the real hunger games

We started our legislative branch unit in government this week.  Before we can really get into things, I try to lay a foundation of what the branch is about, how it functions, and its different parts.  Today, we discussed the House of Representatives.  I gave the class a map of Georgia, and we all drew the 14 districts, which led to conversations about apportionment and gerrymandering.

One of my students looked dazed.  She was obviously in deep thought.  I asked her what was wrong and she exclaimed, "Y'ALL, THE HUNGER GAMES IS REAL!!!!" Then another student screamed, "I WISH I LIVED IN THE 12th DISTRICT! THERE MIGHT BE A REAL KATNISS! AND MORE DISTRICTS!"

I cried I laughed so hard.  I literally couldn't wait to get to lunch to tell the other teachers.  I hope this little girl was showing me how she applied her new knowledge today, instead of totally dazing out as soon as I said 14 districts!

A few nights ago, I tried a new salad out for dinner!  I found the recipe in a magazine but needed to make some adjustments.  It turned out to be very good.  There was so much flavor!  I would definitely recommend giving it a try!

Brussels Sprout Salad

One bag of fresh brussels sprouts

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

3 tablespoons lemon juice

1/2 tbsp Splenda brown sugar

1/4 tsp salt

Using either a chopper, food processor, or knife, shred the brussels sprouts.  Whisk the next five ingredients together.  Pour over the shredded brussels sprouts and toss until covered.

Refrigerate until serving and ENJOY!

drama queen challenges herself

It's no secret that I have a love for all things diet.  Especially, Diet Coke.  I even recently participated in RaceTrac's teacher appreciation, where they gifted me a tumbler and 10 free drink coupons!  Needless to say, I was a happy girl Friday!

Late last night, David and I were watching a movie.  We paused a movie because David was experimenting with the ice cream maker, and I wanted a Diet Coke, of course.  However, things went badly for me.  For some reason, as I opened the bottom part of the refrigerator, I also swung open the freezer door.  Normally, this would not be an issue, but there is a TINY bit of space between them, and they will just swing closed.  But as I swung that freezer door open, my thumb got caught in between.  I was in a bad way.  It hurt so bad.  My poor husband thought I was being a little dramatic, but when I swung for his stomach with my good arm, blinded by the pain, he realized this was a serious situation.

I was hysterically crying and couldn't feel my thumb.  It was really bad!  I couldn't ice it, because it caused too much pain to put pressure on it.  I cried for a long time.  I think David started to worry I was going to hyperventilate.  Eventually, I calmed down, medicated and we finished the movie.  The feeling hadn't come back in all of my thumb--which worried us a bit.  But I was going to power through.  I'm here today to tell you, I can feel my thumb again!  My thumb might be slightly purplish and blistered, but it's going to make it.

Drama queen right?   

Well speaking of Diet Coke, I collect the Coke Rewards points to order magazines for myself.  I also received a couple subscriptions for Christmas--I just love magazines y'all!  They always come on Fridays, so I get to enjoy them on the weekends.  This weekend I got Health and Fitness.  As I was reading, I stumbled across a few new recipes that looked awesome!  So I've challenged myself to attempt them over the next week.  David was on board.  I asked him if he thought brussels sprout salad sounded good and his response was, "Brussels sprout?  You know I'll eat anything with brussels sprout!"

Here is what is on the docket...

Peppercorn-Crusted Steak with Baked Parsnip Fries

Zoodles with Turkey Meatballs

Mashed Roasted Acorn Squash

Brussels Sprout Salad

I will have to make some adjustments for dietary needs, but I can't wait to tell you how they turn out!  Hopefully these dishes will become some of our favorites!