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Good morning, wonderful people! (<—that’s the coffee talking. It would be crazy for me to be this chipper at 5AM).
We’re about to head to the gym in a few minutes to start the day off with a bang. But, before I head out, I wanted to pop in here for your usual Things I’m Loving post. As always, share one thing that you’re loving this week in the comments below! Or, even better, drop a link! I love reading all the happy, grateful posts. They remind me that, despite all the crazy in the world, we can find small things that bring us joy. <3
Here’s a short round-up of the things making me smile!
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Alexa
Arjun and Bhanu sent us the Amazon Echo Dot last week and I’ve been having so much fun talking to Alexa. She’s programmed to follow simple commands like play music or audiobooks, read the daily news, provide information from Wikipedia, and share other random tidbits like the weather forecast. She’s mainly just really fun to talk to. I want to ask Alexa all the silly questions so I can hear her response. For example, when I ask Alexa what I should eat for dinner, she says, “Pizza is always a good answer. But don’t forget your vegetables!” (It’s like she knows me already). Ankur asked her, “Alexa, what’s my wife’s name?” She responded with, “I’m a little concerned you don’t know that. You might be in trouble.” (Correct.) -
An Evening Bath
I swore I would never take a bath in our bathtub ever since August when we found a centipede crawling on the shower curtain. But the seasons have changed and we haven’t seen any for months now. So I scrubbed the crap out of our tub with some vinegar and I now have a new evening hobby. Bath time. Just me, my lavender oil, and my audiobook. It’s the perfect way to wind down and it’s nice to step away from all the social media/screen time distractions I fall prey to in the evenings. -
Super Mario on Quizlet
One of the reading teachers uses Quizlet in her classroom so kids can practice their vocabulary words. Well, one of my students (who gets an afternoon drawing break with me) decided he wanted to hop onto Quizlet – instead of drawing – to make me a quiz. He created a Super Mario matching test for me. Needless to say, I didn’t do too well. But I loved his creativity. -
A Parent’s Letter
I got pretty emotional when one of my students handed me this letter from his mom. But I got even more emotional when I sent a screenshot of the letter to my cousin and he responded with this:“Her syntax explains how useful and important you are to those kids. They’re going to need your guidance and focus to help them grow out of the shell that their parents were most probably/unfortunately stuck in as well. She wrote that note with the English she learned up to 15 years old probably. Not saying she’s a hick. But that attention to education is not worthwhile when the going gets tough and you need to pay them bills. Some things lose priority. But you’re gonna be the wall these kids lean on to be reminded that knowledge and education is not an option.”
On the most difficult of days, when I’m fed up with all the politics that come along with this job, I reflect on his words and am reminded that what I am doing is important. And what I am doing is meaningful. Thank you, Arjun, for reminding me why I’m in the classroom.
Questions of the Day:
- What is one thing you’re thankful for this week?
Drop Your Links:
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That is the nicest thing you have received in that letter. My kids were in oublic school until a year ago. Take it from me, a parent does not just write such letters unless what they say is true. When the politics get the better of you, remember this parent and that should keep you going.
Zim recently posted…Sea life bathroom accessories and decor
I love Mario games! Hubby looked for the Echo right before Christmas to get me as a gift but couldn’t get his hands on one.
valmg @ Mom Knows It All recently posted…DVD REVIEW – Noble
It’s the nicest thing sending you that letter! It shows how amazing you are! Hugs xxx
I love Alexa. She keeps me company when my kids are off at school everyday. She is really handy to have around.
I LOVE Alexa! She is so awesome. Although I have gotten a bit lazy as I can turn things off without moving!
That note is absolutely precious. It is so nice to be appreciated by the people that really matter. The Super Mario quiz is super cute! I love when kids share their interests.
Donna recently posted…Word of the Week January
I think it’s awesome how you reflect on the things you’re loving lately! It seems like a great way to help remind ourselves of the little “lovely” things we may not appreciate on a regular basis.
I’m like you when it comes to baths, but they are very relaxing! And the fact that you added lavender oil, along with listening to audiobooks, I know it was perfect!
P.S. I may try a similar post on my blog.
Thanks for sharing!
LovJas💞
Your evening bath routine sounds pretty awesome to me. Love using essential oils and coconut oil.
candy recently posted…Irish Stew
Essential oils in a bath sound wonderful! I love diffusing them! 🙂
Abbey recently posted…Top 9 Places To Buy Cheap Maternity Clothes
So I’d heard of the Amazon dot but I didn’t know exactly what it did. So she syncs up with your devices by voice command? I’ll have to give it a try.
Alexa looks pretty neat, I have been thinking about getting one. I am thankful for my new laptop.
Centipedes are the worst! I’m glad they’ve stayed away lately. Winter is perfect for evening baths.
