Paying it forward part deux

Sitting at the Sta.r.buc.k's drive-thru on Thursday morning, I decided to pay for my tea and the lady's drink (behind me in line). I hope I made her day! And I also hope she pays it forward as well. My story must've been inspiring because one of my teacher friends paid for a Mom and her two kids, who was behind her in the drive-thru at Wha.tabur.ger. I am loving this domino effect!...and I think I'll keep doing random acts of kindness! :)

Okay, well I'm headed to sleep. I have a terrible cold, despite the wonderful, relaxing weekend at home. I just finished grading a mountain of papers, so it's time to hit the sack!

Hope y'all had a great Labor Day weekend!

Pay It Forward

Before I blog about our trip to Austin or even the first day/first week of school, I have to tell y'all what happened this morning.

I've been teaching my class how to journal write, especially since writing will be a new criteria they will have to meet on their state test this year. I have one Ame.lia book. If you don't know about it, research it! It's fantastic and I absolutely love it. It really teaches how to journal write and the stories are hilarious. Kids love them and my class is no exception. Well, since I only have one of them, I saw my class fighting for the book during the week. So, today, I went to Half.Pric.e.Bo.oks and sure enough they had them! I bought 14 of them, in all different stories. As I was standing in line waiting to check out, the man behind me asked me if I was a teacher. I said, "Yes I am; I've been teaching my class journal writing and this book is awesome for it, so they've all been fighting for the one book I have all week. I found more here, so I decided to buy them more." He said that it was great and smiled. A well spent $60 later, I was walking out the door and the man hands me a $20 bill. He said, "I want to contribute. Have a blessed day." In my shock, I tried to give it back and he wouldn't take it and he waved by and left. I teared up!!! I couldn't believe it! ...I'm still tearing up and I still can't believe it...

In a world full of negativity, it is absolutely amazing to experience the kindness of strangers. Kindness is truly contagious and I plan on paying it forward immediately. I mean, especially in this economy, who has $20 to just give away to a total stranger? It warms my heart to know that sincere people like this exist in our world. It also encourages me that many people still believe in and respect teachers. I truly believe that God (once again) is blessing me in my new career. I truly love these kids and teaching them. I have never worked so hard (12 hour days, no joke!) in my life as I do now and I have zero complaints. Knock on wood!

I am so excited to get to school tomorrow to tell my kids what happened. I've also decided that we'll save the $20 and decide as a class what we should do with it. Perhaps more books? We'll see!