Five On Friday

Hello, All!  Happy Friday (Again)!  I'm linking up with Amy for the last Five on Friday until September.  I guess that means I'm going to have to make a HUGE effort to post next month (maybe I should set some goals for August?!).  This link up motivates me... even if I don't post during the week, I try really hard to get one done for Friday.  We'll see what next month brings.  I may have actually have things to chat about.  Lots of plans in the works!  Here's my week in review...

1)  Finally spent the whole day at the beach with friends.  Ah... there's nothing better than hanging out, chatting, toes in the sand, watching the kids play in the water, and just soaking up the sun.  Beautifully lazy day with nowhere to be and nothing else to do be enjoy the moments.

Nothing cuter than babies at the beach :)

2)  I've been plugging along on my "quick" cross stitch project.  It really should be done by now, but it's getting there.  I'm making it for my "new" classroom (and really to give myself something to do as I wait for my kids through the seemingly endless doctor, dentist, and other miscellaneous appointments/activities we have throughout the summer.) 

Not much more to do

3)  I finished another book this week...

It was interesting, it held my attention, and I liked how all the various story lines entwined at the end of the book.  A friend also recommended another book by Kimberly McCreight... Reconstructing Amelia.  Looks like another visit to the library is in my future.

4)  Adulting... Ugh.  Every once in a while, I try to get my act together.  This week was packed with things I have been ignoring putting off for far too long.  Home refinancing, comparing insurance quotes, student loan options... Who made me in charge of all this???  One of the "biggies" this week... I bit the bullet and contacted a contractor to give us a quote on some renovation work I'd like to have done.  I am excited about just the possibility of getting a major project off the things-to-do list!

5) Logically, I KNOW that there is still time.  I really am trying to not stress out but the reality is.... summer is ending.  Not summer exactly, but the "vacation" aspect is mostly done.  I met with my new principal this week.  I went to work to introduce myself (and maybe get a glimpse of my room).  She's lovely, but my room?  I have an anxiety attack whenever I think about it.  It's not good.  I'm going in next week to start getting things sorted out... Wish me luck!!  Until then, I'm going to...

Keep Calm and Think about the Beach :)

 Have a wonderful weekend!!

Happy Snow Day!

Linking up with with Amy, over at Love Made My Home.  Today's post made possible by.... A Snow Day!

1.  A break, today is a break!  I have not been productive, but here's hoping at some point today, I will not have wasted this opportunity!  I LOVE me a snow day.  I don't care that we have to "make it up".  I don't care that TODAY is theoretically the first day of "summer vacation".  I don't care that I am "stuck" at home (That is actually fabulous!).  There is joy in my heart, it is afternoon, and I am still in my jammies :)

2.  These past weeks have been stressful.  One by one, big things are getting done though.  This week, I was observed by my principal for my evaluation and I have been a wreck!  I love my principal, but I have never been "formally" observed by him and wasn't sure what to expect.  When the process is completed, there is an email notification saying the evaluation has been submitted (everything is done electronically!)  I didn't open it for 2 days.  I couldn't face it.  I finally looked yesterday and was SO relieved. I got a fantastic review and feel like (some of ) the weight of the world is off my shoulders. 

3.  More good news... My Girlie made Dean's List her first semester of college!  I am a very proud momma.  Now if we could just get the concepts of fiscal responsibility down.....

4.  Yoga update... I LOVE the yoga class I am doing now!  The first two classes we took were "forrest yoga" (apparently there are different styles?  Yes, of course.  I just didn't really think too deeply into this whole thing).  I enjoyed the first class, but the second class? No.  Probably had something to do with the teacher, he was a bit jerky.  So, we signed up for "Power Yoga", figuring if we embarrassed ourselves too terribly, we wouldn't go back. Great instructor, heated room, challenging but not overwhelming, followed by dinner out with my friend = A Fabulous Time :)  It is a welcomed break in the middle of the week.

5.  Weight loss update.... Slowly, but steadily I am moving down the scale once more.  I lost about 9lbs in January.  Looking to lose another 9 or so.  It's not easy, but it IS doable.  Would like to commit to using the dreadmill again, but I just haven't found it within myself to make it happen.  It's there, looming, trying to lure me in.  Soon.  "Soon".   

  Happy Friday, Everyone!  Have a GREAT weekend!

   

New Beginnings...

Happy New Year, Everyone!  It seems like New Year's Eve was so lonnnng ago.... and Christmas?  Just a memory.  It's been a crazy start to this year because... well, life.  I'm hooking up with Amy, over at Love Made My Home for my five on Friday.  This just about sums up life right now...

