Favorite Things Linky: Gettin' Fit

I am linking up with Halle at Across the Hall in 2nd Grade for her Favorite Things Linky: Gettin' Fit!

Unlike some of my family members, I am not constantly working out, getting some crazy long workouts into my days. I'm more of the type who is always "thinking" of working out. I have the BEST of intentions but not the best for following through with them. I typically go in spurts of a few weeks of daily, bad ass workouts and then hit a streak of couch potato action. I sometimes even dread working out, especially after long, stressful days at work but those are the times I NEED to workout the most. The times I have powered through the "not wanting to do anything but lay in bed" attitude, I have felt amazing after working out. I need to get it through my thick skull that I always feel better after some exercise.

Now, don't get me wrong, I LOVE shoes! I especially love these bad boys...

Asics Gel Nimbus 14!

My feet feel like they're walking on clouds when I wear these! I love how comfy they are and how stinkin' cute they are! I've gotten so many compliments from people and a few of my friends have bought them because they liked mine so much. These make me want to work out! That's a good thing! I wouldn't call myself a "runner" but I do run sometimes. I started running off and on almost 2 years ago. My husband and I have gotten into doing the obstacle/mud runs which have been so fun...except I need to LIKE the running part more. Haha! That's one of my goals this summer is to get back into a regular running routine.

This is my newest purchase...

These videos make working out exciting and fun! They use moves from 6 different mixed martial arts disciplines; getting your heart pumping and those muscles burning. After doing these workouts, I feel like I can kick some MAJOR BUTT! My husband knows to be nice to me after these workouts. ;)

This is my drink of choice...WATER!

Three years ago I gave up my biggest addiction...CAFFEINE! It was probably one of the hardest things to do but I did it for my health. I was drinking EXCESSIVE amounts of soda and coffee. My mornings started by going to the McDonald's drive-thru to get a large Coke, another at recess time, lunch, a few after school, and usually one or two with dinner. CRAY-ZEE!!! All that sugar and caffeine was making my body feel like CRAP! I had so many aches and pains when I woke up in the mornings. I was ALWAYS tired or sluggish and I was having a lot of frequent headaches. As soon as I gave it all up, the aches & pains and headaches were gone. That made up my mind to give it up for good. I used to miss it so bad--the sound of a Coke can opening (pffttt!) and the smell of coffee (mmmmm!) but now the only thing I'm addicted to is ice in my water. The colder the better!

One last thing that makes me really smile is my new bike!

I have always loved cruisers. I had one in college and got rid of it when I came back home (not one of my smartest decisions). When I saw this at Target a little while back, I HAD to have it! The cheery color reminded me of summer and of the bike rides I used to take along the beach paths in Long Beach. So fun! I'm looking forward to taking some rides with my kids, now that my youngest became an official bike rider earlier this year. I just need a cute little basket for the front to make it all complete! :)

Thanks Halle for the fun linky! I've already checked out everyone's posts and made a few purchases to help get me more motivated to workout! Thanks to Sarah from First Grade Buddies for showing off the Flip Belt. It looks awesome and mine is on its way!

Suggestions Needed...

for classroom website designs! I'm looking at changing my classroom website design. I've been using School World for the past 5 years and I'd like to move on. 

Here's a screenshot of my current site: (www.mrstompkins.com)

Starting out, School World was a great choice for me. I loved how it was all laid out for you and so easy to use. I'm ready to take things up a notch. :)  I know there are many wonderful blog designers out there but I am looking specifically for a website designer. Cuteness is a must! So, if you have used someone before or know of someone, please leave me a comment or email me. I appreciate any suggestions you have to offer!

Summer is here!

Another school year is over and I have to honestly say...THANK GAWD!! This has been one of the toughest years I've had since I started teaching 14 years ago. A lot of things have taken a backseat due to all my energy going into surviving this school year. I don't wish this class size (33!), the amount of boys (22!) or behavior problems on anybody! This was the most destructive group of kids that I've had too. Tile floors peeled up, wall outlets broken, bookshelves drawn on, folders cut up, pages ripped out of books, and crayons shoved into the cracks of the door, to name a few things. This class also broke the record for most tardies, not that there is a record but if there was, MY class would have it! Haha! I had one little girl that had 96 absences and tardies for the school year!!! Oh. My!

Enough with the negative! I did have a very smart group of kids that loved to learn. I am thankful for that! I received many kind kind emails, notes, and phone calls throughout the year praising my teaching, which made it all worth it...but I really am glad that the year is finally over! :)

Today was officially my 2nd day of summer vacation and I must say it has been FANTASTIC!!! For those of you who have already started summer break, you know what I mean; and those that are still in school, you will know how good it feels soon! Hang in there!

Now, on to happier things! This little package was waiting on my doorstep earlier this week...

 Isn't the packaging too cute?!? How can it NOT make you smile?!

I got my first Erin Condren teacher plan book! Isn't it fabulous??? I LOVE it already! I know they are pricey but I took advantage of the May teacher appreciation discount. I usually get my lesson plan books (for free) from Lakeshore. So this was a big step for me. I wanted to do something for myself for the new school year and this was one way to do it. I'm looking forward to a more positive school year and what better way to do that than to be really organized with a super cute and colorful plan book. The colors on the outside and inside make me smile. That's a great start already!

Does anyone else use these plan books? I'm curious as to how people like them. If you have one, used one or want one, let me know what you think. :)