1. Gave flowers to Guidance Staff
So the beginning of school is always stressful for teachers, at least for me it is. However, I know a group of staff members that are often over looked as school personnel. The staff in our Guidance/Counselor area are really great! They spend a lot of time prior to the school opening for teachers in enrolling new students, fixing/adjusting schedules, and making sure that every student is placed in classes to meet their needs. It is a lot of extra effort on their behalf to make sure that everything is running smoothly. Just to show my appreciation, I bought extra flowers to share with each of the staff members.
2. Gave extra money for a staff retirement
As we start the first teacher back to school day, it was announced that a math teacher decided to retire over the summer. I didn't have many conversations with her, but know that she was a valuable resource in my school to the students, their families, and our staff. Although I will miss not seeing her in the halls, I am happy that she has the time now to enjoy her various hobbies. Instead of going to a special dinner, I gave extra money to the organizer.
3. Gave the art teacher extra pencil sharpeners
There was a sale of these items at the local school supply store. I wanted to buy a few for my classes, but also bought extra to give to her. Since she is an art teacher, I figured that they would be put to good use.
4. Helped a special needs woman with groceries
I was shopping for cream cheese when I met her. I didn't exactly introduce myself, but noticed that she was having problems in understanding the different flavors and reaching the items. I just started to get them for her, read the labels, and describe the various flavors. Soon she decided and with a smile she was on her way - and so was I.
5. Wrote a 'Good Luck' card to previous student
I remember this particular student from several years ago. He played French Horn for me and I can vividly see his face - behind the twisted brass tubing sat a cute little kid with glasses and a big dimple of a smile. He always ended his sentences with raising his pitch - which always made me think if he was asking a question. I was his mentor at church as well and he would often refer to me in class by my first name. Anyway, I couldn't believe that this little kid grew up so quickly and graduated from High School this past June - and now he is going to college - wwwwooooaaaahhhh!!! I sent him a 'Good Luck' card with a gift card to a local sandwich shop - wishing him the best and to keep in touch if he needs anything.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Sunday, August 19, 2012
5 Pennies - Day 259 Recovered
1. Made Chocolate Chip Bread for Staff members
So we had another special student training the other end of summer day. Although there are a couple of us that showed up to work with all of the student leaders, there were two teachers in particular that are trained to lead the leaders :-) Both of these male teachers did an amazing job in putting together the program and training the students. The training days went so fantastic and everything was so well organized. I just wanted to make them something special for putting in their extra time.
2. Participated in a Community Service Race
So let me please make this clear: I do not like to run. I do like the challenge of it and working on something physically active that I am not good at. But again, I do not like to run. Anyway starting last Thanksgiving and March, I've started to run local 5K's to work on this skill. Then throughout this summer I have picked up the racing chronicles and started to participate in 1-2 races a month with 3 days of training a week (other days I either lift weights, zumba, or yoga). Yesterday was a race called the 'Non-Traditional Donut Run. Apparently, traditional donut runs consist of running a mile eating donuts, running another mile eating more donuts, and then running the last mile eating yet more donuts. The amount of donuts you eat is a minute off of your overall time. However, this race was only sponsored by a community donut shop and no donuts were harmed during this activity. The coolest thing about this race is that all the money collected at the entrance fee will go to the Army Vet Hospital for various services that they may need.
By the way, my time for the 5K was 32:20. I know, I'm a slow poke. Again, something I'm working on.
3. Made scones for the school's Administration
So the Administration at my school have all been working the past few days in preparation for the teachers and then the students to come back. We also have a new intern Admin this year. So just to say 'Welcome Back' in a tasty style, I made each of them a care package of Jamocha Mocha Scones - a new flavor that I am trying out.
4. Made cupcakes for the school's Staff members
We began our teacher work days this past week at our home school. I know that many other staff members are sad to come back to work, but as for me - I love it! I love the regular routine of the day and I've missed my band students very much. The summer time is tough for me because I feel so lost without my regular schedule - WELCOME FALL!!! Anyway, just to say hi and welcome to all of the other staff members I made around 100 cupcakes for everyone to eat. A 'sweet' way to start the school year!
