Wish List

Lydia Floral High-low Dress

Lydia Floral High-low Dress | Ruche

This beauty from Ruche might possibly end up becoming my first high-low dress purchase.  I've always been slightly curious as to the trend, never really knowing whether it was something that I could wear.  I've even avoided trying them on in stores.  However, I think I might be willing to try with this one.  Due to upcoming events, I am still on the lookout for cute, affordable dresses to wear, and this dress caters to my floral interest.  The only concern that I have right now is the size of the flowers.  Perhaps they are too big for my more petite figure.

* 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. 

15 Reasons to Date a Teacher

Someone tweeted this from e-harmony, and I seemed to have my own thoughts as I read through them.

15 Reasons to Date a Teacher
1.  They're conversationalists.  All day long, teachers work to connect with students of all kinds of backgrounds, intellectual levels, and work ethics.
Yeah, so you better have stimulating conversation as well.  We are tired of doing all the talking sometimes.

2.  Teachers can charm parents.  They meet with them a lot, andknow how to put people at ease. Date a teacher, and you don't have to stress about the inevitable meet-the-parents dinner.
In other words, we learned brown-nosing skills from our students?

3.  Teachers adapt quickly, whether it's welcoming new students or embracing new curriculum. Change doesn't faze them.
Not true.  Sometimes teachers are the worst with change.  We have set ways in the classroom, and sometimes we expect everyone to follow our rules.

4.  Teachers can explain the same thing in a variety of ways until a point is made effectiely, making sure that misccomunication doesn't hurt the relationship.
Soooooo...we are never going to fight.  And if we do, I will win.

5.  Teachers are patient.  At least the good ones are.
Fine, true.  But I'd say people would have better luck with a special education teacher.  They're the true champs of patience, in my book.

6.  Teachers are great with kids.  So if you're looking for the parent of your future kids, a teacher is a great candidate.
Rushing things a bit, no?  What if a teacher hates kids, and then he/she doesn't want any?  Someone will be sorely disappointed.

7.  Teachers are up on the latest lingo and pop-culture trends.  If you want to know what's hip with kids these days, your date will know.
Whoever wrote this isn't a teacher or dating a teacher.  Otherwise, "hip" and "lingo" would never have been written.  Besides, I don't think everyone could handle what kids are talking about these days...

8.  They have the summer off- and all holidays.
Yeah.  So you better get summers off and holidays too or else I'll still be sitting at home on my butt doing nothing.  Not like to we don't have to partipate in the aforementioned activities...like keeping up on what's "hip."

9.  Coming up with fun, creative solutions to problems is part of their day job.  Teachers make problem-solving fun!
If you're an elementary teacher! I can't do creative solutions!  I send people to the el. ed. majors.  Don't expect our fights to end with a "creative" solution.

10.  Teachers have great- and predictable- hours.  You can plan consistent date nights with ease.
Yep, we wake up at the crack of dawn and would just love predictable dates.  And if we want to be involved in any activities at all (which is highly encouraged by the school), then we'll be home after 6 pm.  Consistent sounds so easy...and so fun.

11.  If you had a crush on a teacher as a youngster, now's your change to finally date one- legally.
Ew!

12.  Date a teacher and you'll be dating someone who is shaping future leaders.  Yes, your date is super-influential.
Or as I like to tell Karl when he thinks his job is more important than mine, "I am teaching the person who will take your job one day!"

13.  Teachers don't tolerate bullying or intolerance.  They stand up for those around them.
Hopefully.

14.  Everyone has a favorite teacher they look back on fondly.  You're likely dating someone's hero.
Or you very well could be dating some poor student's nightmare.  It is possible.

15.  You're a respectful, mature adult.  At the end of a crazy week, your presence will be a welcome break from adolescent angst.
If you are indeed a respectful, mature adult.  Otherwise, we'll just add you to our list of people we talk slowly to.

Gifts

I like giving gifts.  A lot.  I like looking and looking and looking for the perfect gift for the perfect occasion, researching prices and user reviews, buying, then giving.  I do not believe it is my primary "love language" (in fact, that's quality time), but I just get so excited that I cannot wait a moment longer.  I spend so much time researching, you would think that I could wait for that moment-but I can't!

With Mother's Day around the corner, I have purchased a gift fo my mother.  And I'm fairly sure I am giving it to her tomorow.  I bought Karl a pair of shoes.  I gave them to him last week.  I think my favorite part is that moment as I hand over the present, I know for certain that it is the right one.

