Time Out Tuesday

I didn't know what to post today for TOT. But then I remembered I had a few pics on my phone that I wanted to share of Checkers, my cat.

Maybe they'll make you smile or laugh, like they make me :)

I grow cats :) And somehow caught her meowing.

Asleep and precious.

Yawning but I think it looks like she's laughing or singing.

A picture says a 1,000 words right? This just makes my heart melt. She kept touching me :)

5

Time Out Tuesday: Random Acts of Kindness

I love to  see little random acts of kindness, especially at school. I see it around me, not all the time but it's there. It's there when a student will open the door for me. Or when a student will help me clean up something without me asking. A teacher scoots over so that no one sits alone.

I try to do my part too and not just at school either. I hold open doors when I can. I give a smile (well actually I'm always smiling lol). I do RAK by giving gifts. I listen when my friends need to vent.

At one school I'm at a lot, in the bathroom is a poster. Why in the bathroom and not in the hall for all to see, I don't know. But it's a poster about RAK and things you can do. It's from a website called the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation. I hopped onto their website and they have a page that includes a list of ideas of RAK. The website is pretty amazing. Not only do they have a list of ideas, but they have RAK quotes, you can share your RAK, resources and stories. There's even an educator tab and you can have lesson plans and student activity ideas!

This my version of their poster. Mine is shorter and I changed the title and left off some ideas. I had to cutesy it up with different fonts too, of course!

I uploaded this to Google Docs if you want it. Click here.

What will your RAK be today?

7

Happy Birthday...and Time Out Tuesday

Happy Birthday to me! A lot has happened since my last birthday and I'm amazed at the journey I'm on and can't wait to see where it takes me!

I'm glad my birthday is falling on Time Out Tuesday, because it's one of my favorite theme days, taking time out to relax and be inspired. My topic today is about life (since it's birthday and all!).

Life can take you on an interesting trip, introducing you to new people, and more. My life is heavily involved with my community, school, and now my blogging buddies. I can't imagine doing anything else now!

My parents have always been a big part of my life, always supporting me from day one, instilling the love of reading in me, and just being there. Thanks Mom and Dad!

Don't they look fab? They were going to a charity gala.

Life is about enjoying those small moments. Like I'm going to enjoy the mom/daughter time we have today for pedis! Yay! Or watching the clouds float by while being with a friend. Watching a sleeping baby. Or yesterday watching my friends' little girl do "ballet" and singing like the whole backyard was her stage. 

Action shot of Addison :)

Music and dance are a big part of her life right now. I hope she continues loving music like I do and does random dancing like I do (did I just admit that? Lol).

My cat is part of my life. She found me before I knew I would need her. And I'm soooo glad that she came into my life. Because of her, I've had a snuggle buddy, entertainment, a companion.

Yeah I grow cats :) This picture makes me giggle every time, her meowing in protest of her picture taken.

I could keep on going but I think you all get the idea :) Now for some great quotes about life!

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” 

― Mae West

“You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,

Love like you'll never be hurt,
Sing like there's nobody listening,
And live like it's heaven on earth.” 
― William W. Purkey

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” 

― Albert Einstein

“Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” 

― George Bernard Shaw

"All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better."

– Ralph Waldo Emerson.

P.S.: I got all the cute backgrounds at Mel's blog!

Pin It

15

Time Out Tuesday: Quotes of Inspiration

Sometimes it's hard for me to think of a TOT topic. Next week I won't have a problem with it because TOT next week is my birthday!

I try to use a word or topic that has stuck to me this week or something I'm going through. Or some times it just hits me in inspiration. This week, not so much lol.

So I went to my Pinterest for inspiration and voila! I decided to share some quotes that I have there! But I'll limit it to three since I don't want to overwhelm you :)

Courtesy:  Cool People Care 

I love that so much! This could fit in so well in a classroom!

Courtesy: Piccsy.com

I love that too! So many times kids (and adults) will say something and then retract with an apology, but the damage is already done. It's like that wrinkle up person that I've seen many of you do in your classroom where you have a picture of a kid and crumple it when your class says mean things and then unfold him/her to see they will always be wrinkled/damaged by the words.

