Things I’m Loving Lately 27 (#LinkUp)
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure policy.
Good morning and happy Thursday!
I’m up and energized after 8 hours of sleep last night and one cup of coffee already in my system. I skipped over this post last week. Unintentionally. I just had other things on my mind that I wanted to blog about. So, I’m back with your usual Things I’m Loving post, sharing a few things that have been making me smile this week!
As always, I love to hear what you’re loving this week so please share in the comments below! I really enjoy reading them! <3
__
1) Bananagrams at the Coffee Shop
I go through phases with Bananagrams. Sometimes I absolutely love it. And, other times, it sits on my shelf collecting dust. But, lately, the med school wives have been getting together at our local coffee shop to play the game and I’m reminded how much fun it is. It helps when the girls playing with me also get a little competitive with it. (I’m looking at you, Kasey!). It’s been a fun way to occupy our evenings while our husbands study for their exams. And it requires a lot less driving than our usual Knoxville trips!
2) My Bathtub Caddy Tray
I’ve been spending a lot of evenings in the bath. And, with my new bathtub caddy, I’ve got everything I could possibly need in there with me. So, instead of my usual 20 minutes in the tub, I’ll spend about an hour. I’m currently reading this. I feel like it’s an appropriate bathtime read.
3) Pizza on a Pita
We celebrated Pi(e) Day earlier this week with pita on a pizza. I can eat pizza in any way, shape, or form. But, using Joseph’s pita bread, it’s cut back on the calories and carbs. Which I appreciate because I like my carbs in the form of wine and french fries.
4) Our upcoming weekend
I drove out to Morristown yesterday evening to get my eyebrows done (#RuralTownProblems) and picked up dinner on our way back. We always go to Sakura, a Japanese restaurant, when we go to Morristown. So, I just ordered some hibachi chicken and veggies for dinner. This was my fortune. And, since Ankur’s officially on Spring Break today at noon, he knows that the Fortune Cookie gods and goddesses are expecting him to plan a fun surprise for us this weekend!
5) My next chapter
This past Friday, I quit my job with Claiborne County schools. I said goodbye to my staff and to my little babies and packed up my things and left. For reasons I won’t get into right now, I felt like this would be the best move for my sanity and for my family. I’m still processing everything and I’m sure – at some point – I’ll be able to blog about why exactly I left the school system. But, for now, I’m just focusing on the future and reminding myself that this is only temporary. I will be back in the classroom once we settle down in a few years. (And, in the mean time, I’m reading up on SpED law and finding ways to volunteer my time as an advocate for children and families receiving special education services. So if you’ve got any leads or advice, please send them my way!)
Question of the Day:
- What is one thing you’re loving this week?
Fun post. I also am obsessed with my bath tub caddy😊
I love your bath tray! I saw it earlier in the week on social media! I want one!
It’s seriously the best purchase of 2017 thus far. 🙂
Banana grams is one of my favorite games too! And I’m loving baths because the weather turned cold again
OMG that bathtub caddy is the awesomest thing I have seen all day! I NEED to get myself one of those.
Your post always puts me in a happy place. But I am sad for the kids you are leaving😞 I hope your next life journey is great and you are happy😍
Thank you for your sweet words. I’ve never appreciated teachers who leave mid-year. It’s always left a bad taste in my mouth. This year, I’ve realized I probably shouldn’t have judged those teachers so harshly. Things come up that are out of your control and you have to just walk away and hope for the best for the staff and students you left behind. 🙁
Thank you so much for posting this. I recently left my teaching job mid year as well, and have been struggling with guilt and uncertainty about where I go from here. Your post has helped me feel a little better about a very difficult decision. I know this post was from a year ago, and I’m glad to hear you are doing well.
Hey! Just saw this comment now – sorry for the delayed response. Feel free to reach out via e-mail if you want to/need to talk about it!
