Pumps & Pineapples

Question.

Do you truly love where you live? Are you proud of where you came from? Is there any sort of loyalty that comes out a place where you choose (or don't choose) to grow roots?

I have lived in Detroit for almost two years now, and I know that I never want to leave. The city is so vibrant and full of history. The highs have been high, the lows terrible low. But this city is abundant with people who have grit and a fierce love for their city. I've never, ever, seen so much pride for not just sports teams, but the neighborhood that you come from. 

However, that wasn't easy to see when I first came here. I was a teacher for about a year and a half. I taught in an inner-city charter school in Detroit. I don't have my soapbox ready to go for speaking about the education disaster that is Detroit, my students gave me life. They were difficult. That's the only word I can use to describe the pain that I went through every day teacher. But they were also beautiful. Kind. Loyal. Brutally honest. And it was so interesting to listen to them speak about Detroit. So many of them seemed ashamed of where they came from. They were hyper aware that they were disadvantage in more than one way because of where they were born. As they were getting closer to graduation, they weren't shy about voicing their opinion about their city. "Ms. Ro, I can't WAIT to get out of Detroit!" "This city is a damn mess." They couldn't understand why loved the city and wanted to grow roots here. 

Now that I am out of the education sector, I see the entirely different side of the spectrum. I work in Downtown Detroit and the amount of "Made in Detroit" or "Detroit vs Everybody" signs are almost overwhelming. People are SO proud to be creating, making, living in this city. 

As for me... let's just say I'm never planning to leave.

What do you think? Are you proud of where you come from or where you live? Let me know! 

Long story short, my lesson went much better than expected. As a teacher, I don't think that there is anything more important than having a strong report with your students. It shows that they trust you and are willing to work with you instead of being closed off. Thankfully, the kids decided that they loved me today and were model students. Phew!

After my lesson, I had a conversation with my supervisor about my strengths and weaknesses. He said I did well, but the real treat with the actual treat that he gave me. Covered in a brown box, a shaded "Brownie Points" was written in dark brown writing. Taking one bite, I fell into sugar comatose. I tried the birthday cake brownie, and I think I fell in love with the square inch morsel. Doing some research, I found out that the owner is a teacher turned CEO from Ohio! You gotta represent the OH whenever you can. Check them out here!

After eating approximately 50 portions of Snowflake Mix (note: if you are trying to eat health [like myself] do not make. It's devilishly delicious), I needed to head to the gym. Like just about everyone else, I am trying to eat healthy, get active, and lose weight. One way that I am trying to do this is through training for a half-marathon. I loath running (and moving in general) but I'm trying to push myself in a way I never thought possible. I'm on week four of my 10k plan, trying to work up to a half-marathon, and I've made considerable progress. If you're looking for a good couch to 10k mile plan, check this one out! 

Finally, everyone needs to stop what they are doing and go to the grocery store to buy a butternut squash, some kale, and some tortillas. I'll wait.

I made butternut squash quesadillas with kale. These are shut the front door good. I added some red onions for good measure, and I've never been happier. Or more full. Here's the recipe from the Pioneer Woman.

Until tomorrow!

xoxo

Alaina