One Thing to Save Your Sanity

This year, I made one gigantic change to make my year run more smoothly...I leave early on Tuesdays!

When I first started teaching, I thought that the more time I spent on school work, the more productive I would be.  The opposite is true.  I became overwhelmed.  There are not enough hours in the day to accomplish everything I would like to get done at school (or home for that matter).  I never had any free time.  It was a constant state of stress.

This year, I decided Tuesdays (totally random pick) would be my day to leave as soon as possible. That means I need to be out the door by 3.  That gives me a 15 minute cushion of time to get anything done once door duty ends.  I was still able to get a lot of grading, putting grades into the computer, and classroom cleaning done, because I had motivation.

Tonight was so freeing.  I ran errands, went on a nice 3 mile walk, got some cleaning done, cooked dinner, made cookies (to keep the teachers fed during our inservice tomorrow), and read my book.  I am so relaxed!

Take a day for yourself!  You can thank me later!

Help for Sick Teachers

Happy Five for Friday!  I am glad it's Friday, because I have been miserable!  I guess I can't complain too much since it's January and the first time I have been sick all school year - a record for me. Because of this, I have decided to compile my favorite things for when I am sick.  These things help shorten my illness (at least in my head)!

1

Orange Julius - I hate straight orange juice, so I drink this alternative (that's not vodka).  Here's the recipe I have been using since eighth grade when I learned how to make it in school.

Orange Julius

1 small can frozen orange juice
1 cup of water
1 cup of milk
1/3 to 1/2 cup of sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
10-12 ice cubes.

Put all ingredients in a blender and mix for about one minute.  Serve immediately.

                                           
                                               

2

Honey - When I get a sore throat, I immediately take a spoonful of honey.  It coats my throat.  I usually don't need to do this too long before my sore throat completely disappears.  I hate the taste of honey by itself, but it's my miracle cure!

3

Vicks in Socks - I have posted this before and I probably will again.  This is one of my favorite tips! Anytime I don't feel well, I put Vicks on my feet and then put a pair of socks on.  It's warming for the feet.  My feet look pedicure smooth after doing this.  Best of all, I feel a little better each time I do this.  I think it's actually proven to help reduce coughing, and is suggested for kids.  I like to think of myself as a big kid, so it works well for me!

4

Shower Soothers - I used to always get Vicks Shower Soothers when I got sick.  Then they stopped making them (or at least selling them anywhere near me).  A long time ago, I found a DIY recipe that allowed me to make my own.  I have modified it a bit,  Now I make them when I am healthy, so I always have them when I get sick.

Shower Soothers

1.  Mix one cup baking soda and 1/2 cup of cornstarch.
2.  Add 1/3 to 1/2 cup of water.  Start with a small amount and add only what is needed to mix everything together.
3.  Fill cupcake liners with the mixture.
4.  Let mixture dry overnight or cook in the oven at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.  I find cooking them keeps the shape better.
5.  Add 15 drops Eucalyptus, 15 drops Rosemary, and 5 drops Spearmint Essential Oils. (Add more or less depending on your needs/wants.)
6.  Remove a shower soother from the cupcake liner and place on the floor of the shower whenever you are sick.  This will help your sinuses open up.

5

Sick Days - Sometimes you just have to call in sick.  This week, I had to do this twice.  I am so grateful to have an awesome co-teacher that could easily go off my normal lesson plans without having to make special plans for when I am out.  This let me relax worry-free to recover.  My favorite position this week was laying zombie-like on the couch with a warming blanket on (best gift ever!) while watching Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman (yep, you read that correctly).  Here's to hoping I feel better this weekend and can resume a normal life.

Writing Help

I have been looking all year for my pencils. These are laminated die cuts with various words on them.  Some examples are punctuation and capitalization. I meant to use them this year when students write as a reminder of the lessons taught. Oh well. There's always next year...if they don't get lost again!