Rose recently posted…New Orleans, the Film Photos
I’ve been debating between Alexa and Google. I bet my kids would kill her though constantly asking questions. When Siri first came out you should have seen them for hours asking the dumbest questions just to hear the replies.
We have been debating an Alexa or google home. Not sure if we will end up getting one but love hearing how others like them.
my daughter uses quiz let all the time and she’s in HS. we don’t have a echo or anything like it yet in our home.
maria @closeothome recently posted…Healthy Cottage Cheese Cheesecake Recipe
Alexa provides us with a lot of entertainment here as well 🙂 She just says the darndest things!
That note <3 Arjun is unbelievably wise–and right. What a blessing to have parents like this, to learn from and to show you what truly matters.
XOXO
Charlotte recently posted…If you’re hungry and you know it… order from Bootler
Seems like you had an amazing week! That letter was so nice (: One thing I am thankful for this week is my fiance getting a better job and he seems to be enjoying it.
It’s been a difficult day with far too much conflict, reading your blog has given me some much needed calm. I love the letter you received, makes it all worthwhile. Thanks…
I want to try out the Alexa, it seems awesome. So far this week I am thankful that I have an opportunity to bring in some much needed income into my household.
some great things here. I have not heard of the echo dot so will definitely check it out.
Cecilia recently posted…Best Rug Pads
My brother gifted me with an Amazon Echo and I have yet to open it. I have heard great things about it. I am now so excited to get it running after hearing your comments on Alexa. 🙂
Cara (@StylishGeek) recently posted…Starting a Stylish Business as a Stella and Dot Stylist
Thats so fun to know about Alexa! I was wondering what people who have it really thought of it. I love her pizza answer for dinner…but of course she is keeping it healthy by the veggie add-on!
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The Echo looks like it’s so much fun to have in your home. I see the commercials all the time. :)… Thankful for family and friends.
Tasheena @ SimplyTasheena.com recently posted…Traveling Solo: Plaza Las Americas Mall San Juan Recap Pt. 4
We love our Alexa. Did you know you can rename her? I love that she said that to your husband. Alexa has a sense of humor!
That’s sweet ! Thank you for sharing a bit of your personal life! that’s awesome.
Thanks!
I love your lists! They are really fun! Keep’em coming! The Echo looks fun and I swear by Coconut Oil! Thanks for sharing!
Marisa recently posted…Infiniti Pro Conair Straightening Brush Review
I can see why you love these. I can’t believe I haven’t heard of an Amazon Echo Dot. I need one, lol.
Terri Beavers recently posted…Making Cinnamon Coffee With a Capresso MG900 Coffee Machine
I was going to get an Echo Dot until I learned it records everything going on in your home. I was like, no way!
The response from Alexa’s to your husband’s question, made my laugh! What a sweet note from your student’s mother. I was thinking a similar thing as I read it – how important teachers are to their students because they don’t always have the help they need available at home. I had a student the other day in the class I subbed in who said she can’t ask for help at home with her math because her parents won’t help her!
I love your list, I feel your struggle about being chipper at 5 am, lol. I was up at that time this morning and it was a struggle. The questions you asked Alexa were so funny, and yes your husband would be in trouble if he doesn’t know your name. I love bath time as well, I love to use bath oils as well. That was so sweet of his mother, I know as a mother I thank my daughter’s teacher all the time, she can be a handful. I really appreciate teachers and their dedication to students. Just know I want to say THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO!
Ahhh, Mario — I was OBSESSED with Nintendo when I was a kid!!!
Melissa Blake recently posted…Ms. Bear on Her Father’s 100th Birthday!
There are so many things I can be thankful for and I cannot single out just one. If I would do that, then I guess, I can be thankful that my daughter does not have ulcers. Her endoscopy result turned out negative.
My favorite ones are the natural oils! My favorite is peppermint. Great list!
I got an amazon echo recently too! I just asked it what I should eat for dinner, and it said “Depends on who’s cooking.” I have so much fun with Alexa lol
That echo dot sounds pretty cool. It’s going to be fun having that around. I think it’s so sweet that parents right to you, it’s a wonderful assurance.
Carol Cassara recently posted…Sizing women’s clothing today
I love our Echo!!!!! It’s so much fun! What a great bunch of things! My husband and I have been playing Mario since we were kids and now my kids love it too!
I would stay away from my bath tub as well if I saw a centipede, glad that you don’t see any anymore. It’s always nice to just spend some time soaking and listening to an audiobook! I’d love to have my own echo dot!
I want to try Alexa so bad! Was it worth the investment? I may break down and buy one soon! PS-love evening baths-so relaxing!