I’m sorry you felt you had to leave your teaching job – I know there must have been a long list of reasons for you to do it midyear. I started teaching in a new district this year, and I’m wrestling with the leaving/staying as well. Hoping to make it to the end of the year. My teaching partner’s last day is Friday.
I hope your decision brings you peace. Teaching is hard, but leaving is just as hard, it seems!
I never imagined I’d be a teacher who left my kids mid-year. But, sometimes, there are external factors that are out of our control. And, in order to keep my sanity and prioritize my family, I knew I had to walk away. It was a very difficult decision to make. Definitely one that took a lot of time, thought, and tears!
Thinking I need that bathroom caddy for our bathtub.
As a former special educational needs teacher I know exactly how difficult it can be to walk away but sometimes a break or a change is needed. You can’t pour from an empty cup and in order to give effectively you have to be able to take time for yourself and regroup. I really wish you all the very best – you’re a tough cookie and you got this girl 🙂
Wait, have we talked about this?! I didn’t know you were a former SpED teacher. I knew I liked you. I knew we were blogging BFFs from the moment you took interest in PEGGY! <3
I want a bathtub caddy SO bad but I would never get to use it 🙁 I hardly ever get to take baths anymore with a baby. I used to every night. I’ll just stare longingly at your picture every day of a bath lol (didn’t mean to sound super creepy).
http://www.motherhoodgetsbetter.com
mmm the pizza on a pita looks really good! I have seen that bath caddy on instagram alot lately. I think I may pick it up for the kids
That bathtub coffee tray looks amazing and so indulgent! I miss taking baths when I am away at college 🙁
I’ve never heard of Bananagrams before. I need to check it out. I’m loving that bath caddy.
I’m loving my cozy socks. We hit a cold front in florida. Got down in the 30s last night. I love that tray for your bathtub thats awesome!!
Hey, this was really good.. You are very talented and your style of writing is really enticing. Don’t give up!! Maybe you could head over to my blog and see what you think?
http://www.milliesmoments.co.uk
Pizza on Pita is the best thing! I tried my first one here in Florida about a week ago and was hooked! 😀
Ooh! I’ve gotta try that pizza pita! Looks delicious!
GIRL! I quit teaching, too! After four years. Also I love everything else in your post – the bananagrams look super fun. AND I have been talking about needing one of those bathtub trays. Going to go stalk it on Amazon now haha (:
I hope to go back to the classroom some day! I just didn’t want to teach in this county. And I think it’s OK to take a break from it. It’s just weird because it was like my entire identity! I don’t know who I am without the teacher in my job title, haha!
I wasn’t expecting the last paragraph. Wishing you the very best with your endeavors. Your old school district has no idea what they’re going to miss out on.
Thank you for your sweet, kind words. <3 I hope to make my way back to the classroom some day! Maybe in a year or so.
Pizza on pita sounds amazing! I’ve got to try that!
I love games, but I’ve never played Bananagrams. I need to check it out! 6th year elementary teacher right here. I feel ya, for sure. Hope to read more posts soon! 🙂
laceedoeslife.com
I’ve never played bananagrams but peopel talk about it all the time. Im such a game nerd I need to!
I quit teaching too for certain reasons… I went back for my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. I hope to help from outside of the classroom. I need to try pizza on a pita, that looked delicious! I used to love bananagrams, but my friends are perverts and super immature so it was really hard to play. Maybe i’ll use it as a literacy tool in my house!! LOL
This week, I am loving the fact that I am 5cm and just waiting to go into labor. We’re excited and I am just trying to walk a lot.
And, getting last minute blogging done too 🙂
Ahh, I’m sorry to hear you left your teaching job. I enjoyed when you spoke of it. Read up on all the laws because I know some schools are not as helpful as they could be. I like to think my district is good but other people object based on their situations. I love pizza anything too! I have seen bananagrams but didon’t realize it could be played by adults too. Lol, I saw it as a kids learning tool. How lucky for you to get together with some others and play. Hmm, what am I liking this week. I guess my new book Pretty Little World, and my daughters birthday is today so that makes the week fun!