1.  Stressed:  I have *committed* to a Huge project regarding work.  I am taking the plunge and doing National Board certification (Theoretically.  I need to complete the application process).  I'm also being evaluated in a few weeks, so I am up to my eyeballs in paperwork.  Between those two major things and the added attraction of committee work, I may not be back here until April. *sigh*

 2.  Excited:  Downton Abbey is back!!  Yay!  It's bittersweet because it's the last season, but I was so glad to curl up with a nice mug of tea to watch the season premier on Sunday night.  It was like seeing old friends again.  Right now, Downton is literally the only show I watch.  I love having a scheduled "break" the night before I go back to work.  It's such a nice way to end the weekend :)

3.  Reflective:  I was checking out my 50 By 50 list to see if I even came CLOSE to the 15 things done resolution I made last year. Nope.  I guess that means I'm going to have try harder this year.  I'm taking it as a sign that I wasn't paying enough attention to the things I feel are important.  Some of those things are career goals (Not Many!), some are projects that have been kicking around for years and just need to be done, but most are things I WANT to do and I should be prioritizing.  Life should be about more than working.

4.  Interested:  In response to being reflective and stressed, I actually broadened my horizons a little this week.  My friend and I signed up for a Yoga class.  I really liked it... for a couple reasons.  It was great to live in the moment for an hour and fifteen minutes.  Just having to focus on one thing, without distraction or even the possibility of a distraction, for that amount of time was actually soothing.  It's hard for me to tune out life.  There is ALWAYS so much to do.  Even when I am working on something that should get done, my mind is spinning off, rolling down other paths to think about what I will do next.  It was great to just "be".  Secondly, it was challenging!  I am not, by any stretch of the imagination, physically fit.  I'm not gonna lie... I was hurting for a few days after.  There are apparently MANY muscles in my body that have not been utilized in a long time.  I loved feeling like I accomplished something positive.  I didn't expect to feel like I had "worked out".  We liked it so much, we are going again next week! :)

5.  Determined: This Monday was my first weekly weigh in at Weight Watchers.  UP 1.6?? Really?!  I was (mostly) good.  New Year's and an additional Christmas Celebration with a friend did me in (I think!).  I am slightly mentally ill when it comes to dieting.  When I am in the mode, I am a tad bit obsessive.  It takes over my life.  Did I stay within my points?  Did I get my steps in?  How can I do better tomorrow?  Can I exercise? Can I excersise more?  I typically weigh in Every. Single. Day.  I just can't; I don't have all that in me right now.  So, this time I am trying to convince myself that this is a lifestyle change.  While I am aiming for weight loss, I'd like to be able to take the tools I know work for me and make them a part of a routine that can sustain itself beyond the scale.  Does that make sense?  Monday is another weigh in day... wish me luck!

 Have a wonderful weekend...

Celebrating the Season

Linking up with Love Made My Home

 ONE week??  How can that be?  I'm ready.  Just kidding, no I'm not.  These past few weeks have been a whirlwind.  Work is crazy... After Thanksgiving?  When that first tree goes up?  Yup, it's all over in kindergarten.  Ready or not, the celebration begins!  So, what have I been doing to celebrate the season... Let's see....

1)  I went to see Straight No Chaser.... I LOVED IT!!  If you haven't had the opportunity to check these guys out, you must!  What a great show.  I am a fool for a cappella and this show was so worth the time and money (7:30 show on a Tuesday night?  A school night?  Yikes, living on the edge!).  My favorite songs?  The 12 Days of Christmas.  Makes me smile Every. Single. Time.  And, Oh Holy Night?  Just beautiful. 

Picture/Link brings you to 12 Days of Christmas... You're Welcome :)

2)  This year we bought a new tree.  It's smaller than any tree we've had in the past.  We've gone from a 9 foot tree down to a 6 and half foot tree.  The bigger tree was just getting to be too much.  With downsizing, there came a dilemma.  There was just no way to put all the ornaments that we have on a smaller tree.  Sorting through the ornaments to only use those most meaningful was somewhat bittersweet.  So many good memories.

Sentimental.  My bff is no longer with us.

Silly.  Makes me giggle.

From my childhood.  It will always remind me of "home".

3)  Paying it forward... Last year I started what I hope to be an annual tradition.  I am a little late posting this wrap up, but I was a little late starting it too.  November is considered a month to be thankful.  I have SO MUCH to be thankful for.  Over the last four weeks, I have donated to four charities that support goals that I believe wholeheartedly in.  It is my way of being thankful for what I have and hopefully helping someone else out during a time of year that is typically challenging for some both financially and emotionally. 

4)  I love the holiday glitz and glitter.  This is a picture of a house in my neighborhood.  The tree has been dubbed "The Tree to See".  I just love it.  It makes me smile :) 

That house is not small!  The 40' tree just dwarfs it in all its glory!

