Glad Tidings of Comfort and Joy...Mostly Comfort

This past week has been full of both comfort and joy. Sweatpants and sweatshirts have been the staples of my wardrobe, and honestly, I really do not mind.  Catching up with friends over coffees and mochas have led to hours long chats.  Skiing with friends has only capstoned my Christmas break.  I've much to be thankful for, and a warm cup of tea beside a glowing Christmas tree with a kitten on my lap only makes me all the more thankful.  In the wake of numerous tragedies, all I can do is cling tightly to my loved ones.

As 2013 prepares to rush in full-force with graduations and a wedding, it is easy to be consumed with the "to-do lists" in my life.  But I will try not to be, because every moment is to be cherished.  Every moment is too precious.

Wishing you all the best in the New Year!

Snapshots

These are a few snapshots of my week:

This breakfast...

...because it was a gift from the school administration.

This Pinterest post...

...because it is an apology I should use more often.

This book...

...because I read it for book club and it was a wonderful re-read.

This sign...

...because it was a surprise party for someone special.  And I love surprise parties for others.

These gifts...

...because it was terribly fun to shop for expensive, classy presents.

Wish List

PODillow face

Before you dismiss me entirely, listen.  I realize how ridiculous this looks.  And perhaps it is only me with the problem.  But unless I have a lounge chair, it is impossible for me to tan (properly) on my towel.  Either the front side of my body is tan and my back is white or only one side of my face becomes tan when I lie on my stomach then fall asleep.  Or, I place my head in the crook of my arms and my arms are part-tan with a white circle where my head was. What's a girl to do?  Use the PODillow Face.  Another perk?  Shade and safety for electronics.  When I take my iPod and phone to my towel, it instantly becomes a heat source.  This nifty gadget allows you to use the underneath area as shade and storage.

Again, all of this is laughable.  But I don't mind a cool gadget or two to use in the summer on my deck.

* Neither "Wish List" posts nor "Wish List" photographs have been endorsed by any company. I do not (currently) own any items, and all views expressed are entirely my own.

Words

We have all heard the statistics when it comes to how many words a day that girls use versus guys.  I think that point is meant to emphasize that we throw our words away.  I know that I certainly do sometimes.  I complained all week about this or that.  I flippantly said things I didn't mean, even in jest.  I accused this person or that person of unintentionally offending me.

Then, "I can't believe what happened with the shooting today," he said.  "Huh?" was my well-crafted reply.  One click to Yahoo was all it took to shove me into the world of chaos and sadness. What would I have said to those parents?  What would I have said to the children?  What would I have done as a teacher? What would my reaction have been--guard myself or hide children in the closet first?

As the horror unfolded, was poked and prodded this weekend, and is still ongoing, we realize sometimes, words are not enough.  We let God see our heavy hearts and hold all those things that are too heavy.  And we pray without words.

'Tis the Season

This is what my last few evenings have looked like.  Without Tiger Pause after school, I still have been fairly busy.  Surprise parties, Christmas shopping, and wedding planning have been on my mind, and with those big ideas floating around, tea and chocolate have been kept near.

Luckily, the house smells like peppermint (favorite candle this season), and Kenz and I have chosen not to exchange gifts yet so that we may keep presents under the tree.  It looks pretty that way.  On the other hand, as guest list revisions are made, save-the-date ideas are exchanged, and general wedding activities are appearing, a full-blown headache seems to be approaching.  However, I realize that the key is to allow happy thoughts to permeate my brain.

My happy mantra has been as follows:
1. "I get to marry my best friend."  That idea still makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  He truly is wonderful.
2. All the details of the wedding will sort themselves out; the day is supposed to be a celebration of the very best kind with the very best people.
3. "Christmastime is here. Happiness and cheer."  -"Peanuts" style. This holiday focuses on Jesus and family. I like that.
4.  A break from school means free reading time.  Who doesn't love that?
5.  God's got a plan.  Whew.

What has your "happy mantra" been this season? (Or, maybe you've got it all together and don't have one.  What's your secret?)

Wish List

Personalized Bookplates



Bookplate | Felix Doolittle

When I found these, I gasped.  The sheer joy and excitement (for a book reader/lender) could not be masked.  I lend my books, and it takes months to see them return; not because they take months to read, but because the person has forgotten where the book came from.  I have tried writing my name in the cover; however, my old books do not have my name, but someone else's.  Personalized bookplates sound like the perfect answer.  You can choose the color and font and picture you like, replace the sample name with your own, and then stick the book plate in your lending book.  The bookplate will serve as a convenient bookmark for the lender, as well as a subtle reminder that the book belongs to YOU. Sounds like a win to me.

