Junk

*Image by * Beezy *

When my husband is gone I eat junk. Dinner yesterday could have easily have been popcorn as far as I was concerned. We both cook, but when I am alone I have nothing to prove. There is no one to wow with my culinary skills, I only have to sustain myself. I've grabbed something on the fly only to hear Trevor say, "that isn't dinner" or "that doesn't count." So, I skipped the junk and made quesadillas. That counts as dinner, right?

Hills

*Image & print by Mad River Studio

I've been told that the Texas hill country is especially beautiful in the spring. It is hard to believe that it is really spring here with days reaching into the 70s. I am not really sure I have appropriately glimpsed at the hill country I have heard so much about. I am sure that it is famous for a reason, now I need to go for a drive and see for myself.

Close

*Image & card by Paper Pastries via A Cup Of Jo

Portland is pretty close - closer to Trevor's heart than mine. If Seattle had been a choice for these great cards, you bet I'd have ordered some of my own already. This would also be a good sentiment to put on a shirt. What city would be your pick?

Wiped

*Image via Collegiate Water Polo Association

Yesterday the Gator Gals played three games in a water polo tournament. I was happy to score three goals all day. It was a fun learning experience, but sure wiped me out. Thankfully this doesn't happen every weekend. Knowing what I have to look forward to this summer means I need to get myself into the pool more often. It won't be as easy to compete at nationals without subs if I'm not in decent swimming shape. At least the weather is nice. I'm gearing up to kick my own butt again.

Swim Suit

*Image via a.heart.17

The sun is out in Texas and it is swim suit weather once again. It is confusing to come home from a spring break trip where I always had my jacket to shorts and t-shirt weather. I won't complain about running outside or hanging out into the evening outside without long sleeves. I have a feeling I can continue my spring break just about every weekend until the school year is over. I think I will start today.

Springy

*Image by Jeff Rose Art & Photography

I got my fair share of cherry blossoms in Seattle and the gnarly brown branches here are starting to look greener daily. I was thinking about things that remind me of spring and most are associated with Easter baskets. Kites are definitely a reminder of nice weather to come. I wonder if there will be any good gusts of wind this weekend?

Gems

*Shirt by Print Liberation via camp comfort

When I first saw this shirt I sent it to my favorite lover of all things sparkly. Now it reminds me of a new band I have been enjoying. Phantogram's 'Mouthful of Diamonds' comes to mind when I look at this T. I think that it would be fun to dress this up and wear it out on the town, guess that means I'd have to make plans.

p.s. have a listen

Chopped

*Images by me

When I was looking back through photos of my trip I realized that I had none of my own chop - probably because I was sitting in the chair having my hair cut. I'm bad at posting photos of myself, mainly because I'm either taking photos, or think I look like a dork. The last time I had short hair was about ten years ago. I blogged a whole bunch about bangs, but went short instead. One big change was sufficient for me. My evil twin however, seems to go through phases of cut and grow seasonally. I think the results are fabulous. What about you?

Busy

*Image & card via Whimsy Press

My flight got into TX late and I wasn't at my front door until 12:15 Monday morning. I tossed and turned all night, but was glad that my dog wiggled when he saw me sneak in. I'll be back at it again tomorrow. Hair pictures and goodness. Seriously...

Market

*Image by Big Bean Photos (Busy!)

My vacation is finally coming to a close. It is hard to leave such great people behind, but I am thankful for the opportunity to come and visit. On Friday the Pike Place Market celebrated the first day of spring by handing out free daffodils to anyone who wanted them downtown. It was such a happy sight seeing pedestrians walking around with bright yellow flowers. This trip was great, I got to see plenty of friends and I got to relax and spend good quality time with the people around me. Aside from my friends, walking all over town was another thing that I have missed. I am sad to go but happy to have stayed.