Courtesy:  Society 6

This is so true too! I get told all the time that it worries people if I'm NOT smiling lol. I always smile and often find that if someone is grumpy and I smile at them, they smile too. Of course they're probably thinking, what the heck is wrong with that girl, always smiling. And they're probably wondering what I'm smiling about. Sometimes I smile just because, or I saw a cute kid, or like the music playing, or am reminiscing about something. But most often because it just feels so natural and just that little bitty smile can make someone's bad day turn around.

My quotes and inspiration board is here if you can't wait until I share more :)



Pin It

2

Time Out Tuesday: Being Neighborly

This weekend I helped out a few neighbors and it was my pleasure! One had me fish sit her Betta while she was camping. She told me it was okay if it died because it was kind of sick. So every day I checked on it when I went to feed hit, praying it wasn't dead. It survived! But it had a weird fungus thing which I think is called Ich. Plus some mouth fungus that looked like this:

Then another neighbor came over and her oven was broken. So I ended up baking her brownies while I was cooking my dinner. The house smelled really good!

My neighborhood has always been close. Someone needs sugar or an egg, just borrow! I think I've even lent flour, eggs, well maybe everything for a cake at one point lol. One neighbor, if she borrows, will bring me part of the result from what she borrowed. I'm happy to lend to her anytime! Haha. She's an amazing baker.

As a sub, I try to be neighborly to the other teachers, because it's nice and you never know if you'll need their help. Like today, I helped out my neighbor (she was my co-teacher today too) and then in the afternoon she wanted to reciprocate and as my kiddos finished their art project and work, she took mine out to recess.

Don't get me wrong, there are some odd and rude neighbors, but 95% of the neighborhood rocks! We have National Night Out in August and do a potluck. And at Christmas time, about 8 houses do a progressive dinner. It's so much fun! We hop house to house and start out with appetizers and end up with dessert. One year we traveled house to house in the snow. One of my best memories ever!

This quote made me laugh:

A good neighbor is a fellow who smiles at you over the back fence, but doesn't climb over it.
Arthur Baer

Great quote:

"You shall love your neighbor as yourself. [Matthew 22:39]" 

Home Improvement anyone?

And of course, a classic!

Pin It

2

Time Out Tuesday: Forgiveness

I thought today's TOT topic should be 'forgiveness' as right now a lot of people are angry at the three boys that caused the fire. I was very angry and upset too because they messed up the lives of many people. Because of the fire:

• They destroyed a building
• Destroyed personal belongings and irreplaceable items
• Displaced students for a week (or more because they don't know about grades 9-11)
• Prom stuff was destroyed (it's this Saturday)
• Many events have been cancelled
• Sub jobs have been cancelled (I was supposed to work for an elementary music teacher today who was going to the high school for a music festival...now it's cancelled, so my job is cancelled)
• Displaced the teachers
• Caused a lot of inconveniences for many

Just a small part of what was damaged.

It's like time stood still after all was abandoned.

But I forgive them. No one was hurt. The building and most items can be replaced, people cannot. Our community has grown closer yet again. There's a prom decor building party today. A local neighborhood is donating all their garage sale proceeds from this weekend to our recovery fund. The youth are getting more involved in the community. We've come together once again in a time of need. 

I feel bad for the kids' families involved. What a Mother's Day for them, their kids locked up. They are being tried as adults, and if found guilty, will serve a mandatory 7 years due to Measure 11 (arson) which means they'll be 22 at the earliest they come out.

Even yesterday there were angry teachers in the staff lounge. Holding onto anger solves nothing. I've found some excellent quotes today.

How true is this?! 

Anger makes you smaller, while forgiveness forces you to grow beyond what you were. --Cherie Carter-Scott

We all make mistakes:

To err is human; to forgive, divine.-- Alexander Pope

"Forgiveness is the economy of the heart... forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost ofhatred, the waste of spirits." Hannah More

Pin It

2

Time Out Tuesday: Believe

How you see yourself definitely can relate to your self-esteem. I see students who lack self-esteem and have no confidence in themselves. They put themselves down and say they aren't good at this or that. It's theses students that I try to drop praise and encouragement when I can.