5. Bought another staff member special pens
Its so funny how different teachers decorate their room so differently then what you may think. Like we have a social studies room that is decked out in superhero materials, another that has a Hawaiian theme, and another that is covered with Raven's football stuff. Anyway there is a science teacher that I have been having some conflict with in regards to rehearsal times and such. Her room is covered with different colored dots, which yet again makes it very unique and personalized. So while I was at the store the other day I saw these pens that were covered in dots. Instantly when I saw them I thought of this particular teacher and bought them for her. Although we may not agree on our opinions, I must admit that she is a valuable teacher within my school.
So we had another special student training the other end of summer day. Although there are a couple of us that showed up to work with all of the student leaders, there were two teachers in particular that are trained to lead the leaders :-) Both of these male teachers did an amazing job in putting together the program and training the students. The training days went so fantastic and everything was so well organized. I just wanted to make them something special for putting in their extra time.
2. Participated in a Community Service Race
So let me please make this clear: I do not like to run. I do like the challenge of it and working on something physically active that I am not good at. But again, I do not like to run. Anyway starting last Thanksgiving and March, I've started to run local 5K's to work on this skill. Then throughout this summer I have picked up the racing chronicles and started to participate in 1-2 races a month with 3 days of training a week (other days I either lift weights, zumba, or yoga). Yesterday was a race called the 'Non-Traditional Donut Run. Apparently, traditional donut runs consist of running a mile eating donuts, running another mile eating more donuts, and then running the last mile eating yet more donuts. The amount of donuts you eat is a minute off of your overall time. However, this race was only sponsored by a community donut shop and no donuts were harmed during this activity. The coolest thing about this race is that all the money collected at the entrance fee will go to the Army Vet Hospital for various services that they may need.
By the way, my time for the 5K was 32:20. I know, I'm a slow poke. Again, something I'm working on.
3. Made scones for the school's Administration
So the Administration at my school have all been working the past few days in preparation for the teachers and then the students to come back. We also have a new intern Admin this year. So just to say 'Welcome Back' in a tasty style, I made each of them a care package of Jamocha Mocha Scones - a new flavor that I am trying out.
4. Made cupcakes for the school's Staff members
We began our teacher work days this past week at our home school. I know that many other staff members are sad to come back to work, but as for me - I love it! I love the regular routine of the day and I've missed my band students very much. The summer time is tough for me because I feel so lost without my regular schedule - WELCOME FALL!!! Anyway, just to say hi and welcome to all of the other staff members I made around 100 cupcakes for everyone to eat. A 'sweet' way to start the school year!
5. Bought another staff member special pens
Its so funny how different teachers decorate their room so differently then what you may think. Like we have a social studies room that is decked out in superhero materials, another that has a Hawaiian theme, and another that is covered with Raven's football stuff. Anyway there is a science teacher that I have been having some conflict with in regards to rehearsal times and such. Her room is covered with different colored dots, which yet again makes it very unique and personalized. So while I was at the store the other day I saw these pens that were covered in dots. Instantly when I saw them I thought of this particular teacher and bought them for her. Although we may not agree on our opinions, I must admit that she is a valuable teacher within my school.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
5 Pennies - Day 258 Recovered
1. Gave neighbor extra school supplies
So my son received special permission to attend a different school from where he went last year. We are both very excited because it is much closer and a better opportunity for him. Prior to finding out this news, I bought both of us plenty of school supplies - 'Tis the Season! Anyway, after finding out of his acceptance, I also learned that his supplies will be provided for by the school. So needless to say, I had a lot of school supplies that I could not use within my music classroom. Wondering what to do with this surplus, I noticed that my next door neighbor has become very sick again. She has two boys of her own that she needs to prepare for the beginning of the school year. Instantly I knew that our supplies were her's. I bagged everything up and left it on the front step at her house. It wasn't much, but enough to get her kids prepared for the first few weeks of school.
2. Bought snacks for student leaders
So its towards the end of summer and with the sharpening of pencils scent lingering in the air, it is also time to do the 2 day training with our school's student leaders. I know that each year I always think that this year's crew is amazing, but really this year's crew is better than outstanding! So I wanted to treat them for all of their hard work after their two day training and giving up their few last days of summer vacation. I bought them two big trays of chocolate chip brownies from the local grocery store. Enjoy!
