A neighborhood of cookies...

“God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say “thank you?"
-William A. Ward

One of the few blessings of the home sale process (besides finally closing that chapter of our lives!) was meeting and getting to know our real estate agent. His name is Robert Delay, if anyone in the Atlanta area is in need! To thank him for his awesome work (he basically sold our house three times before it was all over!), I put a box of sweet treats in the mail to him today.

I had an idea for sugar cookies in my head, and I spent the last couple of days making it happen... after watching several videos (here's a good one from JoyofBaking.com!) about cookie decorating and making a trip to Hobby Lobby for icing tips.

Of course, a good blogger stops along the way to snap some Instagram shots!

I carefully stacked the cookies in an empty (and decorated!) Pringles can, and then stuffed a bunch of bubble wrap and tissue paper so the tube wouldn't wiggle. Topped it off with a personalized card, and sent it off on its journey. Hopefully Bob enjoys the small token of our appreciation!

If you, too, want to show some gratitude to someone in your life, feel free to use this thank you printable. You can cut out the graphic itself and adhere to kraft paper card like I did, or just cut out on the outer lines and fold in half.

To download the printable, right-click the image below, and click "Save Image As."

Picture Fall: Day 2

"O bed! O bed! delicious bed! That heaven upon earth to the weary head."
-Thomas Hood

When I read the Picture Fall prompt first thing this morning, I grieved over all of my comfy and stylish furniture that's still sitting in my house in Georgia. How could I take a photo of our ugly futon couch or our ghetto air mattresses on the floor? I spent two minutes in a pity party for myself and our makeshift living situation. Then I knew it was time to get out of bed... and, I argued with myself... can't I just stay here for a few more minutes?

Whack! I got walloped on my head with a big dose of gratitude... wrapped in the blankets with my head on the pillow, I always feel so cozy, so warm, so safe. Even in the midst of the chaotic and less-than-perfect, I am surrounded by blessings.

What's the last time you realized you were given blessings in disguise?

Gratitude, Week 4...

"Who does not thank for little will not thank for much."

-Estonian Proverb

Looking back, I noticed that there are several repeats this week. But, I'm grateful for good repeats. It kinda feels like I've been a zombie this week anyway. Wake, drive, school, drive, dinner, sleep, repeat.

March 22: A published book of memories. Came home to find a package on my doorstep. Last week I took advantage of a big sale at MyPublisher.com and finally had my first digital scrapbook pages (circa 2003-04) printed as a book. Rob and I loved flipping through and remarking about how young (and skinny) we were back then. I also find it interesting to watch my progression of digital scrapping skills, even though they were all created in the same summer.

March 23: A much-needed good laugh. Wednesday night we put all work away and turned the computers off early (always a good thing!), and curled up to watch the Netflix movie Due Date. Now this is totally a guy's guy funny movie, but I've lived with a guy long enough that I get all of the jokes. I have not laughed so hard in a long time. It's so random and crazy.

March 24: Good quiz scores (and a quiet day!). The kids worked hard to complete the quiz (and quietly!), and it paid off because most of them did really well. That's good, considering we're all exhausted and disgustedly tired of being at school. [Wooden KIT of PINS from STUDIO FLUDD's Etsy shop]

March 25: Another reason to laugh. Today one of the kids in my 2nd period class said something really random (and rather inappropriate), but really funny. It was refreshing just to have a second to stop and laugh with my students. And, it was even better when a kid said, "well, now you've got a story to tell the other teachers at the lunch table." ["Live Laugh Love" print above from MeganRene's Etsy shop]

March 26: Officially springtime. I finally changed out the wreath on the front door--from gold Christmas decor to pastel spring flowers. Makes me smile every time I drive into the driveway.

March 27: A sweet, sweet breakfast. Rob promised me doughnuts for breakfast this morning, so we hit up the local Krispy Kreme, and waited for a dozen of the warm, melt-in-your-mouth treats. I only ate four. You can do the math to figure out Rob's share. That is, if you can stomach it!

March 28: Another package on the front step. This time was a baby gift for my friends Collin and Julia. These canvas growth charts are my new go-to baby gift. They're a beautiful and personalized heirloom. You, too, can buy one from GrowthCharts Galore. But be forewarned, don't buy one if I also know the person!

Gratitude, Week 3...

"God calls you to the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet."

-Frederick Buechner

Another week down. Another week closer to Spring Break. Another week closer to summer. I'm exhausted. I'm losing motivation. I'm simply running out of steam. There were good moments this week, but they were few and far between. Although I remain grateful, it was difficult to remain optimistic and enthusiastic.

March 15: Study session over lunch. Instead of the usual make-up work detention I usually hold on Tuesdays, I decided to have a volunteer study session before the nine weeks interim. I had seven students stay with me, and we were able to review some of the most confusing concepts. Not sure that they learned a whole lot, but it’s always refreshing to see students who WANT to do well.

March 16: An inspiring email in my inbox. I look forward to the weekly quote from Compendium, Inc., and this week it seemed to be sent just for me: “God calls you to the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.” -Frederick Buechner. I’m still looking for that place, but the promise that there is such a place leaves me hopeful.

