March Favorites

As spring break waves goodbye, more work and track season duties are upon me.  There has not been tons of time to sit and watch television mindlessly, yet alone time to blog.  However, I thought I would share some simple things that kept me smiling this past March, just as the weather is beginning to warm.

Spun Honey | A solid, creamy form of honey that makes it just right to use a spoon.

Anthropologie Robe | A new purchase that I snatched up immediately when they restocked my size.

Loving Frank | A novel about Frank Lloyd Wright and his mistress.  A truly enjoyable and shocking read.

OPI "Chicago Champagne Toast" | I took off my acrylics for the first time in months.  This metallic pink is perfect for the signs of spring.

J. Crew sleeping shorts | Super soft, these shorts were just what I was looking for in order to shed my winter flannels.

Snapshots

A few snapshots of my week:

These washi tapes...

...for making plain paper look pretty.

This candle...

...because it was free, and it smells divine.

These candies...

...for tasting so delicious.

This plain white scarf...

...because dressing up an outfit is so easy on days I feel so tired.

This new, "90% natural" bath scrub...

...because what other scent says "Southern" like sweet tea?

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.

The Real World

It's been weeks since I've been able to get all my thoughts in a row. I have now moved into "#1 Sub" position, which actually means the teachers can call/text whenever they want and I show up.  Morning texts of "Are you available today" actually make me feel very tired.  I would rather get a text the night before.  However, you can't stop colds and general sickness down here.

Getting back into the swing of a full-time job that requires me to re-use my time management skills is taking its toll.  I have also found myself attempting to pull back from technology overload.  For instance, only checking Instagram/Facebook/Twitter at the end of the day instead of all day, whenever I feel like it.  The only social media network I have been consistently involved with is Pinterest.  I feel as if its more useful.  Actually, I suppose Netflix counts as well.  Karl and I have slowly been trucking through "Dexter."  I have found that I cannot end the night with Dexter as it is a bit sinister for me to go to sleep after watching; "Leverage" provides a much nicer note.

It's also been a trial to still maintain my exercise schedule.  Sometimes it's just easier to stay at home in my yoga pants, rather than venture out into the cold in my yoga pants.  Starting the car takes an extra effort.  Every morning I have been looking forward to a nice cup of a coffee from my French Press; instead, I find myself staying under the covers until the last possible moment.  Getting up early has not been on my plate for a long while.  Baby steps are in order, and hopefully I will be rising before the sun once again.

Either way, I've got letters to catch up on and journal entries to write.  It is nice to finally have a moment to jump back into the real world, even if it means earlier mornings and exercising.

A New Year

And we're back.  There's always something about coming back- sitting in your own chair, snuggling on your own couch, and lighting your own candles.  Whatever that something is, I typically enjoy it.  The holidays were full of visiting family and friends, and what better way to spend the holidays?  But now it's time to unpack our wrinkled clothing and get back to yoga.

There are many things I look forward to this year.  For instance, football is over in February.  Perhaps that means some weekend traveling, as we have yet to make it to Nashville, Atlanta, or other cities we would like to see.  Weddings and warm weather are also on the horizon.  What's not to love about those?

As for resolutions, I am not so good with them.  Generally, I tend to have trouble thinking of ones worth keeping for a whole year.  I would like to drink more water so that I don't die at yoga.  And I would like to be better at yoga in general.  But I guess I don't have any resolutions about them.  I'm going to attend a Financial Peace University class at church, as well as a book study on "Love Does."  But no resolutions or even goals have been made for that yet.  Perhaps I would like to resolve to make more friends while down here.  Our small group and Bible study have been going well, but I think I may need to put myself out there more. Contrary to popular belief, most times I can be shy around new people.  I am easily friendly, but opening up takes a bit more.  I am a firm believer in deeper friendships, but in order to have those, I suppose I need to invest more.

Overall, I don't like to make resolutions that I'm not fully invested in; otherwise, I tend to pull back and fail and say, "oh well, maybe next time."  What are some resolutions that you have made or would like to make?