3. Helped another parent with her school shopping list
As I was finishing up my list, I noticed another parent literally going around in circles within the isles trying to find everything on her list. She was frantic because her oldest daughter will start attending the local middle school and the idea of different supplies than the usual ones was definitely throwing the mother into a tail spin. It all started with me making the comical remark of, "Its like playing scavenger hunt." And with that being said she choked back tears to try to agree. Working in a middle school, I basically know what my fellow teachers want their students to have and how many. So as I was basically finished my list, I started to help her. The more I explained why her daughter needed a certain quantity and how they were going to be used, the mother seemed to relax more. Soon her list was complete too.
4. Moved a heavy box for another teacher
So a teacher in a nearby room recently had an operation on his eye. He is restricted from lifting certain amounts of weight, which is a struggle when you are starting to put together your room for the beginning of the school year. When I went to ask him a question about an up coming student activity, I saw him about to reach and carry a heavy box. I instantly told him to freeze and moved the box for him. The expression that he gave me at first was much like a child getting caught with their hand in the cookie jar, but then he realized that of his medical condition. I joked with him that it was my 2nd workout for the day :-)
5. Gave another teacher a Trivia postcard
So another teacher in my building loves Elvis Presley. While I was in Tennessee, I kept my eyes open for any little thing that I could buy her that would have something about "The King." On one of the last days that I was there, I saw some different post cards about Elvis' favorite meals & snacks. Of course the one that I bought this particular teacher had the recipe of Elvis' well known Peanut Butter & Banana sandwiches. When I gave her the post card she laughed and said that she would make this for her daughter.
So my son received special permission to attend a different school from where he went last year. We are both very excited because it is much closer and a better opportunity for him. Prior to finding out this news, I bought both of us plenty of school supplies - 'Tis the Season! Anyway, after finding out of his acceptance, I also learned that his supplies will be provided for by the school. So needless to say, I had a lot of school supplies that I could not use within my music classroom. Wondering what to do with this surplus, I noticed that my next door neighbor has become very sick again. She has two boys of her own that she needs to prepare for the beginning of the school year. Instantly I knew that our supplies were her's. I bagged everything up and left it on the front step at her house. It wasn't much, but enough to get her kids prepared for the first few weeks of school.
2. Bought snacks for student leaders
So its towards the end of summer and with the sharpening of pencils scent lingering in the air, it is also time to do the 2 day training with our school's student leaders. I know that each year I always think that this year's crew is amazing, but really this year's crew is better than outstanding! So I wanted to treat them for all of their hard work after their two day training and giving up their few last days of summer vacation. I bought them two big trays of chocolate chip brownies from the local grocery store. Enjoy!
3. Helped another parent with her school shopping list
As I was finishing up my list, I noticed another parent literally going around in circles within the isles trying to find everything on her list. She was frantic because her oldest daughter will start attending the local middle school and the idea of different supplies than the usual ones was definitely throwing the mother into a tail spin. It all started with me making the comical remark of, "Its like playing scavenger hunt." And with that being said she choked back tears to try to agree. Working in a middle school, I basically know what my fellow teachers want their students to have and how many. So as I was basically finished my list, I started to help her. The more I explained why her daughter needed a certain quantity and how they were going to be used, the mother seemed to relax more. Soon her list was complete too.
4. Moved a heavy box for another teacher
So a teacher in a nearby room recently had an operation on his eye. He is restricted from lifting certain amounts of weight, which is a struggle when you are starting to put together your room for the beginning of the school year. When I went to ask him a question about an up coming student activity, I saw him about to reach and carry a heavy box. I instantly told him to freeze and moved the box for him. The expression that he gave me at first was much like a child getting caught with their hand in the cookie jar, but then he realized that of his medical condition. I joked with him that it was my 2nd workout for the day :-)
5. Gave another teacher a Trivia postcard
So another teacher in my building loves Elvis Presley. While I was in Tennessee, I kept my eyes open for any little thing that I could buy her that would have something about "The King." On one of the last days that I was there, I saw some different post cards about Elvis' favorite meals & snacks. Of course the one that I bought this particular teacher had the recipe of Elvis' well known Peanut Butter & Banana sandwiches. When I gave her the post card she laughed and said that she would make this for her daughter.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
5 Pennies - Day 257 Recovered
1. Helped another runner get a drink
So I have started to do races. I really don't know why because I am a horrible & slow runner, but I like the challenging and want to get better at this. My overall goal is to someday run a 1/2 marathon - 13.1 :-) Anyway, I did a 5K (3.1 mile) this morning in the hot summer weather. I was really exhausted from the heat and went to get a cup of Gatorade when I finished. I noticed that a younger kid was there fighting with the cooler - he ran quicker than me! Anyway, he wasn't big enough tilt the cooler and get a cup. So I stood to the side and tilted it for him. After a gulp and with a red mustache the kid said thank you.
