Birdie

*Image & calendar by bowerbox press

My grandfather is a bird watcher.  He has chairs set up to watch the feeders on his patio.  Such a fan of birds is this 90 year old man, that because he can't quite chase the squirrels by running at them, scares them away with a leaf blower.  I can imagine this calendar, or even a card hanging on his refrigerator.  Finding things that 90 year old men could practically use are few and far between.  What is your grandfather into?

Deprived

*Image & print by tastesorangey

I wish that I could have had just one day to sleep in and recover from my vacation.  I started feeling sick Tuesday night, it was just a little scratch in my throat.  By the end of Wednesday night I had completely lost my voice.  Problem was, I had to read a passage in my cousin's wedding on Saturday.  Thursday was completely nuts with 40 extended family members eating together.  Try not to talk, I dare you (ok, maybe it's not as hard for you as it was for me).  Friday was yet another party, this time the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.  I was so glad that in the three times the wedding party had to line up, walk down the aisle and go through the ceremony that I only had to read my entire passage once.  I think the pastor heard me and took pity due to the fact that I sounded like a blend of sultry, 2 pack-a-day lounge singer + old man. I channeled my inner Linda Richman.  Fortunately, I regained some voice and the wedding went off without a hitch.  I wasn't going to let a lack of voice get in the way of having fun so Saturday into Sunday we danced the night away.  Now I'm home and I'm ready for another vacation.  Is it Christmas yet?

Young family

*Image by my husband

Today I'm thankful for my young family, and of course all of the relatives that I get to spend my holiday with.  I'm lucky to be surrounded by family from all sides for a Thanksgiving  feast extravaganza this year and I'm so grateful for the time I have to be with all of these relatives I only see seldomly due to geographical distance.  This is the life.  What are you thankful for today?

Belly

*Image by my husband

This week I'll be blogging about things in my life that make me grateful and make my life better.  First on my list, probably because I miss him, is Odin, and especially his sprawling belly.  This bulldog has a personality I didn't think would exist in a dog.  I love to snuggle him and to hear his snorts.  Who ever thought that snoring would bring comfort to my nights?

Layers

*Image by {RozeMeisje}

Tonight I pack, and I have a feeling that I am going to bring way too many pairs of shoes.  I know that it is much colder in Chicago than in TX, so I'm also working on packing smart with enough layers that I don't become a whiny, chilled, irritating guest.  Dressing up for a wedding and Thanksgiving and girl's night out, plus day to day means I need to make a list because I know that it will just end in a suitcase full of shoes.  I guess I know myself, but I really never thought I would become 'that' girl.  What do you over-pack?

Spiked

*Image & shoes via Nordstrom

These awesome shoes came in the mail and I love them.  My husband saw the heels and compared them to needles, but I am so digging these shoes.  There is a hidden platform, so while the heel is incredibly high, my toes aren't all crunched because of the platform.  I cannot wait to wear these out on the town because strutting around in my house just isn't enough.  I would wear them to work, but then the kids would get a sneak peek at my awesome side.  I can't wait to be a few inches taller.  How about you, do you dig heels?

Race

*Image by me

Sunday was a long, but full day at my house.  We woke up before dawn to head downtown for the San Antonio Rock n' Roll Marathon.  My husband raced, I took pictures and cheered.  I am so proud of him.  A year ago we ran together while I was training and he had trouble keeping pace with me.  Now his pace is 6-7 minute miles.  He blows me out of the water.  I didn't compete this year, but I feel like I still have bragging rights.  What has made you feel proud lately?

Twirled

*Image & dress via bhldn

This dress should be making one girl feel beautiful and fantastic, aside from the fact that it won't zip up over her normal-sized rib cage.  No!! This cannot be the case.  I might need to do some style networking when I get into Chicago because there cannot be a naked lady in amazing blue suede heels.  We're five dresses down and need something before Thanksgiving.  Any recommendations?

Bomb

*Image & card by notmoira

F for Friday?  F on the student papers?  F-bomb?

Ragged

*Image & card by sillyclops

Those paper airplanes represent my current state of mind.  I fell asleep grading papers last night and on top of grading and lesson planning have been coaching my mom through her first college paper in over 30 years.  If I could only finish my grading then I could start cleaning up the house; my work is never done.  In order to prepare for his 1/2 marathon on Saturday, my husband is hosting a carb loading party.  My head is swirling and I can't wait until this week is finally over, and by that I mean for Friday night.  One more day?