Gratitude 365 Day 231
The summer is full of guilty pleasures: lazy days, ice cream for no reason, and summer television. The best summer television guilty pleasure is Big Brother. And now I am into American Ninja Warrior. The Mr. thinks I've lost my mind. He might be right, but it wouldn't be summer without those two. I am grateful that the shows extend into the school year, as it feels like I am hanging on to just a bit of summer.
Showing posts with label Gratitude 365. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gratitude 365. Show all posts
Monday, August 19, 2019
Sunday, August 18, 2019
Sundays
Gratitude 365 Day 230
I am grateful for Sundays. Today's Sunday activities: Church and listening to the Bug sing a duet with her mom, Ice Cream Social after church, Pizza Hut Lunch with the kids, Grocery shopping, Work at school, and Hanging out with the Mr. I am grateful for really good days.
I am grateful for Sundays. Today's Sunday activities: Church and listening to the Bug sing a duet with her mom, Ice Cream Social after church, Pizza Hut Lunch with the kids, Grocery shopping, Work at school, and Hanging out with the Mr. I am grateful for really good days.
Saturday, August 17, 2019
Catch Up Weekends
Gratitude 365 Day #229
So grateful for weekends to catch up. I used today for sleeping in (catching up on sleep) and working at school. Can I really be behind on classroom work after a day and a half of school? Yes! Yes, I can. (*sigh) Caught up on laundry and even managed to find time for a little relaxation. Sweet SIL and I had coffee at the new coffee shop that just opened in town.
Weekends are needed at this house.
So grateful for weekends to catch up. I used today for sleeping in (catching up on sleep) and working at school. Can I really be behind on classroom work after a day and a half of school? Yes! Yes, I can. (*sigh) Caught up on laundry and even managed to find time for a little relaxation. Sweet SIL and I had coffee at the new coffee shop that just opened in town.
Weekends are needed at this house.
Friday, August 16, 2019
Birthdays of Childhood
Gratitude 365 Day #228
Today was a big day at the T House. The little Lulu had her first day of All-Day Preschool. She and the Bug are in the same school, so she is with the big kids. She looked so tiny with her backpack hitting her in the back of the knees. So sweet.
AND...it was the Bug's 8th Birthday. She's getting so big. Love that sweet girl!
The only thing better than a first day of school is a birthday on the first full day of school. The Bug was in heaven. She had presents at breakfast, rainbow birthday cookies for her class, and dinner with her grandparents. I'm so grateful that she reminds me how exciting it was to have a birthday in childhood.
Today was a big day at the T House. The little Lulu had her first day of All-Day Preschool. She and the Bug are in the same school, so she is with the big kids. She looked so tiny with her backpack hitting her in the back of the knees. So sweet.
Though you wouldn't know it, she was pretty nervous the night before.
Thankfully, she was ready to go the morning of her first day.
Thursday, August 15, 2019
The Excitement of 1st Days
Gratitude 365 Day #227
Today is the first day of school for the students of the Tiny Town Schools. High School kids play it much cooler, but there is excitement in the halls, shiny faces, and new clothes and hair styles. I love seeing the changes from last spring when last year's sophomores swing by to talk.
Even the teachers feel the excitement and begin the year with energy and enthusiasm.
I am grateful for the excitement of the 1st days, because most of the time we can channel it for the entire year.
E had his first day of Kindergarten on Monday, and he is loving school!
The Bug started second grade today. She loves school, so she was excited. I hope that she loves school this much for the long haul.
I'm hoping that we all have a great day and year!
Today is the first day of school for the students of the Tiny Town Schools. High School kids play it much cooler, but there is excitement in the halls, shiny faces, and new clothes and hair styles. I love seeing the changes from last spring when last year's sophomores swing by to talk.
Even the teachers feel the excitement and begin the year with energy and enthusiasm.
English Staff 2019-2020
E had his first day of Kindergarten on Monday, and he is loving school!
E and Momma are at the same school this year.
The Bug started second grade today. She loves school, so she was excited. I hope that she loves school this much for the long haul.
