Monday, August 31, 2009

Affirmation

*Poster by SparklePower

Affirmations and pretty affirmations make me feel better. My keep calm poster is hanging proudly in my classroom, a nice reminder for me every morning. I think that I might invest in more artwork to help affirm myself and my students as we glance at the walls. Some of this art will come from them. Luckily, my brother is an artist and maybe he can make some art for my classroom as well.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Plans


All of my friends know that I love to celebrate my birthday. It started with my old maid themed birthday party when I turned 25. I had games, a pinata, cupcakes and a great party. Next came my carnival themed birthday party that was famous for the cotton candy machine I rented. A bit messy, so entertaining. I love throwing a party to get all of my friends together to celebrate. I've held a BBQ in the park complete with outdoor games like croquet and bocce. Last year we put on our party hats and bowling shoes. This year I'm far away from my friends and my mom (we have the same birthday). It's also a pivotal year for us, I'm turning 29. This could be a big deal in itself - teatoring on the cusp of a new decade. It's actually memorable because I'll be the same age my mom was when I was born.

With all of that in front of me, I have no idea how to celebrate. This year the day falls on a Tuesday, which puts going to Disneyland (free entry on your birthday) toward the bottom of my list. I can't think of what to do. The last thing I want is to let the day pass by without something fun. Time to brainstorm.

Beach


A lake? A beach? Not anywhere close to my house. I would really love to be able to hop in the car or onto my bike and head to a naturally occurring body of water. I'd bring a big towel or blanket, a book, a snack, my puppy and my husband. That would be the perfect way to spend Sunday. Not only are there no easily accessible, close bodies of water here in Texas, everything is so far away. The other problem would be bringing the dog. Most areas wouldn't allow a bulldog to wade in their waters. (Odin can not swim, not at all - but the dog sure does love water). This is where I would be today, if I had my wish.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Slippers


Comfort on a long day is key. This bride wore shoes akin to slippers on her wedding day, which is pretty genius. I chose my own shoes based on their comfort level. That doesn't mean I wouldn't want to add some comfortable gold slipper-shoes to my wardrobe. I can really get behind the bows on the toes.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Cheers

*Image by sfPhotocraft

Finally, today is Friday. Cheers to me, and you too. I can't wait to sit down and relax for a while. The first week of school always feels so draining. Kids know how to 'do school' they just need plenty of reminders during the first few weeks. By the time September is over I should be used to this new routine. Hopefully my students follow suit.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Maids

*Image via J.Crew

I get to be a groom's maid (matron) in October. This is the fun dress I get to wear. No, they're not going to put us in Orange dresses for a fall wedding, not that I would mind. This dress will be chocolate brown and is on the way to my house right now. I can't wait to try it on. This occasion will also give me a great excuse to pick up a nice pair of shoes; the bride requested gold. That is also something I can get behind. Trevor has to work, I wonder if I can persuade anyone else to be my date? Sedona anyone?

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Lunch

*Bag by Sammo

Adding onto my own crafty agenda is a lunch bag to bring to school. If I have to carry around my lunch, it may as well be pretty right? I would also love to have a pirate lunch bag, I can add that to a list of cool things. The kids would not be envious, but then again they are children and just don't know what is cool.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Plants


This is the modern version of a strawberry pot and I can picture it sitting nicely on my patio. The price tag tells another story. I think that planting some flowers should be on my agenda this weekend, or at least sometime soon. I am excited that the growing season in Texas is long. I need to learn about warm and hot weather planting. So much to learn here.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Back

*Image by Rob Shenk

Today was the first day of the rest of the school year. It went well, I can't wait to meet the rest of the students on Wednesday. Hopefully the year goes as smoothly as it started.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Home

*Image by Chrissie White

This is what I miss. When I drive around and look out of my window I am thankful for trees. The horizon, however, is pretty bare. Today I miss my home. I don't know when I will be able to return, but I am looking for an open window to travel. I would love a good long visit.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Free

*Image via Sheepback.Cabin

This is my last weekend off before classes start on Monday. I'm taking full advantage of it.

Friday, August 21, 2009

New

*Image via Zappos

The blue shoes came and went. The color was nice but the construction was lacking. I wonder if there is a point in this warm weather state when sandals go on sale? Will I still be able to find fun open-toed shoes in December or should I stockpile now before summer is officially over? I'll have to get an insider's scoop on this business. These are my new sandal inspiration.

