Keep calm and carry on!

There is only one word to describe how Chicago has been lately:

The heat and I are not the best of friends.

You know all of those “Keep Calm” signs that are all over Pintrest?

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I found that they very accurately describe my thoughts and whereabouts in this HOT weather.
Let me explain:

Why, yes, we have been cooling off! Pets included!

Some cute little BIG Golden Retriever has been spending way too much time frolicking about in a kiddie sized pool. ((((BEST $10 ever spent!!!))))

This next one has been rough…

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Training for a marathon in this weather just seems plain wrong. I don’t know what is worse- running day after day on the treadmill or sweating buckets at 5 AM outdoors???? Needless to say….I’m still running!

In fact we recently had our Grills Gone Wild pancake breakfast!! Of course, we had to RUN before treating ourselves

Here is a picture of me with my awesome coaches on a steamy, humid, yucky, 100+ degree day- AFTER our run! I know I have said this before…but these are some of the best people that you will ever meet!


Just yesterday we ran 12 miles!! Almost a half-marathon! (We have some LONG runs coming up-well wishes are very much welcomed and appreciated!)
I also have been….

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My nephew turned two and I made some Elmo cupcakes for his birthday party.

This is the SECOND batch. (The first batch did NOT look this good!)

Lots of cupcake eating has been going on around here. I love experimenting with cooking gluten free and vegan treats…MOST of the time, you would never know!



I know that some of you are with me on this one…

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Target. All I need to say is that one word.
I know the picture is not the best…but the pencil says “Target has it all.” And I could not agree more.

I am finding myself spending way too much time spending money. It starts with an iced coffee every morning from McDonald’s and then progresses to shopping trips to Target and as of last Friday, Ann Taylor Loft. I mean, who can resist 50% of EVERTHING for seven hours only at the Loft???? And Target, well I do not need any sales to shop there. In fact, I finally broke down and opened up my own Red card.
Last but not least:

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So I haven’t been teaching…but I have been creating lots of teacher resources!! Which brings me to the whole point of this post.
I can be very dramatic in this hot weather, but really, I can’t complain about anything. I feel just horrible for the people who have no choice but have to work outdoors during this heat wave. UPS, FED EX, the garbage collector, mail carrier, construction workers….the list goes on!!! These guys (and gals!) have no choice but to go to work in a sauna everyday.
So….I finally made my own “Keep Calm” sign, with these workers in mind!!!

***Click on images to print from Google Docs!!!****

I went to Target (where else?) to buy a TON of Gatorade. I printed up the labels and attached them to the Gatorade containers with a little ribbon.

I put them in the fridge overnight and waited.

Waited until I heard the garbage truck, recycling truck, and mail man come down the street. I then ran out the door to give them a cool drink and thank them for their hard work.

I also put a Dunkin’ gift card on two of the Gatorade containers. Just to REALLY show my appreciation!
Do you have kids??? This would be a great little “random acts of kindness” for them to get excited about! Have them run out there with the Gatorade bottle when they hear the garbage truck coming!
You could also attach it to a different bottle:

How is your summer going? How would YOU fill in the blank?
Keep calm and ________________________.
We would love to hear them!