I hope the next chapter in your life brings you amazing new memories! I’m still staring at the bathtub tray, so cool!
My husband works in education, as do many of our friends, so I can only imagine why you left at this point in a school year. I’m sure it was a tough decision. One thing I loved about this week is I had spring break for the first two days of the week (making it harder to come back to work yesterday!)
Congratulations on choosing you! You deserve the best and making the break will open other opportunities. I’m an 18 year teaching veteran who just made the jump to full time online teaching. I know how scary it can be. You’ve got this! One day at a time.
Thank you so much <3 I do think I want to make my way back to the classroom in a year or two. I just felt like there were other external factors (completely unrelated to my students) that made this year very challenging for me. Unfortunately, not all those in education care about the students and put their needs first.
Divya, so happy to see you in our new group!! Yay!! Hugs xxx
My sister-in-law got a bath tub caddy for their wedding shower and every since I’ve been longing for one. Your picture definitely didn’t help! Ha!
I hope that leaving your current job will be the best for you and your family and that wonderful opportunities come your way when you need/want them! 🙂
I hope you have a fantastic weekend.
-Lauren
That bath tub caddy looks amazing!
Thanks for stopping by my blog!
I’m new here and visiting from The Peaceful Posse. I’ve recently had a job change, so I know this is probably a time for you when you’ve been thinking and reflecting quite a bit. Best of luck for your future endeavors! Pizza on pita sounds like a smart way to not feel as guilty indulging on pizza…because I do love myself some pizza!
Get togethers with med school wives and long baths got me through a lot of tough days while my husband was in med school. I wish you all the best in this next phase of life away from teaching. I completely understand not wanting to write a whole blog post about your decision. There are so many reasons I’m not teaching right now. It’s not something I can sum up neatly, and I’m sure it’s not for you either. I’m here if you ever want to talk.
You’re so sweet. I think that’s exactly the problem. I can’t process things clearly right now. I think I’m still too wrapped up in this community to want to touch on the subject. There are so many things I want to say, but most of them won’t be constructive and will come from a place of emotion (which can be dangerous!)
I’ve been seeing that bathtub caddy on social media and am about to get one myself. I just wish a brand new spacious tub came with it lol!
SO TRUE. I love my bath time, but I either need to drop to half my size or my tub needs to get bigger 😉
Also, I read It Ends With Us back in the fall and absolutely loathed it. I know most people love it, but I really didn’t. I’ll be curious to hear what you think of it.
I appreciated that it was much easier to read than my last book! (10% Happier). I went through it quickly and I always feel successful when I can read uninterrupted and without any distraction. But, you’re right. The story line wasn’t my favorite.
My kids love the game banana grams. I bought it for them when they were homeschooled and we still have it.
I love using it as a literacy tool. HOWEVER, I’ve learned that kids are far more generous than adults and want to share their letters with other players who may need them. Hahaha. Kids are the best 🙂
I NEED that bath tub catty!! I am currently obsessed with Starbucks Instant Refreshers because they taste great and contain caffeine!! Perfect for my afternoon slump!
This makes me miss living near a Starbucks!
I love this! It’s such a creative post idea.
Thanks 🙂 You should link up. I do it every Thursday!
The bathtub caddy does look great. I am just too large for the tubs that I have had. Ah well. I never thought of turning a pita into a pizza but it does sound good.
I’m excited for your new chapter and am proud of you. I want the pizza pita too.
Oohh I really like the bathtub caddy tray! I always see them on Pinterest and Instagram but have never gotten around to buying one for myself… Perhaps it’s time to invest in one 😀
That bath caddy looks amazing! I should really be soaking in more tubs 😉 Good luck with your new adventures!
