Hello July!  We are half way done with the year 2022.  And what a year it has been.  I’m starting off the weekend with a little catch-up over the Ultimate Coffee Date hosted by Coco and Deborah.  So grab a mug of your favorite beverage and let’s chat for a bit!

If we were having coffee…
I’d ask you to ask me how many gifts I received from my students are the end of the school year.  Now, I don’t do this job for the gifts but it is nice to get them.  Go ahead, ask me.  0.  NOLLA. ZERO. NULA.  NUL.  I have been teaching for 13 years and every year (except 2020 and we know why) I have received gifts from students.  I went out for drinks with my coworker that day and even she was shocked.  Her husband and other friend that joined us were also shocked.  I did receive a few thank you on Remind from parents, but still.  Update: Receiving gifts is not an expectation.  I was just surprised that is all.  I am not trying to sound ungrateful.

If we were having coffee…
I’d tell you that Summer School went better than expected.  I started off with 22 students on my roster and ended up with 14.  We took one field trip to the Adler Planetarium.  They made me smile but no one made me cry.  Teaching in all English isn’t that bad.  

If we were having coffee…
I’d tell you that my yesterday my mom and I went to Walgreens to get our 2nd booster shot.  Crossing my fingers we don’t have any side effects from it.  Our first one was in October so it was time for this one.  

If we were having coffee…
I’d ask you if you rate a Peloton class based on the instructor’s playlist.  I know I can check out the playlist before deciding to take the class, but sometimes I forget and then wonder how the heck they picked that song or songs.  On Sunday I took a 90s Run and I only recognized the first two.  I was so annoyed towards the end and was glad it was only 20 minutes.  On Tuesday I took an 80s Run class.  I’ve listened to plenty of 80s songs but only recognized one.  🤔

If we were having coffee…
I’d tell you that I am noticing more gray hair.  They’re mostly baby hairs on the top right.  I know I am at that point when I will be seeing them more often.  I am just not ready for them.  

Thanks for linking up with us again this week!  We’ve got FIVE incredible co-hosts, and we are ready to link up every Friday to share YOUR weekly fitness favorites!  Join hosts My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday!  Please add your link below.  I am also linking up with Running with Perseverance and Confessions of a Mother Runner for the Ultimate Coffee Date.

Wow, hard to believe it is already June!  The month sure does go by fast when you are having fun.  I’m starting off the weekend with a little catch-up over the Ultimate Coffee Date hosted by Coco and Deborah.  So grab a mug of your favorite beverage and let’s chat for a bit!

If we were having coffee…
I’d tell you that I am emotionally and mentally exhausted.  With the last few days of school, packing up my classroom, and my mother being home this week I am very tired.  Taking care of an elderly woman is tiring.  My sister is home with her during the day until I come home.  Who would have thought personalities change as we get older?

If we were having coffee…
I’d tell you that there is a house that I want to see but am having trouble doing so.  I’ve been eyeing it for a few weeks and finally contacted my agent about it.  I was surprised no one had bought it yet since houses are selling like hot cakes.  Last week he told me that the owners were going on vacation and to reach out to him on Tuesday.  I did.  I told him I could see it Wednesday or Thursday.  No luck.  I am wondering if the owners really want to sell their house.  Why are they making it so difficult?  I believe things happen for a reason so maybe this is a way of saying that this house is no bueno.

If we were having coffee…
I’d tell you that on Wednesday I received my new teaching assignment for the 2022-2023 school year.  There are 4 second grade teachers (2 GE and 2 DL) and we get along and work very well together.  We were split up.  One GE and one DL teacher are going to one school and the other 2 to a different school.  I knew it could happen but still cannot believe it.  It is making me very sad but am trying to stay positive.  I am glad that at least I will be working with someone I’ve worked with for years.

If we were having coffee…
I’d tell you that a friend of mine reached out to me because she had an extra ticket to see “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations” on Saturday.  I love musicals.  I haven’t seen her in years and am looking forward to it.  I feel like a kid with a new toy.  I realized it’s been a long time since I’ve been out with friends.  There are 4 of us going and are meeting first for lunch and then go see the musical.  I hope I stay awake.  I usually take a nap after lunch.  

If we were having coffee…
I’d tell you that I didn’t realize I had so much school stuff.  The last time I packed was about 4-5 years ago.  I was moved to my current room 2 years ago but administration packed it all up for me.  When I am done I think I will have about 80 boxes, bags, and containers that will need to be sent to my new school.  That number doesn’t even include some items I will store in my cousin’s garage.  Does that make me a hoarder?

