Thursday, December 16, 2021

Busy, busy...it's that time of year!

For the last two weeks I've tried to make my desk at work a haven of festive good cheer for the school. The holidays are almost here, after all!  I'm in the front lobby, the first point of contact for parents and the public, as well as being situated right between the 6th and 7th grade halls. I've been using one of my computer monitors (I have two) to pull up a crackling fire and instrumental Christmas music on YouTube every day. There's a tiny decorated tree with colorful lights on the edge of my desk. Best of all (as far as the students are concerned) I've been filling a small red and green basket with Christmas candy each morning and being very generous with it. Ho ho ho!


Thank God tomorrow is our last day before the break, because the kids have been attracted to my candy bowl like moths to a flame and I'm about to go broke! :)  It's amazing what they'll do for a piece of cheap candy; one little boy who was always in trouble came asking for some early on, and I made a deal with him. If he stayed out of ISS (in-school suspension) and I didn't get any discipline referrals on him, he could come get a piece of candy between classes. It worked! Little Clarence hasn't been in trouble for two weeks, which is a major accomplishment for him. One afternoon he hesitated at my desk, clearly wanting something, so I said, "What is it, Clarence?" Of course, I was thinking he was about to ask for candy again. Instead, he gave me a huge hug, said, "I needed that!", and ran off to catch his bus. You could have knocked me over with a feather! So sweet. Lots of other kids have figured out that if they stop by and ask politely, I'll give them candy. All of a sudden I'm about 10 times more popular than I used to be! Haha.

It's been a busy, busy week. Our book club Christmas party was last night, George had a vet appointment yesterday afternoon (I had to rush home from work to make it). Today I had to leave work for a couple of hours to go to an eye appointment. I feel like I've been rushing around nonstop every day. 

Tomorrow night after work I have plans with my friend Martina. She had an extra ticket to an Ukrainian ballet performance of Cinderella touring the area, and she invited me to be her "date".  We're going to get a late dinner somewhere afterwards, too. I'm really looking forward to it, having never been to a ballet. Then there's a lunch with other friends on Saturday, more holiday baking Saturday afternoon (I made fruitcakes last weekend, now it's going to be sugar cookies) and then on Sunday we have a dinner party invitation from a bachelor friend of Gregg's. I haven't met this friend yet, so I have no idea what to expect, but it sounds like fun! 

Next week as we approach Christmas I hope to have more down time and solitude. I'm enjoying this week, but it's been a bit stressful too. At heart I'm an introvert (you'd never know it to meet me) and all this socializing is going to wear me out if I'm not careful. It's already a tiny bit past my comfort zone, but I'm soldiering on. 

Hopefully I'll have more time for blog reading and blog commenting after tomorrow, too. I can't wait to catch up with all of you! 

32 comments:

  1. My, you have been busy. Let us know how the sugar cookies turn out... they're one of my favorites.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You really hit on something with Clarence. I bet the teachers appreciate that kind of help. I've never been to a ballet and would like to see one, too.

    Love,
    Janie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Clarence went from being a surly little guy to an absolute sweetheart.

      Delete
  3. That candy dish is inspired! Glad it was a hit with all the kids and especially Clarence. Enjoy the ballet, all the baking and your other dinner party -- you can sleep AFTER Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Debra! I'm grateful I won't have to set an alarm for the next couple of weeks!

      Delete
  4. Have a wonderful tine at the ballet. I've never been to one, either. It's always crazy right up until the holidays. This is my first year not being part of that chaos (I actually kind of miss it). Well done bribing little Clarence! Ha ha! -Jenn

    ReplyDelete
  5. When I was teaching I always kept a box of miniature chocolate bars as prizes for exceptional work. I was very popular too!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I have missed you! And you're a reason many kids enjoy school with your spirit Jen. I used to love the schoolteachers and admin. that would make the holidays seem special by decorating.

    And enjoy the Ukrainian ballet performance. That's bound to be a highlight for your memory this season.

    ReplyDelete
  7. That story about Clarence is very sweet indeed. I guess I would have welled up after that!
    Ballet, dining out, going to dinner parties... it all sounds beautiful, but over here, is unthinkable at the moment, what with the Omicron variety spreading like mad and me not yet boostered (won't be getting my third jab until January).
    I am sure you will love the ballet, and everything else!

    Although I can really not be called an introvert, I know what you mean about having to be careful with too much socialising. I love meeting people, but I really have to balance it out with time entirely to myself.

    By the way, I love how the brick background of the "fire" matches the brick wall next to your desk!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I never noticed the brick fireplace matching! Good eye!

      I've had my booster, and while cases are going up around here, they're still relatively low at the moment. I'm still being very careful.

      Delete
  8. I hope that you enjoy the ballet. We went to our first ( and only) ballet some years ago, and I was surprised at how much noise their feet make on the floor! I love the fire on the TV. We have done this in the past, and I prefer the ones in " real time" rather than on a loop and the fire never changes!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Cinderella. A great ballet as your first. So exciting! You’d be my favorite staffer even without candy. I assume Gregg is back to 100 percent?

    ReplyDelete
  10. I was touched by the Clarence story. Those kids will remember you.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thank you for loving that kid. You will never know what a difference it makes for him

    ReplyDelete
  12. You gave a gift and got one in return in Clarence. Lovely.

    Take care of yourself in this holiday season and enjoy.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oh, Clarence! Hugs instead of...candy! I love it.
    Girl, your schedule would have me under the covers in a dark room. You are a popular and beloved lady.