 5)  What would a post be without some kind of yummy treat?  This holiday season would certainly not be complete without cookies.  I often joke that I am "keeper of the flame" in my family.  Tradition is important; THINGS can be important when they evoke special memories.  Peanut butter and jelly cookies (my husband's declared favorite), peanut butter blossoms, spritz cookies, and Russian tea cakes (or snowballs, as they are also known as) are all an anticipated part of the festivities.  As of right now, I am the only one in my generation who makes the spritz cookies (which, in my opinion are the easiest!)  I hope that changes eventually; I'd like to be able to pass the recipe (and cookie press) on someday!  Anywho, here is my tribute to cookies....

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

Peanut Butter Blossoms

Spritz

Yummy Snowballs

Hope everyone is finding a little bit of sanity with all the hustle and bustle the holidays bring! 

A Little of This and That...

Yay!  It's Friday!!  I could have skipped out of work today, for the sheer joy of it!  I am now home, relaxing, with a nice glass of pumpkin spice liquor.  The day has been drizzly and gray but I am so glad to be looking forward to two days of nothingness. (It doesn't mean I am going to do nothing, but it does mean I have a choice about WHAT I am going to do.  That just makes me happy inside.)  Without further ado... my Five Things Friday is just a compilation of my week...

1.  Last weekend, when I was out and about with a friend and I saw this adorable sight...

Back in the day, in another life that is far away, I would have TOTALLY rocked this.  My daughter says it's ridiculous.  I disagree.  If I wasn't sending all my money to college to pay for her education, I would consider getting those "ridiculous" eyelashes for my car, because I'm THAT mom.  

2.  If you've popped by my blog, even one time, you may have noticed that I like to eat (and drink).  This amazing pie was made by my own Bubba :)  He is in the vocational/culinary program at his high school and he brought this home for me us.  The boy has skills.

Apple pie with a little vanilla ice cream on the side?  Yum!

3. I am really not that girl.... You know, the one who has the Christmas cards signed, stamped and ready to mail weeks before the big day?  But this year... I have to confess, I have started shopping... 

"before" Halloween.

It wasn't much before Halloween, it was technically Halloween Day (Halloween isn't until night, right?)  My friend talked me into it and she wants to go AGAIN, tomorrow.  I just don't know if I can.  I like denial.  It's a great place to be.  I'm not ready. 

4.  My daughter suggested a new show that she is addicted to.  Have you heard of it?

I'm watching.  I'm not sure how much I love it, but it's enough to keep me entertained.  If you've seen it, I'd love to hear what you think.

5. Lastly... I'd love to do better in this area of my life.  There just seems to be too many of "them" and not enough of me.  My husband and son just don't care, at all.  They leave their stuff everywhere and, if I am being honest, I am not the tidiest person either.  I work hard to fit it in during the week, but alas, there is just so much that needs to be done.  While there is no official "plan" for the weekend, the struggle is real and I will continue to try to make it better.

Story of my life.

Have a great weekend, everyone! :)

Happy Friday!!

Linking up with Love Made My Home

What I'm Reading:
I NEVER give up on a book.  It's my thing.  Read it... love it or hate it.  Well, it use to be my thing.  I officially, reluctantly, sadly tossed in the towel this week on Demelza by Winston Graham.  I tried.  I REALLY tried.  But it was just a fail for me.  I LOVE the Poldark series that aired this past summer and I can't wait until season 2 to air.  I even resisted starting the books until after seeing the show because usually a book is better for me than any tv show or movie.  Not this time!!  So, I am moving on....

I just started The Girls of Mischief Bay and I am thoroughly enjoying it!!  It's not hurting my brain at all and the characters are easy to relate to.  It's nice to look forward to ending the day with a chapter or two.

What I'm Watching:
I am not a big tv fan, but there are times where something grabs my interest.  Last Christmas, my friend gave me the first season of Call the Midwife.  I was reluctant to watch it; it didn't really seem to be something I would enjoy.  I was so wrong!  What a great story line.  I have watched all of the first season and have moved on to other seasons (thank you Netflix!!)  I am going to be sad when I am all "caught up" and have to wait for the show to begin airing again in "real time".  If you are fan of Downton Abby, all things British, or shows that take place in a "simpler" (but not necessarily easier!) time, you should check it out :)

What I Tried This Week:
Okay... One more thing Pumpkin!  I had stopped at the store to pick up some wine (because, well, yeah.) and there was a bottle of this on the counter:

It just called out to me.  I couldn't help myself.  Best. Decision. This. Week.  When I asked about how it should be served, the guy at the store said to put it over ice.  When I brought it home, my husband suggested that I try it over ice cream.  Mmmmm.  So Good!  I would highly recommend it :)  

What I Need to Complete this Weekend:
SCHOOL WORK.  I am drowning in paper work.  Every day I have tried to pep talk myself into being a productive person after the regular school day is over and every day I have failed in that mission.  Once I straighten out my classroom and get ready for the next day, answer some emails, finish up odds and ends, and hit the road, it's usually 5:30-6:00 before I get home.  Then there's laundry... and dinner..  and dishes... and my own kid's stuff...  and... and... and.  Who wants to sit down and start working again at 9:00?  Not me.  I'm exhausted.  There is just SO MUCH to do.  I would be a happier, more relaxed person if I could just catch up.  *sigh*

What I'm Craving:
Some me time.  A break.  I need a break.  A GUILT FREE break.  Ah, if only.

