The Day Before Finals

The day before finals is a special kind of beast.

You've got the one set of kids who are overly concerned...if they don't make an A, then they're not going to college, you've ruined their lives, their parents will kill them.  And so on and so forth.

You've got another set of kids whose study guides are empty.  They're playing Trivia Crack.  They're snapchatting friends.  You ask them how their study guides are coming and if they're ready for your final (which is nothing to stress over), and they give you the ever-standard, "uh-huh."

But you still bring in candy canes.  The Jolly Rancher and Lifesaver kinds, of course.  With one box of Peppermint for the purists.  And you'll spend the rest of the day cleaning up wrappers left by eleventh graders who know better.

And you'll still say you'll miss them.  That may or may not be debatable.  But you're lucky the day is almost done.  Tomorrow is another day.

November Favorites

It has been almost a month since I posted last; it is a testament to busy season.  I attended my first indoor track meet.  We met on Saturday at 6:00 am, and I returned home at 10:00 pm. Then there was lesson-planning to do, and even that is not finished two weeks before final exams.  I doubt that December will be my busiest month, so trekking through November was crucial.  On a happier note, Karl and I finally took that long-awaited trip to Arizona.  If there had to be a favorite November Favorite, it would be sitting around a card table, eating a Thanksgiving meal.  But I don't have a picture of that because I was too busy stuffing my face with corn souffle and the perfect turkey...

Fair Isle Embellished Sweatshirt from The Loft | I'm not sure what struck me when I saw this sweater. I definitely wasn't thinking that it would be comfortable or easy to care for.  I think that I thought, "Hm, this would do for the holidays coming up." I wore it to dinner the other night, and wonderfully enough, it was comfortable, too.

Navy Dot Daily Edition of The Simplified Planner by Emily Ley | After doing some intense research, I finally settled on this gorgeous version of Emily Ley's Simplified Planner. I was/am a huge Erin Condren fan, but I decided to go in another direction this year.  I also highly suggest Emily's blog, as she is a beautiful writer, detailing her pregnancy struggles, her growing business, and her absolute faith in God's plan for her life. I don't mind supporting a small business such as this.

Rosebud Salve | This can be purchased on Amazon, Sephora, or even Anthropologie. I use it to prevent dry lips, but since it is a salve in a beautiful tin pot, this can also be used for cracked skin, dry elbows, or anywhere else that needs a little more care for the winter months.  The smell of roses is an extra bonus.

Nike Flyknits | I wish I had these during cross country, but they are serving me well for track practices.  They are a lightweight, comfortable shoe, and I own them in this particular coloring which means they match.  The kids are all into bright, like extremely bright, shoes that rarely match their clothes and while sometimes I envy their "fun," I simply can't stand the idea of being mismatched.

Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream | Another winter care item that can be purchased almost anywhere.  I received a full-size glass container in my subscription box, and while I haven't had to purchase it on my own yet, I'm loving how it is lightweight and does not make my skin break out.  This also has a rose fragrance which is pretty uplifting when it is so gray and cold outside.

**This post is not sponsored in any way- these are simply products I enjoy using. These photos are not my own.

Weekend Collection

Karl's father and grandfather came down for the weekend.  As per usual, I was busy running around at first.  Indoor track has officially started, and with a new sport comes new paperwork.  But really, the reason for their visit was football.  Karl bought tickets for the Alabama vs. Mississippi State game a LONG time ago, thinking it would be some throwaway game no one would care about.  Well, with Mississippi State going on to become ranked #1, the game was anything but a throwaway.  Personally, I said let's sell the tickets and become rich.  My idea was met with silence.

But I'm glad we did not sell those tickets.  I had a wonderful time, and it was not nearly as cold as I had feared it was going to be.  The sun was shining, and the Alabama crowd was as mighty as ever.  Coming from a tiny college (in the grand scheme of things), Alabama was overwhelming and impressive.  Greek Row looked just like any Greek Row does in the movies.  Enormous brick houses full of tradition, pearls, bow ties, and alcohol.