Snip

*Image by Anna Luiza Fischer

Today is the day of the long-awaited haircut. I can't tell you if I'm nervous or excited. Maybe both. I think there is a bit of nostalgia clouding my brain and a rush from seeing so many people I care about in one place. Now, I get to make a slight transformation before I head home.

The Queen

*Image by hello! Lucky

I've been walking around with a sticker for the Choke Shirt Company since my last visit to Seattle in September. I saw this shirt at the Fremont market and it immediately reminded me of Colleen. When we were in track together she always had a bag of carrot sticks on hand for munching. I think she got triple doses of vitamin A daily. Funny, that my best friend always reminds me of vegetables. Well, vegetables and outfits and definitely shoes. Happy Birthday to you. I am overjoyed to be able to celebrate your day playing together. What a great year to turn 30.

Curly

From that to something like this?

*Image via Chiggy, heatherjeanay, kellianna

My lovely friend is also getting her hair cut. She is not afraid of the dramatic chop, and always comes out looking more brave and stylish then I do. I know of at least one person who objects to this chop idea, and the objection has been duly noted. All I know is that some hair will be cut, how much is not up to me. Hopefully someone enjoys the inspiration...

Homeward

*Image by marusica

Bright and early, I am on my way to the Emerald City. I am always so giddy to fly into town and to see all of the sights of home. I cannot wait to hug friends, drink tea, eat soup, walk around neighborhoods, know three alternate routes to each location, and celebrate. If you run into me (maybe literally) blissfully roaming around town, pull me off of my cloud and say hi! Coming home is such a pleasure. My only wish is that my husband was flying into town with me instead of staying home, green with envy. I will apologize for light posting in advance. I am so excited to be back!

Packing

*Image by vee*

Wahoo! Laundry has been conquered and I have probably over-packed for my trip. I've got a carry on with too many shoes, but plenty of options. I am usually pretty good with packing, especially when I know I am visiting girlfriends with expansive closets. My suitcase is going to be much heavier due to some drearier weather in the Inland Northwest. Maybe I'll bring along the sun. What do you always make sure to pack for a trip? What do you typically over-pack?

Vacation

*Image by Pink Sherbert

Can you tell that I am in vacation mode? Yesterday I finished off my day laying out by the pool, finishing a good book. Not too bad if you ask me. The weather here is pretty perfect, I'll take an 80 degree Sunday anytime over the sweltering heat of last summer. I wanted to bake a pie to celebrate Pi day but it was too nice to bake and possibly have to turn on the AC. Instead, I focused my attention on enjoying the beautiful day.

To Market

*Image via Pearl Farmer's Market

Hopefully I score something tasty at the farmer's market today. I've had to wait for far too long to check this out because I've been teaching Saturday school. Fresh herbs are on my mind, my patio would be a perfect place for them today. The first day of vacation is something I have been very much looking forward to.

Relaxation

*Image via Anthropologie

In less than a week this will be me. (Maybe even sporting the same nifty top?) I can see myself sitting down to some tea at one of my favorite shops, chatting with friends. I truly cannot wait to be back home. I only wish the vacations were more frequent and longer. I'm especially glad to know that so many of my friends are willing to host me. It would be hard to visit without a good home base, which I luckily have. I can't wait.

Feathered

*Image by wip-hairport

I would love to have such a soft feathery hairstyle. It looks so pretty, but I am sure that my lazy morning routine would need many extra minutes to make myself look acceptably polished. I guess when I consider that I give my hair a whole 5 minutes worth of attention in the morning. I wonder if there are any websites dedicated to beautiful 5 minute hairstyles?

Sleek

*Image via Harvey Faircloth

Part of my brain is already in Seattle. I'm thinking about all of the people I get to see and a fancy birthday celebration. I've been mentally picking through my closet thinking about what I'll be wearing. Yeah, super girly of me but when you're packing light and you get to be fancy out in public it matters. I can imagine myself in this beautifully simple dress, surrounded by friends feeling fancy.

