Happy Sunday. Or for those of you who are like me, Happy Last Day of Three Week Vacation. Although, maybe that should say Sad Last Day of Three Week Vacation. I have mixed feelings. I’m excited can’t wait thrilled looking foward to seeing my kids tomorrow, but I will truly miss not having a schedule of any kind. Plus, my pajamas and I are like this. This. As in, super close. BFF’s, if you will.
One of the ways my colleagues and I are trying to hold off the Sunday Night Blues is by declaring tomorrow Green Monday. Do you have Green Monday at your school? One of our kinder teachers either came up with it or saw it somewhere else, and shared it with us. It’s all about what’s good for our environment. Going green and all that. Super important stuff. We really care about the environment.
Plus, we had T-shirts designed that say “Go Green” and we also ordered T-shirts from this website that have OWLS on them (give a hoot! and you know I love owls). I also got one that has a cute little bird and says “Tweet the Earth Well” (I have no idea if these two options are still available so don’t be upset with me if you’re looking for them and can’t find them.).
So the best part about Green Monday (along with all of the great “save the earth” stuff) is that we wear JEANS and T-SHIRTS and UGGS or SNEAKERS or FLIP FLOPS. Our staff decided Green Monday should be the first Monday of every month but, sometimes, we miss that day due to holidays.
No worries. I start a text chain and the next thing you know, I’ve got fifteen or so teachers agreeing that tomorrow should be Green Monday (and all we need is a majority because . . . well, that’s all we need). If the kids somehow come to school in green on a non-first Monday of the month, that’s great. But it’s not really about them. It’s about the Earth. And wearing jeans. And not having to figure out what to wear on a Sunday night or Monday morning after you’ve been on vacation for three glorious super short weeks that flew by faster than you can say break.
Today’s text chain was started by my good friend, Heather, at a very early hour. People were very serious and I think the chain was finished within about five minutes and every single reply was yes.
Speaking of jeans, thanks for all the comments on my last post regarding my Denim Woes and CTEBC (carpal tunnel excessive blogging condition). Here’s my major problem in the jeans department: I am between sizes. So I either need to lose weight or plump up. It’s a dilemma. And as far as my CTEBC goes, I’m okay. I think I’ll live.
The WORST part about the denim dilemma is that I received a Nordstroms gift card from my class and it was a really nice gift card. So I went to Nordstroms (which is uncomfortable for me because I am more of an Old Navy/Target/Hand Me Down girl) and walked around and around and around and DIDN’T TRY ONE THING ON. Go ahead. Start the intervention now.
About class gifts – I think it was Jennifer over at First Grade Blue Skies who said that the state of Alabama says teachers can’t receive gifts of any kind. SAY WHAT?! I wish I could list some of the gifts I’ve received but I still think it might be tacky . . . although I did throw in that Nordstroms one without batting an eye. Sorry about that. Can I just say that the best gift I’ve ever received from a family was a week at their time-share in Palm Springs . . . or should I not say that?
All right. I’m off. To find something to pack in my lunch. And double check that I set the alarm. And maybe find some work out clothes for an early morning treadmill session. And then sit on the couch and not move for as long as possible.
You're too cute! I also LOVE any excuse I can use to wear jeans to school. I think I need to get this Green Monday thing going at my school. Have a great first week back!
♥Samantha
Learning with a Happy Heart
Once I got a prepaid Visa card from my student. I used it to get running shoes and her mom brought me dinner a couple times a month. I really do miss that kid.
Have a great day back!
I love wearing jeans to school. Our principal knows that she can get the faculty to do just about anything for jeans. There's really not much I wouldn't do. Really. I like this whole Green Monday idea.
I hope you have a happy first day back tomorrow! Going in jeans will make it far more enjoyable.
maybe I shouldn't tell you that I wear jeans everyday. EVERYDAY. As long as we are wearing a school shirt. (I have over 14 different adorable school shirts hanging in my closet. School name in Zebra letters, spirit colors, hot pink & camouflage (texas remember) etc…you name it, I have it in a school T. So that is how we do it. EVERY SINGLE DAY.
I want your tweet the earth right shirt. sounds super cute. You are going to have the BEST day back! The kids will be so adorable and they will tweet you right.