I want these students to feel good about themselves. They need to have confidence in themselves. They need this frame work built early on because I know it'll be tougher on them in middle and high school, especially when peer pressure starts appearing.

I love this poster:

Kids shouldn't worry about what others think about them or how they look. It's how they see themselves that should matter.  They need to believe in themselves!

One girl I remember seemed always shy and uncomfortable, but now seems outgoing after joining an afterschool activity.  Self confidence is beautiful!

Quote time!

"It's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you're not." Denis Waitley

Love, love, love this quote! Who you are isn't what holds you back from doing things. If you think you're not brave, not smart, etc., then of course you won't succeed because you're being negative. Believe!

"Begin anywhere." John Cage

Love this quote too. Doesn't matter what or when, just start! Whether it's losing weight, joining a new activity, just begin. And of course, believe!

And my last quote, I made it all fancy because I really like it.

How true! Never be someone else because you won't be like them, you'll be second-rate. Be yourself and you'll be first-rate. Believe!!!

Pin It

4

Time Out Tuesday: Stop and Smell the Tulips?

Deep breath! Still having computer problems and I feel like I"m neglecting you all! But thanks for being patient followers (and new followers!)

I got to sub in library today. Something about scanning and books *happy sigh* Hehe :)

A few weekends ago I went to the tulip fields that my friend owns. Let me tell you, when your dad is a police officer (well now retired) you make lots of connections in the community! Anyway, it's a big deal here in the valley in Oregon. And that weekend they had over 26,000 visitors! He made big bucks that weekend lol.

The flowers are AMAZING! I could take a gazillion pictures. And even though I go every year, I always take pictures. Something about stopping and taking the time to enjoy the beauty. Something so simple as a flower, but so beautiful that can stir the heart and soul :) So take some time and stop and smell the roses tulips (or whatever flowers you have nearby!)

Pin It

5

Time Out Tuesday: Thankful

Who needs a time out? This girl! Thank goodness I only worked a 1/2 day. My class was driving me up the wall today (more than usual). I was in their class just last week too! But today I felt like I made several connections with kiddos so that's good :)

Oh and I had language class so my kids left and I got a new group. And I took them to the computer lab for Rosetta Stone and they logged on and went to their program. It sounds like the U.N. in there, some are doing German, Russian, Chinese, French, Portuguese, Spanish, etc. One girl said something about my first name and then called me my first name. I whipped around and told her that was inappropriate and that we call teachers by the last name (at that school one teacher goes by her first name but they have to add Ms. in front). Well little did she know, the principal was in the lab for whatever reason and heard it and called her back.

Later in the staff room, the principal said I handled that well and with the right response (happy dance inside) and also asked the student when has she ever called the principal by her first name. Student stuttered and principal said even if they were calling me by my first name, there needs to be respect and put in a Ms.  Lol.

Thankful is my TOT topic. Sometimes we feel like teaching is thankless but know that you are doing a great thing!  I'm thankful of the staff at the  school today (and at other schools) and that the principal supported me too :) I'm thankful that I'm getting sub jobs. I'm thankful for my health, for my family, friends, and my fur baby. I'm thankful for the blogging community, TBA, and all my bloggy buddies. If you haven't hear thanks yet today, I thank you for reading my blog :)  Thanks!

I've got some super positive quotes about thanks and gratitude. Just reading these made me happy!

A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues.
-- Cicero 


Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.
-- Oprah Winfrey 


Gratitude is something of which none of us can give too much. For on the smiles, the thanks we give, our little gestures of appreciation, our neighbors build their philosophy of life.
-- A. J. Cronin


Gratitude helps you to grow and expand; gratitude brings joy and laughter into your life and into the lives of all those around you.
-- Eileen Caddy 


If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul.
-- Rabbi Harold Kushner 

Feeling grateful or appreciative of someone or something in your life actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value into your life.
-- Christiane Northrup




Pin It

2

Time Out Tuesday

Before I get to TOT, I just have to get this off my chest. I totally was not saying in my post yesterday that the flash drive is for everyone. I know that stuff can happen to it too. I was saying that's what works for ME. The main point of my post yesterday was: back up your stuff! Whether it's flashdrive, external hard drive, Drop Box, or any sort of those things, do what works for you !