On the field, a sea of CRIMSON (not red).  And as much fun as I had, NO WONDER FOOTBALL PLAYERS HAVE GOD COMPLEXES.  It was crazy to watch people younger than me step onto the field and be greeted by shouts and waves and screaming.  The game was exciting and everything a SEC football game should be.  Karl, his dad, and his grandfather (three generations of Karls) were glowing.  I sat eating my cotton candy with a smile.  And then we enjoyed an even more Southern tradition- Cracker Barrel.  Breakfast for dinner.  Roll Tide, indeed.

October Favorites

It's crazy to think that October was here and is gone.  Alabama has gone from warm to cold, and people are already worried about what this winter will look like.

Cross Country season has officially ended, and Indoor Track/Field is about to begin.  As such, I am buckling down and preparing for the cold in the best ways I know how.

"Z" | A fictitious account of Zelda Fitzgerald's life.  This novel had been on my Wishlist for quite some time, and I found the hardback in a thrift store, of course.  I've been quite obsessed with the Fitzgeralds this past year, and this was a perfect novel to curl under a blanket with.

New Jacket | Another purchase from TJ Maxx.  This oatmeal-colored jacket is lightweight enough to avoid being so bulky yet warm and neutral enough to wear with anything.  Score, once again.

ASOS Scarves | ASOS anything takes a long time arrive but with free shipping and free returns, who can resist?  I bought a lovely herringbone scarf and an overly large plaid scarf/blanket which will be perfect for impending cold.

STASH Tea | Cinnamon Apple sounded so autumnal that I had to purchase it (at TJ Maxx, again), and throw some chamomile with it, and the result is an entirely relaxing time before bed.

Purell Hand Sanitizer | Because cold season is about us once more.  And high school students are just as germy as little children.  One must protect one's self.

Fridays

Fridays are for wearing jeans to school.

Fridays are for donuts brought by students.

Fridays are for short cross country practices.

Fridays are for unruly high school kids who play "trashketball" with rolled up paper at the end of class but you just shake your head.

Fridays are for football playoff games in Birmingham on a cold night.

Fridays are for knowing you have to get up early the next morning but staying out late anyway.

Fridays are for closing the door, playing Taylor Swift's new album loudly, and drinking another cup of coffee during planning period.

And Fridays are for changing the template of the blog, just because.

Fridays.  Praise God.

Football

I've never been a huge football fan.  Even when I lived with my family, football time was actually nap time.  Last year, Football Sundays were Barnes & Noble Sundays.  But this year I find myself watching a little more (and who wants Barnes & Noble Sundays when you can buy a billion times the amount of books at the consignment shoppe).

No one down here gives a hoot about the NFL.  Not as much as the North anyway.  It's all about college football.  And so, our Football Sundays have slowly evolved into Football Weekends.  Because husband still cares about the NFL, of course (and by NFL, I mean Peyton Manning).

But sometimes, these Football Weekends have not been so terrible.  I still nap quite a bit.  But it's a small reprieve from running around high school kids all week and just running around in general.  And so I will take Football Weekends.  In all its napping, comfy blanket, head massage glory.

Autumn Trends

Summer and Fall are the easiest seasons for me to get up and find something to wear.  At least on a casual day.  However, I'm finding that my school clothes wardrobe is rather limited, which has me scouring Pinterest, Keep, and all my favorite fashion blogs.  Unfortunately, I'm still finding some rather (great) casual outfits that intrigue me.  My usual go-to in this autumn weather is an outfit of skinny jeans, riding boots, a cardigan, and a scarf. And believe me, comfortable and trendy.  But I'm finding I need to branch out a little, especially if I don't want to wear the same "stuff" to school every day.