If they don't let's watch bachelor and blog and it will all be fine.
Have to go cry myself to the pantry to make lunches…sigh….
Tunstall's Teaching Tidbits
We NEVER get to wear jeans. Or flipflops. But we DO get to receive gifts! I'm back at it againg tomorrow too, and am not a happy camper about it. {Is it wrong to say that I don't really miss my students yet? Am I the only one?} And packing lunches…don't get me started…
Anita
Did someone say Nordstrom gift card???! Let's go to the Rack!! They have super cute jeans at half the price! Your comment about palm springs made me laugh out loud. Have a wonderful day tmrw, but more importantly have a wonderful last day of break!!
I wish we had Green Monday at my school! We do get to wear jeans on Fridays though. Actually, we also used to wear jeans whenever we knew my principal was going to be out that day…but then he found out we were wearing jeans when he wasn't there…uh oh! Once a week is still pretty good I guess. Good luck tomorrow!
Keen on Kindergarten
You'll have a great day back at school! The next day though…haha but seriously Tuesday will be the day that you're thinking you hate waking up, you've seen your kids, you have a long list of a million things, and meetings. Sorry that was probably too much of slap in the face of reality. I may just be a bit jealous of the Nordstrom's gift card! You should go find a Nordstrom's Rack (there discount place) and then you can get way more! Have a restful night and great day back!
Rambling About Reading
I am in the same boat. Well, the "Sad Last Day of Break I Miss My Pajamas" boat. I would be bragging all over the place if I got a Nordstrom gift card ( if it tells you how often I shop there, I had to check the spelling of the store!!!), but I did get a bottle of Cuervo. Kid. You. Not. Parent was awesome, and the child had grown A LOT that year!
good luck!! and go to bed early HA! I went back last week. The first day was easy.. it was the second day that kicked my tail!
I can wear jeans anyday.. and I mostly do.. and tennis shoes, or flip flops or whatever I wish! But, I have taught in a school before with strict dress codes.. so I know the joy of getting to wear something comfy!!
Enjoy the day tomorrow!!
Nordstrom?! Jealous! You do realize they have the most fantabulous shoe department of ANY department store? You need to immediately get in your car and find a new pair of boots/flops/shoes to wear with your jeans tomorrow! 🙂
On a side note, we totally can receive gifts (bonus!) and we're a jean wearing school on Fridays! Or, honestly, if you can finagle a way to wear them, ie. my trouser jeans can be midweek school appropriate! 🙂
Have a GREAT day back tomorrow! 🙂
Wow – Palm Springs! We're not allowed to accept expensive gifts, like a value of more than 25 or 40 or something.
Also, we're not allowed to wear jeans to school. What?! I know. It stinks. We used to look forward to Friday as Jean Day, but now only the kids get to have Friday Jean Day and we get to have Friday Like Any Other Day Day. I love wearing jeans to school. It makes me feel comfy. Boo.
I love the idea of Green Monday. I think I will have to bring that idea up to our climate/social committee! I love another day to wear jeans! Have fun tomorrow!
Um WOW. Gifts? Palm Springs? Nordstroms? Again. Wow! As for jeans, I have 3 words for you: Citizens of Humanity. Best jeans EVER! They even make petite…it's still not petite enough for me, but find a good seamstress and you're in business. I LOVE wearing jeans to school. I cheat. I have indigo trousers: dark jeans with a crease. So I wear jeans about 3-4 days a week. No one says anything because some people sport their sweatpants 5 days a week!
Have an amazing Green Monday!!
Caitlin
Ms. Preppy's Adventures in Primary and Polka Dots
Time Share? Did you use it? That's wild!
The best gift I received – well, let me first say, what I unwrapped first was a hug magnifying glass. Decorative, but not my taste. I was sort of making fun of it – walking into my neighbors classrooms doing some "super sleuthing".
Then I went into my classroom and there was an envelope. Opened it, read the nice card and felt really, really bad for what I said about the magnifying glass because of the 100 dollar bill that was in the card.
Time Share? Really!?!?