I’m going to have to try this pizza on a pita! Also, I went on a bit of a bubble bath kick last month and would love that caddy! I’m
An hour in the bath sounds heavenly! I love that caddy too. And that pizza…yum! I’m sorry to hear about your job, but it sounds like it was for the best.
Great list! I will definitely try the pizza on pita because I like my carbs to come from wine too:) becoming an advocate is a noble thing. Especially since you are a teacher and have been on the other side of it. We have a special needs child and can’t believe the crap the school system tries to get away with!
OMG I like your caddy tray! I need those for my tub too!
This week am loving the movie Beauty and the Beast, but I need to get it over with to love other movies!
Good luck on your new journey after leaving your job! I hope you find the answers you need.
I was going to comment about the Bananagrams game until I read your last paragraph. Quit your job! That was so brave of you. Can’t wait to see what you do in the future. Whatever it is, I’m sure you will rock it!
Congrats on the next step in your life by leaving your job!! That sounds like a weight off your shoulders yet scary at the same time!
This week I’m loving the idea of spring, even though we have snow on the ground.
I am loving that bathtub caddy! I need one for when I get my bubble baths ready!
http://thebbar.org/
Wow! I am certain that if you left your job there is a great reason. I look forward to seeing what your next step is. There is certainly a huge need for SPed advocates (especially in rural TN). Also Pita Pizza is awesome!
I love your bathroom candy tray, and I am considering getting one for myself too.
I enjoy reading in the bath tub. It seems to be my only quiet space. I need that bath caddy pronto!
I really like the bathtub tray… I should get myself one!! I’m always wanting to read or enjoy tea with a bubble bath… a tray could definitely come in handy!
Omg I need that bathroom caddy in my life! It’s make my bath and reading time go so much smoother.
Wow great photos! I need to get myself a bath caddy so when I take long baths I can enjoy some candles and a glass of wine 🙂
The bath tub tray looks cool but just a little bump while getting out of the tub, phone might go swimming. I eat any pizza too so long it doesn’t contain pork.
The thing I’m loving about this week is that I had time to sit down and organise myself a little more, finding time to allocate your finances is so much better! Thank you for sharing your week for us, that bathtub caddy looked awesome!
I know it was with a heavy heart you decided to make this move in your life.
My dear wherever you go, you will take with you, your positivity, your smile,
your dedication and your hard work.
It is a big loss for your school to lose such a beautiful talented teacher.
Good luck to you in your new job.
God Bless.
Thank you mama-cakes. <3
The bath caddy is something I think i need in my life very soon! So sorry to hear that you had to leave your job. Wishing you all the best on your future endevours whatever they are 🙂
That bath tub caddy. Thumbs up! I’ve never done baths (I’m just a shower person) but if I have that I would probably spend my life in a tub! Haha!
Good luck with settling down and your future 😀
Just came across your blog and I’d love to be back for more!
~ Saraallie
http://www.saraallie.blogspot.com
Hey girl,
That takes huge cahones to suit your job on a whim like that. I’m sure it wasn’t an easy decision to make, but it will be a good one for the long run. 🙂 Your health and sanity is far more important than a job. I respect that.
Cheers to a great week ahead my dear. 🙂
I love your bath tray. I would love to take a vacation. That’s what I would love lately.
I have never heard of that game before. It looks an awful lot like scrabble though
It’s like Scrabble on SPEED! 😉
I love that bathtub caddy! I need to get one… I’ve just been putting my Ipad into a gallon ziplock and use it to read a book/watch a movie.
The Thing I am loving about this week is my sewing machine. It’s amazing how much it helps with sewing projects. So glad I don’t have to do them by hand.
I totally need a bath tub tray in my life! How convenient. :]
Congrats on making such a difficult decision, it really takes guts to do that! Your sanity and health are far more important than anything else! I hope it is everything you hoped for! Hugs xxx
Thank you! It still feels weird – almost a month later. But it’s just temporary. And I’m learning a lot in the interim. <3