Trends I would like to invest in:
1.  A dressy plaid- I keep seeing plaid shirts with pencil skirts and the like.  At first, I was skeptical.  And now, I'm intrigued.
2.  Colorful fall blazers- I've always loved a good black, blue, or red blazer.  It seems to tie an outfit all together.  Why haven't I invested in another color, such as a deep wine color or khaki with brown elbow patches? I don't know.
3.  Loafers- First thought= old people. Now= comfortable.
4.  Heeled boots- I love all my flat boots.  My riding boots and my ankle boots have served me well.  But slowly I'm starting to stare a little longer at the riding boots with a solid heel (solid, not stiletto).  And I'm thinking of possibilities.
5.  Winter dresses- I've invested in my fair share of spring/summer dresses made with a thin material that float as I walk.  And that's all fine and dandy.  But now I need some sturdy, structured dresses that will keep me warm and be appropriate for school.
6.  More scarves- Because everyone can always use a scarf (or two, or three, or four, or more).

Trends that I would not wear to school:
1.  Those over-the-knee socks- I don't know what's so great about that.  I'm not even sure of the exact purpose of them.  But I keep seeing them and I am oh so tempted to buy.  All I keep thinking is the fact that I could wear those with my pajama shorts.  It's fall, Kaetlyn!
2.  Track tights- Last year I did not participate in indoor track.  I find myself in the weird part of the season where we will be practicing outside and inside and then participating in the events in an indoor facility.  I've only ever bought shorts and capris, which will not be warm enough.  I keep seeing tights, and I'm sure I need to buy some.  But then I need to buy shirts long enough to go over them because my inner-self just can't seem to want to wear those alone.  And I guess technically I would have to wear them to school.
3.  Patterned tights- Not track tights.  But like black polka tights or those herringbone pattern tights I keep seeing that are worn with boots and skirts.  I wouldn't be brave enough to wear them to work, but out and about would be fun.

And the scariest trend...
4.  Those gorgeous tulle skirts- I don't think I could ever...but I get all moony-eyed whenever I see them paired with the perfect heels, the perfect top, and the perfect jacket.

Any trends you would like to try this fall?

Sick

Colds and sickness always seem to come at the wrong time for me.  I guess it is fair to ask if there is ever a "good" time to be sick...And there's not.

But sometimes, after the kids have just been too messy and too loud (or at least more than you could stand that day), and then grades had to be posted for the first report card, and then you remember you never packed cross country practice clothes, and then you get to practice and the wind whips through your ears and into your brain, and the nose won't stop running but it's raw from too many Kleenex tissues, and then you think you will never, ever be warm again....

Sometimes you get home, your husband tells you to sit down, and he brings you dinner that he's made (spinach and cheese stuffed chicken-I don't know where that came from).  He's finishing two loads of laundry, and the freshest out of the dryer, the warmest shirt, he puts you in and then tucks you under a blanket while you watch New Girl and The Mindy Project and he folds clothes.

I don't know if there's a "good" time to be sick, but I'd say "after you're married to a good man" is as good as it's ever going to get.  And I'm certainly grateful.

September Favorites

Fall is slowly coming to Alabama, but when I say "slowly," I mean at a snail's pace.  I'm ready to bring out the boots and layers, but there are only some days where that has been possible.  And while our house-purchasing has been put on hold (until school loans are paid off *sigh*),  I've still been looking high and low for "stuff" that will eventually go in a house.  Besides, springtime is a much better time to move anyway.

And even though the disappointment was a bit palpable, there are a few items that moved me through September at a much happier pace.

Bite Beauty Lush Fruit Lip Gloss | I'm not much of a lipgloss girl because of the texture.  I received this in a beauty box, and thought, "I will probably never wear this." But this gloss is not overly sticky, and although hot pink isn't normally my color (I tend to prefer nudes), for some reason I've been reaching for this gloss more than I thought I would.

