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Yesterday I walked 13,251 steps or 5.2 miles. Today I walked 12,807 steps or 4.85 miles. Today was a decent day, not a great one but decent is okay. Anyway, April is over and May means the end of school. We have four full weeks left or twenty days but one day is field trip to the library, one day is Field Day and nobody works too hard on the last day so that means seventeen days as far as I'm concerned. Next week is "Teacher Appreciation Week" and our PTA is going all out and giving us all manis and pedis. Yes, we deserve to be pampered!!

a long day

I stayed after school rearranging tables because I think if  I take "owner-ship" of the classroom, it might promote better behavior. I am also going to display a sign stating that I expect good behavior. I don't know, at this point I am willing to try anything.
 I would have taken a picture of the new arrangement but I needed to stop at Walmart. While I was at the deli counter, the saleslady handed me a sample of ham because I couldn't make up my mind as to what kind I wanted, the ham was so dry that I started to choke. I disperately needed something to drink so I walked over to a big juice bin and opened up a bottle. I did make sure it was lo-cal.

day 14

15,692 steps or 5.94 miles. I made a huge mistake today and wore my cute Jessica Simpson shoes to school and I am paying for it now as my feet really hurt. The janitor told me that we are down to 22 more days, not that I'm anxious to get this over with so that I can enjoy my life again. This week-end I am buying marigolds to plant in milk cartons for Mother's Day. I hope they appreciate it. 

things i miss

On Monday I walked 13,473 steps or 5.10 miles. Today I walked 10,642 steps or 4.03 miles. I had forgotten how hard a teacher works. I miss:

• taking an afternoon nap
• walking on my favorite trail
• spending time with my sweet little furbaby
• putzing in my rose garden
• staying in my pajamas till 10
• watching Oprah

Still, I love being a "real" teacher again and the pay isn't bad either!!

fruit salad dressing

This is a stand by recipe for fruit salad; my contribution to any get-together which involves eating. I found it in an old Lutheran cookbook.

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cans (6 oz. each) pineapple juice
1 can (6 oz.) frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
1/2 to 1 cup sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup lemon juice

In a saucepan, combine the flour, pineapple juice, orange juice concentrate, sugar, honey and lemon juice. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Cool. Serve over fruit. Leftover dressing may be refrigerated for up to 1 week.

busy teacher's easter prayer

Dear Jesus,
       I was not in church today to sit in quiet prayer. Instead I was on a nature walk with six year olds teaching them how to enjoy and respect the Earth that You gave us. Thank You for giving me health which allows me to continue with my profession. Thank You for providing me and my family with clean water and food, clothing and a nice home. I will try to appreciate it more. Most of all, thank You for dying on the cross to wash away my sins. I truly believe that Heaven is my real home and this is just my journey. 

day 10

12,680 steps walked at school. 4.8 miles today. I caved. Everyone went home with 5 stuffed eggs and one empty one. I'm glad tomorrow's Friday, Good Friday and also Earth Day. Everyone's supposed to show up wearing green. We get out two hours early and that is a good thing. Hallelujah!!