Snapshots

A few snapshots of my week:

This Mary Kay linen make-up pouch...

...because it is the perfect travel case.

 This teacher bag...

...because the flowers remind me of Spring.

 These almonds...

...because I am attempting to snack better.

 This activity...

...because BINGO suits all my needs.  Even prefixes reviews.

 These shoes...

...because they worked out well for Zumba.

I am also spending a lot of time reading this blog, as it is the perfect blend of good food and country French life.

As standardized testing winds down, I find that I have much more time to scout out good books like this, a delightful read thus far as the Italian countryside sounds extremely beautiful.

Wish List

Steamline Luggage

The Editor Series | Steamline Luggage

And soon we will be off!  Hopping a plane to a remote destination... Okay, so it's not remote.  In fact, it's not even a little bit remote.  But my wanderlust does not care.  And what better way to hop a plane than with a modern vintage luggage set.  Although pricey (as per usual), I love the look and all the pieces of this set.  Finding the "stuff" to put in them would be an easy task, unlike rolling these around an airport.  However, I'm sure I could easily find this set as everyone's luggage rolls around in their black, red, and blue hues!

* 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. 

Courage

Courage

by Anne Sexton

 

It is in the small things we see it.
The child's first step,
as awesome as an earthquake.
The first time you rode a bike,
wallowing up the sidewalk.
The first spanking when your heart
went on a journey all alone.
When they called you crybaby
or poor or fatty or crazy
and made you into an alien,
you drank their acid
and concealed it.

Later,
if you faced the death of bombs and bullets
you did not do it with a banner,
you did it with only a hat to
comver your heart.
You did not fondle the weakness inside you
though it was there.
Your courage was a small coal
that you kept swallowing.
If your buddy saved you
and died himself in so doing,
then his courage was not courage,
it was love; love as simple as shaving soap.

Later,
if you have endured a great despair,
then you did it alone,
getting a transfusion from the fire,
picking the scabs off your heart,
then wringing it out like a sock.
Next, my kinsman, you powdered your sorrow,
you gave it a back rub
and then you covered it with a blanket
and after it had slept a while
it woke to the wings of the roses
and was transformed.

Later,
when you face old age and its natural conclusion
your courage will still be shown in the little ways,
each spring will be a sword you'll sharpen,
those you love will live in a fever of love,
and you'll bargain with the calendar
and at the last moment
when death opens the back door
you'll put on your carpet slippers
and stride out.

 

Praying for the people affected by the Boston Marathon bombing today.

Birthday Snapshots

A few gifts from my birthday celebration:



A weekend tote for packing | Topshop

A polka dot dress | Kohl's

A lunchbox for teachers | Vera Bradley

A birthday mug with instructions for Karl | Amazon

Faith

Her future looks "bleak."  The word sounds so dismal, so cold.  I suppose it should.  I, as an eternally optimistic human being, always think, "It will get better.  This won't happen to her."  But the cancer has spread.  The tumor did not shrink at all, even after the rigours of chemotherapy.  So they will stop treatments.  And for some reason, it's still so mind-blowing that we are mortals.  That every good deed she has done does not allow her to live longer.  That every child she has touched for the Kingdom of God is not counted in her favor.  But knowing she loves the Lord and accepted that He died for her sins is a balm on a heavy heart.  Knowing the Creator of the world is holding her and her husband in His hands is humbling.  And so we continue to pray for healing, comfort, and peace.

Wish List

Coral Sequin Dress

Coral Sequin Dress | Dillards

I am addicted to all things coral this season.  And considering it is one of my wedding colors, I have been on the lookout for fun "things," especially dresses, with coral accents.  This dress looks simple, but the detail is stunning.  I can think of numerous summer events (grad parties, birthday parties, summer celebrations) that I would love to wear this dress, but unfortunately, the dress is sold out at both its original seller, French Connection, and a connected retailer, Dillards.  Alas.

* 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. 

Spring

I awoke this morning to darkness as usual.  That moment when I throw off the covers and swing my legs over the side of my bed is usually the worst.  But then my feet find my fuzzy moccasins, and I go on with my morning.  I normally dawdle a bit as I get dressed, and then I walk outside into darkness to brave the concrete steps tumbling down the hill.  But this morning, there was a surprise.  Sunlight was creeping over the hill, and I could see the city.

I cannot wait until summer mornings on the porch in complete warmth.  But the signs of Spring are promising enough for now.