Anthropologie Northern Blossoms Dinner Set | Our every day dinner set is Karl's grandparents set from a long time ago.  It's old and it's cracking, and I was about to throw it all outside out of sheer frustration.  I saw this dinner set online, placed it on my wish list with Karl's approval and waited patiently for a sale.  Once upon a time, on a magical day, I walked into Anthro and it was Anthro Day (that means 15% off everything). I only got a set of four, and I didn't get the mugs which were also beautiful, but let's be honest, I don't NEED any more mugs.  I couldn't justify the mugs.  But I am giddy every meal time when we use these dishes.  Ridiculously so.

Anthropologie Willow Garden Buttondown | And then there was that time on Anthro Day where this also ended up in my basket.  How did that happen?  But the beautiful sheer floral stitching with polka dots on the back just had to come home with me.

Papasan Chair | I consider this to be one of Karl's greatest triumphs.  I had dragged him into Pier One while I longingly looked at Queen Anne chairs and other pieces of furniture.  He plopped himself in a papasan chair and refused to get up.  I think he mentally placed it on his own wish list, and we discussed when we might get one.  I walked into my favorite thrift store, and there it was.  A papasan chair with a stained cream-colored cushion for $40.  I showed Karl, and we debated on whether it was the time to get a large chair to stick in our small living room.  But Karl couldn't pass up the deal.  He went a few days later, and they must have been desperate for space, because when Karl went to confirm the $40 price, the saleslady said if he would take it that day, it was $20.  Sold.  I threw a blanket over the stained cushion and fell in love.  Karl went to Pier One by himself and bought a new cushion in a dark cocoa color.  So proud.

Striped hoodie | My weakness is TJ Maxx. My other weakness is comfortable clothing.  I don't know this brand, and I really don't care.  I have been wearing this hoodie for about a week now at home.  Karl hasn't said anything except that I look comfortable; I'm not quite sure what he is trying to say but I don't think I mind.

A State of Confusion

I like to think that I have pretty good taste.  In clothes, in decor, and just in general.  Unfortunately for my family, without ever looking at the price tag, I will always pick the most expensive item when given an option.  It has never really worked out for me.

I wouldn't say that I have fashion week taste.  Nor would I say I should have been an interior decorate.  But like I said, I would like to think that my tastes, generally, are "good."  As I browse Anthropologie, I wish I needed one more teacup and saucer, one more apron, and another copy of Jane Eyre.  But lately, as I browse the "House and Home" section (one of my favorites), I find myself a little baffled.  Perhaps my taste is not as upper-crust as I may have thought.

Hull Rug No. 2 | One of a kind and $3,994.95 (was $7, 990.00)

Large Rip-Tide Wonky Pot | $699.95

Cup and Saucer 7 | $189.95

Teapot 5 | $389.95 (was $780)

Am I missing something?  That wonky pot has me especially confused.  Has anyone in history ever bought these things?

A Few More Firsts

Watching a cross country creek mud race...
....only to be horrified at the thought of a runner getting spiked under water.

Assigning a detention...
...and wondering when "worst teacher ever" will be applied to me.

Eating chocolate-covered almonds every day for a week for lunch...
...then thinking I need to run [with the team more].

Thinking the 80s are slightly chilly...
...and happily wearing scarves.

Wanting to sleep at 8:30 every night...
....pretty much succeeding.

August Favorites

August 5th started school, and since then, I still feel as if I am running a marathon.  I've yet to slow down.  But as I busy as I feel I am, there have been some beautifully wonderful items this August to help me out.

A cup for Guatemala | This is from my sister when she went on a trip LAST JANUARY, and I just received it during her visit.  Even still, I received two and they are beautiful and perfect for a small, quick cup of coffee or tea.

L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara | I have stubby lashes (perhaps due to my Asian eyes), and I've yet to be brave enough to try false lashes.  So this must do.  And it does.

Planning pages from Etsy | I searched high and low for a teacher's lesson planner, and I did not find one to suit my needs.  I I ended up Google-ing for pre-made pages, and found these beautiful color pages from Etsy.  Once I bought/paid for the set, I was sent a link for an automatic download so that I received them the same night.  I printed two pages in color on my own printer and then had the rest printed from Staples using my teacher's discount. Success.