Holly
Crisscross Applesauce in First Grade
Ha! We have Green and Gold Days on Fridays. We get to wear our team t-shirts, but sadly, no jeans. If we DO get to wear jeans, it's nothing short of a miracle, and we jump on it. We wear khakis. Khaki Friday. I hate khakis. 🙂 Love the Green Day idea. Except every day is green day at our school. We cut a TON of money out of our budget by turning lights off constantly, and basically being environmentally conscious every stinkin' day all day long. This is great for job security though. 🙂 Just wish I could wear a cute owl shirt. Thanks for finding my blog! Your sarcasm is appreciated!
There is nothing better than wearing jeans and being comfy on the first day after break. If I were you, I would be all over the shoe department in Nordstroms! While you're there, you should get some jean dresspants. They're way more comfortable than regular dress pants.
Your state tweets teachers way better than mine does! We have a rule in Mass that we can't accept gifts over $50. That is $50 total. As in, combined from all gifts we receive. My gift value usually comes in much lower than that. I should casually suggest that my students pool their money and get me a gift card to Nordstroms, too!
I hope your first day back goes well!
I can wear jeans when ever I want and I do a lot. I adore the idea of Green Monday though. PS I just tried on jeans at Express. They were super cute.
Kimberley @ 1st in Maine
I just love you. I love your blog…and I know you have already gotten this…just because I know you but…I DONT CARE…shh, don't tell…I wouldn't want to get in trouble for breaking any rules but…
I gave you the versatile blogger award! Hop over to check it out!
2nd Grade Paradise
We're pretty lucky… our principal doesn't say anything about what we wear. It is a spoken rule or anything, but Fridays are always jean days. But all the days in between have been known to be jeans days, too.
Nordstrom = shoes {I got a gift certificate to Nordstrom's, too. Not enough to get shoes, but it will add to the purchase.}
Enjoy your green day tomorrow. Those kiddos will be so happy to see you after so long. I hope they're nice and quiet and attentive for ya. 🙂
♥ Dragonflies in First ♥
*isn't a spoken rule, duh 🙂
In my district, we have dress down days that we have to pay $5 for, once a month or every two months… the money is donated to a charity. We teachers are VERY willing to pay that $5! I would pay $5 a week if I could wear jeans every Friday!!!
A Cupcake for the Teacher
oh Kristin!! I hope you enjoy your evening! I love the idea of a green day. We can't wear jeans anymore. First it was our fridges a couple of years ago. We lost them and it was just terrible. This past year, we lost the jeans on Friday. I thought I would never survive Fridays after that. Well, have a relaxing, happy evening and best of luck on your first day back tomorrow! The kids will be thrilled to see you!
Kristen
Love love love your blog! The rack has awesome jeans. Try nydj brand feels like Jammie's. Love them!
I could probably wear jeans every day as a sub, but I generally limit it to Fridays and if I'm in kinder. Though now I'm kind of thinking about it tomorrow lol.
Palm Springs….wow. I've seen teachers get book bags, gift certificates, and candy, but never a week at a timeshare. Wow!
http://pinterest.com/kayekoehler/?utm_source=sendgrid.com&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pinterest.com
Wow! You receive amazing gifts! I usually get candy from the dollar store. 🙂 One year I did get a Brighton necklace. 🙂 Good luck tomorrow! We went back last Monday, Jan 2nd – (UGH!) and my Kinders were half asleep! 🙂
Happy Sunday! 🙂
Cheryl
Crayons and Curls
Yep, that's us here in AL…you know, because our politician s CARE ABOUT ETHICS so deeply (i reality, they hate AEA/NEA) but hat's another story.One politician said we could receive things if they are consumable…or if they are worth less than $5 (ie a card,cookies, etc) It is INSANE!! lol..I DESERVE a Gift card to Nordstroms, too!!! I may start crying, so I better stop! =) lol
Jennifer
First Grade Blue SKies
Yay for Green Monday. Would you hate me if I told you we get to wear sweats every Monday?? As in EVERY Monday?! And we can wear jeans/flip flops/UGGS every Wednesday & Friday…Tuesdays & Thursdays, too 🙂 So very spoiled.
I have to second what Ms. Preppy said about Citizens. I also LOVE Seven Dojos. AMAZING. If you're more of a Target/Old Navy/hand-me-down girl {me too!!}, you could get 'em at the resale shop. That's where I get ALL of mine 🙂 The thought of spending anything more than $70{ish} on jeans makes me wanna throw up in my mouth a little bit. Fancy resale jeans are my fave 🙂 And you'd LOVE Citizens!!!!
