There is only one word to describe how Chicago has been lately:
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!!!))))
![IMG_2534[1]](http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JtvwpDRYefk/T_n41OENf6I/AAAAAAAACtI/jXKMEdFg2eE/IMG_2534%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800 "IMG_2534[1]")
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!!!
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.
![IMG_2537[1]](http://lh5.ggpht.com/-swbJfspQu40/T_n46eheIZI/AAAAAAAACvQ/S7LdEiKWxZw/IMG_2537%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800 "IMG_2537[1]")
I put them in the fridge overnight and waited.
![IMG_2539[1]](http://lh5.ggpht.com/-15ogz60EJoA/T_n465y4MsI/AAAAAAAACvY/ECfKGavxaEo/IMG_2539%25255B1%25255D%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800 "IMG_2539[1]")
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.
![IMG_2536[1]](http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sV25lg4V-RE/T_n47MhPPrI/AAAAAAAACvg/upFAxUV_CbY/IMG_2536%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800 "IMG_2536[1]")
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:
![IMG_2538[1]](http://lh6.ggpht.com/-99ykEiUBRn4/T_n47ZATWvI/AAAAAAAACvo/tf9COSY1XnA/IMG_2538%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800 "IMG_2538[1]")
How is your summer going? How would YOU fill in the blank?
Keep calm and ________________________.
We would love to hear them!
19 Responses
Keep Calm and Diet on! I'm not good with diets but I need to start eating healthy. Just found a new drink that is so yummy.
Love all of your pictures and Keep calms.
the cupcakes turned out great! I just found a Keep Calm and follow the yellow brick road. Love oz!
Rachel
I love those cupcakes!! How super cute are they?! I have this one pinned that describes where I've been spending a lot of time this summer: Keep Calm and Go To Target!! :)
Lisa
Learning Is Something to Treasure
I love those keep calm posters….I need one that says, Keep Calm and Unpack!!!!!! LOL Moving stinks :(
Cute cupcakes and puppy too!!! :)
Live Laugh and Love to Learn
That's so sweet of you to do that for all the outdoor workers. Every time I drive by them, I worry about the heat. I have also been spending way too much time at Target. I am making myself take a 2 week hiatus which is harder than I ever thought.
Swimming into Second
We also keep cold drinks on hand for those stuck working outside. Sometimes I know I won't be around to catch the mailman, so I freeze a bottle of water, and then leave it in my mailbox at whatever time I leave the house. I've never taken the time to make those cute tags, though. I just may have to step it up now! :)
Your dog is so cute!! I love the pool pictures. It is so sweet that you do that for people who work outdoors. Your random act of kindness is great. Thanks for sharing your signs.
Jennifer
The First Grade Dream
I loved everything about this post!! Your beautiful dog, your signs, your incredible kindness to others! So motivating!! I hope the weather cools down for you very soon :)
Where did you find the kiddie pool for $10? I need one for my classroom garden next spring and now's the time to buy…just can't find one. :(
✿.｡.☆♪♫*❤*Melly*❤*☆.｡.✿
Stapler’s Strategies for Sizzlin' Second Graders!
This post is fantastic! I've been hit by the Heat Wave too and Target was my savior when I bought their last window air conditioner. Walmart is also having great sales on school supplies!! Here's to hoping the heat breaks soon!
Amanda @ Surviving the First Year
I LOVE everything about this post! The cupcakes (I call them muffins, weird, I know), the running (you go girl!), the sweet treats you handed out, and of course the DOG. Nugget Rocks! Lillie won't play in her pool. BUT she is going to swim in real pool tomorrow for rehab. Yay! Oh, and because Lillie roo's at me, I made a "Keep Calm and Roo On" poster for my office. Gotta love it!
I LOVE your dog! My kitty has been glued to the couch in front of the ac! The cupcakes were awesome as well, and extra props for being vegan!
dede @ 1stgradeevents.blogspot.com
My sign for this summer is "Keep Calm and Read On." I don't take time during the school year to "read for fun" as I tend to read and not correct, etc. So summer time is my time to devour as many books as possible. Love the post-keep cool. Liz in South Dakota P.S. It has been HOT here too!
What a wonderful idea to treat those working in the unbearable heat we've had in the midwest!
Patti
pattib203@yahoo.com
Primary Pizzazz
Wow! What a great idea :)
Every New Beginning
I love all of these "Keep Calm" signs! Too cute! And I'm sure your service workers appreciate you for thinking about them.
I love your "Keep Calm and Cool Off" signs! It has definitely been a hot summer!
Tomorrow is the kickoff for the JogNog MasterMind Challenge. All of the free quiz games deal with beating the heat! There are trophies, certificates, and Red Hots for the winners. http://www.jognog.com/mastermind/index.html#
Cara
Teaching…My Calling
Disclaimer
JogNog has been instrumental in my classroom. By singing their praises, I now work with them in the area of social media promotions. I would never endorse a product that I do not love!
I didn't realize you were running a marathon! How awesome! Which one are you doing? It sounds like you have a great team of coaches and runners working toward a great cause. Keep it up! The longer runs will hopefully occur as the weather gets a little bit cooler!
Mary Beth
Run Teacher, Run
That is so sweet and thoughtful! I am going to have my kids make some up and share some "Random Acts of Kindness!" Thank YOU for sharing this!