As a sidenote, Felix Doolittle has a great selection of personalized stationery and medallions, gifts, and labels. Simple, but classy, their entire collection would make a beautiful gift for others...or yourself.

* Neither "Wish List" posts nor "Wish List" photographs have been endorsed by any company.  I do not (currently) own any items, and all views expressed are entirely my own.

Snapshots

These are a few snapshots of my week:

This scene along the river...

...because the haze made it more beautiful.

My first loan bill...

...because they were approved for forbearance.  Yes!

This sunrise...

...because it was a great way to start off the day.

Tiger Pause painting...

...because Santa got hit by lightning.  Duh.

My first Christmas card...

...because my name is once again wrong.  The sentiment is sweet, though.

Wish List

I am an avid online shopper.  By "shopper," I mostly mean "looker."  Along the way, I have found fantastic items that I immediately swoon over.  On a normal occasion, these objects/pictures are usually just "repinned" on Pinterest.  However, in the event that you are not scouring the internet in search of items that you do not necessarily need but would like to have, I have decided to bring those items straight to you via blog.  You're welcome.

eBook Jacket

Pride and Prejudice | Out of Print

1.  I love this book.  2.  I love the illustration.  3.  I love that a company makes useful items from original book jacket illustrations.  Thus, I love this.  And I'm betting any literary person with an iPad or Kindle would as well.  As a bonus, if you use the promo code REALDEAL (from Real Simple magazine), you will receive a pretty fantastic discount!  The website has some other great items, but I am madly in love with this particular case and illustration.

For the Future

"Be a little careful about your library.  Do you foresee what you will do with it?  Very little to be sure.  But the real question is, What it will do with you?  You will come here and get books that will open your eyes, and your ears, and your curiosity, and turn you inside out or outside in." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Snapshots

A few snapshots of my week:

This Christmas box of candies...

...because it's a mix of dark, milk, caramel, and peppermint chocolate.

This piece of quiche...

...because it was my first time making a quiche. Spinach, mushroom, and feta.

"Jolly" on the radio...

...because that is how I feel listening to the Christmas station.

This outfit...

...because it makes me feel high end with its gold overtones.

This  scene at the local middle school...

...because B.E. Taylor supports Tiger Pause Youth Ministry.

How to Give a Hug

I'm not the huggy type.  I've honestly tried, but I just can't seem to give them of my own volition.  When others give me a hug, especially in greeting, I become awkward and stiff.  Naturally I appreciate hugs as a display of "I have missed you" or "farewell," but I can never seem to perfect the art of giving a natural embrace.  Because he has been the recipient of some of my awkward greetings or farewells, Karl jokes that I hate hugs, and I most certainly do not hate them, but I have never been a child to cuddle and hold for a prolonged time period. I was much too busy for that.

As the wedding season approaches, I feel that I must perfect this customary greeting in order to let others know that I am actually a warm person, I just might be a bad hugger.  My usual formula is fairly standard. Bend at the waist.  Extend one arm over the shoulder facing downwards and one arm around the waist extended upwards.  Pat back three times.  Release.  I find that this formula is increasingly difficult when one is taller than me.  And apparently I shouldn't use this when I am the shorter (which Karl has so kindly pointed out on occassion).  So now I am forced to discover a new way to hug like a normal person.

If I have given you a hug and you felt I was cold, I actually do like you.  If I have to give you a hug in the future and still feel rather awkward, I still actually like you.  Keep in mind that practice makes perfect, and perhaps you are still on my practice run.

A Child at Heart

Like my affection for Christmas music, there is also a deep love of Christmas movies.  Christmas movies are ridiculous.  Oh, they are enjoyable (mostly), but they are also nonsensical.  Below I have listed my favorite Christmas movies (in no particular order).  And they are childish, most certainly, but try not to judge too harshly.

1.  Eloise at Christmastime

Some might think Eloise is annoying.  And the idea of a small female child romping around The Plaza wreaking havoc is most definitely amusing.  But I love the original artwork from the books that is used in the film, and I adore the multiple story lines.  Each character brings something to the table, and Eloise's "spirit of Christmas" is enviable.