Hiding

*Image by ɱΛ††

Having poked myself in the eye, I've been wearing dark sunglasses. I think I like it because I can hide a little easier behind the lenses. I need a break and it doesn't look like I'll be getting one any time soon. All of these adjustments are taking their toll on me. The glasses give me an option I haven't had in a while, to stand back a bit and not be noticed, to participate a little less, to close my eyes. My bad eye is still fuzzy, good enough excuse for me.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Bull

*Image by nixgab

I wonder what it feels like to literally be led around by your nose. I wonder if it hurts. I bet it does. This may seem completely random, it isn't.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Eye

*Image via Happy Mistake

This is me right now. I was trying to be independent and technologically savvy and I poked my eye out. Not really out, but definitely poked. I was using a wire stripper and it came off of the wire and went straight into my eye. Ouch! All of my friends voted I wear an eye patch, but I couldn't find one so I went with some dark sunglasses. Not a bad substitution.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Saddle


My first official day of 'work' (meetings) is today. Back in the saddle - kind of... no students until next week. I have a classroom to set up and some serious decoration to undertake. Hopefully all of the logistical paperwork and meeting stuff goes quickly. My fingers will be crossed.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Miserable

*Image by me

It's hard to get a good picture of an angry, soaked cat. Luckily, I was the photographer and not the groomer in this case. Yesterday we discovered a live flea on our dog. True misery. I'm actually glad that we saw something on him because the culprit (pictured above) didn't show any signs of bringing bugs into the house. Even worse is the fact that our humble abode is fully carpeted. Uggg. We've bathed them, treated them, combed them. Now we have to release noxious gasses in the house to hopefully kill any remaining fleas and eggs. Again, have I mentioned this is miserable? Even more miserable is the fact that I have to handle this on my own because Trevor is at work. Oh Charlie, why did you have to go and get fleas?

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Unplugged

*Image by Pulpolux

My phone was doing some fun things yesterday. It was still receiving calls but during a quick conversation the person on the other end got the rude impression that I was pressing buttons the whole time. Not a good thing. I gave in and bought a new phone so that I can call people and not be on the end of a one-way walkie-talkie-style phone system. Now I'm all high tech with a fancy new phone. It will be a few days before I actually learn how to use all of the slick new features. The best bonus was that I got a discount on my bill because I'm a teacher. I can dig that.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Sticky

*Image via Photojojo

Like you may have read in my profile, I like getting mail. This will be a fun package to open. I discovered the Photojojo shop via Apartment Therapy. They were showcasing these great stick-on photo frames and it sparked my attention. These are perfect for decorating a classroom because the bonus is that they don't leave marks and are reusable. I love a good little investment like this. Little details like this inspire me, I like to decorate. The site design is also pretty cool and I especially appreciated the user interface. When I registered to purchase my items a small robot appeared on the screen and greeted me using my first name. I do like robots. Look at me, I'm gushing...

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Type

*Print by Vikeh

My typewriter is not in Texas with me, but the idea of a teal machine that types purple letters makes me smile. I wonder how many kids have actually typed on an old fashioned type writer? They have no idea what they are missing.

bla

*Image by The Red Giant

It is totally my own fault that I am bored. I have some things that I could be doing to occupy myself, but instead I'm not doing any of them and am feeling general boredom. I could be in my classroom measuring and hanging and arranging stuff, but I just don't feel like it right now. I'll come up with something. I need to inspire myself. Maybe I'll start with a popsicle.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Stormy

*Image by jaredhardbody

The clouds rolled in and it looks like we might finally get some rain. The weather reflects my mood right now. I'm feeling some turmoil and some storming inside of me. It's a battle right now to fit in and to try to be happy. I don't want to be the trouble maker but I do want to be assertive. I don't know how to do what I need without developing a bad reputation. My friends must be glad that I have taken up writing to vent more. (That and the phone is still broken). I have small victories - a classroom that is a clean slate is a good thing. Bare walls need decoration and I can look forward to that.

Co-Workers


Today I meet my department. I'm a bit nervous about the whole thing, but have heard good things. I talked to the other teacher that I will be collaborating with this year and things went really well. Hopefully they feel the same way about me. I'm also excited to learn more about what I'll be teaching and then will hopefully get into my classroom. The classroom part is really what I'm looking forward to.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Dead


Ok, so that may be a stretch. The phone still turns on, accepts calls and can dial calls using the handy bluetooth set up in the car. However, the buttons on the phone technically do not work. My phone is a lifeline, anyone who knows me can attest to that fact. Now I'll be busy trying to repair or replace this piece so I don't feel out of touch and antsy. Hopefully this leads me to a solution that isn't too expensive. Possibly a new phone? Perhaps. I'm just crossing my fingers that maybe some of the buttons start working - it does turn off quite nicely...

Savor


*Notebooks by Oh Joy!

This girl loves her paper, but sometimes she rides the fine line of loving too much. Some paper is so pretty I can barely stand to write on it. These notebooks are something I would love to get my hands on, but it would take a while to finally write in it. I would probably smooth over the cover and admire it for a while before I wrote in it. I'm not the doodler, I'm more of a regimented list-maker type. Right now I'll sit back and admire the covers.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Slip

*Dress from Anthropologie

The idea of just slipping into one piece of clothing in the morning sounds great to me. I've been investigating adding more dresses to my Texas wardrobe. Not to mention the ease of getting ready, the comfort in the heat is another bonus I've been considering. Have I mentioned that I'm lazy in the mornings?