2. Sent a 'Get Well' card to another teacher
One of my fitness partners at school had a shoulder surgery the other day. I really worry about him because this is the 3rd surgery in the past 4 years. He is really concerned about his health too. So just a simple card to say that I was thinking about him and wishing him well.
3. Held the Laundry door open for another person
So I was walking home from Church today because it was a fairly nice day and wanted the extra exercise. Anyway, I noticed that there was a man coming from his car with a big laundry basket and 2 duffle bags worth of dirty clothes. He was heading towards the corner laundry, but I knew that he would have to put something down in order to open the door. I simple went over and held the door for him to walk through without stopping. He looked back and motioned for me to come through too, but I waved goodbye and left him with a puzzled face.
4. Taught a Yoga class at church
One of the best things that has happened at Church this summer is that they have started a fitness discussion group after service. Each week there is a particular topic that is discussed such as diet, Zumba, and faith. This week it was my turn to lead the discussion - Prayer through Yoga/Stretch. Only a few people stayed, but the ones that did really appreciated my time.
5. Helped an elderly man with a shopping bag
I was at the grocery store picking up a few fresh fruits and vegetables. As I was headed towards the check out I noticed an elderly man getting frustrate with a produce bag. He couldn't get the silly thing open. From being older, I observed that his hands trembled and the fine motor skills weren't as sharp as they use to be. I leaned over, opened a bag, and handed it to him with a smile.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
5 Pennies - Day 256 Recovered
1. Took pictures for another family
I took my son to a medium size amusement park today. He had such a blast and I am so glad that I was able to give him this opportunity for fun. On our way into the park, I noticed that another family were lining their 5 kids together, trying to take a picture of them. I remember that there are very few pictures of my mom and my brothers/me all together at a special event. Normally, my mom would be the designated camera lady for the activity. So I decided to take a picture of this family all together & including both of the parents - which they were very grateful for the offer.
2. Gave change to a person for a paper
As I was walking my dog the other morning, I noticed that there was a woman squatted down rummaging through the grass. Unique as this sight may be, I decided to ask her if she needed help with something. She looked up and told me that she dropped the last quarter that she needed to buy a newspaper. Instantly I knew that I had some spare change in my small bag that I carry about when I walk my dog. It was easy to give, but she seemed so relieved.
3. Made baked goods for Dentist Fundraiser
I really like my Dentist and his company. Not only are they extremely nice/friendly and have wonderful care there, but they are very active in doing community activities. Tomorrow morning's activity is the annual car wash & bake sale where all of the proceeds will go to the local Breast Cancer Awareness organization. I am very connected to this organization through many different people and believe that they do amazing work during this type of hardship. So to help my Dentist's cause, I decided to make several bake goods for them to sell: Chocolate/Vanilla Cake Pops, Chocolate/Vanilla 'pink' cupcakes, and Cranberry Scones.
4. Wrote 'Thank You' Postcards for my Mission Trip supporters
Two people in particular helped me finance my Mission Trip this summer and I am very grateful. To show my thanks while I was down in Tennessee, I bought various types of post cards from the different areas that I was stationed in. The organist at the church that I go to received one that had a picture of the Great Smoky Mountains - she helped me purchase craft materials for the Boys & Girls club. The bank representative received one that had a picture of a Tennessee flag - she helped me refinance my Mission Trip money. Special thanks to both for all of their help!
*A few days later, I received a card in the mail from my bank representative in thanking me for the 'Thank You' card. She was so appreciative that I thought of her during this experience. Cool!
