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!

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.