Deadlines

*Image & print by hairbrainedschemes

I wish I could grade from the hear too... I have stacks of student work to grade and that is where I have been and where I will be this weekend.  Maybe I'll pull myself away from papers to enjoy an Oktoberfest beer (or two) to make it more bearable.  I cannot believe we are through with our first 6 weeks of school already.  Where has the time gone?

Storm

*Image & print by lanydevening

Another severe storm flew in over the horizon last evening.  Lightning dancing across the sky lighting up the house and finally thunder booming overhead startling both the dog and the husband.  The wind was so strong that I went and moved a plant so it wouldn't get uprooted by the wind.  We're finally getting the rain we've been waiting for and I hope it drives down these temperatures.  I'm ready for lows below 75 and highs that aren't in the 90s.  If that sounds good to you, be thankful you don't live in Texas.  How is the weather in your neck of the woods?

Suds

*Image by  Jordan Eaks

Tests are graded (most of them - at least half), dinner was made and eaten and the dishes are done.  I am proud that while I skipped yoga yesterday to grade I was productive and not only made dinner but cleaned up the kitchen.  Trevor made some awesome vegetable lasagna on Saturday and the aftermath of that meal was lingering in the sink and on the counters.  Yesterday I made an enchilada casserole and everything has been cleaned and is put away.  Not too shabby for a Monday eh?

Covet

*Purse by Cole Haan, image via Nordstrom

I've been shopping around for a nice, grown-up cross body purse and I think I found it.  I am currently torn between green and white leather.  I would also like to see this purse in person before I put all of my eggs/money in one basket.  I love my small little wrist-lets and clutches, but there are times when you just need a hands-free purse.  I have a lovely linen purse that was a gift from my husband, but it is rather small and when I have his sunglasses as well as my own it's overflowing with too much stuff.  This will fit the stuff and is rather adult & stylish.  Leather is grown-up right?

Roatary

*Image & card via Anthropologie

I wonder, if I put a rotary phone in front of my 8th graders, how long it would take them to figure out how to dial it? I wonder if they've ever seen one in person?  I'm feeling a little nostalgic today as R.E.M. are no longer a band and Nirvana's Nevermind is celebrating the 20th anniversary of it's release.  Back when I was in middle school those two bands were a huge part of my world.  I'm glad I never had a cell phone to distract me.  What do you remember fondly from middle school?

Wash

*Image & card by Bremelo Press

Where was this card yesterday when I was blogging about my stinky bulldog?  Who would have guessed that something like this even existed?

Stinky

Odin smells like a butt - that is what we have been telling him for weeks and yet the pup has not been forced into a bath yet.  Little does he know the fate that awaits him tonight... Isn't he just adorable?  (Luckily, you can't smell him through the internet).

Aftermath

The balloons died, but for some reason they are still hanging around on the dining room table.  I like a little birthday aftermath to hang around for a while and we can still be festive because our fat, wrinkled bull turned 3 today.  I cannot believe this 52 lb. lap dog has been around that long.  I also know that in these three short years he has changed my life.  I honestly don't know what I would do without this dog around.  I am so lucky to have such a sweet bulldog in my life.  When we are gone for a weekend or longer we miss him and we even brought Odin a toy from Portland.  Getting home to this wiggly dog makes my day, and his snoring has become my white noise at night.  Are you this attached to your pets?

Breakfast

*Image & tea towel by artgoodies

This is what I call the breakfast of champions, cherry pie.  I even have home made fresh whipping cream to top.  Even better, I get to sleep in for a little bit because I'm headed to a training today instead of to class with my students.  Pie + sleeping in, can it get any better?

Sunday Sundae

*Image & photo by Mrmophotography

We ate all of the pie and we are out of brownies and home made ice cream.  I say this constitutes a success, wouldn't you?  I need to come off of the weekend sugar high and get ready for work this week.  Happy Monday to you all.  How was your weekend?

Smorgasbord

*Image & shirt by Little Lark

Today is the day of the ice cream party.  We have at least 31 flavor combinations to entice all of our guests.  My husband has been busy in the kitchen and on top of home made vanilla ice cream we have a key lime pie, a cherry pie and a batch of dark chocolate brownies.  This is in addition to the other ice cream flavors we purchased and all of the glorious toppings.  I think I'll skip weighing myself tomorrow.  I also have some great balloons and decorations to make the house look more festive.  Now all I have to do is finish cleaning the place so I can start enjoying myself.  What is your favorite birthday dessert?

