, which I’ve been in for 17 days now. I was doing okay at first, but now that I still haven’t received a definite end date to being casted I’m struggling—mentally.

This is my dominant hand so I can’t do much of what I used to, including simple everyday tasks like putting my hair in a ponytail. I know, I know. This only temporary so I shouldn’t complain. Especially when people can do what I’m complaining about with only one hand or arm.

Today, I’m really struggling staying positive though. All I want to do is clean and organize my stuff like I usually do around this time, but it’s a bitch. It’s frustrating and I’m fighting the urge to cut this damn cast off.

My psychologist thinks this is a blessing because it’s slowed me down. But I didn’t realize it would bring me to a halt. I am not good at resting and relaxing.

[betteroffjenn]

Hello, 2020.

For the first time in almost 10 years, I am NOT working a part-time job or taking graduate/professional development classes while teaching full-time.

Be prepared to share in my journey of reading my unread books, exercising regularly, prepping more fun activities for my students, and whatever else I feel like doing with all the extra time!

[angelaeleni]

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[betteroffjenn]

21: What I love most about myself: My ability to learn new things quickly.
22: What I want to be when I get older: I’ve found my career. As long as I’m in education, I’ll be happy.
23: My relationship with my sibling(s): Great!
24: My relationship with my parent(s): My mom is a close friend. My dad is my dad...
25: My idea of a perfect date: Coffee and a lakefront walk. 
26: My biggest pet peeves: too many to name
27: A description of the girl/boy I like: That’s for me to know. 
28: A description of the person I dislike the most: I don’t waste my time on people I dislike.
29: A reason I’ve lied to a friend: To save face.
30: What I hate the most about work/school: 🤔
31: What my last text message says: 😊 I’m too lazy for words most of the time.
32: What words upset me the most: “pussy” and “moist”
33: What words make me feel the best about myself: intelligent, generous, empathic
34: What I find attractive in women: Authenticity
35: What I find attractive in men: Authenticity
36: Where I would like to live: I’m comfortable where I am now.
37: One of my insecurities: My large hand and shoe size. I swear I was supposed to be like 6’0”, but got runted. 
38: My childhood career choice: Veterinarian
39: My favorite ice cream flavor: Vanilla
40: Who I wish I could be: A calmer, more levelheaded version of myself
41: Where I want to be right now: On a beach or by a pool soaking up the sun.
42: The last thing I ate: spoonful of peanut butter
43: Sexiest person that comes to my mind immediately: Chris Hemsworth
44: A random fact about anything: I hate not having my nails painted.