Wednesday

*Image by Arlo Bates

Many of the blogs I read feature a Wedding Wednesday theme. I had my own ideas today. Wine Wednesday sounds like a great idea to me. I'll have to wait for tomorrow to tell you how good the idea truly is (the last feature anyone would want to read is hangover Thursday). Tonight's red is nothing extra special, just a nice bottle from the grocery store with an attractive label. I can't complain.

Sleep

*Image by lawatt

I've got to get to bed early tonight. I can't believe that it's only Wednesday and I'm already exhausted. I've got so much being hurtled at me, I'm surprised I'm staying afloat. Teaching in another state is a rough transition. I feel like I need to learn another teaching language. It feels like this is a repeat of what some people experience in their first year. I am struggling to wrangle my kids, I don't think it's all me either. I was hoping at six weeks my students would start to get into the groove. I hope they get it soon enough.

p.s. This room looks like it could be under water, I like the green-blue tones.

Fortune

*Image by Pop + Shorty via Oh So Beautiful Paper

Last week I did a folded paper activity with my students to organize comma rules - I couldn't remember the official name for the project so I just called it comma-gami and it caught on with the kids. They love to fold paper. They kept asking me if we would be making fortune tellers. My brother's band made them as album inserts, which were really fun. I'm keeping my eye out for a way to incorporate a fortune teller into a teaching project this year.

Books

*Image via the New York Times

One casualty of our move were books and bookshelves. Currently, my neglected books sit patiently in boxes awaiting a shelf or two. We don't have an Ikea anywhere close by otherwise I would surely have gotten my hands on something as wonderful as this set up. I've got my eyes peeled , but I'm growing impatient.

Ice Cream

*Image by sdesignuint via Apartment Therapy

This would be awesome at a party or, as part of an amazing and playful wedding. I am in happy awe of this idea. I have to find a way to incorporate this bouquet into my life somehow. Maybe I'll throw an ice cream social.

Amusement

*Image via Cup of Jo and tumbler

I read this and laughed, not at the fact that a bike had been stolen, but at the wrath.

Rain

*Image by ¤ [B~B] Bourne Bedweey [B~B] ¤ {Away}

When it rains in San Antonio, it floods. In Seattle I think that I can now classify the rain as drizzle on most days. I am glad that it hasn't flooded here and that rain is not typical. The temperatures are more normal, tolerable. Hopefully this weekend will bring back some warmth and a less vengeful sun.

Mail

*Image via Charlie and Lola

I just got a card in the mail. Anyone who knows me (or has read my blogger profile) knows how much mail delights me. I have a visit to the post office planned for tomorrow. A few letters to send and a wedding dress to mail. That's right, I sold my dress. The lucky gal lives in Australia so I'm working on filling out customs forms. I'm so glad to have made someone else as happy as I was. I've even put a fun note in her package, always a bonus if you ask me. I can't wait for Friday, and it's right around the corner.

Large

*Image via Apartment Therapy by House Industries

Yeah, I spotted the large framed ampersand and immediately headed over to see what other goodies were featured on the site. I can see something fun and bold like that somewhere in my house. Probably my office, I'm not sure I could swing it anywhere else unless I actually clear out the guest room and begin to decorate. Decoration and arrangement are big headaches for me right now.

Sticky

*Image by Mer Mag via Creature Comforts

Three things to love: 1. a tea party 2. handmade invitations 3. Japanese tape & sewn accents. I absolutely love the idea of hosting a tea party and the creative use of tape and stitching. I've been thinking of making some cards of my own to send to my far off friends and loved ones. This would be a cheery note in the mail.

One

*Photos by Trevor Jorgensen

This isn't even when he was freshly born, this is Odin at four weeks when we picked him out. He was one of three boys and five girls. We had two choices when it came to a male puppy because one was already spoken for. He was the first puppy I held and he snuggled right into me. Trevor liked another more rambunctious puppy boy, but somehow I talked him out of it. When we took Odin home in December he was 15 pounds. He's a solid 46 pounds now. I never thought that I would love a dog like I love Odin. Happy birthday puppy.

Hat

*Image by greg & erin's party via Birthday Girl

How much effort should you put into making a party hat for your dog? This is what I am contemplating today. Our puppy will officially turn one tomorrow. He'll get a fancy dog cookie and will probably be the recipient of an empty box to help 'open' and chew. Maybe we'll even give him some cheese. I'm going to do my best to put that bulldog in a party hat and take his photo. Maybe if I bribe him enough or wear him out I'll get a good photo. Is this normal for people without kids? It's not like I'm throwing a doggy birthday party right?

Calendar

*Image by Nikki McClure via Reform School

Nikki McClure must have the steadiest hand, the best eyesight and most patience ever. Each of her pieces are cut from a single sheet of paper. The first time I saw one of her prints I was awed. I can't wait to buy her new calendar for 2010, the artwork that accompanies each month is simply beautiful. I have an old calendar that I'm going to re-purpose into some classroom art to amuse my students.

Park(ing)

*Image by Rimas Simaitis

It may seem a little strange to walk or drive down the street and to come across parking spaces occupied by art and not cars. Today is international PARK(ing) day. Artists all over the world have come out to create their own little parks occupying parking spaces. It's all about collaboration to create these temporary public parks. The above pictured space is my brother's. He's quite the crafty one, my brother. Go out and experience some art today.

Fabric

*Image and fabric by Umbrella Prints via Oh Joy!

There are some great prints available at the Umbrella Prints etsy shop. They even have some beautiful jewelry. It makes me want to get crafty and sew something. I think the hearts would make a fun skirt or at least great decorative pockets. Crafts and sewing mean I need to clear off and clean up my desk. Looks like I have a few tasks to accomplish. Seeing as I live far away from everyone I'll be able to create my own little crafty Christmas workshop. Yeah yeah, after I clean off my desk...

