Little of this...little of that

When I first started blogging a few months ago I vowed to never let myself feel pressure about the blog. It is meant for my memories, for a chance to write and express myself. I refuse to think of it like a job or like homework That said, I unfortunately have another stream of consciousness post for ya'll. I do have some fun and interesting post ideas marinating in my brain, but that will have to wait for the weekend(s) because well, I spend 8 hours a day with 6 year olds. Speaking of school, things are going better. Much better. I attribute this to a few things: 1) They are getting into the groove. Full day school is new to them. Having me as a teacher is new to them. It's an adjustment period. 2) Homework/regular curriculum has begun. I get the need for procedure and practice. Tons of it. But you know what? pencil sharpening procedure is boring as hell and so are recess rules for that matter. Academics have kicked in and I am so very happy about this. 3) I'm granting myself grace. Loads of work still on my desk? Go home, Leslie! Parent emails that I let sit for more than an hour? Sure. Realizing that not everyone likes Junie B. Jones books as much as I do? Ok, no biggie. I'm still exhausted and not completely used to this new bunch yet, but I'm getting there. We're getting there and that feels good. I heard this song on Friday and it has made it's way to my "Top 25 most played" in a matter of days. Must be the 2 workout days in a row where I only listened to this one song. Fave new jam.

        AJ and I made a yummy new recipe the other night that I had every intention of making into a blog post, but when I sat down to write it I realized "Add any veggies you like into a skillet with olive oil and garlic. Toss with pasta. Add parmesan" isn't really a recipe I thought I'd spare you. You're welcome. I am a major pasta fan and like to think the healthy veggies here offset the carbs and cheese. Don't tell me the truth please.

    Here's some photo  snippets from the week. Now I'm going to straighten my hair and listen to Norah Jones and probably be asleep by 9:30. I told you I put no pressure on myself with blogging content and I meant it. I have nothing to give but my word, folks. Have a happy week, everyone!

We went to the library Saturday and there was a "Pet-a-Palooza" going on (I'm not making that up, that was the real name). I immediately begged AJ to take me to the kitten area. Oh my. I fell in love. LOVE. This precious kitty was named Finn and his tag (printed on chevron print paper) said he was a "lovable guy just looking for a good home." I have a good home to give ya, Finnegan (that's his more formal name I decided). Hubs is not a cat guy. Wants nothing to do with it. I threatened to go all single mom and fill out the adoption papers on my own, but I decided to choose peace instead. Finnegan Redmond Steele (his full name for monogramming purposes), don't you worry! I'll find you again one day. 

On Sunday I did homework for my close reading class until Pandora asked "Are you still listening?" 3 times. Only a few weeks left. Amen. 

my new fall house sign. I only cursed about my handwriting about 73 times. Pinterest you and your pretty fonts have ruined my chalkboard self esteem 

I'm digging this getting to work at the crack of dawn thing. Productivity, come to me.  I don't think it'll last more than a few weeks because going to work when it's still dark out gets me all stabby, but I'll take pretty sunrises like this while I can. 

Is this a masterpiece or what? Hubby tried to preserve it and pack it in his lunch but I told him the bubble would probs collapse in Tupperware overnight. AJ was crushed. So was the bubble. 

Hey Thanks

At church last night (LOVE Saturday evening church), we were charged with writing a thank you note to God. The beautiful message was all about how we can bless the Lord by thanking Him for his goodness and faithfulness. Gratitude is powerful. My girl Oprah puts it this way, "I learned from experience that if you pull the lever of gratitude everyday you'll be amazed at the results." Life is pretty darn amazing and in the middle of it all, I can forget. No, it's not Thanksgiving time but thanking God for all we have shouldn't just be reduced to November.

image from soulfulpower.com 

Here's my thank you list, in no particular order. Well, it's a small snapshot of my thankful list because as we sang in worship last night, there are "10,000 reasons for my heart to sing."

1. My Husband: Obviously this is number 1. AJ is my best friend, my personal comedian, my shoulder to cry on, my partner in crime, and my best pal. He's my better half and I never want to take him or our relationship for granted. I hoped and prayed for a good man to be part of my life and God exceeded my expectations a thousand fold with my man.

2. My family: I lucked out in this department, I have an incredible family. AJ and I always comment on how blessed we are that we both have parents who are still living and still married. It's a rarity and we know how special it is. I love them for who they are and how they shaped me and are always there for me.

3. A great church community: This December marks 3 years that I walked into church alone having googled "Christian churches in SLC" and reading about this particular one. I wrote the address and service times on a post-it note and was super nervous. The message that first chilly morning I was there was titled "God is with you." I know that now and am thankful for the community of believers I get to be a part of.

4. Teaching: Gah! Of course this is on the list. Teaching young people is a true privilege. It might not always feel like it, but I am lucky I get to do this everyday. It makes me a better human. Plus it's fun.

5. My pals: My core group of girlfriends are ones I found primarily at Gonzaga. They are my soul sisters and we have been through very high highs and very low lows together. We laugh, cry, and goof off. It's a comfort and a joy to be reminded "you are not alone." They are my girls and I'd be lost without them.

6. Our townhouse: It's easy to get on pinterest or as of late, real estate websites and wish for bigger and cuter. But we love our place. It's our home and we've made it our own. I breathe a sigh of relief each I time I walk in the door. It's a place of peace and joy. And sometimes it features the smell of banana bread or popcorn popping before a movie night. It's where life happens and I am thankful for it.

7. My Health: You don't appreciate it fully until it's gone, right? I don't have ailments or diseases and that's a blessing. I need to heed this call and use my health to do great things in life. I want to appreciate and enjoy my body despite imperfections. It's my vessel on this earth and I'm blessed to have it.

8. The Library: free books? Yes, it's pretty awesome. I appreciate the desire to learn more. I appreciate authors who put their words out into the world for us to savor, enjoy, and think about. That's an act of love and I benefit greatly from it.

9. My phone: don't judge. I am thankful for my handy little tool to keep in touch with people, stay connected, write notes to myself, google a nagging question, or best of all, send out or receive a quick text to and from loved ones.

10. The DVR:  like to relax and catch up on my shows. Like a good book, those who create so we can be entertained are heroes. Thanks for creating art (well, this is a generous term for reality TV, bear with me) so we can all enjoy.

11. Seasons: Just when I think I will die from sweat, the fall comes and rescues us with colorful leaves and a cool bite to the air. Then comes the clean fresh snow and cozy times indoors. Next spring bursts forth reminding us new life will always bloom again. Then summer arrives again and hello to pool days, long nights when it's still light out, and steak sizzling on the grill. God you knew what you were doing with all these seasons and they are all beautiful.

12. The fact that this list could be 12091032830293 more pages long. Lord, help me to see you in everything in every moment of every day. And thank you. For being You.

Beyonce you just get me

The title of this blog post refers to the JOY I felt as Bey blasted on my computer this morning (specifically "Halo"). Nothing like a little diva to set your purpose for the day. What's been going on here? Teaching. For the first time in a few years I need to modify my program to meet the needs of my kiddos. Not necessarily academic, just other stuff and issues that my kiddies need more of....like social skills. I know good teachers go back to the drawing board and make adjustments for each batch of kids each year so that's what I'll do, but it doesn't mean it's not exhausting and maybe also a little bit discouraging. I can't forget that just as they are learning SO AM I. So the beginning of the year has been good, not as smooth or effortless as years past and that's ok. My saving grace is my support network: special ed teachers and aides, supportive administrators and school leaders, my 1st grade team, teacher friends and family, and certainly my peach of a husband. He honestly probably knows the names of most of my "kids" simply from my bragging on them/venting about them/brainstorming about them. This job is so much more than a job. I know it's a cliche, but it's a piece of my heart and that's why I'm so hard on myself when I don't waltz in on day one and it's like I'm Miss Honey, Miss Bliss, Mr. Dewey Finn, Mr. Feeney, Miss Frizzle, Miss Norbury. (Major points to those who picked up on all those references. How many do you know? Hehe). In the meantime, I've got this pinterest quote as my daily mantra/motto:

In other non-school news, I finished the novel I started about two weeks ago, took a week off of books to dive into a new Marie Claire, and now I'm back at it reading "Orange is the New Black." Considering my adoration of the show, I can't believe I'm just now reading the book. It's awesome. I'm hoping for some long book worm time this weekend. I bought tics to my 10 year high school reunion this week. YIKES! In some ways it seems like yesterday, but then again SO much life happens in the first ten years our of high school it's kind of remarkable. I was on a major gym kick toward the end of the summer and took 3 days of this week and I kinda miss it. I'm excited to get back at it again and kick some bootay on the elliptical. It helps that the TVs in the gym are fixed because what's better to watch when you're busting your ass than "Carnival Eats?" I just finished watching the "Little People Big World" wedding special. Ever since I got married wedding stuff just reduces me to a puddle. Maybe because I know what a rollercoaster the wedding prep process as and how damn good it feels to just walk down that aisle or how fun it is to be married to your best friend. Either way, weddings got me all pass the kleenix. Speaking of weddings, one of my darlings had her hand raised in that frantic "I might pee my pants/I need to tell you this NOW" way that all elementary teachers get. Her question: What day of the week did you get married on? Because yes, that has everything to do with our conversation about not playing tag in the bathroom stalls. Ladies and gentlemen, my life. Here's to a weekend of snuggles, multiple cups of coffee, and some adventure thrown in for good measure. Some pics of life lately:

This sunrise in the school parking lot at 6:50 Monday morning. I wait in my car until 7:00 so the people who actually listen during staff meetings can disarm the school alarm for the day. Know thyself, and I know I'd get confused and the police would come and there'd be a whole scene. So I refrain. 

My adorable fam got AJ and I a basket of our fave treats (Gardettos and funfetti anyone?) to kick off the school year. 

I'm not a mom blogger but I had to take this shot. It's for memories, ok?! 

Picture day. Wished Lifetouch offered instagram filters. 

"Hilarious" "Recipes"

I was meal planning the other evening (I try and plan 5-6 meals and then shop for them all at the same time. My mom plans like a month in advance, but she is legendary so anyway) and I wanted to find some yummy crockpot recipes that will be perfect for busy school nights. I ended up finding some great ones on this blog that I like. However, before I went to the handy internets, I dug through some of my cookbooks, and let's just say, it was a full blown laugh attack. This is why Pinterest exists. So women don't have to wade through recipe titles like these. Check out some of these gems:

why the quotes?! It just makes it sound sketchy and not at all "appetizing" 

everything? really? We'll see about that 

This one might be my favorite. The recipe gives no description of what it is, just that it is "the stuff." I feel like it's said in the tone I use when I take off my hurting shoes at the end of the day .I  typically don't use that tone when describing recipes with frozen green peas but someone was obviously pumped about this recipe. 

like so good. 

The title for this one isn't so bad, but look closer. It includes "jar of roasted garlic-parmesan cheese creation." Class went right out the window, girlfriend. 

don't even try and make it in the summer. 

The best part of this one is the tagline. "There is a lot of delicious sauce." Why do I feel like this was written by a caveman? Grunt, lot, of grunt, sauce. Is delicious. And grunt scrumptious." 

not on the floor, fool! The table! 

This one is an old friend. Good old cheesy potatoes, always kidding around. Never mind that "old" and "cheese" are words that should not be hanging out together. 

Thanks for being so polite. Glad you don't  want to give me green beans to hate. 

I'm scared 

Don't mess with this playa. 

Maybe for the 4th of July? Festive? 

Weekending

Hi everyone!
    Well it happened. I woke up at 5 am today (Sunday) ready to rock and roll. Body clock, calm yourself! There's no school today. So I ate cereal and watched TV till 7, then went to sleep again until 10. Now that's more like it! We had a fun weekend. Friday night AJ met me at the grocery store so we could power through our long shopping list together (isn't he the sweetest?). We grilled cheeseburgers and browsed Netflix and went to bed early. Are we the only couple who spends an hour plus browsing and never settle on something to watch? Saturday morning we went to go look at some model town homes around the valley. We are hoping to make the jump in the spring/summer and buy a home. Yes, it's too early to be looking now. But it's good to see what we can afford/what we like and get ideas. Model home decor always seems to be nautical in nature so obvi I'm a fan. We went to do some shopping for work clothes for AJ (and me too...I might not have needed the wardrobe refresher like he does, but when navy striped flats call, I must answer). I was amazed at how easy it was to shop for guy clothes. The dress shirts were in bags and he wrote down his size (all these numbers with boy fashions, I don't follow) and we grabbed some and some matching ties. What in the???? Ladies shopping is so much more intense. We went to a Utah Bees game with some friends Saturday evening, It was quite the adventure as we got to the game early to get the free giveaway....capes for my class prize box. But we wanted to go to The Pie for dinner so we left the game, went to the Pie by the U, but it was paaaaacked (maybe more than usual) so AJ's pal had the idea to visit The Pie to go a block away and have a picnic table dinner. Fun, easy, and delicious. Then we went back to the game. It was a fun evening. When we got home I was sad to see "The Unauthorized Full House Story" from Lifetime did not record (errr, may have been cancelled by the hubs as it interfered with his programming). I immediately spent some time seeing when it was on next so I could record because #priorities. Then I fell into bed and woke up at 5 am (see above). Here are some pics for ya, enjoy!

Isn't this the creepiest picture of a mascot ever?! Hello nightmares. Buzzzzzzzz! 

While running errands I needed to introduce AJ to the glory that is Fiiz. I'm not a huge soda fan but there is something refreshing about these fun flavors on a hot day. This one is Dr. Pepper with raspberry and vanilla. The drive thru close by might be a problem. 

It was a busy Saturday but I went to the nail salon for a mani/gel. I am all about the fall colors even though it's not fall. I went for this darker red. 

Because it's not a real blog without a food pic. These are delicious new yogurts for folks like me who like texture with their probiotics. 

My Direct Sales Experience

We all know THAT person.....the one begs you to host parties, promises you longer lashes/no wrinkles/can't-live-without kitchen gadgets/ a deliciously scented home etc. You know how that friend posts incessantly on social media about how they are "financially free" and get the privilege of working from home. For about 8 months last year, I was that person. I came across a facebook targeted marketing ad for a Christian home decor company called Mary & Martha. Hmmm, I had just started a new and much less stressful teaching job. I found that without the long work commute and crazy hours, I had more time available. I love home decor. I love Jesus. I love the idea of getting rich. I love the idea of working from my pajamas with TLC daytime TV in the background. I love the network opportunities and damnit, I would love to be a full-time teacher and a full-time business owner. This was only leading one way. "Sign me up!" Now, don't get me wrong, the people I was connected to via Mary & Martha were sweet and I loved the products. I still do. I mean look at some of this awesomeness:

I really connected to the message of the company: "Live in the AND." It's all about living in community with others AND God. It's beautiful message and every time I see an ampersand (the company logo) I smile.

I fell in love with the products and still use them/have them in our home. It's good stuff. BUT.....(oh, there's always a but when it comes to direct sales), I just struggled with being that person. I know the products are over-priced and I pushed them on my facebook page and gave catalogs to friends. I researched expos (hundreds of dollars for a booth? Hell to the no) and even did an afternoon holiday gift expo where there were literally ZERO customers. I threw about half a dozen online parties and three in person ones. I hustled. I spent hours on it. I baked treats for my gatherings, bought door prizes, and brainstormed ways to get more exposure to my own "business." And you know what? After all the expenses (initial signup and throughout the process), I made a whopping $150. Ouch. (disclaimer: I did get a few hundred dollars worth of free stuff from the catalog so that was a nice perk). I'm glad I tried it. It was a fun adventure. I learned a little bit about marketing (I loved the Monday night phone sessions that amped up representatives to sell! sell! sell!) and hopefully the people who bought products from me are enjoying them. Shout out to my mom and mother in law for being my best customers! I hope you're enjoying your placemats and butter dishes.
Direct Sales companies are wildly popular in Utah and I get the appeal. I do. It's a human connection to a product and can't we all use a little more human connection these days? It's fun to see people excited about a product, but in the end, it just wasn't for me. I was becoming "that person" and I just didn't want to be.
Basically, I can sum up my experience by that old adage, "If it's too good to be true, it usually is." I'm still holding out for the gig where I can get rich/do minimal work/stay in my pajamas. If you know of a job like that, please, by all means, sign me up.

Tuesday Tidbits

Hello!
   I made it! The first day of school is behind me. Only 179 more to go! Just kidding....it went well. As well as first days can go. It's all so new for them (and me!) but I think it'll be a great year. Here's what's been going on lately:

I found this adorable goodbye poem/chant the end of last year and tucked it away to use this year. So fun! It was a great way to spend the last 5 minutes of the day once we were all packed up. 

Isn't this the cutest first day of school treat from a student?! It's an EOS lipbalm. Love those crafty mamas. 

This was my Starbucks drive thru selfie this morning (it was the first day, I needed a grande skinny vanilla latte. Needed. But I was running around so much today I think I took about 5 sips total). My parents got me those pearls from Saks Fifth Avenue when I graduated from Gonzaga. I wore them to my grad school graduation, my wedding, and every first day of school teaching. Not to be morbid, but I better be buried in them too. Hehe. 

Friday I was duhhh-rowwwwning in school supplies and it was even worse today. The organized type-A gal that I am was cringing BUT I've got it all put away and organized now. Whew! 

My babe and I took a nice long walk on Sunday evening. I love that we can hop on a walking trail right from our neighborhood. And I love the gym and all but there's just something about getting outside! 

I put on my mint and gold striped Jamberry nails this weekend. They've been staying on a lot longer once a friend told me about the Baggie Method. Life changing, ladies!

In other news, I'm still reading "Hello From the Gillespies." I'm hoping for a book every other week this school year. Wishful thinking but it's a goal! AJ and I grabbed a Papa Murphy's pizza for dinner tonight and it was such a gift not to cook at all tonight. Yahoo! In other bits, I just love everything the Pioneer Woman does and found myself smiling over her latest post.  I hope that's me and AJ one day. So cute. Well, I am off to bed. It's 8:00. Don't judge.