2.  The Polar Express

If you weren't read the book by your first grade teacher on video, then you might not enjoy the movie.  I don't care.  Tom Hanks is fantastic, the artistry and sound superb, and the characters heartwarming.  ELVES!

3.  Home Alone

If you ask me, the Home Alone series should have stopped after the second.  Since Hollywood obviously did not ask me, the series has been tainted by flops; however, the original is the best.  Slapstick comedy is not hard to understand. It's funny.  And even though I sometimes find myself picking out inconceivable events in the film, Macaulay Culkin gave the performance of his life.  Favorite line?  "This house is so full of people, it makes me sick.  When I grow up and get married, I'm living alone.  Did you hear me?  I'm living alone!  I'm living alone!"

4.  Little Women

I don't know why I include this as a Christmas film.  Maybe because it begins in winter.  Either way, this is my favorite movie to watch with tea and a blanket (or multiple blankets).  I can really watch it anytime, but it suits me best in the cold.  It's a classic.  That should be enough.

5.  National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

My fiance's deep love for this movie mirrors my love for Little Women.  His family can quote the entire movie. Sometimes I have to remind him that others are watching the film (me), but he still whispers the lines under his breath.  Again, slapstick never gets old.  And I sense Chevy Chase's drive to have the most awesome family Christmas ever (every year) will be my silent drive as well.  I might not have so many lights, though.

Honorable mentions:  All other Christmas movies

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

My roommate brought back boxes and bagfuls of Christmas decorations.  You know how I feel about Christmas.  So last night, we happily hung ornaments and lights from our new little tree, as well as set up the most beautiful wooden nativity scene on a Christmas-y placement.  Now, lights are up outside, bows and boughs are placed, and the inside is warm with lights.

Snapshots

A few snapshots of my week:

This bug...

...because I'm not the only one who enjoyed the nice weather.

Theo...

...because she really wants to help mom fold the laundry.

This glass of wine...

...because it was the best I ever had. And it was shared with lovely people.

These flowers...

...because they're bright and beautiful.

 These pies...

....because everything was delicious. And made with love.

Domestic

Cooking and baking are both intimidating to me.  There is most certainly an art to making food that is both tasty and aesthetically pleasing.  Pies are especially daunting- fillings can run, crust can rupture, and the overall taste can lack...sweetness.  Furthermore, my mom is the queen of pies. It's a lot of pressure.

So when I decided to make my first real pie for my fiance's family Thanksgiving, I was more than nervous.  But this recipe was excellent, and I think it turned out okay in the taste AND look departments.

The most difficult task...the crust.

Fitting it all inside was no easy task.

The hard part- waiting.

My Christmas Playlist

I know it's not Christmas yet.  But listen.  I love the Christmas season.  Oh yes, I cherish the fact that God gave us His Son on this day, and I certainly will continue to value the true meaning of Christmas.  But I also mean that I love the first snow, winter scarves, warm gloves, fuzzy hats, hot chocolate, and peppermint.  I love twinkly lights and Christmas trees and wrapping paper.  And I love Christmas songs.  Not just Christmas carols or Christmas hymns.  All. Christmas. Songs.

I've decided to share my favorite songs, not because you care (particularly), but because if you're not in the holiday spirit, I find that these songs have stood the test of time.  And by that, I mean that I sing these songs poolside in July.

1.  White Christmas- Bing Crosby

I always want a white Christmas.  Usually I'm sorely disappointed.  And don't you dare play some cover by Taylor Swift or Michael Buble.

2.  It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas- Perry Como/The Fontaine Sisters

This song in particular makes me think of my favorite Christmas-y movie.  The Polar Express.  I especially love the elves.

3.  Baby It's Cold Outside- Dean Martin

The romantic in me can't skip this song.  And Dean Martin?  'Nuff said.

4.  Believe-  Josh Groban

Again, from The Polar Express.  But Josh Groban's voice is simply perfect, and this song is so inspiring.  Well, at least it's inspiring to me as I always want to be able to hear the bells.

5.  I'll Be Home for Christmas

The whole premise of this song makes me want to weep because it is so dang sweet.  I can't imagine how hard it was to wait, wondering if your husband/boyfriend was coming back from war to spend the holidays with you.  I am sentimental like that.  Although Bing Crosby is classic, I've included the Frank Sinatra version because...well...it's Frank Sinatra. 