Shaggy

*Image by wip-hairport

Currently my too-long hair is all one uniform layer. I've been careful about layers because done incorrectly, I could look closer to bald than beautiful. I've got a week to find inspiration to bring to the table. Any more suggestions? Great haircuts, tips, tricks for fine, thin hair? Please share!

Oscar

*Image by shutterblog

Today my friend is hosting a fun dress-up Oscar party. I have never really been into award shows, but I am all about dress-up and parties. Don't hound me, but I haven't seen half of the movies up for awards, and will probably be the most clueless woman at the party. Good thing I have a bunch of great dresses to choose from. The dress code says old prom dresses or bridesmaid atrocities. My ball gown high school dresses are thousands of miles away so I lucked out. (Not that they would fit). I've had some incredibly stylish and gracious friends when it comes to weddings. The dresses hanging in my closet are not at all atrocious (yes, my friends read this blog - no, not sucking up). I look forward to getting gussied up.

Vacuum

*Image by [nachocheese]

You will not find me dressed up for cleaning. I'm dressing up tomorrow. Today I've got to get down and dirty so that the weight of this cluttered, dusty house can finally be lifted from my shoulders. I promise not to work too hard and to take a nap so that I am fresh and ready for my very first official water polo scrimmage. House, it's over - today you're getting cleaned.

Chop

*Image by wip-hairport

If I were to get brave, this is a cute style. I don't know if I could handle the layers, or the grow out. The gal in the picture has hair that looks fine like mine. I know that once I sit in the chair with my girlfriends at the salon I'll grow some guts. I think I'm just jealous that they have so much more hair to work with. I want to be edgier and not boring, but I also want to be able to have pony tail days too. Can a girl have it all?

Wonderland

*Image by Brandon Christopher Warren

Today the new Alice in Wonderland movie comes out. I am super excited. As a huge fan of Wonderland (I've been Alice for Halloween & even wore my costume to school) I am excited. I've also read some new takes on the adventures in Wonderland and would highly recommend the The Looking Glass Wars, if you haven't read it yet. This is one movie I want to see in the theater. Hopefully my husband will be easily persuaded. Are you going to see the movie? Any other Wonderland fans out there?

Fishy

*Image by mooshee85

Only in the great state of Texas would I see my first Lenten commercial. For those of you who weren't raised Catholic, on Fridays during Lent everyone is supposed to eat fish. So far, I've seen three separate commercials advertising a fishy Friday meal. The first featured three nuns eating lunch together. Do other states have religiously-themed commercials like this? Is it corny that I am amused by this?

Bangs

*Image via In Style

First things first. I am contemplating throwing bangs back into the mix. I talked about changing my hair and this would be major. I haven't had bangs since I was a freshman in high school oh so many years ago. I also have the problem of fine, thin hair and not a lot of it. Every website I've searched tells me I have to chop it off and settle down with a bob for the rest of my life. We'll see how this all shapes up. Secondly, if you like a famous haircut, it should be easy to find pictures online right? What if a haircut you like belongs to a former Miss June? Needless to say, difficult to find pictures wherein the hair was the focus.

Motivation

*Image by Mr. Boddington

Yesterday I got my papers graded - score 1 for me. House is still a mess - minus 1 for me. I'm still breaking even right? It's not like we're hosting guests any time soon, so I'll hide my shame and my slovenliness behind the blinds. I have to focus on the fact that I graded 6 periods worth of short essays and stopped my procrastination. Does stopping procrastination get me bonus points?

Daffodil

*Image by Amber Gregory

Daydreaming about spring flowers and vacations is supposed to cheer up my mood. I'm dragging because I'm tired. I've been a terrible procrastinator and feel like there is so much to finish. Projects have taken over the living room table and laundry is starting to pile up. See how daydreaming gives glimpses of hope? Now I need to get motivated and act.

Days

*Image by macmoov

Only 17 days until I am back in Seattle. I'll do my best to contain myself. This will be a difficult two weeks.