Of Mice and Men | We started this in August, and I am pleasantly surprised by how many students are connecting with it.  It's really one of the best feelings.  Especially when I have one class with a bazillion (real number) boys who think passing gas is the best part of a day.

Golden Champagne Angelfish Sperry Top-Siders | I spend a lot of time in high heels, but some days, I need a flat shoe to get me all over the school but still look put together.  These do the trick.  And they're as comfy as everyone says.

Weekend Collection

After a week of (literally) running around, clearing paper jams, and lesson planning, the weekend was here.  And perhaps the best part, I was able to share it with my husband.

Friday, for no particular reason, we headed to Ichiban.  I don't much get into the showmanship (although color me impressed- I sure couldn't do it), but I do love the rice with egg and noodles and miso soup.  The evening had slightly cooled, and so I hesitantly suggested a small stop at Bridgestreet, the fancy outdoor shopping plaza and no surprise at all, Karl acquiesced.  After buying a gift for someone else, I also walked away with a pair of earrings for myself.  And not from Anthropologie, so everyone was happy.  Mostly Karl.  I think he was nervous as I kept sniffing the $28 candles.

For the first night in ages, I stayed up rather late, although I was sleepy.  I didn't sleep in quite as long as I would have wanted, but the reason why was worth getting up for.  We were supposed to go kayaking with our small group, but the extremely sultry weather this weekend warned us that we would gain nothing by chancing heat stroke.  So we grilled some food, each brought a side dish, and enjoyed each other's company for the day.  A little KanJam and Apples to Apples rounded out the afternoon, and Karl and I headed home to couch sit (and grade papers) for the rest of the evening.

And Sunday was a typical Sunday.  A day of rest.  I meant to come to school and redo some things in my room, but I just couldn't find the energy and will to leave the apartment after church.  Instead, I flipped through a magazine as lunch cooked, and enjoyed more time puttering around the apartment put misplaced items in their place for the week.  I didn't touch my school work at all, and the sky is not falling.

This weekend I will head to Memphis for a cross country meet, so I know the craziness is about to resume.  But this past weekend was lovely in its unhurriedness.  I could do with more weekends like it.

Weekend Collection

The past weekend was a weekend fluctuating between work and rest. On Saturday morning, what I really wanted to do was rest.  What I actually did was helped organize/clean the track area which was no small task.  Everything from outdoor season needed to be brought inside so we could save it from bad weather and football players.

Then there was a trip to the farmers' market, which is always a treat.  I'm always finding the things I need and the things I didn't know I needed.  Especially those dahlias.

The rest of the afternoon was spent lighting candles and creating lesson plans.  Although they say not to take work to bed, I couldn't help but get nice and comfortable as I caught up on grading, letter writing, and reading for pleasure.

We were supposed to go to the movies that Saturday evening, but I was just too tired.  Instead, we spent the evening on the couch.  That basically means I fell asleep and Karl watched the television while massaging my head.  It's a wonderful way to spend an evening.

Sunday was more lesson planning, cleaning, grocery shopping, and reading.  And finally, we went to see "The Giver," which was surprisingly pleasant.  I had been so worried the moviemakers would ruin everything, but when they didn't, I was left saying, "That wasn't so bad.  Thank goodness."

Sunday brought thunderstorms that we are still experiencing today.  The South hasn't seemed to provide a good thunderstorm lately, but today, they're loud and bright.  I only wish I was on the porch enjoying this instead of watching through my classroom windows.  But the weekend is over, and I'm back to work.

Wish List

A Reading Chair

Found on Pinterest

As we think about purchasing a specific home, I started thinking about "things" that should fill the rooms.  My biggest concern/most frightening challenge is the living room.  We are looking at a beautiful, one-story home (very common in the South) with gorgeous wood floors and an open floor plan.  This open floor plan makes the home seem so large, and it also gives people a glimpse of all your collected "stuff."  Off in the far corner of the family room sits a white painted, built in wall book case.  And already I'm imagining a chair like this one sitting beside the book case and the floor to top-of-door-frame windows.  We haven't committed to the house yet, but I'm already dreaming of natural sunlight, wooden floors, and french doors.  I had imagined a gorgeous, deep red, wingback chair, but this will do too.

July Favorites

July was the last month I had to myself before things went crazy.  And July was the month where I could finally start preparing for school.  Of course, office supplies are my favorite; that's a given.  But there were other highlights of my month where I actually got a little rest, too.

Paint tape | Not because we painted anything, but because I used it to mark sections off on the board.  And when I say "I," I mean Karl.  And it took him 45 minutes because he wanted the lines extremely straight.

Ruche dress | A beautiful cream, navy blue, and red.  I absolutely love the pleats and the ribbon around the middle.

La Croix Orange | I actually prefer the grapefruit the most, but this is excellent for my non-water-drinking self.  At home, I've been using the lemon/lime in a strawberry liquor that Karl and I made.  Perfect.

Sticky notes | Because can you really have too many?  I think not.  They're all over my desk and I use them for tons of activities already.  My planner was filled with stickies to remind me to get things for the classroom.

Disney mug | We spent five days in Orlando, and this cup was refillable.  Karl used it all week to stay hydrated, and it was an excuse for me to go to the food court for ice cream.  We brought the mug home, and while I probably won't bring it to school, it's a nice little reminder of our Disney experience.

One Year

"We were together.  I forget the rest." -Walt Whitman

I have seen this quote all over Pinterest.  I'm especially susceptible to quotes about love.  And I think that this is so perfect as Karl and I celebrated a year of marriage to one another.

I cannot name specific days off the top of my head where I can say that I felt closest to my husband in this past year.  There were many nights of binge-watching Netflix shows, days/nights of falling asleep on the couch, ordering food in, and he working in one room as I was in another.  But waking up to his childish bedhead, weaving amongst each other throughout the apartment as we work, read, watch television, clean, and breathe, moving our circles close to one another and away from one another...I would say this year does not need specifics to celebrate.  We had a simple lunch out, and we kissed goodbye when I left for professional development for two days.  And I may have been slightly irked, but coming home is always the best feeling. Belonging to one another fully has made this year the best so far.  I imagine I will feel like this every year from now on.

Cheers to a first anniversary.

School on a Saturday

Halls are dark, but I'm not scared.  In fact, I'm soaking up the peacefulness that hasn't appeared when all the other teachers are busy running around the school and chatting in the hall.

Having a classroom is like having a very big office.  Office supplies and all.  I sip my coffee and flip through the freshly printed syllabi, still warm from the copier.  The Of Monsters & Men Pandora station plays from the speaker  above the desks, and I think that being at work on a Saturday has never felt so good.

A Gift

"Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness.  It took me years to understand that this too was a gift." - Mary Oliver

Every once in awhile, maybe more often than I believe, a wave of self-reflection sweeps over me.  Thinking on my faults, my misdeeds, and my fears.  And in that, I seek to blame others, especially persons I trusted most, for what I perceive to be the negative parts of me.

It is time for a new way of thinking, especially if I plan to teach young minds.  Time for a sense of my own responsibility and perhaps gratefulness.

As cliché as it may be, I need and want to be a light.  I would rather my gift be light than "a box full of darkness," even though those boxes are issues I continue to sort through over the years.  But maybe those boxes were not meant to create negative parts of me but gifts meant to strengthen me.  And I think it is up to me still to decide.

A Little Bit of Poetry

I don't tend to naturally turn to poetry when I want to read.  And lately, I've been immersing myself in novels galore.  So as I begin to prepare for my first year/first three weeks as a teacher, I find myself rereading poetry, especially Modernist poetry, as my first three weeks is a Modernism unit.