Allison recently posted…Family Getaway to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
I too love my Alexa. She will tell you a joke if you ask her. I haven’t tried to much but I heard she is capable of a lot of things. This is a nice letter. I don’t think enough parents tell the teachers how much they appreciate their work.
Rose recently posted…What I’m Loving this Week
The echo sounds really funny!!! Haha I heard it’s also good for getting the news and weather. That would be nice to have something wake me up and tell me the weather. Great list!
Kit Stanwood recently posted…Why Every Photographer Needs Smashbox Studio Lighting Makeup Secrets Review
I think you are going to have many letters like that in your future — you are a very special teacher!
Penny Struebig recently posted…Friday Favorites – January 27, 2017
I am OBSESSED with my Doterra diffuser and oils and don’t know why I haven’t thought to put a few drops of lavender in my bath!! That sounds amazing!
We love Alexa too and have her all over our house. I heard that she was the most popular Christmas gift this last Christmas.
Alexas response to Ankurs question was so cute.
Loved reading the special letter and your cousins awesome response.
You are a very special human being dear sweet Divya.
We all love you.
I noticed today that your blog following is increasing, steadily but surely.
You are such a fun, straight from the heart writer.
Keep your blogs coming.
Oh what an interesting post. Alexa is something new to me!
This is new to me, and I want to try out Quizlet with my daughter at home. Also, I am thankful for my family and good health.
Thanks for the post and I will be sure to check some of these things out.
It’s been a rough week, but right now I am very thankful that it is FRIDAY!! 😉
Roxanne recently posted…Stuck on the Track of Perfection
This week I’m thankful its finally Friday. It’s been a really busy, and hectic week. So thankful I made it through and didn’t get the colds a couple of my kids have!
the supermario game sounds very fun! i miss the old days! been playing that with my brother ! I like your post it makes me remember the old days!
I have heard so many great things about Alexa, I think it might be time to invest in it. I love your list and how it ranges from tech to sentimental.
I’m thankful for my best friend, who always makes me laugh. I’m also thankful for my parent’s dog who provides me endless hours of entertainment when I’m puppy sitting. He’s 105 pounds of cuteness, with a side of big baby.
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Thats a great letter. Teachers are so important and mean so much to the kids. Thanks for doing your best in the classroom each day.
Carolyn recently posted…5 Things You Need To Know About Having A Baby Boy
Aww that little note got me in tears. How sweet is that! And how right is your cousin as well. That’s just amazing! xx
You just reminded me that i really should go and write some letters to my children’s teachers as well, they deserve a little love for everything they do!
Alexa sounds like a fun one to have around, She sure had the right answers 🙂 and I love supporting linkups, so way to go ! I should surely send a thank you letter to my children’s teachers!
I’d love to have that to get some humor in my day. Some days are just blah, especially if you get snowed in. I’m checking this Echo Dot out.
I think those Echo Dots are so cool. I haven’t got one myself but would love one.
Rachel @ Kitchen Cents recently posted…Raspberry Filled Chocolate Mousse Cake with chocolate ganache
An evening bath with some scented oils is heavenly after working all day. I completely agree that you have to have things you love to make your days better.
Toughcookiemommy recently posted…Dollar Store DIY: Heart Plate Wall Hanging
I love my doterra oils!!! I’ve been in full swing making new cleaning products to stock back up lately. The Amazon dot thing seems cool, I know a ton of people who seem to have them
There is nothing like relaxing in a nice, hot bath at the end of a tough day. I think I’ll do that tonight in fact!
Kristin recently posted…Emoji Valentine Oreos Recipe
I am thinking about getting Alexa as well. I am not sure it a necessity per say, but I think we could have a lot of fun with it.
Jennifer Pilgrim | ModernPilgrimBlog.com recently posted…Favorite Art Supplies for Toddlers
Baths are awesome! A glass of wine is a great addition to the audiobook and good-smelling stuff…
I always like to try new gadgets and I am in love with that Echo Dot from Amazon right away as it is going to be so much fun speaking with one such programmed device. And that student’s letter from his mom is heart touching for sure!
I never thought to add lavender oil to my bath water. will be doing so next time
I think it’s so beautiful that one of your students’ parents took the time to thank you. I also really want to try the amazon Echo of friend of mine has it and loves it.
Dia All The Things I Do recently posted…9 Mistakes Bloggers Make Managing Their Time
I am loving that my husband is finally home after being gone for forever. Let me tell you I would love to try that Amazon Echo myself!
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What a touching note. <3 Not all is bad in this world and you are making a huge difference to these kids.
I hope you have a great week girl. 😉
The bath routine sounds amazing! I love taking a bath with essential oils and have a little SPA / aromatherapy session at home 🙂
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Amazing!!! I am really grateful for your post. A.L.C Dress