Monday, November 25, 2013

Pre-Thanksgiving Thoughts

This one will be short and sweet. Today, one of my students from last year sent me roses and the sweetest note ever. It's humbling to know that I've had (and continue to make) an impact on my students to such a degree that they want to stay in touch.
I mean, seriously. Best-ever way to start the week.
This is why I teach, people.

I'm going to hop up on my soapbox for a moment and beg you not to go shopping on Thanksgiving. The crowds and cut-throat drama of Black Friday is gross enough to me, but the thought of shopping on a holiday that's meant to remind us to be thankful for what we already have is just disgraceful. Save the 'bow throwing, competition-stomping, and pepper-spraying for Friday. Spend Thursday with family and send a message to the big box stores that you're not going to play into their hands.
This article - especially the end - is fantastic. Read it here.
On a lighter note, Archie has been particularly goofy this week, and as it's been awhile since I've posted pictures of him, here's a fun one:
Yes, he is INSIDE the tissue box spying on us.
No sooner had I posted that I wasn't officially "training" right now than I realized that I have a handful of races coming up, including a couple half marathons, so I actually need to still be in training mode. Time to increase my weekend mileage again!
Pardon my crazed smile.
Last night I got to run in one of my new tops. I highly recommend this one from Nike. It's long and doesn't ride up at all; it's light and breathable; and the white accents keep you visible on a night run.

I almost wore sleeves last night; luckily I didn't. 68 soon felt like 80. It was windy, which made it hard to breathe, but I was so relieved to finally have some fall weather.

Has your week gotten off to a good start?
How do you usually celebrate Thanksgiving?
What's the most rewarding part of your job?

ABK

16 comments:

  1. That is the most hilarious picture of Archie....LOL.

    Oh wow, our weather went super crazy fast quick from warm to absolutely freeze your butt off! Seeing you run in a tank top actually startled me for a second, then I remembered you are not in Canada! lol.

    We usually celebrate Thanksgiving with a mega turkey meal and of course pumpkin pie. Our thanksgiving was over a month ago now, but Happy Thanksgiving to you!

    I think as teachers we have the most rewarding job ever!

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    1. I'm kind of jealous of all the cold-weather running gear, but I know I'd be totally lost trying to figure out an outfit for anything under 50 degrees!

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  2. Oh my goodness! That is so sweet! Remember why we teach is so important.

    I totally agree with you about the Thanksgiving Black Friday. Black Friday already disgusts me. The fact that they are extending it to a holiday that is about giving thanks for what we ALREADY have just kills me.

    That top is awesome!

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    1. I'm glad I'm not the only one who finds Black Friday disgusting. Idk, it just makes me uncomfortable!

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  3. What an awesome way to start monday! : )

    I can't even understand WHY the stores have to be open on Thursday. We live in 2013. It seems like if I store wants to start running sales early it should be completely acceptable to run these sales online and allow workers (and shoppers) to stay in the comfort of their own homes. I don't think I've gone to a Black Friday sale in person since I was a little kid when online shopping was unheard of.

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    1. Because I didn't do the whole Christmas thing until I was an adult, I've NEVER participated in Black Friday. I'm so glad that we have websites to order from now! Definitely the smart way to go.

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  4. I don't go shopping at all this week. I cannot stand shopping, let alone shopping with complete crazies. I'll pay more money for my sanity thank you very much! But I agree with you, that's not what this holiday (or really Christmas!) is about.
    Love the new top!!

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    1. I'm with you! Shopping crazies give my introverted self a full-on panic attack. And yep, the holidays are about more than just STUFF.

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  5. I had the same reaction to the top as your first commenter - took me a moment to remember where you are. But it is cute.

    We'll be running, baking, eating, and watching football on Thanksgiving! No shopping. And no shopping on Friday, either, unless it's to get more groceries. Which is likely.

    My week did not get off to a good start but it is improving, so I'm grateful for that.

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    1. I'm glad your week is improving. Hopefully it just keeps getting better!

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  6. I just... I might... have to quit your blog until winter is over. The jealousy that coursed through my (freezing) veins was almost unbearable. Don't your eyelashes ever freeze open? Ice form around your mouth after 2 miles or so? Sheets of frozen water stick to your shirts? Hmmm. I might have to look into moving South. Or at least migrating.

    (Just kidding about quitting your blog. I just can't quit you.)

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    1. I'm afraid I've never dealt with cold-related running issues (other than painful ears and dry throat), but I have lost contacts in torrential tropical storms...haha.

      But if the promise of mild weather can convince people to leave the cold behind, I'm going to keep posting my "winter" running clothes pics!

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  7. Completely agree with you about Thanksgiving! Stores SHOULD NOT BE OPENED! It literally disgusts me as well. Holidays are meant to be with the family. One of the very few days that most people have off around the world!!!

    Have a happy Thanksgiving!
    Good luck with your training!

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    1. As someone who worked (works?) retail, you definitely understand the pain of it all, too.

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  8. I teach too and it is wonderful to get notes from students. I know my students are thankful for me, but to see them take the time to write something or draw me a picture really means a lot!

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    1. Agreed...kids are usually in a whirlwind of their own making; they rarely pause to write us notes of their own volition! It's nice when they do!

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