My heart leapt when I saw I was responsible for "The Great Gatsby," "Macbeth," and "Night" later in the semester, but a small amount of panic enveloped me when I saw that I was also responsible for Hemingway, Frost, Faulkner, and other greats starting next week.

And so I sat myself in Starbucks, reread T.S. Eliot's "The Wasteland" and then cried because of the sheer beauty of it all.  This is going to be a great year.

The Magic of Disney

I have never been to Disney before.  A lot of my friends and their families had gone, whether for a band trip or family vacation, but it was always a little more than my family could manage.  Oh, we loved our family vacations immensely, but there's something a little bit sad about saying, "I've never been to Disney."  And for a child's heart like mine, a great lover of Disney movies (old school), the chance to go at age 24 meant no less to me.

I love everything about flying.  Packing, airports, airport coffee, and even waiting a little.  The clouds were especially fluffy on our way there, which added to the excitement a little more.

We stayed at the All-Star Sports Resort.  It's a little cheesy, perfect for a family with children, and a great part of the Disney experience if you want to stay in Disney.

Outside the Hollywood Movie Ride in Hollywood Studios, there are concrete blocks much like you would see on the Walk of Fame.  Karl obviously picked Chevy Chase because Karl's favorite movie is "Christmas Vacation".

A huge part of any small vacation is the food.  And we certainly enjoyed all of it.  I couldn't help but be enamored of this pastry I ate in Epcot.

And of course, we had to see the castle.  It actually was smaller than I had thought it would be, but it certainly was magical.  The light show they have there is amazing!

We had a wonderful time, and even though Karl had been already, he dutifully let me go, eat, and do whatever I wanted since I had never been.  Since we are semi-adults, we enjoyed Epcot and Hollywood Studios a bit more than The Magic Kingdom (or at least, more than he enjoyed that park).  We did not go to Animal Kingdom because there was so much other stuff to do in so little time! I definitely recommend going for more than five days.  We also went to Downtown Disney (not considered a park and absolutely free to go) as well as a water park for a day (because Disney is hot in July).

This little vacation was exactly what we needed before we enter the hustle and bustle of another school year and track season(s).  Disney certainly is magical, even for adults, and hopefully we will be able to go again someday.

June Favorites

This month was all about multi-tasking.  I wanted to do a lot of things without a lot of stuff.  That's about as vague as I can say my intentions for this month, but really, it was hustling and bustling, so I needed items that could do what I wanted and quickly.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Cream | I don't get a lot of breakouts, but when I do, I'm annoyed.  This humidity melts any makeup on my face, and even when I don't wear makeup, my face is still a sweaty mess.  Not to mention the sunscreen streaks. Which makes my face ripe for breakouts.  This little bottle evens skin tone and rids my face of any pimples as well as prevents new ones from popping up.  That's a win all around.

West Elm Candle Holder | My nightstand is a blessed mess.  Karl's nightstand is an innocent victim in my tendency to place magazines and books and earrings and bobby pins all over the room.  I'm attempting to make the nightstands look pretty so that I am not so tempted to trash the tops.  This lovely candle holder matches the slate-color of the bedspread and was on sale.  Also, my love for lit candles has allowed for extra little candle purchases.

Ruche Gold Chevron Necklace | I was not much of a gold wearer, but for some reason (maybe because of my obsession with the nautical/navy blue scene), I have found myself drawn to gold jewelry this summer.  This little necklace was cheap and goes with absolutely everything.  I also figured, when I'm brave enough to layer necklaces, this piece can start it off.

Laura Mercier Eyeshadow Sticks and Korres Lip Butter | When I do brave the weather and wear makeup, these lovely items make it easy to swipe and go.  The eyeshadow sticks are in a lovely rose gold color and cocoa color.  They are perfect neutrals for smoky eyes and what have yous.  The jasmine Korres pot contains a lovely light pink, sheer lip butter that enhances a nude lip, and again, it's a quick swipe and you're done.  No blotting, no overdone color.  I like that.