Have a Happy Weekend, Everyone! 

Parents' Weekend Recap

Linking up with Love Made My Home

Last weekend was a busy one.  It was parents' weekend at Girlie's college, so I got to spend the weekend with her :)  It was so nice being away from home... Someone made my bed for me everyday, I didn't have to cook or clean up, and there was no pressure to clean, vacuum, or whatever other mundane things I usually do over the weekend.  There were a few places she wanted to go, so I taxied us around to see the different sights.  A quick recap of the weekend...

1. Insomnia Cookies.  Yum!! This place is open from 12 noon until about 3am (hence, Insomnia Cookies).  The cookies were fresh from the oven and absolutely delicious.  The one on the left is s'mores, the one on the right is m&m.  They even deliver!  I may have to check that out for when Girlie has exams.  She and her roommates will love me forever!

So Good!

2.  Since we were in the neighborhood, we visited Yale's Art Gallery.  What a great experience.  They have a little bit of everything and it was totally worth stopping by.

  

 Here are two of my favorites! (There were many favorites...I could go on and on!)

Lane in Voyer d'Argenson Park at Asnières by Van Gough

The Ballet Rehearsal by Degas

3.  Hiking on Mt. Carmel at Sleeping Giant State Park.  We aren't doing fall well, at least not in our part of the state.  Everything is just sorta brown.  While many trees are still green, those leaves that have turned aren't very vivid this year.  I was excited to see pops of color everywhere we looked.  The scenery was beautiful! 

Ah, New England.  Just love the changes in the seasons.

4.  Dessert for Breakfast?  Why not?  Doesn't this look decadent?  We ended my stay with breakfast and this is what Girlie decided to have!  I was a little jealous totally coveting her food and wanted to switch plates with her!

Next time.  There will be a next time!

5.  Back to the real world.  When I got home, I decided to add a few fall touches around the house.  I love this little Fall Angel.  She's one of my favorite decorations for this season.  Someone very creative made her out of tiny flower pots.  So cute :)

Happy Fall!!

Finally Friday!

Linking up with Love Made My Home

It's hard to believe it's Friday, and OCTOBER, already!  I figure I should wrap up my week with a Five on Friday post.  There have been many things to smile about this week.  It's the little things that get me through!

1.  My husband and I go out for breakfast most Sunday mornings.  This week, this little gem was parked at the restaurant.  I LOVE antique cars.  They have such personality!

2.  All things domestic... I don't cook.  Pretty much ever.  That being said, the fall changes are making me crave some yummy, apple goodness. I like having a snack before going to bed and this hit the spot!  I may actually have to make more (I have to be careful here.  I don't want anyone in my family thinking this is going to become a habit!)

Apple Crisp... A Fall Necessity!

3.  Being the mom... Every once and a while I am forced to do things that really make me cringe.  Sewing is definitely one of those things.  I sew less than I cook.  This week, I had to do the grown up thing and hem Bubba's pants for his culinary class.  I am happy to say that the end result was successful!  The pant legs are the same length and they are neither too short, nor too long.  Yay, me (it's nothing short of a miracle!)

Not my forte!

4.  I love taking pictures, especially when trying to push the limits of my understanding of my fancy camera.  I love taking pictures of the moon, especially when something cool is going on "up there".  I am SO envious of the great shots people are putting up of the Lunar Eclipse that occurred Sunday night.  These two shots were a couple of my "best". 

Right before the eclipse started

Blood Moon

I worked hard for the Blood Moon picture.  It's definitely not as high quality as I would like, but it was not an easy shot to get.  There was much trial and error, but I am excited to have anything at all (most of the shots came out black, not a moon or star in sight!... very frustrating!)  

5. On the theme of "all things fall", I picked up some new scenty things from Bath and Body.  Mmmm, I love new fragrances!  I got a new "wallflower" too, because why not?  My new favorites of the moment are these:

 

The grapes are cute at night... it doubles as a night light :) 

So, I guess I made it through another week.  Looking forward to a busy weekend.  I'd like to get my house a little more in order.  We'll see.  Sometimes that's just a dream that never becomes a reality.  Have a happy weekend!