Science is cool.

Whoa, the weather got crazy, but I saw it coming. I learned about it in science class with the kids.

Um, it has something to do with the Sierra Nevadas/Pacific Mountain Range diverting the rain west and south. I tried to search this, but apparently, most info for the public is watered down to... yeah, we're getting rain.

Meanwhile in science class today, we learned about volcanoes. So cool! I learn so much in that class, including:

Jupiter's moon, Io, is about the size of our planet and is the ONLY other volcanic body in the solar system besides Earth! It has snow though, which won't melt because it's so far away from the sun.

(image from NASA)

Mauna Loa, which is on the Hawaiian Island, is the largest volcano on Earth. It begins underwater and

(image from NASA)

Mount Hood near Portland is a composite volcano, which means it's neither a low-lying nor explosive volcano. It can in the next 200 years have a explosion that will wipe out Portland though.

(image from Planet Ware)

The teacher is so knowledgeable that I'm going to actually start keeping up with the news! Really! Starting with NASA! Maybe I should just pick up a basic textbook though huh?

None of us want to leave the house. I finished making a half batch of Love Veggies & Yoga's Caramel Apple Bars. I can't wait to taste them!

Today will be dedicated to reading Firefly Lane and listening to calming music. Julie of PB Fingers had a link to Jack Johnson's "Banana Pancakes" on her site and I thought it was perfect for the rainy day!

That, and a song we listened to in class today: "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole!

Quick book, quick review: Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk

I grabbed David Sedaris' "Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk" yesterday and proceeded to finish it last night. It was an easy and fun read.

Animals are personified. It's not one story, but many little tales. Animals aren't like humans as it describes though - they just have voices but don't necessarily act like humans.

This is a sneak peak of what the story's like... it's quite hilarious. Kind of like a parody of "Animal Farm."

(images from J-Fun Fun)

I've decided to return Brady Brady Brady and read Firefly Lane next instead. So far so good.

Compacting fitness for health & work

I've been heading to the gym in the morning before work and not after work anymore. When I didn't have my 4 hours of work, I would do both some days or well, most days. I definitely this is more healthy so I'm going to stick with it instead of forcing myself to do too much. Actually, I have to force myself not to do too much.

Today, it was 20 minutes on the elliptical then some back and side extensions on the back extension machine. I felt I needed the

(image from Body Building)

Then off to 24SET, which involved lots of lunges. My arms and shoulders were cooperating and I could do chest presses. Hm, might it have something to do with compacting my workouts?

A shower and a salad later, off to work. Though I had to add a bite of my remaining CVille Clusters to avoid an upset stomach with my vitamins.

My first class at work is always intensive. I actually work with students one-on-one. It can get a little difficult as some students refuse to do work and I'm just nagging them all the time. At least there's some activity though.

While the students ate lunch, I file folders, which really isn't fun but it gives me a break and time goes by pretty fast. I have busy work and time to myself.

My second class today was math. I like the juniors and seniors since I mostly work with freshmen. Though there are one or two students that are tougher, but overall, I enjoy the kids. The class, however, is another story. It's essential algebra and thus, dull.

My other class on alternating days is a freshmen science class. They're a HANDFUL! The teacher is awesome though and science is the one subject I didn't like or retain in high school so I'm learning a lot! :)