"You Smell" Lemon Wipes | Again, the weather down here makes for some quite potent odors.  I can't say that any has said that I'm smelly, but just in case, these individually packed aloe wipes smell quite lovely and quickly remove sweat and dirt from the outside.

And So It Begins

I almost believed that it would never happen.  That a school would never hire me.  I know people who have put in more time at a school as a substitute than actually going to college to become a teacher.  And here it is.  An offer and an acceptance.

I would be wrong to insinuate that this offer came merely because of my teaching abilities.  I know that they are looking for a person with more to offer (*cough* coaching abilities *cough*).  Most of the teachers are also coaches.  Also, while I was digging, I discovered that ALL the members of the English department have their masters' degrees, if not their doctorates'.  So I guess I can put that on my "immediately to-do" list.  I might have had that backlogged.

And while there is crazy excitement, there is also incredible fear.  I start school in a literal month.  Yay for professional development days.  I do not even know what grades I teach, yet alone, what books.  It is hard to prepare for a classroom you know nothing about.  I was once told that the first three years (at least) feel like you're drowning and the best you can do is tread water.  Fantastic.  I've had some experience with that feeling.

But it's here.  The day when I have my own classroom.  The day I start rehearsing my first day of school speech.  The day that everyone says I need to go in and demand respect or else they'll try to step all over me because I look like a student myself.  Nevertheless, it's here.  And all I can really do is continue to wait.

A Few Firsts

...putting on sunscreen so that I do not get burned.
Using Aloe Vera after I burn anyway.

...two a day track practices this week.
Skipping the coffee and taking an afternoon siesta.

...watching "Silence of the Lambs" on Netflix.
Peeking through my fingers like a child during most of the film.

...planning a Disney trip.
Having no small child to experience the magic of Disney, so taking 20 high schoolers instead.

This week has been nothing short of exhausting. The humidity starts draining me of life at 8 am on the track. I come home to eat, nap, and redress then end up back at the track in the afternoon and evening. But this devotion is paying off in a big way. More to come.

May Favorites

Another month, but this time filled with the promise of warm weather and the bright colors of summer.  I spent lazy afternoons beside the pool, making new friends with other tenants of our apartment complex.  After such gray, rainy days, I still hungered for color and sun.

Citrus Zinger Water Bottle | The bottom of this bottle comes off separately.  It looks to fit half of a small orange and or lemon perfectly.  The bottle came with infusion ideas; for example, lemon/basil/cinnamon sticks/honey or lime/lavender/ginger/cane sugar, as well as organ/mint/chipotle powder/agave nectar.  The possibilities are apparently endless.  I prefer strawberry fizzy water with a half lemon and mint.

Topoxte Dropwaist Tunic | I am obsessed with this tunic from Anthropologie.  A gigantic portion of my envelope money went to this one shirt, but I regret nothing.  The comfort, the color.  I hope this lasts forever.

Kate Spade Tote | This was a gift from the husband, but it was also a bribe.  I do love negotiations.

Emily Ley Simplified Life Binder | I was looking for something a little bit more permanent to keep track of our finances.  I am obsessively stalking Emily Ley's blog already in anticipation of her Simplified Planner (which releases in September).  While I do love my Erin Condren Life Planner, I am thoroughly impressed by Emily Ley's blog and devotion to putting God at the center of her family and her business.  Her preppy style and well-made products are gorgeous, and I look forward to her 2014 collection of inserts for her new binders.

Sun Hat | This hat was a steal.  I have been trying on various hats, not quite sure if I am a "hat person."  There are some people who are destined to look good in hats all the time (Kate Middleton).  And I was seeking a wide-brimmed floppy hat for those grueling days by the pool.  This hat from The Loft works perfectly, is made of neutral colors to match almost everything, and was on sale (thanks to my mother).  Steal.