5. Wrote a 'Get Well' card to another teacher
This particular teacher is relatively new to our staff, but he works so hard with the at risk students and the transition program. Earlier this week, I found out that he had a major surgery on his eye. He was able to move around, but yet he had to still go slow with several things until he fully gain all of his vision back. I felt compelled to at least write him a 'Get Well' card in reference to his operation, but I also included a gift card to a restaurant - something to treat him and his family or to use when time & strength is limited.
I took my son to a medium size amusement park today. He had such a blast and I am so glad that I was able to give him this opportunity for fun. On our way into the park, I noticed that another family were lining their 5 kids together, trying to take a picture of them. I remember that there are very few pictures of my mom and my brothers/me all together at a special event. Normally, my mom would be the designated camera lady for the activity. So I decided to take a picture of this family all together & including both of the parents - which they were very grateful for the offer.
2. Gave change to a person for a paper
As I was walking my dog the other morning, I noticed that there was a woman squatted down rummaging through the grass. Unique as this sight may be, I decided to ask her if she needed help with something. She looked up and told me that she dropped the last quarter that she needed to buy a newspaper. Instantly I knew that I had some spare change in my small bag that I carry about when I walk my dog. It was easy to give, but she seemed so relieved.
3. Made baked goods for Dentist Fundraiser
I really like my Dentist and his company. Not only are they extremely nice/friendly and have wonderful care there, but they are very active in doing community activities. Tomorrow morning's activity is the annual car wash & bake sale where all of the proceeds will go to the local Breast Cancer Awareness organization. I am very connected to this organization through many different people and believe that they do amazing work during this type of hardship. So to help my Dentist's cause, I decided to make several bake goods for them to sell: Chocolate/Vanilla Cake Pops, Chocolate/Vanilla 'pink' cupcakes, and Cranberry Scones.
4. Wrote 'Thank You' Postcards for my Mission Trip supporters
Two people in particular helped me finance my Mission Trip this summer and I am very grateful. To show my thanks while I was down in Tennessee, I bought various types of post cards from the different areas that I was stationed in. The organist at the church that I go to received one that had a picture of the Great Smoky Mountains - she helped me purchase craft materials for the Boys & Girls club. The bank representative received one that had a picture of a Tennessee flag - she helped me refinance my Mission Trip money. Special thanks to both for all of their help!
*A few days later, I received a card in the mail from my bank representative in thanking me for the 'Thank You' card. She was so appreciative that I thought of her during this experience. Cool!
5. Wrote a 'Get Well' card to another teacher
This particular teacher is relatively new to our staff, but he works so hard with the at risk students and the transition program. Earlier this week, I found out that he had a major surgery on his eye. He was able to move around, but yet he had to still go slow with several things until he fully gain all of his vision back. I felt compelled to at least write him a 'Get Well' card in reference to his operation, but I also included a gift card to a restaurant - something to treat him and his family or to use when time & strength is limited.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
5 Pennies - Day 255 Recovered
1. Wrote 'Thank You' note to waitress
So I treated my son to his current favorite restaurant today for lunch. Despite the name of the establishment, the servers are rarely Friendly and helpful. However, today was different. I don't know if my son brought with him his extra charm ability or what, but the waitress that we had today was so great. She would talk directly to him as if he is much older that his 5 years of living and even helped him order a lactose free sundae - which in the past has been refused to be done by previous servers. She was really great with me, but I'm more impressed with how she handled my son so respectfully. So when it was time to pay for the bill, I wrote her a special note of saying thank you. Then on my way out I accidentally bumped into the manager and told him how wonderful of a waitress she was. He immediately said, "Oh your the customer that wrote her a note! She's been showing everyone that note. She even made a copy of it to take home!" Cute!!!
