Karate

*Image & art by Ryan Abegglen

This is art that screams my husband's name. Screams it to me. Something that I am now determined to own. In the artist's words, "If you choose to ignore it, you do so at your own peril." My husband karate chops many things, hopefully never fire (especially not with this reminder.) Am I a geek or what?

Perfection

*Image & print by Pretty White

Keep Calm and Write On - right on. The carry on poster is already a staple in my classroom, a motto for myself. I will easily adopt this as a motto for my students this year. They are doing well so far, another push would do them well. I know that pretty much any other English teacher who sees this will drool a bit too. Was I right?

Reminder

*Image & print by Hijirik Studio

Happy Tuesday! This was a reminder I thought would fit right in today. I'm thankful that the weather here in TX is finally back to normal human levels. That gives me reason enough to smile. What is your reason?

Pedicure

*Image by Pink Sherbet Photography

A sweet friend treated me to a relaxing pedicure before a fun night out last weekend. It was great to sit and have my feet massaged and to now gaze down at my wine-colored toenails. I also love that, despite the fall, it is still warm enough to show off my fancy toes in sandals. This week the weather is supposed to cool off to say, the 80s. I can run in that. I might be in need of another pedicure next week after my 8 mile group run. Can you believe that it is almost October?

Thermos

*Image by k mart

My cute striped thermos is broken. The cap that creates the seal has a broken piece that causes this once awesome thermos to leak. I thought I had it Macgyvered to work, but then it spilled tea all over a bunch of student work I was bringing to school. Not good. I am now on the look out for a new fun, pretty thermos. I would much rather fix the one I have because I've grown attached to my little striped companion. Any recommendations?

Toad

*Image by AA-Photography

There is a new resident at our house. When I walked out the door this morning a fun little toad was hanging out in the entryway. When I went out for my run, he was still there hanging out in the evening. I actually dig having this little reptile around. He kind of makes my day. Plus, there is the bonus that he might eat bugs trying to get in through the front door right? Should I name him?

Baubles

*Image & necklace by Three Wishes Studio

I remember a time when I was completely against adorning myself with accessories. Now that I've got some earrings in my repertoire, I've started adding a few fun necklaces. Not too shabby. Luckily, I know a few talented jewelry making ladies and one gifted me with a fantastic necklace and earrings set for my birthday. Although these are baby steps compared to my friends' jewelry boxes but I like it. What is your favorite accessory?

Gratitude

*Image & card by Sycamore Street Press

To have friends like mine, I must have done something right in a past life. I am so privileged to be surrounded by amazing generous people who love me. I don't know what I have done to deserve this, but I will be the best friend possible in return. Sounds like I'm still getting the better end of the bargain, doesn't it?

Dog

*Image by k1rsty

Today my puppy is two. I cannot believe how big he is now and still how snuggly and spritely. This 52 lb. two-year-old. His wiggles still brighten my day. Could I be any luckier?

Literal

*Image & print by SweetDee

I have been eating cakes, and desserts for days on end. Do not mistake this as me complaining. I am also having my figurative cake hanging out and taking in all that is home. I'm off to enjoy the rest of my long weekend. I will resume my posting upon my return. So, are you a cake eater?

Tickets

*Image by Lauren Nicole

It seems these days that I really am an adult. The best gifts I get are not things, they are visits with friends and family, experiences. Art Buchwald was right, "the best things in life aren't things." I didn't realize that I have a full five day weekend ahead of me. For this I am thankful. What adventures are in store for you?

30 & 59!

*Image by KingsleyRN

Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday Mom! Happy Birthday Me! Happy Birthday Amanda! What a great day. Hopefully my kids will give me the best gift of all, complete work. Tomorrow, I fly early to Seattle to spend a relaxing 5 day weekend with people I love. Can it get any better than this? I sure hope so.

Octopus

*Image by HotsauceJane

Happy birthday Michelle! I love the underwater theme this year has taken on. I decorated cupcakes with an octopus and starfish to keep with the theme. Delightful!

Birthday Week

*Image by Tera Fraley

Birthday week is here! My 8th grade partner in crime jumps a decade tomorrow, and then it's me! I am so excited!