Cara 🙂
The First Grade Parade
You can do it girl!! The first day is rough, but you'll get back in the swing super quick!! And, what??? You couldn't find anything at Nordys?? HELLO!! TOMS shoes! Only the most adorable shoes EVER! And, they give one to a child in need for every pair you buy!!
Good luck tomorrow! 🙂
Kerri B
teacherbitsandbobs
You can do it!
I am a little jealous over the gift situations. I work in a title 1 school and gifts just aren't really given much. My fav this year was Texans nightlight. It was thoughtful and nice. 🙂
Enjoy your day tomorrow!
Sorry you have to go back. I'm sure it's hard to go back after having three weeks off. I'm more than slightly jealous. Like others said, tomorrow should be good…it's just the other days that are like a B-slap in the face (that would be a B word that rhymes with witch). In other news, I don't really know what Nordstroms is. Does that automatically revoke my girl/woman card? We don't have one in Charleston, but I'm guessing it's similar to Saks maybe? I dunno. I'm extremely jealous of your gifts. I don't really get anything. The best gift I ever got was a bell/angel ornament with the quote "Everytime a bell rings an angel gets its wings." I of course love it since that's from my favorite movie. But I'm certainly not getting gift cards or time shares! Hope tomorrow is good…I'm off to make my lunch after hogging WAY too much space with this comment!
P.S. Love the idea of Green Monday! We get to wear jeans on pay day Fridays…better than never I suppose 🙂
Bonnie
Living A Wonderful Life
We get to wear jeans on Fridays {we used to have to pay for dress down} but the staff all wishes we could wear them everyday! We have Spirit week coming up, we'll see how that turns out…
Hope you have a great week back!
❤ Mor Zrihen from…
A Teacher's Treasure
Teaching Treasures Shop
Next time you get a trip to a Time Share let us all know and we can have a bloggy meet-up there!
We went back last Monday and they were all sleepy and me being the kind and caring teacher that I am let them sleep!
Have a great day and hopefully no urinating gestures! =)
Heather
Heather's Heart
My principal wears jeans (and sometimes cowboy boots) all the time which means that we can wear jeans whenever we want to. None of us wear cowboy boots though, only the principal, lol 🙂 Have a great day tomorrow!
Hi Kristen,
I love your blog! It makes me laugh and I can really relate! We can wear jeans whenever, but the district is cracking down on backless shoes. (ie. flipflops) For gifts we usually get mugs and used items from the bathroom cabinet! We laugh about it. Hope your day back is great!
Shoot, you just reminded me that I forgot to iron my pants for tomorrow. Ugh. That is why I love wash and wear.
Ms. M
Ms.M's Blog
A Teacher's Plan
Our school made every Wednesday, College Day Wednesday. So we get to wear a college shirt and jeans! I thought that was creative. Then of course, casual Friday. So I only have to really "dress up" 3 days a week.
P.S. Go to the restroom before teaching and at every break! Last week, I had the hardest time holding it because I had gotten used to being on break and going whenever I wanted. I know this is a really silly issue… but I know that fellow teachers will understand.
We are very rarely allowed to wear jeans, and when we do, we pay $5. All of the money goes to our school's Relay for Life team, so it is for a good cause.
Good luck today!
-Megan
http://firsgrademagic.blogspot.com
CTEBC (carpal tunnel excessive blogging condition): Love it!!!!
I am having those very same "Sunday Night Blues" right now- but it's already Monday morning, boo hoo!
Heidi
http://heidisongs.blogspot.com
Went back today with my two black eyes and cast – the kids weren't sleepy after seeing me, unfortunately! Lisa First Class with Mrs. Mac
We don't have a dress code at all…you can wear whatever you want any day of the week 🙂
I totally have the same Owl "Give a Hoot" shirt. Some of us wore them for Earth Day, but I'm totally digging the Green Monday's. such a great excuse to wear jeans. I'll do pretty much anything for jeans.
Next Green Monday, I'll join in from Indiana!
-Staci
http://www.letsteachsomething.blogspot.com