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Tape

*Image and tape via Happy Tape

This might very well be my next splurge. Currently, I am imagining how fun my classroom would be with some Japanese tape accents. Can you imagine how much fun it would be to decorate a letter or a package with fun tape? Or, conversely, how great it would be to receive one of those packages or letters in the mail. I would feel pretty special. There are even striped, flowered, and other printed versions. Tape is usually not this exciting, the Japanese seem to make things prettier and better.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Lightweight

*Dress available at Frances May via A Cup of Jo

This dress reminds me of summer. The cotton voile looks like it would be perfect for these extra hot August days. The description makes this article of clothing even more appealing to me: "White summer dress that looks great belted or by itself. I imagine this dress worn by a girl on a cruiser bike with a basket full of veggies and flowers she just bought at the farmers market." I'm even sold on the belt, which is usually a stretch for me. I'm slowly becoming a new fan of accessories. (No, shoes are not accessories...) I'll have to keep my eye on this shop.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Retreat


I can see myself relaxing in this room. I love the calm colors and the atmosphere of the place. I'm feeling inspired to paint my office to create more of a retreat feel. Currently, all of the walls of our house are the same bland oatmeal color. A painted wall is nice, but the actual process sure is tedious. Compounding my desire to add color to my surroundings is my desire not to paint my house, or to have to re-paint the walls when we leave. We'll see which side wins in the end.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Green

*Image & napkins by Linen Me

We finally got the Target gift card we were promised as a move-in bonus gift. I don't know about you but I'm excited to buy a few things for the house. Normal people probably don't smile at the thought of more hangers in the closet, a shoe rack, an ironing board or cloth napkins. I'm smiling. Go ahead, you know you want to smile too. Now I have something to look forward to after my long six hours of curriculum training tomorrow. I'll probably add a few other housewares to my list from daydreaming.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Clock

*Image by Yogi via Apartment Therapy

If I knew I would be watching the clock for the next two days, it would be nice to watch this one. I also found out that the wall clocks installed in my new building are not accurate. This is good to know. Maybe I can find something neat for my room now that I'm on the look out. Doctors don't make good patients, teachers make bad students; which other careers have this ironic effect?

Notebook


*Images via Kate Spade

Today I might need to do some doodling, list-making and letter writing. I have a notebook for all of this fun writing, but not as bright and fun as the pictures I posted. I'm not sure if my Husband would frown on or encourage collage making. One part of him would be happy that I was going through and getting rid of old magazines (I recycled 3/4 of what I had before I moved). At least I haven't found a source for my paper addiction yet. Where can a gal find some good letterpressed paper in Texas?

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Nails


*Image by Maksisss

Today, as I shake people's hands, I will be observing fingers and toes . The best way to find a good spot for a pedicure is by recommendation. This is one thing I haven't managed to find in Texas, not yet. I love the idea of a pampered foot rub and some bright polish. My wallet however, does not want to pay a hefty bill especially when I found some great inexpensive places in Seattle. Those places have to exist here; I just have to find them.

Frame

*Image via Martha Stewart

My brother painted a large watercolor for us for Christmas. The problem is that this beautiful piece needs to be framed. My jaw dropped when I got my first framing quote, even at a substantial discount, the price was too much. I would love to hang a large piece, but don't love that I would have to save for a few months to afford to frame just one piece of art. I've been looking at my options on the internet, but am unsure of the quality of the frames. This will take some effort, but a nice piece of art deserves to be showcased.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Dressed

*Image via J.Crew

Today, I might spend the day in my pajamas. I don't feel good and comfort is key. If I were to feel like getting dressed this would make my day. I can see lounging comfortably and stylishly in this light-weight gown enjoying some iced tea on my patio. I need to invest in a few more actual dresses, instead of just having multiple dress crushes. I just love slipping a dress over my head and being dressed, looking fabulous and comfortable.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Music

*Image by Brett Miotti available at midwestlove

Last night I saw a performance by the band Phoenix on Saturday Night Live. I have heard this song on the radio, but never knew who the performers were. I'm pleased that I have a new band to add to my playlist. Enjoy the performance here.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Ouch

*Image by Jessica Furman

Of course, the day my husband will be gone for a full 24 hours I need to go to a doctor myself. I would love to wait until he could come with me. There is a saying that doctors are the worst patients and I think it could be true. I was wondering when to go in and where to go; he looked at me and shrugged his shoulders. Of course. I guess it is a good thing that doctors don't treat their families.
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