Now, on to my TOT. I'm taking time out today to celebrate my fur baby. She came into my life 7 years ago in March.

Cats are connoisseurs of comfort. 

James Herriot 

I'm thankful everyday that she adopted me! That she chose my house to come to and that she came to me before a very rough point in my life when I lost my cousin Nicole.

I know I talk about Checkers often, but she brings such joy that I want everyone to get a little joy too! Yesterday I watched her frolic in the sun and chase her tail. Just those little things make me laugh.

The little things like meowing back at me, nudging me, attacking invisible things. Or the looks she gives me.

Way down deep, we're all motivated by the same urges. Cats have the courage to live by them.

Jim Davis

Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms.

George Eliot 

Pin It

4

Time Out Tuesday: Do What You Can

I honestly don't know what to write today. After yesterday, I was tired. After today, I'm wiped. And I go back to the same kinder tomorrow and just heard that my 5th grade class on Friday is pretty cruel on subs. *sigh*

Trying to keep positive, but it's pretty hard when the classes are so tough, you are just happy any work gets done and the kids are safe. Thankfully next week is Spring Break. That is what has me hanging on there by a thin thread.

Good old Teddy Roosevelt has a good quote: "Do what you can, where you are, with what you've got." I have to do that sometimes. Tough class? Then do what you can, get what work done you can, that's what I've got to do.

Oooh found another good one: “Head up, heart open. To better days!” 
― T.F. Hodge, From Within I Rise: Spiritual Triumph Over Death and Conscious Encounters with "The Divine Presence"
Pin It

10

Time Out Tuesday

I tell ya, Oregon weather is ODD! So yesterday we had 50 mph wind. Today I wake up to a few inches of snow. No lie.

Had to clear off my car this morning. You can see the snow drift in front of  my car!

Outside my class. Nice right?

The kids were so excited, but my morning class was awesome this morning. My afternoon class, not so much. Everytime someone went out to the bathroom, they decided to go play in the snow (at this point, mostly ice). It was becoming disruptive, so I pulled them to the carpet and gave a little spiel. 

Then this poem kind of kept flitting in the back of my mind:

It's called Why God Made Teachers (by Kevin William Huff)

Why God Made Teachers
By Kevin William Huff
When God created teachers,
He gave us special friends
To help us understand His world
And truly comprehend
The beauty and the wonder
Of everything we see,
And become a better person
With each discovery.
When God created teachers,
 He gave us special guides
To show us ways in which to grow
So we can all decide
How to live and how to do
What’s right instead of wrong,
To lead us so that we can lead
and learn how to be strong.
Why God created teachers,
In His wisdom and His grace,
Was to help us learn to make our world
A better, wiser place.

So then I kept thinking about how these kiddos are just curious (we hardly have snow and when we do it doesn't usually stick around for long and they are just 1st graders). So then I was a little more understanding, but told them they still have to do there jobs.

Another awesome moment today was when a kiddo who said he could count by 10's to a certain number because it was too hard, was able to go a bit more than he thought. Another kiddo told him that it was easy for him. I told them that what might be easy for one person, might be hard for another. So I drew a musical scale and asked if they could read that or play that...both said no. I said, "Well that's easy for me and it's only 4 notes!" The lightbulb clicked  for them and they both learned a valuable lesson :)

Pin It

9

Happy______day and Time Out Tuesday!

Ok it's ____ in my title because today is not only Valentine's Day, it's my state's birthday! Happy Birthday Oregon :) 153 years old...wow, wouldn't want to put all the candles on or blow them out!

I figured I wouldn't sub today, I mean, who would want to  miss their classes' V-Day party? Well I know a few teachers that might lol. I am subbing tomorrow though and I'm already dreading the sugar rush/crash! Thank goodness it's also late start so hopefully that helps.

Ok, Time Out Tuesday... of course has to be about love! And I found THE perfect quote. A blend of love and education.

A loving heart is the beginning of all knowledge.
Thomas Carlyle


Fantastic right? Yeah I love it! It makes total sense too. If you have a loving, caring heart, then you are able to understand more and accept more. 