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Anniversary
Gratitude 365 Day #226
We were married 43 years ago tonight. I am grateful for the guy who cooks, scrapes windows, and fills my gas tank. He listens to me talk about school, gives me quiet time for grading, and puts up with me reading for hours at a time. He'll do laundry and clean if needed, and puts up Christmas lights. He is a great Dad and Papa. In fact, tomorrow he is doing day care duty for the Little Lulu whose first day of all-day Pre-School isn't until Friday. He's a pretty good guy. I'll probably keep him.
We were married 43 years ago tonight. I am grateful for the guy who cooks, scrapes windows, and fills my gas tank. He listens to me talk about school, gives me quiet time for grading, and puts up with me reading for hours at a time. He'll do laundry and clean if needed, and puts up Christmas lights. He is a great Dad and Papa. In fact, tomorrow he is doing day care duty for the Little Lulu whose first day of all-day Pre-School isn't until Friday. He's a pretty good guy. I'll probably keep him.
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
Flexibility
Gratitude 365 Day #225
Today, I am grateful for flexibility. Now, I wish I was talking about my shoulders, legs, or back. Of course, none of them is very flexible these days.
I'm talking about people who go with the flow. When things pop up, they adapt. Lately, that has been me. The Bug is still trying to get over her sickness. Her Mom is already back at work, so the Bug has curled up with a blanket on a comfy chair in my room and gorged on Netflix movies. I've continued working on my classroom, and running to the copier or to the office. Her daddy and I shared custody today.
On Thursday, Papa is staying with Little Sis because her daycare is closed. None of us can miss the first day of school, so he is taking a morning off work. After the students leave, the little miss is coming up to school to hang out with me and her big sister. (Of course, this is all provided that she doesn't get sick, too.)
Flexibility is a good thing. It makes life easier. I'm not sure how rigid people make it through their day. Now, if some of that flexibility would make its way into my shoulders, my gratitude would know no end. Ay yi yi!
Today, I am grateful for flexibility. Now, I wish I was talking about my shoulders, legs, or back. Of course, none of them is very flexible these days.
I'm talking about people who go with the flow. When things pop up, they adapt. Lately, that has been me. The Bug is still trying to get over her sickness. Her Mom is already back at work, so the Bug has curled up with a blanket on a comfy chair in my room and gorged on Netflix movies. I've continued working on my classroom, and running to the copier or to the office. Her daddy and I shared custody today.
On Thursday, Papa is staying with Little Sis because her daycare is closed. None of us can miss the first day of school, so he is taking a morning off work. After the students leave, the little miss is coming up to school to hang out with me and her big sister. (Of course, this is all provided that she doesn't get sick, too.)
Flexibility is a good thing. It makes life easier. I'm not sure how rigid people make it through their day. Now, if some of that flexibility would make its way into my shoulders, my gratitude would know no end. Ay yi yi!
Monday, August 12, 2019
And so begins another year...
Gratitude 365 Day #224
I am so grateful for an easing into the new school year. Today, our first day back, was filled with required meetings. Our cook made breakfast and lunch for the staff of the district. (And when she puts out a meal for staff, it is presented beautifully with creative table decorations and great food choices.)
Tomorrow is a flex day, meaning that we can put in additional hours prior to school starting and take the day off. OR, we can put in the hours prior to school starting and still come in and work on the flex day. (That would be me. I still have quite a bit to do.)
Wednesday, we have our high school staff meeting in the morning, and Freshman and New Students First Program in the afternoon, which means we run the 7 hour schedule with each class lasting seven minutes. We have just enough time to meet them, give them a bit of information about class, learn a bit about them, and send them on their way.
Thursday, the students arrive. We run a shortened schedule (approximately 30 minutes with each class) with an early release at 1:00 PM.
Friday is our first full day.
As you can see, we get to dip our toes in before taking the plunge. It works for me!
I am so grateful for an easing into the new school year. Today, our first day back, was filled with required meetings. Our cook made breakfast and lunch for the staff of the district. (And when she puts out a meal for staff, it is presented beautifully with creative table decorations and great food choices.)
Tomorrow is a flex day, meaning that we can put in additional hours prior to school starting and take the day off. OR, we can put in the hours prior to school starting and still come in and work on the flex day. (That would be me. I still have quite a bit to do.)
Wednesday, we have our high school staff meeting in the morning, and Freshman and New Students First Program in the afternoon, which means we run the 7 hour schedule with each class lasting seven minutes. We have just enough time to meet them, give them a bit of information about class, learn a bit about them, and send them on their way.