    ReplyDelete
  14. It's been nice that they moved you out front to welcome and greet the students and visitors. You make a big difference at your school and it is nice that the students stop to visit with you (and your candy)!
    Enjoy your holiday break but stay safe!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Enjoy the ballet and your break!
    Hopefully Clarence stays out of trouble ... ?

    ReplyDelete
  16. Well, I'm glad you're staying busy and getting out to get some culture! (I'm missing that myself.) We had a bowl of candy in the library the other day and vultures descended and cleaned us out in about half an hour. But we did not re-stock. It was a one-time thing. :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. You have become the whole school's favourite auntie! By the way, your lovely Xmas card arrived today. Thank you so much Jennifer. Your holiday will have started now. Relax and enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  18. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  19. We always do frosted sugar cookies and Russian tea cakes in my family. The last days before a major break in a school are very stressful. So many kids and staff have emotional issues at this time of year when we're all supposed to be "jolly." I know I'm not very merry in December.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I always used a reward system as a motivator in my teaching days. I kept a treasure box in my teacher cupboard and I doled out those prizes with regularity. It worked! Sometimes I purposely let students see me topping up the treasures just for the satisfaction of hearing a hush come over the room. Those little prizes made classroom management of even the most difficult classes much easier. Your desk display was delightful. Enjoy your well deserved break!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Buy cheap nembutal pentobarbital pills, liquid, powder, SECONAL FOR SALE ONLINE, SECONAL and more online.
    Buy nembutal online, order nembutal online, purchase cheap nembutal online.

    Contact us at: arcmeds4@gmail.com

    Are you terminally sick , weak , depressed and want to give up your life from the pain of the world? Have you been searching for a reliable and efficient means to get peaceful death without loosing your money ? Have you ever heard about Nembutal Pentobarbital Sodium Solution Peaceful exit medication? We are here to provide you with a peaceful and reliable solution.

    If you are looking to Buy Nembutal Online, then you are at the right place to make your purchase. Look no further, contact us and purchase Nembutal Online at a very affordable price. We have over 9 years of experience supplying nembutal to United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, Africa, Asia with 99.9% successful delivery.

    We are determined in giving real hope and everlasting rest to the terminally ill. We sell Nembutal Powder, Oral Nembutal Liquid and Nembutal Pills. Just providing your age and your weight, we will be able to provide you accurate information about Price, shipping, and payment.

    Note that, we do 100% discrete and express shipping of Nembutal world wide and have a refund/return policy to ensure maximum satisfaction of our clients. If we do not treat you well, tell us and if we treat you good tell the world.
    We are available 24/7 to answer all your question regarding HOW TO BUY NEMBUTAL ONLINE, WHERE TO BUY NEMBUTAL, BEST TYPE OF NEMBUTAL TO BUY etc. Simply send us an email and one of our customer service consultants will get back to you on time.

    * Nembutal suicide dose,

    * How to obtain Seconal,

    * How to buy nembutal Online,

    * Purchase nembutal Online,

    * Nembutal by mail order,

    * How to obtain pentobarbital,

    * Best drugs for suicide overdose,
    * seconal nembutal,

    * nembutal no prescription,

    * nembutal pentobarbital sodium,

    * nembutal pills online,

    * nembutal suppliers,

    We are a legitimate supplier for Nembutal. End the suffering, End the pain and End your sorrow by purchasing Nembutal online from the best nembutal suppliers. 100% Fast, Reliable, Trustworthy, the product being of high quality, everywhere accessible, extremely pure, Nembutal powder as well as liquid and pills ,the best decision to make. Dying with peacefulness, Dying with dignity, Peaceful euthanasia, Peaceful mind. Consumption and order to be placed according to the need.

    Contact us at: arcmeds4@gmail.com

    best drugs for suicide overdose, buy nembutal pentobarbital sodium online, can you purchase nembutal online, how much nembutal is fatal, how to acquire nembutal, how to buy nembutal online, how to get sodium pentobarbital, how to obtain pentobarbital, how to obtain seconal, nembutal by mail order, nembutal for sale, nembutal online, nembutal online pharmacy, order nembutal online, nembutal pentobarbital for sale, nembutal pills for sale, nembutal powder for sale online, nembutal price, nembutal suicide dose, obtaining nembutal online, pentobarbital nembutal sale, purchase nembutal online, sodium pentobarbital, sodium pentobarbital euthanasia, sodium pentobarbital for sale, sodium pentobarbital purchase, sodium pentobarbital suicide, sodium pentobarbital suppliers, where can i purchase nembutal, where to buy sodium pentobarbital, where to buy nembutal online, where to get pentobarbital.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Avoid pentobarbital it's bad on the complexion.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I lost my job few months back and there was no way to get income for my family, things was so tough and I couldn't get anything for my children, not until a met a recommendation on a page writing how Mr Bernie Wilfred helped a lady in getting a huge amount of profit every 6 working days on trading with his management on the cryptocurrency Market, to be honest I never believe it but I took the risk to take a loan of $800 and I contacted him unbelievable and I was so happy I earn $12,500 in 6 working days, the most joy is that I can now take care of my family I don't know how to appreciate your good work Mr. Bernie Doran God will continue to bless you for being a life saver I have no way to appreciate you than to tell people about your good services.
    For a perfect investment and good strategies contact Mr Bernie Doran via WhatsApp :+1(424)285-0682 or Telegram : @Bernie_doran_fx or Email : Bernie.doranfx01@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete