Buttheads

*Image & card by earmark

My kids are not being nice this week. Some of my kids are great all of the time, some are awful all of the time. At the end of the grading period you expect students to suck up to you, not yesterday. What has happened to kids that grades don't matter and success is a choice? I am baffled by this and wish there was some way to create intrinsic rewards where there are none. Any ideas?

Rushed

*Image & card by HawkGerber, Ink

On Friday I was pleased to find out that our school's grades for the semester would be due this coming Friday. We were supposed to have the entire long weekend to grade and I planned my lessons accordingly. My students are turning an essay into me on Thursday and it looks like it won't make their report card because someone changed their mind on dates. My whole plan for this week may be up in the air, and instead of blogging I will probably be grading. Posting may be light this week. Ugggg.... Monday.

Expo

*Image via Pikturz

Today, after a full-pool water polo scrimmage I'm headed to the local bridal expo. This is not my idea of fun and I am trying to muster up a good attitude and some excitement. I am going as a favor to my friend, a bridesmaid. I am going as a wing-woman. To me, the whole idea of attending this expo is similar to a horror movie. Thank goodness my ticket was free. Maybe I'll find out that my planning process was even more guilded than I remember. What have you done for a friend lately?

Caffeine

*Image by Melted Moments

Today is off to an incredibly slow start. I woke up with a headache. After medicine and breakfast and a nap I think coffee is my next resort to kicking this headache. What are your headache remedies?

Mirror

*Image & mirror via West Elm

Yesterday when I got home I had the house to myself for several hours. After gazing at the holiday aftermath and mess I decided to clean. It feels good to know that the sink is empty and the dishes are clean. Counters are clear, I dusted and even did some small rearranging. This small cleaning spurt got me thinking more about decorating. It is time to put some final touches in our space. A few more plants and definitely a round mirror. Where do you suggest I look?

Pool

*Image by taoᵒ

This week I started training with a local masters swimming group. Although I really enjoy water polo, it isn't quite the same as good ol' swim team. I have an option to swim four days a week, great especially for a procrastinator like me. The biggest bonus is that unlike most masters groups, we practice in the evenings. I am not a morning swim person, never have been. Now, I need to work on winding down in the evenings. Has your new year included a new exercise routine?

Poppies

*Image & print by bittersugar

I wanted to put this print in the mail to my mother for Christmas, good thing Valentine's Day is a red-themed holiday too! Now that the shop owner is back from vacation I can finally put this gift together. It will be a two holiday mash-up in the mail. Packages for no reason are even more fun, don't you think?

Bacon

*Image & card by Richie Design

I know it's only the beginning of January but my mind is already wandering onto Valentine's Day cards. I'm trying to think of something fantastic to send out this year. While at Michael's the other day I scored a cool custom stamp kit. Now I can craft fun messages and create a fun card for my friends. I'm easily inspired by etsy. Is it too early to start?

Sleepy

*Image & card by Pressa Russa

I like my job, but I think I like vacation more. Sleeping in and waking up refreshed and un-rushed for the past two weeks has been lovely. Setting my alarm last night was no fun at all. I'm lucky enough to get a nice extended holiday due to my students, I know not everyone has had a long, leisurely holiday. I can feel your glares and smug smiles through the internet. My fingers are crossed that my students did their homework. Monday already?

New

*Image & card by brooklyn book binder

Yesterday when we left our friend's house I gazed up at the winter sky. I haven't paid attention to the stars in a while and it was a clear crisp night. We rang in the year with friends and spent the day together and the evening with more friends. I think this means our year is off to a great start. One more day of rest before a return to real life. How is the beginning of your new year?