What song gets you into the holiday spirit?

Snapshots

A few snapshots of my week:

This candle...

...because it smells like peppermint. And Christmas.

This apostrophe worksheet...

...because a student turned it in with commas. I must have said something wrong.

This collection of books...

...because the 7th graders are about to start a unit on fairy tales. I admire the teacher's appreciation of The Hobbit.

This journal...

...because it is made of recycled products, and I love the look of it.

This hot chocolate...

...because we made a special trip for marshmallows. And there are two sunken mints inside.

Prayer

Psalm 143

A psalm of David.

¹ Lord, hear my prayer,
listen to my cry for mercy;
in your faithfulness and righteousness
come to my relief.
² Do not bring your servant into judgment,
for no one living is righteous before you.
³ The enemy pursues me,
he crushes me to the ground;
he makes me dwell in the darkness
like those long dead.
⁴ So my spirit grows faint within me;
my heart within me is dismayed.
⁵ I remember the days of long ago;
I meditate on all your works
and consider what your hands have done.
⁶ I spread out my hands to you;
I thirst for you like a parched land.^[a]

⁷ Answer me quickly, Lord;
my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me
or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
⁸ Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I entrust my life.
⁹ Rescue me from my enemies, Lord,
for I hide myself in you.
¹⁰ Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
lead me on level ground.

Those Little Things

I'm feeling a bit restless.  I don't know if I've gotten too comfortable with my job.  Perhaps I am in the throes of wedding planning and need a break.  And maybe I've poured one too many cups of coffee this morning.  Either way, in lieu of my usual Friday snapshots, I thought that maybe I need to post five things I'm thankful for.

And I have lots to be thankful/grateful for.  Family, friends, food, a job, church, and Jesus...typical Sunday School answers that embody a multitude of truly wonderful things.  But I know that I have a lot more than that to be grateful for. So if you give me a few minutes, I'm sure I'll have at least five posted below.  I'm trying to think of "deeper" things that I take for granted, but I'd also like to think of at least one tangible product that makes my life a little easier.

1. A great educational experience

Yes, I am thankful that I have a job.  But as I look back, I'm amazed at what it took to get me here.  Piles of essays and homework, for sure.  Yet I also accumulated fantastic resources, not in just tangible papers and websites, but in my professors.  I don't know how many college grads can say that their professors truly cared about them, but at least in the English department, I feel like all of them did. I know there are issues with a conservative Christian college and their "rules," but in the long run, those are not what I remember.  I remember good literature circles, fantastic friends, and excellent teachers.

2.  The concept of marriage

I did say that "friends and family" were Sunday School answers that I would not give as one of my five.  I have a fantastic fiance.  Anyone who knows me knows that I believe that.  But I'm lucky that he still believes in the concept of marriage.  In BF, my choices as a young woman is single, baby mama, living with someone, or old and married.  There was no "engaged."  Props to the men who still "put a ring on it" without living with her first.  And props to the men who believe that marriage can be one woman for the rest of your lives.

3.  A closet full of clothes

I am not rich.  In fact, my roommate and I call it "Ameripoor."  Sometimes, I feel like I need to be rich in order to buy professional clothing.  However, as I look in my closet, I know that's not true.  I feel very fortunate to go into the school and have both teachers and students think I look nice and professional.  And even though my family is not rich in monetary means, I know my mom prepared me well to live in a world where the goal is to exude "sexiness" rather than "classiness."  And do not mistake me; I am a firm believer in comfortable sweatpants (which is neither "sexy" or "classy," I'm sure).  However, I know that I am lucky enough to have a choice in what I wear.

4.  Lots of books

I'm glad that people have realized that I like to read.  I feel as if I'm an easy person to buy a gift for; I like books, tea, teacups, purses, shoes, and scarves.  And you can find all of those at thrift stores and flea markets.  However, I'm especially thankful for new books with beautiful covers.  By "new," I mean brand new or new to me.  That can also mean they are actually old.  I am thankful to have a bookshelf with anthologies full of classic literature, books that I purchased on my own because I wanted to write in them, and books that people have bought me because they know how much I love them.  I am thankful for my Kindle, yes, but I will always love a true book.

5.  A copier

Ok, so maybe this is because I'm in the midst of school.  But I am so thankful for a copier.  It truly is a tangible object that makes me life a little easier.  I cannot imagine writing everything I need over and over again for each student.  I am happy to copy resources onto paper once, then I will make hundreds of copies in a couple seconds.  Sometimes, faster isn't always better or easier; but sometimes, faster is appreciated.