Thanks for linking up with us again this week!  We’ve got FIVE incredible co-hosts, and we are ready to link up every Friday to share YOUR weekly fitness favorites!  Join hosts My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday!  Please add your link below.  I am also linking up with Running with Perseverance and Confessions of a Mother Runner for the Ultimate Coffee Date.

It may be May but it is still dreary here but next week it is supposed to warm up.  So much rain here and I am tired of it.  I am happy it is Friday as I am counting down the days till the last day of school.  I’m starting off the weekend with a little catch-up over the Ultimate Coffee Date hosted by Coco and Deborah.  So grab a mug of your favorite beverage and let’s chat for a bit!

If we were having coffee…
I tell you that I hope you have a great Mother’s Day on Sunday.  As of now I have no idea what we are doing.  My mother keeps talking about Tuesday because Mexicans celebrate Mother’s Day on May 10th.  She didn’t realize Mother’s Day is on Sunday.

If we were having coffee…
I’d tell you that as much as I enjoy my students, I am getting really tired of every single question they ask.  I do encourage them to ask questions but they’re overdoing it.  They ask about EVERY SINGLE LITTLE THING.  Is that how it is when one has kids?  It didn’t bother me before but lately it has and I am trying to figure out the reason.  Maybe the reason is that I am tired?

If we were having coffee…
I’d ask you if you’ve had to call the ambulance after seeing a man face down on the ground.  Yesterday during my run I saw a man squatting on the ground (that is all he was doing).  Then on my way back home I saw him again but this time he was faced down on the sidewalk.  I called 911 and told the operator about the man and that I wasn’t sure if he was sleeping or passed out.  I was then transferred to another department.  I repeated the same story.  I didn’t want to leave but wasn’t sure how long the ambulance would take.  Then I heard the sirens.  Both the ambulance and the fire truck showed up and stopped in front of the man.  A few seconds later he got up.  He was OK and I continued on with my run (I was less than a mile away from home).  Part of me felt silly but at the same time am glad I called.  What if he hadn’t gotten up?

If we were having coffee…
I’d tell you that after wearing glasses for a few years, I got contacts again.  Let me explain.  I used to wear glasses and contacts.  Then I had lasik surgery.  I knew that eventually I would need glasses again.  I am OK with wearing them but sometimes they’re a hassle.  Plus, I break them often or misplace them and they’re not cheap.  It felt weird the first time I put them on.  The only problem is that sometimes I cannot see clearly things that are small and up close (I need to move them further away).  It is the same without the contacts.  Overall, I am happy with them because I don’t need to wear my glasses that much anymore.

If we were having coffee…
I’d tell you that I got so many nice things from my students for Teacher Appreciation Week.  I’ve gotten lots of cards (the handmade are the best), flowers, cookies, and a Dunkin Donuts coffee tumbler with a gift card.  One student came up to me and told me “Thank you for teaching me”.  Made me smile and you bet I hugged him.

Thanks for linking up with us again this week!  We’ve got FIVE incredible co-hosts, and we are ready to link up every Friday to share YOUR weekly fitness favorites!  Join hosts My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday!  Please add your link below.  I am also linking up with Running with Perseverance and Confessions of a Mother Runner for the Ultimate Coffee Date.

Wow, it is already April!  We are still dealing with Winter weather conditions since Mother Nature cannot make up her mind.  It is sunny so at least that makes it a bit better.  I’m starting off the weekend with a little catch-up over the Ultimate Coffee Date hosted by Coco and Deborah.  So grab a mug of your favorite beverage and let’s chat for a bit!

If we were having coffee…
I’d tell you that today is my last day of Spring Break.  It sure went by fast!  I taught a few of my students for two hours each morning.  Total there were 5 students.  It was very similar to what I did in the Winter.  We read a few books to discuss point of view and worked on a couple of math word problems.  They’re both difficult to teach and for students to comprehend.  Even more when they do not know how to or want to read.

If we were having coffee…
I’d ask you if you ever donated plasma.  There is a facility two miles from where I live.  On Monday I went to inquire about it and then went on Wednesday to donate.  I was a new donor so the whole process took about 3 hours – the donation itself is about 40 minutes.  It didn’t hurt and I got a debit card with $100 in it.  It came in handy because the next day I had to replace the microwave oven.  It was either that or risk an explosion or fire caused by it.