Thursday, the students arrive. We run a shortened schedule (approximately 30 minutes with each class) with an early release at 1:00 PM.
Friday is our first full day.
As you can see, we get to dip our toes in before taking the plunge. It works for me!
Sunday, August 11, 2019
Church Celebrations
Gratitude 365 Day #223
Today was the Blessing of the Backpacks Service at our church. Kids brought their backpacks forward, and then the minister called anyone who worked in the schools to come forward also, and she had the congregation bless all of us and the school year ahead. Pretty sure I wasn't the only teacher who needed that.
I was especially grateful for a number of children who sang "This Little Light of Mine." The children's sermon was about letting the light of God shine through them in the coming school year, and then they each received a flashlight before they treated us to their song. There was a lot of light shining in our church this morning, and it didn't all come from flashlights. (Though there was plenty of that, too.)
Today was the Blessing of the Backpacks Service at our church. Kids brought their backpacks forward, and then the minister called anyone who worked in the schools to come forward also, and she had the congregation bless all of us and the school year ahead. Pretty sure I wasn't the only teacher who needed that.
I was especially grateful for a number of children who sang "This Little Light of Mine." The children's sermon was about letting the light of God shine through them in the coming school year, and then they each received a flashlight before they treated us to their song. There was a lot of light shining in our church this morning, and it didn't all come from flashlights. (Though there was plenty of that, too.)
Saturday, August 10, 2019
Early Birthday Celebrations
Gratitude 365 Day #222
L and family came from Big City for an early birthday celebration for the Bug. We had lunch together and then a few had naps. We joined the T's for early afternoon presents, and that is when we noticed the Bug fading. There was less talking, and she cuddled up with Papa on the couch under a blanket. She tried to eat a Taco for supper, but when we sang "Happy Birthday" she cried through it.
If you guessed it, her fever was 101. She was crying because she wanted to eat her ice cream cake and couldn't. AND school was starting this week and she didn't want to miss the first day. And she was celebrating her birthday at school on the second day. AND she just felt crummy.
The B's were eager to leave the germs behind, so we all headed home. (Took some ice cream cake for the road. E would have hated missing that. Heck! Nana would have hated missing that, too.)
So the great idea of celebrating early came to a crashing halt. The best thing: at least L and family were there to see the Bug open their gift. (And I'll take any time I can get with my Big City Babes.) I'm grateful that next Friday night, the Mr. and I will celebrate the Bug again. And this time, hopefully no one will be sick. Fingers crossed.
L and family came from Big City for an early birthday celebration for the Bug. We had lunch together and then a few had naps. We joined the T's for early afternoon presents, and that is when we noticed the Bug fading. There was less talking, and she cuddled up with Papa on the couch under a blanket. She tried to eat a Taco for supper, but when we sang "Happy Birthday" she cried through it.
If you guessed it, her fever was 101. She was crying because she wanted to eat her ice cream cake and couldn't. AND school was starting this week and she didn't want to miss the first day. And she was celebrating her birthday at school on the second day. AND she just felt crummy.
The B's were eager to leave the germs behind, so we all headed home. (Took some ice cream cake for the road. E would have hated missing that. Heck! Nana would have hated missing that, too.)
So the great idea of celebrating early came to a crashing halt. The best thing: at least L and family were there to see the Bug open their gift. (And I'll take any time I can get with my Big City Babes.) I'm grateful that next Friday night, the Mr. and I will celebrate the Bug again. And this time, hopefully no one will be sick. Fingers crossed.
Friday, August 9, 2019
Craft Evening
Gratitude 365 Day #221
K invited me to an evening at Board and Brush. I'd never heard of it before, but I loved the crafts that we could choose from. Nobody has to do the same thing, unlike some of the other studios. There was distressing, sanding, staining, stenciling, and waxing the final project. We were there about three hours, but I loved my project. I don't think there was a single final project that I didn't love. They all looked so professional.
I was grateful for an evening with K, creating memories and awesome projects.
K invited me to an evening at Board and Brush. I'd never heard of it before, but I loved the crafts that we could choose from. Nobody has to do the same thing, unlike some of the other studios. There was distressing, sanding, staining, stenciling, and waxing the final project. We were there about three hours, but I loved my project. I don't think there was a single final project that I didn't love. They all looked so professional.
