Last Day of School!

I have never cried on the last day of any school year.  Girls around me would wail and sniffle, but I would just sniff at the new, clean smell, give a few awkward hugs, and wander out the door.

This year is no different.  All schools apparently have the same smell on the last day.  A few girls are still sniffling (even though they will be back next year).  And later today, I will wander out the door with no regrets and a few goodbyes.

I gave all the teachers I worked with a mug and a card.  Although I was fairly anti-junior high, I feel that I have worked with some of the best in the system, and for that, I am truly grateful.

A "Hey, Boo" mug for the "To Kill a Mockingbird" teacher.
A "My Precious" mug for "The Hobbit" teacher.
A "May the Odds be Ever in Your Favor" mug for "The Hunger Games" teacher.
Two Anthropologie mugs for the ones who might not have wanted a mug of their book ("Lord of the Flies, anyone?).

Wish List

The O.G.

The O.G. | Lo and Sons

AKA "Overnight & Gym Bag." As more and more trips have been happening, and as moving is on my mind, and as I am an organized packrat, I have been looking for sleek, pocketed, efficient bags.  Although the price tag is ridiculously steep (and I will probably never own one), I am in love with the features of this particular bag.  Watching the video as it is chocked full of useful and normal items, necessary for big trips, I drool with the thought of  a sleek, fashionable bag with enough pockets to fit almost everything.  As an added bonus, the lavendar lining on the inside is gorgeous.


* 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. 

An Underground Adventure

This time we were prepared.  During our last cave adventure, R and I practically froze as we weaved our way through the dark cave for the 30 minute tour.  Knowing this one was considerably longer, we dressed warmly for the occasion. 

Eerie lights guided us through the maze of rock, Tennessee dirt, and wooden guardrails.  Pointing out the stalactites and stalagmites, our guide was quick to elaborate on the beauty and history of the natural wonders of the cave.

Perhaps for creativity, the park has left a recreated version of a whiskey still, one of many that used to litter the recesses of the cave.  Local residents used to be able to wander in and out of the cave at their own leasure, and while some of the property has been defaced by traveling groups, there still remains bits of history, such as graffiti from the Civil War and artifacts from indigenous tribes.

And for the last part of the tour, we rode in a boat to see the cave's pond filled with fish.  Although I do hate to look at schools of fish, the underwater lights had a surreal effect on the walls of the cave as dark, big fish created shadows.

It is amazing to think what this cave had seen in all its years.  It's amazing to think of the people who wandered in and discovered its secrets.  And even more amazing is that there are still parts undiscovered.

Surprises

I've never been that good at surprises.  I like to know things, especially wonderful things, before they are scheduled to happen.  And while this frustrates some people, the anxiety is sometimes overwhelming if I know a surprise is coming.

This week has been full of surprises, some good and some bad.  And as I try to place myself in every situation, I find that I cannot foresee how I would react.  How I would feel and what I would think.  And for now, it's ok. But I pray for those people, and I know God's plan is the best plan.

But even more surprising is what I do know.  As I mentally prepare myself to leave and settle in Alabama, I'm surprised by the attachment I hold to the place I currently call home.  I am attempting to take avantage of the time left here, but I find myself shutting down before it's time to say goodbye.  I feel that is a natural reaction, but it's tough all the same.  The thought of serving in a community this June where my heart is not is frustrating and makes me angry.  I want to have my whole self in my neighborhood because I will soon be gone.  And I never thought I would be so happy where I am.  It's amazing how God knows what we need, when we need it.

Snapshots

A few snapshots of my week:

This eyeshadow palette...

...because it has the perfect array of colors, and I got it way cheaper than normal price.

This stack of thank yous...

...because they are finished.

This raspberry cheesecake cookie...

...because only the BF Subway carries them it seems. Delicious.

These flowers...

...because the best types of flowers are the ones that are beautiful and you never had to plant.

This lounge chair for two...

...because I told Karl we needed it.  And we will.

Daydreaming

Sometimes I try to imagine what my life would be like if it were different.  That constitutes a whole lot of "what ifs," but nonetheless, I let my mind wander aimlessly until I settle on a plausible substitute for my life now.

For instance, if I had not become a teacher, then what?  Some sort of venture into the fashion world might not have been so far away, perhaps even writing or reviewing.  I'm no designer- there is no sort of odd creativity within me.  But when I watch "The Devil Wears Prada," I think, "Hey. I could do Anne Hathaway's job."

Then I go onto imagine an apartment for one in some city, somewhere.  Walking to work, waiting for crosswalk signs, small potted plants that I try to keep alive...that sort of life does not seem too far-fetched.

I do not wish for these changes.  But it's amazing where the mind will go if left unattended.

An Anniversary of Sorts

One year ago yesterday, I graduated from college.  Please, no gifts.  But what a remarkable journey to look back on.  And what an interesting ride to look forward to.

As the school year winds down, and since it has been five years since I have ever had to roll through a real school year, my body has gone into autopilot.  While I have been used to finishing in May, I find myself trucking through the end of the school year in a constant state of tiredness and "need to do" lists. But answered prayers and "the glass is half-full" attitude have brought me to this, and for that, I am thankful.

But here's to 18 more school days and 89 more pre-wedding days!