2. Gave water to another person on Mission Trip
So I spent some time in the upper Eastern region of Tennessee on a mission trip. It was a beautiful experience because I really like service work and helping others. Although some projects had few people interactions, I knew that what I was doing was going to benefit someone else tomorrow. Anyway, one of the people that was on the mission trip with me ran out of the water that she brought along with her. Although the water in the region that we were working in was perfectly fine & healthy to drink, there was still something different about the taste. Prior to leaving for this trip, I packed an entire case of bottled water in my Jeep. I had plenty and she needed some. So everyday I gave her a bottle - easy to do :-)
3. Bought a Beatles Magazine for another Mission Trip person
So I went on this Mission Trip completely by myself - I knew no one and didn't know anything about the area that I worked in. Basically, I felt like I was being called to work and knew that I was going to be ok. Within the group that I worked with on various projects there was another teenager that loved the Beatles. It was really great to have a common interest with this other person that I only met for about 5 minutes, yet we talked about this band as if we shared them for several years. Later in the day I was at a store helping other customers when I looked over at the counter and saw a Beatles music magazine on sale. The front copy had a picture of her favorite Beatle - Paul - and knew instantly that I needed to get it for her. She was so surprised and thrilled with the gesture!
*Oh & by the way - John's my favorite...
4. Helped another teacher put supplies into her car
So on this Mission Trip we had this activity that was called Random Acts of Kindness - instantly I was attracted to this idea :-) Basically, we were to go out into the various communities and help anyone with anything that they needed. At the store that I mentioned above, I noticed that a woman was pushing a cart filled with school supplies to her car. Something about how she walked made me observe her longer and soon I realized that she had a broken foot and was wearing a walking boot. I soon found myself talking to her about what grade she taught and helping her with her supplies. She told me that she taught 2nd grade at an underprivileged school that many of her students showed up without supplies - that's why she was buying an over abundance out of her own pocket. Being a teacher, I've done so many similar things to help my students too. Its amazing how much money teachers spend of their own in order to help their students, classroom, and school without even thinking about recouping this amount. Soon our talk was over and offered to push her cart back to the store. The cool thing was that even though I didn't know this woman, or her name, I still felt such a strong connection with her that helping her didn't feel the slight bit awkward.
5. Gave my extra snacks away
Again on my Mission Trip, I met such an interesting person. His jokes and humor was refreshing in times of stillness, but in return I never met someone that prayed so openly and passionately. Sometimes when people pray around me it feels cumbersome and odd, but he was different. It was such a feeling of being calm and at ease. It was truly a wonderful experience that I will never forget. Anyway, I quickly found out that he liked the snack food of Cheetos during our first packed lunch meals. Being a health and nutrition based person, I rarely eat junk food and when I offered the first bag to him - he enjoyed it so much. So for the rest of the week, I always made sure that I picked a bag lunch that had this snack and passed it to him. In a way it was my way to say thank you for being such an amazing person. The power of Cheetos!!!
So I treated my son to his current favorite restaurant today for lunch. Despite the name of the establishment, the servers are rarely Friendly and helpful. However, today was different. I don't know if my son brought with him his extra charm ability or what, but the waitress that we had today was so great. She would talk directly to him as if he is much older that his 5 years of living and even helped him order a lactose free sundae - which in the past has been refused to be done by previous servers. She was really great with me, but I'm more impressed with how she handled my son so respectfully. So when it was time to pay for the bill, I wrote her a special note of saying thank you. Then on my way out I accidentally bumped into the manager and told him how wonderful of a waitress she was. He immediately said, "Oh your the customer that wrote her a note! She's been showing everyone that note. She even made a copy of it to take home!" Cute!!!
2. Gave water to another person on Mission Trip
So I spent some time in the upper Eastern region of Tennessee on a mission trip. It was a beautiful experience because I really like service work and helping others. Although some projects had few people interactions, I knew that what I was doing was going to benefit someone else tomorrow. Anyway, one of the people that was on the mission trip with me ran out of the water that she brought along with her. Although the water in the region that we were working in was perfectly fine & healthy to drink, there was still something different about the taste. Prior to leaving for this trip, I packed an entire case of bottled water in my Jeep. I had plenty and she needed some. So everyday I gave her a bottle - easy to do :-)
3. Bought a Beatles Magazine for another Mission Trip person
So I went on this Mission Trip completely by myself - I knew no one and didn't know anything about the area that I worked in. Basically, I felt like I was being called to work and knew that I was going to be ok. Within the group that I worked with on various projects there was another teenager that loved the Beatles. It was really great to have a common interest with this other person that I only met for about 5 minutes, yet we talked about this band as if we shared them for several years. Later in the day I was at a store helping other customers when I looked over at the counter and saw a Beatles music magazine on sale. The front copy had a picture of her favorite Beatle - Paul - and knew instantly that I needed to get it for her. She was so surprised and thrilled with the gesture!