I was grateful for an evening with K, creating memories and awesome projects.
Thursday, August 8, 2019
The Perk of a Long Day
Gratitude 365 Day #220
I am going to say that I am grateful for long days. (That isn't always the truth.) I ended up rushing to school at 7:30 because Papa was delivering one of his two breakfast buddies to the high school to hang out with Nana.
We worked all morning, and then she headed to her house to play with friends. I spent the afternoon setting up student folders and class seating charts for the first day, and I didn't leave school until almost 4:30. It was a long day, but... I'm feeling like a day off tomorrow. And that is the perk of putting in a long day.
I am going to say that I am grateful for long days. (That isn't always the truth.) I ended up rushing to school at 7:30 because Papa was delivering one of his two breakfast buddies to the high school to hang out with Nana.
We worked all morning, and then she headed to her house to play with friends. I spent the afternoon setting up student folders and class seating charts for the first day, and I didn't leave school until almost 4:30. It was a long day, but... I'm feeling like a day off tomorrow. And that is the perk of putting in a long day.
Wednesday, August 7, 2019
Old Friends
Gratitude 365 Day # 219
This afternoon, I met with a dear friend and former colleague. She and I arrived at Tiny Town High the same year. She taught the Drama, Speech, and Forensic classes; I taught Sophomore English. When she retired, I moved into her room and took on the job of Drama, Speech, Forensics, and half of the sophomores. I miss her at school. She is witty and clever. She is very observant and always offers an unusual glimpse of our world. That's why making time to chat with her is a priority. I call it "getting my Lisa fix."
Everyone needs a "Lisa fix." Oh, and a glass of wine doesn't hurt either. So grateful for colleagues who become friends.
This afternoon, I met with a dear friend and former colleague. She and I arrived at Tiny Town High the same year. She taught the Drama, Speech, and Forensic classes; I taught Sophomore English. When she retired, I moved into her room and took on the job of Drama, Speech, Forensics, and half of the sophomores. I miss her at school. She is witty and clever. She is very observant and always offers an unusual glimpse of our world. That's why making time to chat with her is a priority. I call it "getting my Lisa fix."
Everyone needs a "Lisa fix." Oh, and a glass of wine doesn't hurt either. So grateful for colleagues who become friends.
Tuesday, August 6, 2019
Life Savers
Gratitude 365 Day #218
I have a candy tin in my classroom that is filled with fruit flavored life savers. I buy the huge bags. There's only a couple of rules. Students have to ask before taking one, and they have to say thank you. Some students want a Life Saver every day. Some never ask. The granddaughters are quick to raid my stash when they are at Tiny Town High. And I have to lock the candy up during play week when the cast uses my room or a full tin will be emptied over night.
I've figured out that Life Savers can make bad days not so bad and good days even better. A couple years ago I gave each of the Seniors in Drama class a bag of lifesavers on their last day of class. (They had been some of my best customers.) One of the boys gasped, "We've been eating Life Savers all year? Are you kidding me? I had no idea. I just thought that they were really good candy."
And they are. I am grateful for something simple to bond over.
I have a candy tin in my classroom that is filled with fruit flavored life savers. I buy the huge bags. There's only a couple of rules. Students have to ask before taking one, and they have to say thank you. Some students want a Life Saver every day. Some never ask. The granddaughters are quick to raid my stash when they are at Tiny Town High. And I have to lock the candy up during play week when the cast uses my room or a full tin will be emptied over night.
I've figured out that Life Savers can make bad days not so bad and good days even better. A couple years ago I gave each of the Seniors in Drama class a bag of lifesavers on their last day of class. (They had been some of my best customers.) One of the boys gasped, "We've been eating Life Savers all year? Are you kidding me? I had no idea. I just thought that they were really good candy."
And they are. I am grateful for something simple to bond over.
Monday, August 5, 2019
Preparation
Gratitude 365 Day #217
Nothing beats preparation. Being able to anticipate what you might need makes life easier. Taking care of the little things can add up to making the big things possible. August is always the preparation month: Classrooms restored, lessons organized, and copies made.
All that being said, there is nothing worse than a preparation day for a colonoscopy. I am quite grateful that I don't have to do that again for 10 years.
