5 Pennies - Day 262 Recovered

1. Made Whoopie Pies for Staff-
                   WHOOPIE! We made it through the first full week of school! The custodial staff has really put a lot of time and energy into making the school look very clean. We hold close to 800 students and various families have been in and out for welcome programs, but yet everything thing still looks so nice. So I decided that it was their turn to receive some baked goods. Whoopie Pies are actually really easy to make because it is just cake batter in small round gatherings and the frosting goes in between.

                   

2. Wrote a Welcome Note to a new staff member
                 We have a new English as a second language teacher within the school, so just a simple note & a piece of candy to say hi!

3. Sent a birthday card to staff members
         The first one went to an admin and then I bought him his favorite Frostberg Bologna snack stick.
         The second one went to a math teacher and was sent through the mail, just to wish her a happy day.

4. Made Neighbors Zucchini Bread
             I'm honestly a novice at baking. I find it as a stress releasing activity to bake for others. First, I get to use my hands to release tension. Second, I know that I am doing something good for someone else. It is also a great way to try out new recipes. So I found myself looking at these really great looking zucchinis at the grocery store yesterday and thought about how long it has been since I made some zucchini bread. Instantly, I knew that my next door neighbor, who has had some health issues recently, deserved this tasty treat.

     

FYI - since it is September, my next baking adventure includes apples :-)

5. Gave homeless couple a box of snacks
              I have decided to keep an extra box of snacks in my jeep at all times. I do have a box for me and my son when we are on a road trip, but an additional box will be given to an homeless people that are in need. Today met that need. Although it was just a simple box of fruit bars, I knew that it was something that was good for them and possible family. As I pulled up to the corner where the woman was standing with a sign and the man was sitting on the curb, I rolled down my window and handed her a box. Instantly she smiled and sincerely thanked me.

5 Pennies - Day 261 Recovered

Happy First Days of School!!!

Nothing like the smell of freshly sharpened pencils and the sight of new back to school sneakers :-)

1. Wrote and encouraging note to substitute
               One of our staff members needed some extra time with his family, so there was a long term substitute in our school for the next few weeks. She has worked at our school before, but the beginning of the school year is always very stressful for everyone. Bless her heart she got really confused with locker combinations and in moments she was completely frazzled - with it being just the first day. So I helped her get everything situated, wrote her an encouraging note, and gave her some chocolate.

2. Wrote my son's teacher a Thank You note
               Not only is it back to school for me, but my son as well. He transferred to a different school this year and with some anxiety worried about meeting his new teacher. She on the other hand was extremely welcoming and very friendly at the back to school night. Just wanted to let her know how nice it was to meet her and how much Sean feels better at ease.

3. Bought extra supplies
               So my son's teacher has a giving tree request in her room and before I knew it I was taking down the post-it that said Hand Sanitizer. Yes, this is when OCD becomes helpful. I have it now posted on my refrigerator as a reminder to buy it every time I am at the grocery store - including this week!

4. Bought Chocolate Coffee Creamer
               My school as a new Administrative Intern this year, which is a change up because she is a woman. Its been 5 years since we have had a woman as an Admin, which is nice because now I don't have to talk to so many girls about dress code policy. Anyway, I don't know much about her except that she does love coffee and York Patty Creamer. So while I was at the grocery store this past weekend, I checked out the creamer section. Nope, no luck! Instead I bought her some Chocolate Creamer - which still sounds very delicious.

5. Made Monkey Bread for Staff Meeting
                 What a great way to brighten up a staff meeting, especially since it was about suicide prevention!

Recipe- http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/grands-monkey-bread/7a1e41b1-4708-4028-8ce6-fcb5baebbc19

5 Pennies - Day 260 Recovered

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.