February Favorites

February brought snow.  And for Alabama, lots of it.  In fact, it's the most snow they've had in YEARS.  Which means that I got snow days- two, in fact.  And they were lovely.  And so was the snow.

Midland Tweet Satchel from Anthropologie | I've had this satchel for awhile, but I've recently brought it out from the closet again.  My other work bag is somewhat of a cumbersome affair, and so this has been nice to bring my schoolwork home during the week. I use my Lo & Sons bag for the weekend.

Lipton Vanilla Caramel Black Tea | Once I did get back to school, I took it from three cups of a coffee to two cups and a cup of tea.  I believe I've hit the magic numbers.

BareMinerals Complexion Rescue and Brush | THIS is my all-time favorite right now.  I took the plunge and bought it in February, and it's the only foundation I want to use.  The first day I used it, I received tons of compliments on how "fresh" my face looked and how "rested" I looked.  I'll definitely be rebuying.  I feel like I'm not wearing anything on my skin but it makes it look naturally better! It feels so hydrating on the face, and even though my face tends to get oily, a little setting powder and spray does the trick. Add a little SPF 30, no parabens, no sulfates, and no other "bad ingredients" and this is a winner.  This was definitely my favorite February Favorite.

Snow Day | I loved my snow days.  I loved what I did on my snow days.  Drank tons of tea, ate pastries for lunch, crafted, and read/shopped.

Aurora Nike Thermal | The kids are in love with this, and I am too.  I just can't get over the colors/design.

A Snow Day

Today the weatherman predicted "lots" of snow- enough to send people scurrying to the store for bread and eggs and milk last night.  Enough to keep people off of the roads today.

I happily slept in and went out to lunch with Husband who also has the day off.  Then I came home, made a cup of coffee, turned a nice playlist on, and worked on wedding shower preparations for a dear friend.  Some music, coffee, washi tape, and colored pens are not a bad way to spend an unexpected day at home.

January Favorites

Lately I've felt like I'm running on fumes...always needing a little more sleep and/or a little more coffee.  January was a little bit of a blur, but sometimes that's okay.  I'd rather cold months go by quickly anyway.

My Keurig | I'm not sure what I would do without my Keurig at school.  I've been cranking out tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and chai lattes like there is no tomorrow.  Hot drinks have been my fuel, and I'm perfectly okay with that.

"The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern | This is not a normal read for me.  I read it for book club.  I'm still mulling it over, but I think I liked it more than I gave it credit for.  Star-crossed lovers who are magicians who must have an epic duel?  Not for everyone, but beautifully written.

Kate Spade Cadene Purse | This goes with everything. And I've been on a Kate Spade kick lately.  And I've found that if you type "Kate Spade nwt" into eBay, all sorts of surprises and happiness awaits!

Marc Jacob lip creme in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang | With a name like that, the color has to be good.  And it is.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day | Between track and winter, my hair has become a frizzy mess.  This helps tame the beast a bit.

Another Beginning

This past weekend was the state meet for Indoor Track.  Our season, our hard work, our frustrations, our encouragement...all led to these days.

And we had two State Champions.  One of them, a girl, is a state champ in THREE events.  Girls are third in the state.  Boys are fourth.

And tomorrow starts the first official practice for outdoor.  And it's our parent meeting (which is always messy).  And we've got more interested athletes already than we can possibly handle.  Cuts will have to be made.  And there are going to be more tears, but I also know there are going to be more wins. And group hugs and medals and trophies bigger than my head.  And late nights and fast food and days where I see my husband for an hour before bedtime.  But I'm not sure if I could have it any other way right now- where I've got more than 100 children that I love with all their quirks and their talents.

And so ends another season.  And so begins another.

What I've Learned About Coaching So Far

It's not always about knowing every single rule for each event.  It's not always about knowing how to split times and remember every single athlete's personal record.  It's not always knowing about the history of an event or even having a long personal history in the sport.  I work with coaches who can do this and so much more, and I am in complete awe of their knowledge and compassion.  It's a little overwhelming, and sometimes I wonder if these athletes are being coached by me at all.

But I've learned that coaching is sometimes letting the girls take selfies on my phone.  Sometimes it's about letting athletes cry on my shoulder while I tell them that they deserve to be at the meet.  Sometimes it's telling one of the best sprinters in the nation that his bronze medal is an accomplishment, not a loss.  Sometimes it's cheering and yelling until my voice is raw.  Sometimes it's challenging an athlete to be mentally tough.  Sometimes it's getting back late at night and being completely exhausted the next day.  Sometimes it's leading your girls in prayer with the other teams' girls before a race.

The parents have been instrumental in helping me realize these things.  And while I'm trying to take away all the statistical knowledge I can from a distance-running standpoint as well as a sprinting, I'm also going to continue doing what I do because it's still coaching.

December Favorites

I rang in the New Year with a terrible cold.  I'm still not quite sure if what I had qualified as the flu, but it sure was miserable.  The rest of the December had been mild; mild weather, mild happenings, nothing too crazy.  As I wrapped up the first semester of teaching, I couldn't believe that time had passed so quickly.  I felt busy, as usual, but thankful to see another year fly by without any large incidents.  May the new year be just as wonderful for all.

Dr. Teal's Body and Bath Oil in Lavender | After a shower, this has helped ward off dry skin.  The soothing scent has allowed me to fall to sleep quicker (I think).  Even if it's tricking me into thinking that I'm not as exhausted as I feel, I don't mind.

Mucinex | Because when I was sick, this is the only thing that could help. Medicine-wise.

Soup | All I craved this December was soup.  It wasn't the fact that the weather has turned slightly cold, but the comfort of warm flavors and a filling meal had me turning to soup more than once.

J. Crew Sweater | When I went home, a trip the outlets was necessary.  Thank goodness for soft, warm, gray sweaters that pair well with anything. And that are on sale.

Urban Decay Lipstick in "Fiend" | Sometimes, the one thing you need in order to feel put together is a rosy-colored lipstick.  I found one that doesn't dry out my lips, goes on smoothly, and is the perfect color for me.

New Year Resolutions

I used to think that I was good at making resolutions.  I liked to think about things I resolved to do in the morning, then during my planning, and then at night.  But then I realized that truthfully, I liked making "lists," not resolutions.  And typically not personal ones.  Because bettering myself is a year-long struggle; there's no reason to pressure myself in just January.

I would like to say that I resolve to take more "me" time.  But I fear it's a resolution that will be broken again and again.  So instead, I resolve to take more "us" time.  That "us" is Karl and me, my friends and me, and my family and me.  I've gotten so steeped in all things revolving around coaching and teaching, I've sacrificed some relationships. Maybe I haven't sacrificed them completely, but I've most definitely let some go or relied on quick catch-ups and hurried notes.

I would like to take the big trip that Karl and I keep alluding to, but we have made no move to actually go.  In fact, the only thing we've done is save, so it's not like our excuse is lack of funds.  But we need this, whether it's just for a week or for two at most.  Lack of time should not be our excuse.

This resolution seems so insignificant, so easily accomplished by just saying "no, I can't today" or "I've got this other thing planned," but for a "yes" woman, I'm already overwhelmed and anxious about the possibility of telling others "no."  But this is a new year.  All I can do is try.