31

*Image & print by Brian Tuchalski

Of course, a happy birthday to me too.  It has been a great day & now I think I might have some ice cream...

Happy Birthday!

*Image & card by Man vs. george Design

This Badass Mother tattoo card is for my one and only.  Happy Birthday Mom!  I hope you have a wonderful day today and fell accomplished rather than older.  I can't believe that if I were literally following in your footsteps I'd be chasing a 2 year old feisty kid.  One of my favorite holidays is shared with one of my favorite people.  I only wish I was playing hookie to hang out with her.

Huge

*Image & poster by Debbie Carlos

It's big, and the day is almost here - tomorrow.  Until then I think I'm going to revel in my last day of being 30.  I've had a few friends age up before me this week and they seem to be enjoying themselves.  I just can't believe I'm actually this old, I had no real idea of what to expect from my 30s but I feel great and am definitely enjoying life.  I can't see what all of the fuss is about.  How do you approach aging?

Truck

*Image & print by Quail Lane Press

I do admit it, if I could have an ice cream truck I would probably consider hiring one for the driveway amusement.  Not one of the newly converted creepy ice cream vans - but a real old fashioned truck.  I think I was overwhelmed by all of the food trucks in Portland. Now I want one of my own.  I will not try to make my house look too much like an ice cream parlor - but I am considering streamers & balloons at a minimum.  What else could give it that festive feel?

Chaos

*Image & print by Slow Industries

I think that this poster makes a good point.  I would much rather have ice cream, especially if the alternative is darkness & chaos.  I've been daydreaming about the decorations I'm going to put up for my party.  I was thinking I might even go for an ice cream cone shaped pinata.  I know that I am in the land of pinatas, and could probably find one shaped like an ice cream cone - but it might just not be what I am looking for.  I know I need to find waffle cones and fun dishes.  I wonder if I could go to an ice cream parlor and buy fresh waffle cones on Saturday?  I would make them myself, but all I have is a Belgian waffle maker, and I'm not sure it would make cones.  Any essential party accessories you recommend? 

Theme

*Image & print by two for joy paper studio

There is only one party theme that fit this birthday year perfectly - ice cream.  To me, 31 is synonymous with tasty frozen treats, and that makes for one good birthday party.  Now that I have a theme I can go all-out.  We have our very own ice cream maker so things will get even better.  I'm putting in my requests/demands and there will certainly be hot fudge.  What are your favorite ice cream toppings & parings?

Sent

*Images by Tara Bliven via the Ephemera Blog

These are the nifty envelopes I created for the exchange.  Not too bad for what a slacker I was.  I knew what I wanted to do, but I didn't get my act together until the last minute.  I still have a few to send out, but that is just because they will contain more than just the poem (you are extra special).  I cannot get over how beautiful it was in Portland while we were there.  I already miss the green and the neighborhoods bustling with people walking and riding bikes.  That trip was far too short.  What are you currently missing?

Adventure

*Image & print by Jolby

Oh, How I love the Pacific Northwest.  I can't wait to fly and then to land, next to celebrate with friends.  I'm taking an extra long weekend and have no idea if I'll be online or able to update the blog with news of my adventures, but then again that is what long weakens are all about!  Enjoy yourself over the holiday!

Westward

*Image & postcard by BettyTurbo

We are so so close to Oregon that I can taste it.  My day today will be filled with visions of the PNW, mountains, good food, friends, family and even possibly jacket weather.  Jacket weather?  I am so looking forward to highs in the 80s and possibly a mid-afternoon run that won't possibly cause me to keel over.  What adventures are you looking forward to this weekend?

Packing

*Image & print by Sentimental Heart Photography

I have almost all of my laundry washed and folded and have been eagerly watching the forecasts for Portland, OR this weekend.  We will soon be escaping the scorching TX heat for some respite in beautiful Oregon.  I'm really looking forward to the getaway.  I laughed when my husband lamented the upcoming vacation, not because he's not looking forward to it - because he isn't in desperate need of a vacation yet.  It will be lovely to relax.  What should I make sure to pack?