Snapshots

Late, but here.  This is my week devoted to good food and a funny book.

Snapshots of my week:

This Oram's donut...

...because Caramel Apple from Oram's is my favorite.

This Panera breadbowl...



...because nothing says "fall" like soup. And LOTS of carbs.

This delicious chocolate pastry...

... because it was free!

This coffee...

...because Starbucks has brought out their holiday drinks.  Peppermint Mocha. Mmmmm.

This book...

...because we love her new show, so Kenz and I decided to read her book together.  Outloud.  Taking turns.

You Can Use Wikipedia for This

Me:  "Today we are going to read a small excerpt from Miss F's book about the Titanic."

Student:  "The Titanic?  Is that appropriate for school?"

Me:  "What do you mean?  This chapter is about the construction of the ship and passengers aboard.  The accident is in later chapters that you will have to read on your own."

Student:  "Uhhhh,wait.  You mean this is real?

*my best confused look*

Student:  "Like the Titanic thing actually happened?  Jack, Rose, Titanic, iceberg?"

*inward palm-to-face action*

Me (in a relatively calm manner):  "Um, yes... This is a true historical event.  This actually happened.  There was a ship called the Titanic, supposedly unsinkable, and thousands of people died when it struck an iceberg and sank.  Jack and Rose's story is not true, but there may have been a couple on board who lived their tale, we don't know.  There was a Jack on board quite coincidentally.  But the whole build-up about the Titanic and its destruction are true."

Student:  "Oh."

Imagine my horror.  Imagine my surprise.  I had heard about this when the Titanic re-released in 3D; I had laughed when I heard about younger people who didn't realize the sinking of the Titanic was an actual event.  But here was a case of that staring me in the face!  I'm not laughing anymore.

Eventually we were able to read more about the ship and the real passengers.  I'm lucky they were intrigued because of the movie and the idea.  But goodness, when these kids saw the movie or heard about it, they didn't Google it at all?!  Even to look up about Jack and Rose?  Although I suppose pictures of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet popped up and they got distracted.  Either way, in order to for them to get the very BASICS, I allowed them to read Wikipedia (which they were more stunned about).  WHISPER:  Don't be fooled; I am actually a fan of Wikipedia in order to acquire other, more reliable, sources.

I hope to teach these students that usually the very best of movies are mere attempts to depict the "coolest" of events or books.  Cross your fingers.

Snapshots

Snapshots of my week:


This album cover...

...because I plan on listening to the new Mumford & Sons CD...on repeat.

This church scene...

...because it was beautiful outside yesterday, and we took the Tiger Pause kids out.

These shoes...

...because only a BF kid could get away with them.

This page out of an old military book...

...because during reading class, I have been learning how to bear arms.  Just in case.

This kitten...

...because Theo is my mom's new kitten, and I love her (that's right, her).

"What's in a name?"

Juliet was wrong.  I mean, I know she was tormented by her love (lust) for Romeo.  But there is way too much connected to a name to cast off so willingly.

I think that I realized just how much is connected with a name when discussing baby names with my roommate.  First off, I could never name my (future) child a name of someone that I know and do not particularly care for.  That seems to be a common idea.  Secondly, apparently half-Asian children cannot be called "Karl." That seems to be only one person's idea.  Thirdly, one must think about nicknames.  For example, I might like the name William but not of the nickname "Willy" or "Billy."  My own mother did not like others calling me "Katie."  And finally, the meaning of  a name is troublesome to me.  What if I like a name but the meaning is ridiculous?  How on Earth do people decide what to name their children?!

This whole idea unnerves me.  Perhaps I will just pull a name out of a hat.  Or flip through a book at an unusally quick pace and wherever my finger lands...name.

Snapshots

Snapshots of my week:

This silhoutte...

...because Karl and I are taking (free) ballroom dance lessons for five weeks.  This is what I felt like after one lesson, not actually what I looked like.

These Star Wars figures...

...because they were on the teacher's desk and I giggled.

This view...

...because my grandpa's funeral was a lot of this...the color black, tissues, and waiting.

This view...

...because I would very much like to say, "Step into my office." Which is really the corner of the library.

These envelopes...

...because I borrowed the idea from a friend and used them for class.