*Oh & by the way - John's my favorite...
4. Helped another teacher put supplies into her car
So on this Mission Trip we had this activity that was called Random Acts of Kindness - instantly I was attracted to this idea :-) Basically, we were to go out into the various communities and help anyone with anything that they needed. At the store that I mentioned above, I noticed that a woman was pushing a cart filled with school supplies to her car. Something about how she walked made me observe her longer and soon I realized that she had a broken foot and was wearing a walking boot. I soon found myself talking to her about what grade she taught and helping her with her supplies. She told me that she taught 2nd grade at an underprivileged school that many of her students showed up without supplies - that's why she was buying an over abundance out of her own pocket. Being a teacher, I've done so many similar things to help my students too. Its amazing how much money teachers spend of their own in order to help their students, classroom, and school without even thinking about recouping this amount. Soon our talk was over and offered to push her cart back to the store. The cool thing was that even though I didn't know this woman, or her name, I still felt such a strong connection with her that helping her didn't feel the slight bit awkward.
5. Gave my extra snacks away
Again on my Mission Trip, I met such an interesting person. His jokes and humor was refreshing in times of stillness, but in return I never met someone that prayed so openly and passionately. Sometimes when people pray around me it feels cumbersome and odd, but he was different. It was such a feeling of being calm and at ease. It was truly a wonderful experience that I will never forget. Anyway, I quickly found out that he liked the snack food of Cheetos during our first packed lunch meals. Being a health and nutrition based person, I rarely eat junk food and when I offered the first bag to him - he enjoyed it so much. So for the rest of the week, I always made sure that I picked a bag lunch that had this snack and passed it to him. In a way it was my way to say thank you for being such an amazing person. The power of Cheetos!!!
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
5 Pennies - Day 254 Recovered
1. Made treats for workout partners
I have a few people that I work out with at school during the regular school year. They are really great to be with. Even though we all have different fitness goals and as much as they say I motivate them, they really motivate me to show up time and time again. Like I can't not show - they are depending on me. So its the end of the school year and summer vacation is just a day away. I wanted to make them something special to have at home for breakfast in the morning. I love making scones for the mere fact that they are rarely found in any bakery locally and I have become really good at them. Each one likes a different flavor :-) The good thing is that I portioned out the scones into individual baggies so that they won't eat them all in one setting.
2. Made extra food for staff picnic
All I was responsible for was to bring drinks, but I felt that I needed to contribute more than just that. I was in the baking mood so I made this special cold veggie/noodle salad for everyone to enjoy. The funny thing is that as much as I worry about there not being enough of food for the entire school staff to eat, we always have more than enough at the end of the day.
3. Wrote a 'Get Well' card to a student
A few days before school left out, one of my flute students went into the hospital for a scheduled intense back surgery. She told me before going that she was really nervous about everything and would be laying around most of the summer. She seemed really sad about everything and worried that her friends would forget her. So I decided that every so often this summer I would write her a 'Get Well' card to brighten her day. Her mom emailed a few days ago saying that the surgery went very well and despite the pain that her daughter was in, it should fix a lot of health problems in the long run.
4. Wrote a 'Thank You' card to a sales woman
My cell phone has be breaking for awhile - must have been all of the times that I dropped it while walking my dog. I know that this sounds like a middle school excuse, but it is totally true! Anyway, I needed to get it replaced but I know nothing about cell phones. In fact, much of the new technology intimidates me a bit more than what I would like it to. The sales woman at the cell phone store was really patient with me in helping me choose a device that I knew that I could operate and use. I was so thankful that she helped me and didn't take advantage of my ignorance in the various devices, so I simply wrote her a 'Thank You' card. When I went to deliver it, she was talking to another customer, so I just laid it beside the displayed phone that I ended up buying.
5. Returned a left behind pair of shoes
My son has been taking swim lessons since he was 6 months old. He has been doing a really great job lately and is almost ready to pass onto the next level :-) Anyway, I noticed that a kid in the previous class left her sandals under the one observation bench. So when her and her mom came in to scope the area out, I went up and gave her the shoes that she was looking for. With a big beautiful toothy smile she said thank you and was on her way.
