Recognized

Moving to a new place always means missing the comfort of navigating the old place.  Unfortunately, a Wal-Mart always needs to be found, but then I can continue to seek a Barnes and Noble and coffee shop.

I have learned to navigate the small part of town that is necessary, perhaps even knowing my way around better than my husband.  However, lately my comfort has been found in being recognized.  Not for anything awesome or talented, mind you, but just for being.  Walking down the hallways of the local high school brings shouts of "Ms. Hermann!" and "You going to be at track today?" Teachers notice and comment too that students are requesting me.  I almost fell down the stairs when shouts of my name greeted me around the corner.  Perhaps they weren't shouts- more like shrieks.  And they make me laugh. And it fills my heart with a sort of warmth that can only come from bordering belonging.  And I'm tired in the morning and tired in the evening, but at the end of the day, the fact is, they know my name and it brings cheers and fist- pumps.  I hope that can be included on my resume.

A Thought

I woke up this morning, and it was 65 degrees.  While the North is seeing a Winter Wonderland of sorts, the air is warm and the sky is sunny here.

Yesterday on Karl's day off, we made our way around the city at a typical Southern pace (slow), and slowly accumulated items that remind us of spring to decorate the mantle.  Karl happily put on shorts that morning, and I, too scared to show that much skin this early, slipped on jeans and regretted it all afternoon.  It was too warm.  We commented how we would normally never see this sort of weather until May.  We could get used to this.

Snapshots

A few snapshots of my week:

These piroulines...

...because they're so perfect with coffee.

This book...

...because it is for book study, and Bob Goff is coming to the church.

 This money jar and excel sheet...

...because we are attempting the 52 Week Money Challenge.

This kitten...

...because he is in Pennsylvania, but he is quite the cuddler, even from afar.

These almonds...

...because they are chocolate baked and can be discreetly munched upon during school.