And there you have the extremes and contradictions that are my life in a nutshell.
Nothing beats preparation. Being able to anticipate what you might need makes life easier. Taking care of the little things can add up to making the big things possible. August is always the preparation month: Classrooms restored, lessons organized, and copies made.
All that being said, there is nothing worse than a preparation day for a colonoscopy. I am quite grateful that I don't have to do that again for 10 years.
And there you have the extremes and contradictions that are my life in a nutshell.
Sunday, August 4, 2019
Maya Angelou
Gratitude 365 Day #216
"People will forget what you said, people forget what you did, but people will never forget the way that you made them feel."
I am grateful for the words of Maya Angelou. I just finished re-reading the autobiography of her childhood, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
Her voice is one of wisdom and courage. I am reminded that I have no idea what other people's lives might be like. Reading is one way to open minds and hearts.
"People will forget what you said, people forget what you did, but people will never forget the way that you made them feel."
I am grateful for the words of Maya Angelou. I just finished re-reading the autobiography of her childhood, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
Her voice is one of wisdom and courage. I am reminded that I have no idea what other people's lives might be like. Reading is one way to open minds and hearts.
Saturday, August 3, 2019
Indoor walking
Gratitude 365 Day #215
I am grateful that when it is rainy and damp, that I can walk the hallways of Tiny Town High. I don't love walking indoors, but at least I don't miss my walk.
I am grateful that when it is rainy and damp, that I can walk the hallways of Tiny Town High. I don't love walking indoors, but at least I don't miss my walk.
Friday, August 2, 2019
Mom
Gratitude 365 Day #214
Mom would have been 87 today. She died at 58 after two years of fighting Multiple Myeloma. I have already spent four more years on this earth than she did. There is nothing fair about cancer.
I am grateful for a Mom who loved me unconditionally, who taught me to play the piano, read, knit, bake, and do laundry. She passed on a love of all things British: Yorkshire pudding, Speckled Jim, and Winnie the Pooh. And she reminded me often that "Pretty is as pretty does" and to "Kill them with Kindness."
Twenty-nine years and I still miss her, but I look in the mirror and get a glimpse of her from time to time. And that will have to do.
Mom would have been 87 today. She died at 58 after two years of fighting Multiple Myeloma. I have already spent four more years on this earth than she did. There is nothing fair about cancer.
I am grateful for a Mom who loved me unconditionally, who taught me to play the piano, read, knit, bake, and do laundry. She passed on a love of all things British: Yorkshire pudding, Speckled Jim, and Winnie the Pooh. And she reminded me often that "Pretty is as pretty does" and to "Kill them with Kindness."
Twenty-nine years and I still miss her, but I look in the mirror and get a glimpse of her from time to time. And that will have to do.
Thursday, August 1, 2019
Expediency
Gratitude 365 Day #213
I am grateful for doctors who don't have to schedule a month out. I like it when you go in one day, and they schedule the tests or treatments they are recommending for just a couple of days away. It sure beats the ones who tell you that the first open day they can see you is in two months, or worse yet--six months.
I am grateful for doctors who don't have to schedule a month out. I like it when you go in one day, and they schedule the tests or treatments they are recommending for just a couple of days away. It sure beats the ones who tell you that the first open day they can see you is in two months, or worse yet--six months.
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Harry's Birthday
Gratitude 365 Day #212
Today is Harry Potter's birthday. I believe that calls for a celebration. I still love the Harry Potters series and am enjoying watching another generation fall in love with the books, too. The Bug and her mom are reading the second in the series. The Bug is hooked. Adventure, humor, bravery, love of family, good friends, and a wacky school all add to the joy of reading this series.
I am grateful for authors who can combine all of that in a really great series. Just writing this post makes me wish I had time to re-read the series.
Happy Birthday, Harry!
Today is Harry Potter's birthday. I believe that calls for a celebration. I still love the Harry Potters series and am enjoying watching another generation fall in love with the books, too. The Bug and her mom are reading the second in the series. The Bug is hooked. Adventure, humor, bravery, love of family, good friends, and a wacky school all add to the joy of reading this series.
I am grateful for authors who can combine all of that in a really great series. Just writing this post makes me wish I had time to re-read the series.
Happy Birthday, Harry!
Nana's prop closet always comes through for a little silliness.
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