5 Pennies - Day 253 Recovered
*Sorry that I haven't posted anything recently, time just slipped away.
1. Bought my mom a new pair of shoes
Like I've said in earlier postings, my mom is a very humble and stubborn woman. Rarely does she ever buy herself anything nice because she wants her money to be spent on others. Anyway, she has been having some problems at work that are really bothering her emotionally. Although I can not solve these problems, I felt that I needed to do something else nice for her. I have a pair of sports sandals that are extremely comfortable and that she has often said that she would really like a pair. So that is what exactly I did. I went to the sports store and bought her a pair. Something to enjoy. The world somehow feels better when you take care of your feet.
2. Made a special snack for teacher meeting
So it is summer time now and regularly meeting for various school related programs have taken a brief hiatus. However, today some of us met to discuss future advisory program for the up coming school year. Just to make this gather a bit sweeter, I made 'Monkey Bread' for everyone to enjoy!
It is extremely easy to make! Here's the recipe:
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/monkey-bread-i/detail.aspx
3. Made special scones for staff member
So the one teacher that works for my mother at her child care center is Greek and gave me a wonderful traditional recipe for Baklava. In return, I made her favorite Cranberry Orange scones. I really like making scones and have developed several different flavors.
This is a really simple basic recipe that I use before I add the different flavors such as Blueberry, lemon, cinnamon, chocolate chip, butterscotch, coffee, etc:
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/scones/
4. Made Church Staff Baklava
We just finished our Vacation Bible School week that focused on the story of Daniel and Babylon. Next year's adventure takes us to Greece. Just to treat the church staff for all of their work that they put into pulling this program together, I decided to make them Baklava - maybe as added inspiration for next year. I wish that I could share the full recipe, but since it is a family traditional - I can't. Sorry :-(
But here's a pic-
5. Listened to previous band students performances
Two of my previous band students played their instruments at a special Church service today. I am so proud of both of them because they are amazing musicians and have grown so much in their musical abilities. The one is graduating from high school this year and is moving onto college, but she is not majoring in music :-( The other one will be a Senior in the fall and is looking at attending a music college with aspirations of being a music teacher! It was a great performance!
1. Bought my mom a new pair of shoes
Like I've said in earlier postings, my mom is a very humble and stubborn woman. Rarely does she ever buy herself anything nice because she wants her money to be spent on others. Anyway, she has been having some problems at work that are really bothering her emotionally. Although I can not solve these problems, I felt that I needed to do something else nice for her. I have a pair of sports sandals that are extremely comfortable and that she has often said that she would really like a pair. So that is what exactly I did. I went to the sports store and bought her a pair. Something to enjoy. The world somehow feels better when you take care of your feet.
2. Made a special snack for teacher meeting
So it is summer time now and regularly meeting for various school related programs have taken a brief hiatus. However, today some of us met to discuss future advisory program for the up coming school year. Just to make this gather a bit sweeter, I made 'Monkey Bread' for everyone to enjoy!
It is extremely easy to make! Here's the recipe:
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/monkey-bread-i/detail.aspx
3. Made special scones for staff member
So the one teacher that works for my mother at her child care center is Greek and gave me a wonderful traditional recipe for Baklava. In return, I made her favorite Cranberry Orange scones. I really like making scones and have developed several different flavors.
This is a really simple basic recipe that I use before I add the different flavors such as Blueberry, lemon, cinnamon, chocolate chip, butterscotch, coffee, etc:
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/scones/
4. Made Church Staff Baklava
We just finished our Vacation Bible School week that focused on the story of Daniel and Babylon. Next year's adventure takes us to Greece. Just to treat the church staff for all of their work that they put into pulling this program together, I decided to make them Baklava - maybe as added inspiration for next year. I wish that I could share the full recipe, but since it is a family traditional - I can't. Sorry :-(
But here's a pic-
5. Listened to previous band students performances
Two of my previous band students played their instruments at a special Church service today. I am so proud of both of them because they are amazing musicians and have grown so much in their musical abilities. The one is graduating from high school this year and is moving onto college, but she is not majoring in music :-( The other one will be a Senior in the fall and is looking at attending a music college with aspirations of being a music teacher! It was a great performance!
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