Sunny Days #SOLC19

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The sun is shining in the windows today.

We need no coat.

I actually have neighbors,

sitting or walking and waving hello.

Errands aren't as bad

as I drive around,

windows down

and sunglasses on my face.

Sunny days help my brain

feel more in charge and productive.

Let's clean the car,

pick up pinecones and sticks.

How I love a sunny day

even if's it's cold.

Sunny days are hopeful

and make me smile.

C'mon spring #SOLC19

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The mountains of ice remain.

High of 39 degrees today, with some sunshine.

The wind blows across the yard, shaking the tree boughs.

Our trees are growing tiny stems for future leaves.

The grass is a dull shade of brown.

In March it's hard to be patient,

The warmth doesn't come soon enough.

C'mon spring!

Go away, winter #SOL19

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Dear winter,

For many years, you have been one of my favorite seasons, second only to fall.  There's nothing more beautiful than a blanket of white, fluffy snow covering the yard.  I truly appreciate the reflective gleam of snow on a sunny day.

In November, you provided us a preview of what was to come.  We had our first snow day at school.  We welcomed your chill and sparkling frost.

During December, you seemed so calm.  We enjoyed 50-degree days and very little snow.  Sure, we may have complained a tiny bit about the absence of snow during the holidays.  I assure you, we didn't mean to upset you.

January was definitely your month to reign.  You brought us snow and ice storms, causing delayed starts and cancellations.  We shoveled, we scraped and we bought SO much salt to keep us safe.  You did not relent.

As February wraps up, we are wearing layers of sweaters, scarves and hats to protect us from your icy, arctic blasts.  You even sent impressive 50 mile-per-hour wind gusts to drive your point home.

Dear winter, would you consider moving north a bit earlier this March?  Why wait until the 21st? Can we suggest a lovely spot in the Arctic Circle?

Thanks for visiting.  It's truly been an experience.  We look forward to some time apart before you return later this year.

Sincerely,
Chris

Sunshine #SOL18

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Sunshine

Essential and bright energy source

warming the Earth

coaxing the plants from their winter slumber.

Center of our universe

encourages outdoor activity

even when temperatures are frigid.

Largely motivating,

ever present behind the clouds,

a force to reckon with.

Sunshine

Calm before the storm #SOLC17

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This morning it was really chilly, but beautifully sunny.

I haven't walked much since last summer for a list of reasons:  unmotivated, hurt feet, walking buddy moved, crummy weather.

I decided to lace up my shoes and just go.  I turned right instead of left.  Past the street I would usually turn on.  Then I trodded up the hill.

The sun was shining, but it's warmth didn't do much against the fierce, cold wind.  I was glad for my mittens, but I was missing my scarf and hat.  The wind kept pushing my hood farther back on my head.

I was the solo walker out this morning.  Few neighbors drove by in their cars.  

I walked to clear my head, listen to the birds and move my legs before I came inside to do homework and other computer work.

Tonight we expect a snowstorm.  I can't belive the lack of snow this season, but winter still has a tight grip.  We are in for 3-6" by Tuesday.

I enjoyed the blue, brilliant sky.  The calm before the storm.

Grocery shopping #SOLC17

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(Button art by Sandra Boynton)

Yup, I'm a foodie.
I love to eat, but
I really don't like to cook.
I leave that super power to my husband, Jeff
We call him Cheffrey (get it!?)

Unfortunately Jeff travels each week to his consulting job,
so I'm left to be
creative?      brave?    desperate.

Frozen pasta + frozen cooked chicken + pesto in a jar = tonight's dinner  YES!

Allison eating out with friends?
I'm on my own for dinner?

Scrambled eggs + English muffin + fruit ... for the WIN!

Tonight I must hunt, forage and collect food at the grocery store.
I'm overwhelmed by the choices.
Even though I can more easily walk through the bakery
(my sweet tooth is tuned to dark chocolate)
and I can choose healthy veggies, fish and chicken,
it's still a challenge.

I'm all set to go.
Wrote my list, gathered my reusable bags,
laced up my gym shoes.

Off I go to the grocery store
a place that should be fun, but to me
it's just a place
where I overthink
the daily BIG QUESTION

What's for dinner?

Finding the groove #SOL15

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It's November.  Time for the air to get chilly, the sun to set early, and my head to 

explode! 

Now don't get me wrong, my head exploding can be a good thing, a bad thing, or a bit of both.

It's the feeling of wanting to jump on EVERY SINGLE good idea I hear and wanting to be part of

all the cooooool

                    learning

                                       and new books

                                                         and shared reading experiences 

                                            in classrooms around my building.

But, I have my own programs and students and testing and reading and learning to do as well.

Hmpf.

It's a good problem to have.  

*********************
In other news....

I'm finally finding my groove.  I've got a mess of data and notes that need to be organized

 (same mess, new school!)

 I have a rhythm to my day.

(and there's a few minutes for a bathroom break!)

My students are gems

and my coworkers have accepted me into the tribe.

It's November. Time to make sure we all take care of ourselves, soak up ALL the sunshine we can, 

and take time to smell the Mr. Sketch markers.

Rejuvenate & restore SOLC #23

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The girls are on spring vacation, so I'm going to try a few things while they're gone.  

1. Eat well 
2. Drink lots of water
3. Exercise every day
4. Sit in a quiet spot and just be
5. Read, write, think, reflect
6. Enjoy time with my husband
7. Only start projects that I can finish (cabinet clean out, sorting papers & photos)
8. Relax
9. Soak up the sunshine as much as possible

Michelle put it best - absence will make the heart grow fonder.  My wish for the girls is they come back from their trips tired and smiling.  I hope to be calmer and easier to live with as well.  

I used to think that fall was my favorite season, but spring has so much hope and promise.

Maybe I'll change my mind!