March 17: Last day to teach an extra class. All nine weeks I’ve been teaching a math extracurricular class in addition to the other four classes. While it really wasn’t too difficult and I got paid for my effort, I’ll be really glad to get my planning periods back!

March 18: That they threw out that awful question on the 3rd nine weeks Interim. It raised my class averages. I’m ahead of the county average, and pretty darn close to the school average. 36 students who made 80% or greater! I say that’s worth celebrating.

March 19: Blueberry muffins and country music for breakfast. Give me a break... I was in the mood. And it was good!

March 20: My husband in the kitchen. Tonight we made turkey bacon club sandwiches together. He taught me the “correct” way to make a sandwich, and plated our food like true stylist in preparation for the Iron Chef Sisters photos. It certainly didn’t hurt that our sandwiches had avocados on them!

March 21: A box of Peeps hanging out in my car. Even though I planned to have this sweet treat waiting for me at the end of the day, it was still a nice surprise. Colored sprinkles and marshmallow bunnies are one of the best parts of spring.

Gratitude, Week 2...

"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures."

-Thornton Wilder

Although the plan was to photograph the things I'm grateful for, I'm finding it difficult to realize I'm grateful for something until I reflect on it later. And, I'm just not feeling creative enough to stop and focus long enough to capture an artistic photo; I'm actually feeling more inspired to write the words, and for that itself, I am grateful.

This past week, I'm grateful for...

March 8: The opportunity to make a difference. Tonight was the Basketball Banquet at school, and as co-sponsor of the dance team, I was in attendance. Although not the top way to spend my evening, it was refreshing to celebrate these students. I am proud to have been a part.

March 9: A glimmer of hope in the classroom management situation. In the classroom today I was consistent with the consequences, and I could see, feel and hear the difference in my classes’ attentions. Maybe I can do this. Too bad the concept I taught today was so esoteric, and really not that important.

March 10: Food on the table, and a husband who loves how I cook. Granted, tonight’s meal was inspired by Iron Chef Sisters, so it was a notch above the usual fare in our house. Although sometimes I feel less-than-adequate in the cooking department, my husband rarely expresses his disapproval. He is always grateful for the food on the table. 

March 11: The relative safety, health, and security of my friends and family. Early this morning an 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami destroyed Japan. The video footage is horrific: automobiles pouring off of roads, boats crashing into buildings. Makes me want to hug those whom I love a little bit closer today. 

March 12: Reliving wonderful vacations. Tonight Rob and I went to dinner at Atlanta Bread Company--although nearby, its not in our usual repertoire of restaurants. In the corner of the bakery, with live music floating around us, we took turns remembering our favorite meals, our scariest moments, our best memories from the amazing trips we’ve taken together.

March 13: Relaxing breaks from school. I finished my lesson planning last week, and the weather was just right this morning, so I headed outside to work on the front flowerbed. I have to admit I really have no idea what I’m doing as I’ve trimming the bushes, pulling weeds, and tidying up the garden. But I love doing it. All of the stress disappears... I can’t think of anything except what I’m working on... And, I feel productive. Maybe I need to pursue this more. 

March 14: My sister and her dedication to making the world a better place. I’ve always been grateful for my sister, but I was specifically thankful for her this morning as I was listening to one of my students talk about the pros and cons of leaving his foster home to return home. He didn’t feel like anyone was going to listen to his opinion, without him having to speak out against his family. The link: my sister is currently going through training to become a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) to speak out for children’s (like my student’s) best interest. I wish my student had an advocate like her.

A month of gratitude...

“Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes of which all men have some.” 

-Charles Dickens

awesome and inspiring graphic found at we <3 it.

Back in January, I chose "gratitude" as my word for 2011. I picked the month of March to be my month of gratitude. Little did I know how hard it would be to feel grateful this month. Just days before the month began, Rob and I both got setbacks on the career front. We learned that jobs we were counting on, jobs we even assumed we had are just not to be. Despite this feeling of failure, we must remain grateful for the opportunities that we do have. 

March 1: The team of teachers I’m working with this year. Dianne, Jennifer, Sean, and Lynn have been such an important support system for me this year. I’m blessed and honored to call them my colleagues, teammates, and friends. Yesterday they surprised me with a $50 giftcard, knowing that I needed something to make my day. No matter where I end up next year, I will miss them.

March 2: Listening to books on cd in the car. Driving to and from work is my favorite part of the day. I love to lose myself in the story. And, I don't even have to strain my eyes, and it's read to me. I wonder if there is a career path that I can take that incorporates this.

March 3:  Wonderful childhood memories. When I saw these panda cookies on the $1 aisle at Target, I had to get them. I probably would have paid more than $1 for them, too. Callie and I used to eat similar cookies when we were little. My grandmother would buy them and save them for us. Also, reminds me of my love of Twinkies... because Grandpa Claude would always bring a box for me when he came to visit.

March 4: Spring has sprung! And that means spring break is almost here (4 weeks!) and summer is right around the corner. And, it's just nice to see splotches of color, like this tree near school, as I drive through town. 

