Tuesday, March 18, 2025

The Day Called for Retail Therapy

Teaching is becoming more and more difficult. My daughter and I are both teachers in the same district, and we share common problems:  disrespect, lack of motivation, and just unbelievable behaviors. 

We are on spring break this week which means the end is closer. I try not to "count the days," but a recent conversation went something like this:

"We have eight weeks left."

"Only four more weeks until our four-day weekend."

"And we have two weeks of testing."

"And the last week of school doesn't really count."

"So that really leaves only five weeks."

Ok, so we may not be counting the days yet, but we are certainly paying attention to the weeks.

It is a struggle, especially for her this year.  I have been worried about her, so I decided we needed to leave town yesterday for some retail therapy. We were limited due to my knee problems, but we both needed this time away and together.



Barnes and Noble is always on our shopping plan. 
I started Old School last night, and it is Korman at his finest!



Spring-scented candles for my writing room. 
Now, I just need to get this knee completely healed 
so I can go up the steps.


A few new collage supplies for my notebook 
and for making bookmarks.



We ate at one of our favorite places, but I didn't think about 
writing this as a slice...so no picture. 
But the salad, breadsticks, and fettuccini were fabulous!



Cookies to eat with Dad when we got back home. 
The pink sugar cookie was my favorite 
although the mint chocolate cake was delicious, too!



And my favorite drink, cherry limeade, for the ride home.

What a wonderful day with a wonderful person! I think we might just make it these last eight (but really five!) weeks of school!


Thank you to Two Writing Teachers for creating 
a space for me and other teacher-writers to share our stories.

11 comments:

  1. I'm so glad you took time to have fun with your daughter. I also had time with a daughter yesterday. There's so much that's wonderful about having adult children whose company you enjoy!

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  2. My mom was a teacher too and I was so glad to share that with her. We talked about kids' story all day long while treating ourselves to a shopping spree. I miss those days, but you brought them back to me! Thank you! Glad you enjoyed your day!

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  3. I am a big believer in treats to get you through the school year! Teaching is really, really hard these days. I'm glad you and your daughter could enjoy a day of retail therapy. I'll have to get the new Gordon Korman. I loved Kareem Between.

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  4. Cherry limeade, Olive Garden, Barnes & Noble and date with daughter. I'll take what you're having.. Hang in there, my friend.

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  5. Brothers-in-arms need fortification for the battles ahead! Together forever, and what a sweet way to celebrate the "eight (but really five)" remaining days.

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  6. Leigh Anne, yes, you'll make it. This was a lovely slice to see all the special things you did with your daughter. All the best to you both. I love breadsticks and salad at Olive Garden, and I probably would have ordered the strawberry limeade at Sonic.

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  7. Leigh Anne, oh gosh, I want to be on that day trip with you and your daughter, too. Sounds fabulous and I am so sorry about the difficulties with teaching. I really have no desire to go back to the classroom because as much as I loved teaching, the behaviors of students and administrators had me shaking my head too often. Love the photos you did share, and I must check out the Korman book!

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  8. What a precious time with your daughter! It sounded like you both needed it. Crumbl cookies- yum! A day filled with so many of your favorite things- glad you were able to enjoy it and it replenished you with energy to finish up those weeks.

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  9. My dad would always ask me, “How many more paychecks until vacation.” You can never go wrong with a trip to a bookstore. “No More Dead Dogs,” was one of my favorites. Glad you and your daughter had a fun day together. arjeha

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  10. Newtreemom
    With each other and retail therapy, you will both make it!

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  11. Ooh - next time I need to try to make it a few more weeks, I'm going to (metaphorically) call you and take you shopping. You definitely know how retail therapy works - you can make (really) 5 more weeks! Also, have read some of the old school Gordon Korman? My children swear by I Want to Go Home

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