Little Bits of Joy

I've been slowly working on bits and pieces of homemade gifts for about three weeks. I used to do it regularly and only recently started to think about doing it again. 

It started with drying some fruit. 

Then I tested my recipe--allspice, clove, orange, apple, and cinnamon. A winning combination.

Packaging was my favorite part. I made some little tags for each gift. 

Then came a sweet treat. I hadn't made it before, but it will be one I revisit before the year ends. 

On Monday, I passed out each one after everyone had left school. A little surprise to find in the morning, and my gift-giving is complete, at least when it comes to my work family. A satisfying and happy feeling. 

Surprises of the Day

I decided late last night to take the morning off today. After getting my sub plans around, communicating with colleagues, and putting in for a sub, I went to bed later than I desired. Surprisingly, I slept well over an hour past my usual wake-up time. I needed the rest. 

I stayed home to be with my daughter, who has been experiencing many health issues and discomfort. Being home allowed me to get some things set up that I've been meaning to get to, such as putting together a small seated pedal exercise machine. This allows her to exercise while sitting. I also made some bingo cards with lots of self-care/healthy choices. The goal is two bingoes a day. Surprisingly, the bingo cards were a hit and very motivating. Another great surprise. 

By 10:30 this morning, I was feeling pulled to stay home all day, as I could see that if I left midday, we might be met with setbacks. So, I called my school, and to my surprise, the sub who was covering my morning could stay all day. 

I had many sweet surprises today. I'm going back to work tomorrow, but the meeting planned for after school has already been canceled, so another good surprise that gets me home earlier to the people who need me most. 

Need an Embrace?

 Life has been showing me many cards lately. 

The good.
The bad. 

You know the rest. 

As much as work can be both stressful and rewarding, I have some incredible colleagues who help keep the stressful parts--lighter. 

It's funny the things you hear outside of a classroom. 

I was minding my business at my desk when I heard, "Maybe Betsy needs an embrace."

I raised my head to see Carrie with Theresa outside my door, stifling a silly laugh. These are my "heart hand" friends. Anytime we begin to feel that, is this really happening, feeling that you get in school when you are an adult surrounded by teenagers, we just throw up our hands in the shape of a heart, and it makes it okay. 

Carrie came in and told me the crazy story about hugging that was occurring in a classroom down the hall. So naturally, we hugged, laughed, and laughed more because it was a Monday, and why not?