March 5: My grandmother. I finally got around to hanging this newly framed painting by my grandmother. She is my inspiration, and I miss her. If I could be just like her when I grow up, I would be good.

March 6: Starting the week with a clean house. Rob's grandpa came to town this weekend, so we speed-cleaned. It's so nice to look around and see clear countertops and clear floors. It makes me hope that this week much less stressful.

March 7: Taking a break from my classroom. I had to opportunity to visit another class at another school on Monday morning. And, an elementary class at that. It was refreshing and rejuvenating.... never mind that I returned to complaining and extra needy students for the afternoon.

Be grateful...

"If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness.  It will change your life mightily."

-Gerald Good

In my previous post about my 2011 word, I alluded to the bracelet that I was creating. One night in my half-wake pondering, the idea came to me of how to create a piece that I could wear in honor of my word. A physical reminder of my word and the way I want to live my life. I've worn it every day so far, and hope that it makes it through 353 more days.

[I'm no hand model!]

PS... when the USPS begins distributing mail to/from this part of town... Mama, there's one coming for you, too.

In 2011...

"I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder."
-G.K. Chesterton

In 2011, I will bask in gratitude. Gratitude... that's my word of 2011.

Flickr photo from Bahman Farzad.

Why gratitude?
Over Thanksgiving Break I was blessed by reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. Happiness is my lifetime goal (and always has been!). And, her journey to find happiness was eye-opening for me. One of the most important ah-ha moments I had was in Chapter ??, when she focuses on gratitude as an alternative to negativity.

I consider myself a rather optimistic person; however, lately with the stress and constant presence of schoolwork, I have found myself slipping into the "glass-half-empty" mindset more often. And, I'm just not ok with that. Even if there is just one drop left in the glass, my goal for this year is to think, "I'm thankful that there's one more sip that I get to enjoy!"

How gratitude?
Inspired by Gretchen's action plans and Christine Kane's "Do-Have-Be" model, I have brainstormed a few ideas to keep "gratitude" at the top of my mind.

1. Think "gratitude." When I sad/angry/mad/frustrated/[fill-in-the-blank-negative], my goal is to think of something to be thankful for.
2. Wear "gratitude." I will be designing a bracelet to wear everyday to remind to fall back on my word when I feel myself moving in the wrong direction.
3. Share "gratitude." I will be sending notes or letters to two people every month to tell how they have inspired me.
4. "Gratitude" marathon. The month of March--a difficult month in the life of a teacher-- (and maybe again in the fall) is designated as 31 days of gratitude. I'll photograph something everyday that makes me smile. [Inspired by this.]
   

When I told Rob about my resolution, he asked, "is this for when you get mad at me?" I answered truthfully, "Really it's easy to be thankful when it's you. And, it works, too. I'm hoping it works in other situations, too."

Sure, there are plenty of other little things that I want to do this year... simplify, organize, learn to work the manual settings on the camera, make friends, re-find joy in my job, host a party, be creative, and more. But, I'll be content just to be grateful for what I have, and what I am able to do. In my book, gratitude leads to happiness.

A written reminder...

"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does."
-William James

Today was the first day back to school after a long break. I lost my voice during first period. I lost my patience during second period. And after school, when the school lost power, I decided to call it a day.

But because I have a new resolution to think positively, I want to share a note that I received from a student last week. She's a really low-level, ELL (English Language Learner), so I haven't made any changes to her grammar. And, even though I'm still a little unclear of whether she is actually leaving our school (she was at school today)... this is a reminder of why I teach.

"Dear Mrs. B--,
You are very nice when I first meet you. Mrs. B-- I am telling you all about me and my heart because I am smart because of you who has been trying hard to get me through all the works or all the troubles that I don't know. You are the BEST Mrs. B--, I um I just want to tell you that whenever I say good bye then that's my last day of school. I was wishing that one day I could stay at this school forever but I guess my wish didn't come truth. Mrs. B-- thank you for everything. I hope that God will guide all of the teachers that have been trying there best to help me out. Thank you so much to all of the teachers who have been trying there best to help and support me. Thank you so much.
Sincerely,
S-- T--"

Better late than never

“Win as if you were used to it, lose as if you enjoyed it for a change.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

I can't even imagine how many online giveaways I have entered. I figured that one day my luck would have to change. At some point my name would be drawn from the hat, my number heralded by the Random Number Generator. Sure enough, a week or so ago, it did... and for an awesome assortment of paper, labels, tags, and cards from Elise at enJOY it, one of my favorite online inspirations. Here's a shot of the goodies...
Thanks, Elise!! Now I've just got to figure out what to do with it all!

Gratitude

“Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.”
-W. T. Purkiser

Today I’m thankful for…

• Phone calls to my mom after work and Google chats with my sister throughout the day
  
• The financial wherewithal to purchase a new house
• The faith my husband has in me to pursue a new career
• Wonderful memories of my childhood
• My Christmas shopping being almost complete
• For a never-ending supply of inspiring blogs to read