Life lessons…

Today was a six day work week. I used to complain about such weeks, yet today after hitting the snooze on my alarm 3 times, I rolled out of bed to get dressed and ready to teach at our local community college. The job, that truly isn’t really ‘work’ but more joy…
Yes…I teach in the histology program, despite being doubted by so many in the local area. And…I truly love the things I not only teach, but learn from my students. These amazing men and women show me so much about life each and every time I teach them about a field I don’t necessarily love, yet respect dearly.
Today I relearned a love and respect for not only the field, but for life…I was reminded that even in our darkest hour, or toughest day, there is LIGHT.
I encouraged, helped, and guided this amazing group for the better part of the day, and their heartfelt thanks, thoughts, and simply watching them grow as histo-techs did my heart wonders…
Keep in mind teaching is no joke. I spend countless hours AFTER work, pouring over research, lesson plans, and planning for the day of class in which I hope to change lives.
And EVERY single time I am allowed to teach, despite cussing the alarm clock, I find myself blessed to be a part of shaping a new technicians career. Even if for just a moment…
As I transition OUT of this career field, I find myself remise because I am nearly sure I won’t be teaching anymore…
Yet I know I have been brought to this place, for a reason…
Added confidence, hope, and faith in mankind I believe are the basis of my purpose here…
These students have no idea what THEY teach to me, bring to me, and even give to my life.
I came home smiling after a long day of teaching, grading and working…and my smile continued on for the rest of the day.

I cooked an amazing pork rib roast served over sautéed spinach with a side of scallop potatoes…and my family raved…

Pork Roast recipe:
Mix kosher salt, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, garlic salt, cumin, paprika, and pepper together….sorry, no measurements, just season to taste. Rub over your pork ribs, and sear in a pan on high heat. Transfer to the oven at 275 degrees for about an our or until cooked to 150 degrees (internal temp). Let rest for 15 minutes which will bring the temp to 160 degrees.
Spinach:
Sautee 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 small onion and red pepper flakes in 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil. Add in 4 slices of thick cut bacon chopped, and brown through. Drain the grease. Add in 3-4 cups of fresh spinach, and wilt down. Season with salt and pepper. Voila!
Scallop potatoes:
Take 2 cups of veggie stock, and add 2 tablespoons of corn starch to thicken. Mix well, and bring to a boil over high heat. Add 1 pat of unsalted butter, salt, pepper, and parsley. Thinly slice 4 large potatoes and add to the mix…simmer for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked with a slight bite to them…
Serve, and enjoy!

We had a family Wii night, playing golf, bowling, archery, and table tennis with some sword fighting to boot.

And now, I am relaxing with some wine, with no guilt of having NOT run for 6 days…
I am planning to run tomorrow, but am allowing myself this bit of respite to regroup, recount, and find my way.
For taking small breaks, to me, isn’t a sign of weakness…
It is a sign of strength that you are using your energy to keep moving forward…

Yup…