Martini

*Image via GooseGoddessS

Last night we rung in a friend's 30th with fancy shoes and martinis downtown. Not bad, dressing up and going out on the town. It was actually a first for me in San Antonio. The husband and I have gone out to a nice dinner or two, but never fancy drinks with friends. That is, until yesterday... These are the last days of my 20s, I hope that they are great. However, I'm really looking forward to Thursday - beginning a new decade headed to Seattle.

Colored Glass

*Image via Lonny; chandelier via Urban Outfitters

Never would I have guessed to see this chandelier in stylish design-forward magazine. I know at least one other person reading this is laughing too. At one point in my life I had a colored glass candelabra very much in the same style. It became a running joke between me and my roommate. I thought it quirky, she (and almost everyone else) thought it hideous. When it came to live with me and Trevor I wasn't surprised when it ended up broken one day. (Of course, it really was an accident - but you can never be too sure). Now, this ends up being an item that could show up in a stylish home. How do you feel about eccentric style?

Picture Day

*Images by Karla Jean Davis

Please oh please, let there be a lazer background to choose from today! School pictures would be so much cooler if I purposely tried to look like an idiot. I think, with this idea in the back of my head, I will now have the best school picture yet. I also have the scene from Napoleon Dynamite playing out in my head...fist under chin, head tilted just so, thinking of sea horses. Perfection. What year did you have your best school picture?

Ok

*Image from Dethjunkie via Design Crush

I am so happy that this week is almost over. I have so much to look forward to and still so much to do. I've already begun to procrastinate at school and am kicking myself in the rear to ditch this terrible habit I have. I have to work hard this week so that I can play next week. I also have a friend in mind who needs a bit of cheering. I'll be in town soon.

Beading

*Image & top via Anthropologie

Lately, I've been taking more fashion risks. I'm usually an all-cotton or natural fiber girl. My repertoire includes many cardigans in multiple shades. Something flowy and beaded is outside my usual wardrobe scope, as is something with a defined waist like this. Could be worth the risk as this top is now on sale. What do you think?

Relaxation

*Image by Gabby.Bernstein

This looks like the perfect way to spend a long weekend... see you Tuesday.

Miles

*Image via Mizuno

Check out my fancy new running shoes. Pretty special right? I know that you're not supposed to buy athletic shoes because they are pretty, that is where I lucked out with my new kicks. They feel great and helped me power through 10k this morning. I'm pretty impressed with myself. A few weeks ago I would have really really wanted to walk, at least up the big hills ahead of me. Today, I was determined to run the entire course and I did. If this keeps up I know that my 1/2 marathon will feel like an even greater success. What are your weekend plans?

Shuffle

*Image by Wolfgang Bartelme

Great news for me! I had this awesome little ipod shuffle that was my perfect electronic running buddy. Just clip it on and go. I brought it to Utah so I could listen to some music on the plane and on the return trip it stayed in the seat-back pocket while I exited for home. I was pretty crushed because this ipod had been a gift from my husband, he even had it engraved with his favorite Lithuanian word, blynas (pancake). I figured I would just write off the loss, but put an e-mail into the airline's lost and found just in case. Yesterday someone let me know that they found it. I am so excited. How has your faith in humanity been restored lately?

Countdown

*Image by Girlhula

My countdown to 30 has begun. Yesterday was day 1 and I am excited. I have some of the best friends in the world. They pooled together and are bringing me home to celebrate. I'm a huge fan of birthday parties and spending something as momentous as entering a new decade surrounded by some of the best people I know is a dream gift. Now, my countdown is twofold - birthday and a trip home. How lucky can one girl get?

Rock N' Roll

*Image via Woman's Day

It is official. I am registered to run the San Antonio Rock N' Roll 1/2 marathon. I know I shouldn't be nervous, but I really am. This will be the longest distance I've ever raced on foot. Hopefully all of my Saturday running group days will keep me motivated and prepared. I even saved some cash by registering under my school district. Not bad, and I get another free technical race shirt. Trevor isn't racing this year, he'll be in the medical tent. Hopefully I will have no need to see his crew. Have you committed to anything exciting recently?