I can live without money, but I cannot live without love.
Judy Garland

Love this quote too. Everyone needs a little bit of loving! Even the most awful people. And we know them. I know you do. I do...so you know what? If you see them today, give them a little extra love. Maybe they'll show it back.


And speaking of love, I have a new blog I love. She rocks, seriously!  And she made a Dr. Seuss clip art set that as soon as I saw sneak peeks yesterday, knew I had to have. And as soon as I saw it was available on TpT, yep I bought it. And it's worth it. Ok, now to share her blog... The 3 am Teacher. Love the title, love her stuff, love her blog, love everything! And help the girl out, she is close to 100 followers. So show the girl some loving!

6

Time Out Tuesday: Relax

This kind of goes with last week's TOT (Time Out Tuesday) topic of quiet. Usually when you have quiet, you can relax a little. I know that today I'm super relaxed. As in no worries in the world kind of relaxed. This week there will be only a few posts from me, but I'll explain that more on Sunday :)

I think that our bodies get so tense and stressed, that sometimes we forget what it's like to be relaxed. One reason I love the weekend is that I can unwind. Even if I have something going on that weekend, it's not stressful.  Probably because it usually involves being around friends.

And when my little  big baby of a cat is around, I relax. It's been known that if you pet a furry animal, aka your pet, you relax, your blood pressure goes down, and it's just good for you all around. You feel happier too! And speaking of relaxed, that's something I can learn from Checkers!

Stretched out lol.

Lazy fur baby!

When her head is upside down, that means she is OUT. 

"This art of resting the mind and the power of dismissing from it all care and worry is probably one of the secrets of energy in our great men." ~ Captain Hadfeld

There is no need to go to India or anywhere else to find peace. You will find that deep place of silence right in your room, your garden or even your bathtub. ~Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

He enjoys true leisure who has time to improve his soul's estate.~ Henry David Thoreau

To sit in the shade on a fine day, and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment. ~Jane Austen

1

Time Out Tuesday:Quiet

Time out? Someone say time out? I know a few kids who could have used one today! On top of that is pouring down rain and they reissued flood warnings again in even more areas. A creek in the town next door is one to keep an eye on.  And I'm still trying to kick this cold out the door.

So the keyword of the day is quiet. Sometimes you need a bit of quiet. So what I did do to get the kiddos quiet? Well my morning group was fine and quietly did writing assessments. The afternoon group was louder but  the last 15 minutes of class were quiet as they were coloring a geometric design. And I mean quiet! It was heaven. It doesn't make me a bad teacher for wanting quiet. It helped keep me sane! Plus it was educational AND they had done all their required work. I needed the quiet. Trust me people. It was very necessary. I could have done silent ball but that's not quite as educational. Unless you consider throwing/catching skills?

But I think it was good for them. They'd done two assessments that day and one kid even told me he's on overload and his brain wants to quit. Aww :(  It was kind of a bonding moment, this coloring. They shared. They encouraged each other. They gave advice for the colors. They were quiet and productive and creative and don't get art enough!

And I have some quiet quotes for you!

“There is always music amongst the trees in the garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it.” Minnie Aumonier


“The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.” Albert Einstein 


" We need quiet time to examine our lives openly and honestly...spending quiet time alone gives your mind an opportunity to renew itself and create order.” Susan Taylor




I think the last two quotes work with today! Also don't forget to enter my giveaway...a few more days left!

4

Don't Worry, Be Happy

I seriously adore that song. I remember listening to it all the time when I was growing up. So you'd think it'd stick with me to not worry about things right?

My parents like to say, "Don't sweat the small stuff" but for me it's easier said than done. Like I'm kinda of worrying about this weekend and when am I going to go grocery shopping , and what if the people don't like the food I make for craft day, etc.  Things that haven't happened yet and that I shouldn't worry about!

I need to take this quote and post it somewhere for sure!

"Worry a little bit every day and in a lifetime you will lose a couple of years. If something is wrong, fix it if you can. But train yourself not to worry. Worry never fixes anything." -- Mary Hemingway

And Pinterest has a fab few posters:

And the last one is my FAVE!

2