If we were having coffee…
I’d tell you that it’s been 3 years since my mother had her stroke.  It’s been an eye opening experience.  Many good things have come out of it too!

If we were having coffee…
I’d tell you that you can call me crazy for wanting to run the Marine Corps Marathon 50K.  Maybe it is a good thing I didn’t get in the NYC Marathon.  I haven’t signed up yet – not sure what is holding me back.  I’ve already talked to my coach about it and we will be working together again to train for it.  50K?!?  Yikes!!!

If we were having coffee…
I’d tell you that I turn 50 this year.  My birthday falls on a Sunday.  The next week is Thanksgiving and I only have to work Monday and Tuesday.  I am unsure of what to do.  Go somewhere warm?  Have a party with a few friends and family?  I am not really one to “celebrate” my birthday.  I wake up each morning, go for a run, and continue on with my day.  Nothing exciting but just grateful for being able to celebrate another birthday.

Thanks for linking up with us again this week!  We’ve got FIVE incredible co-hosts, and we are ready to link up every Friday to share YOUR weekly fitness favorites!  Join hosts My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday!  Please add your link below.  I am also linking up with Running with Perseverance and Confessions of a Mother Runner for the Ultimate Coffee Date.

Wow, it is already March and being excited is an understatement.  March means Spring, warmer weather, and Spring Break.  I am so happy that it’s Friday and that I am off on Monday for Casimir Pulaski Day!  I’m starting off the weekend with a little catch-up over the Ultimate Coffee Date hosted by Coco and Deborah.  So grab a mug of your favorite beverage and let’s chat for a bit!

If we were having coffee…
I’d tell you that as much as I like my car, I do miss my old one.  I miss it mainly because of the cassette and CD player.  Yep, my old car was from 2006.  I listen to the radio on my way to work and sometimes I get bored and tired of the radio broadcasters and the commercials.  I have 3 stations that I like and end up switching amongst the 3 of them.  I also listen to Pandora and Amazon Music but now want to listen to my CDs and cassettes.  Should I just get rid of them?  For now they’re in a shoe box in my car.

If we were having coffee…
I’d tell you that our District is now mask optional.  While it is refreshing and liberating not to wear a mask all of the time, I am still being careful.  I do take it off while teaching since I am not too close to my students and put it back on when they are close to me.  I find it easier to teach and talk.  I also think my students like to see my facial expressions (mostly when I smile at them).  

If we were having coffee…
I’d tell you that I’ve heard so much about Inside Tracker that I finally purchased one of their plans.  I got a discount code from a former coach but when I went online to purchase it, the company had a special going on that day.  Every plan was 28% off.  You bet I took advantage of that discount and saved almost $50.  Yesterday I made an appointment for Monday for the lab work.  Looking forward to seeing my results.  Has anyone else used Inside Tracker before?

If we were having coffee…
I’d tell you that while it feels good to run again, it was also hard.  I went one month without running.  It is weird how last year I was running everyday no matter the weather conditions.  There was snow, ice, and freezing weather and I was out there.  I thought about starting another running streak but already missed yesterday.  I slept in for a little bit and then I was too cold to run after work.  I didn’t realize how tired I was and ended up taking a nap after dinner.  I have a race coming up in two weeks.  Part of me wishes I hadn’t signed up but another part is also happy because I get to run a race again.  It’s been two years since my last one.  Let’s hope it isn’t too cold that day.

If we were having coffee…
I’d tell you that my one challenging student has had 2 good days and 2 bad days this week.  On the bad days the parents had to come in to talk to him and the assistant principal.  I was a nervous wreck on those two days.  I want to only think about and remember the good days.  I also had some concerns with another student and got a chance to talk to mom yesterday.  I also talked to the student in front of mom.  I reminded him that I care about him and that I want to help him.  I also told him that he needs to talk to me and not shut me out.  He is a sweet and amazing kid.  I know that not every child can open up and talk about their feelings to an adult, but I am trying.  I know these past two years has been hard on people, but I think that it has been TWICE as hard on children.  Teaching is rewarding.  It is the non teaching aspects that takes the joy out of it.

Thanks for linking up with us again this week!  We’ve got FIVE incredible co-hosts, and we are ready to link up every Friday to share YOUR weekly fitness favorites!  Join hosts My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday!  Please add your link below.  I am also linking up with Running with Perseverance and Confessions of a Mother Runner for the Ultimate Coffee Date.