Pink

*Shoes by Camper on sale at Piper Lime

These shoes just happened to be 50% off, my size and the last pair in the shop. How is it that I have Camper shoe serendipity? The only other camper pair I purchased was under almost identical circumstances. I proudly wore these on my birthday, and am concocting new outfits to showcase my fancy pink shoes. The best part, aside from the price, is the comfort factor. They remind me of sporty ballerina slippers.

Fresh

*Image via sfgirlbybay

My birthday came too soon, some of these posts are going to be extended into Un-birthday season. I should have asked for flowers! This is something that I forgot about until I walked through the Fremont market on Sunday and lamented that I couldn't bring any fresh flowers home with me. I really haven't seen much beyond the typical grocery store offerings here, but am sure that there is a good flower market hiding somewhere. I aim to find it.

Birthday

*Image by Beth Retro via Design Crush

I really did get everything I wanted. I saw so many friends and had such a good time this past weekend that I was satisfied. Today my kids were mostly well behaved and guilted by my congestion combined with a few bad reports from the sub. Trevor baked me molten chocolate cake and I wore my new pink shoes. Not too shabby.

Return

*Image by KrazyKlown

When the plane touched down in Seattle, I cried tears of joy and sadness. Joy, knowing I was going to see my friends and that I was home even just briefly. Sadness, because I knew I would have to leave it behind again. Being home also made me realize that I hardly know San Antonio simply because I haven't been there long enough. Of course I don't get lost driving around a town I've lived in for ten years. Of course I have friends here. That was a good thing to realize. I guess I just have to be more patient. Seeing the people I love was the best birthday gift; I couldn't have asked for more.

Treat

*Image via Trophy Cupcakes

While I was out of town Trophy Cupcakes opened a new shop in Seattle's U-Village. I'm pretty excited to know that one of these babies will be eagerly awaiting my arrival. My mom already took my flavor requests and I can't tell who is more excited, me or her. I feel so spoiled. I can't wait to see everyone and to celebrate. I'm going to relish my long weekend - I'll be back on Tuesday!

Glee

*Image via Fox

If you haven't heard of the new Fox sitcom glee should definitely check it out. A geeky high school comedy drama is something I haven't seen in a while. The show actually got me to laugh out loud a few times. It also doesn't hurt that I am not a huge fan of the cheerleader-type and that the show stars Jane Lynch as the head coach. The post title is also a small bit of double entendre, but the clean I'm-an-English-teacher kind. I'm pretty gleeful that tomorrow I wake up early to fly across the country. That's glee.

Noise

*Image via Martha Stewart

It is going to take everything I have not to squeal with delight as the week nears Friday. I think I may have the best time just imagining the days ending. I wonder if my kids will notice a difference in my mood or if it is just too soon. I may be a more benevolent teacher this week because I have something awesome to look forward to.

Picture day

*Images via mikesylwester's

Yep, today is picture day. Hopefully I get a good photo this year. With my trip to Seattle ahead and only three days of school this week my smile should be genuine and beaming.

Wapping

*Image by Purl Soho via Birthday Girl

I love wrapping paper and I love ribbons. Pretty packages are so much fun to give and receive. I have a special box full of pretty ribbons that I totally hoard. I'm thinking of coming home with a few goodies from Texas for all of my Seattle folks. They wouldn't be gifts if they didn't come wrapped and that is what I am inspired to do.

Gold

*Images by J.Crew , Nordstrom , Piper Lime

I'm on the lookout for some strappy gold shoes. The perfect pair combined with the perfect price is key. Hopefully I'll find something that I'll wear out on the town after I break them in during the wedding I'm in. The prices on some of these shoes are great. The J.Crew pair is on sale for $89, Nordstrom has a reasonable $59 price tag. The price on the Piper Lime pair may be too good to pass up at $39. Shoe shopping is definitely not a burden for me...

Relax

*Image by *northern star°

Sleeping in on the weekends is a luxury I can relish. Today it might rain, but that just means I can curl up in my scrub pants, relax and read. I hope you have something enjoyable and gratifying planned for the long weekend.

Gift

*Images by bpitzer20 and birdlike

That is right folks, I've got a ticket. I'll be spending next weekend back in Seattle celebrating my birthday with my friends. I cannot think of a better gift. I'm about to have the best Friday ever and the most impatient week ahead. I can't complain about 3 days of school when I have a glorious weekend to look forward to. I'm imagining all of the possibilities and they all make me smile.

Oof!

*Image via Blue Scholars

The Hawaiian vibe is something I really enjoy, the Blue Scholars are another. How lovely for the two to come together on their new album. I found this thanks to my little brother while I was thinking about a few things I would grab if I happened to be in Seattle for a weekend. Some new music would be nice. Maybe the birthday fairy will set up something fun...

Decorations

*Images via Oh Happy Day and Martha Stewart

I'm pretty much resigned to the fact that I'm not throwing a big birthday party this year. I do however want to decorate my house for my birthday. Something fun, festive, adult. I have plenty of time to whip something up. I'm sure my husband would be down with some tissue paper pom-poms or some lanterns hanging in the living room. If he's not, oh well. It's my birthday.

Tote

*Image via Maptotes

I've been waiting for the Seattle city map tote to be released. I could proudly pack my books to school or groceries around San Antonio in this canvas bag. I think I've been inspired to blog about potential birthday gifts until the grand day. Only a few short weeks to revel in gift possibilities. (Not that I've got a fan club reading...) Would this tote become ironic when I move back to the Pacific Northwest?