What's a Teacher to Do...

In keeping with the title of my blog, I will start with some small things that I am thankful for today:  Bathtub, Softscrub, scrub brush, water.

Here's the story:
I am beginning my fifth year as a teacher.  I am often surprised at how much experience makes the job easier with each year.  Among other things, I've learned (or thought I've learned) that if someone offers you something for a low price or no price, accept the offer!  I know exactly know much I spend on school stuff each year and it is ridiculous!

This summer the custodians found mold on the big area rug I had in my classroom.  It was pitched and I added CARPET to my shopping list.  I wasn't looking forward to making that purchase or hauling it in my little Civic and up to my second floor classroom.  So... when another teacher offered me these foam tiles (used in place of a carpet), I was so proud to be able to apply the afore mentioned lesson learned through my years (haha) of experience.  I accepted the foam tiles.  But, here's the catch:  they needed to be scrubbed clean.

If I had an outdoor space with a hose, I totally would have scrubbed them outdoors.  But unfortunately, I live in a second floor apartment and don't have that.  So, what's a teacher to do...

I used my bathtub.  I figured that I use my bathtub for repotting my plants and it is so easy to clean up.  Hum.  Well, I think the pictures say everything.  It took about 2 hours.  My arms and hands are so sore.  But gosh darn it, those foam tiles are squeaky clean and drying on the porch.

So, I'm the kind of person that doesn't have regrets, because I learn from my mistakes.  How can I regret something that I've learned from?  So, today's lesson is an amendment to my money lesson:  

If someone offers you something for a low price or no price, consider the cost (and time is money!) that will need to be put into it before accepting the offer.