Ramblings.

This post has been swirling around in my head for the past week or two.  The end of summer... back to work... starting daycare... keeping it all together... you get the picture.  I'm not usually so open with word vomit, but for the sake of documenting the everyday, here's my babble:
Warning: I can be sickeningly optimistic, and am rambling about the bright side in most of what follows. :)

Reflecting back on this year so far, I remember my resolution, or more specifically my word for the year (or however I put it). BALANCE.  I feel as if I've been tested in keeping my life balanced more than ever lately.  And I know that this is no new feat for all of you veteran parents out there, but let me just tell you, the struggle is real, ya'll.

It is really my strong belief at this point in my life that being happy and successful has a lot to do with BALANCE.  (As cliche' as it might sound)  Yes, there are a billion other factors, many of which are out of our control, but keeping a centered, solid ground between the extremes has served itself well for me thus far. Now, actually following through with this is the tough part.

This summer I've had the opportunity to catch up with so many friends that I just do not have time to stay in touch with during the school year.  I LOVE reconnecting with these people, and I wish I had time to see them all more often. However, being a mom has also meant having to say "no" to some of these get-togethers.  If you know me, you know that I'm somewhat (okay, a lot a bit) of a people-pleaser.  It KILLS me to let people down.  I hate backing out, or skipping out. I want to be everywhere at the same time. BUT, what I also hate is leaving my son.  And so I'm learning that its OKAY to say no, and I have to step up and be honest when my family's needs are first.

I left Lucas for the first time overnight to visit some of my favorite ladies for a little trip to Nashville.  We seriously laughed for 48 hours straight. I dragged my pump along with me (through security and all!-I'm also getting less self-conscious with age, ha!) and took and early flight home after a late night out, and it was so worth it! I love that I can go months, even years, without seeing these friends and can just pick up where we left off.  These are true, lifelong friends, and I'm so grateful for this time that I had with them.

With some extra free time this summer, I was able to pick up running again.  I forgot how gratifying a good run can be.  Luckily, J goes into work a little later some days so I was able to squeeze in a run in the morning, or when it's cool enough, save a run for after Lucas goes to bed.  It is definitely much harder to find the time, and motivation, to keep up my workouts with a baby, but I've found that I feel so much better when I make the time.  I'm no where near where I'd like to be, but I'm getting better! I was surprised that I was able to run 2 miles straight (and very slow, mind you) pretty much immediately.  I've done some longer (3-4 mile) runs with my mom (who is a rockstar, BTW) as well. I'd like to plan a 10K or possibly a half-marathon (oh man, did I just write that...) for the fall. But I'm also not going to kill myself to make it happen, so we'll see.

I officially started back to work today.  It's tough being the newbie, but I really think I'm going to appreciate being closer to home and daycare. I also met so many new people that I love already.  I've never been in a building that has been so gracious, warm and welcoming.  It really feels right.  Adjusting to leaving right away and figuring out how to get more work done is less time will be interesting, but it will be worth it... I think.

So yeah, daycare started today, too.  TOUGH STUFF, peeps. Thankfully, J did the drop-off, which, in my opinion, is the hardest.  When I picked Lucas up, I could tell he had a hard day.  He only slept for 20 minutes, when its usually close to 4 hours.  It will get better, right? Honestly, it kills me.  I've already run all the "what if's" through my head, but I'm trying to convince myself that it will be good for both of us.  I know he really likes interacting with other kids, and he just doesn't get that opportunity at home with me.  I think I really like our daycare, too, so I know he will learn a lot and get lots of love. And selfishly? I really do like my job.  It challenges me and pushes me in ways that I know will help me grow personally, and professionally.  And practically? We're not really at a place financially to easily support our family on one income. (I warned you about trying to convince myself of the positives in this post...)

So, in my attempt to cohesively wrap up the randomness of this post, I'll continue with my efforts in seeking balance this year.  Lots of veggies, but still some chocolate.  A lot of work, but still good time for play.  A clean house most of the time, but no stress over a mess.  Lots of family, but time for friends, too.

Hope you're having a good week!
-m

A little "life" update...

2014 is already proving to be another exciting year in this household!  For memories sake, I figured I should document some of this stuff before I forget how it all went down.

(1) We moved!  After selling our old house (it sat on the market in 2011-2012 for 9 months), we moved to a rental house for a year.  Not to say we weren't blessed to have a roof over our heads, but needless to say, we were SO happy to be getting out of that place! Between vines growing in the walls (no, really) and the FREEZING winter and HOT summer, we were more than ready to move.  Now, I've moved nearly every. single. year. since I graduated high school.  That's ten years, y'all.  (Which is a whole other WHOA).

After the struggle selling our first home, we weren't so sure about jumping into another purchase.  We weighed all of the options and eventually decided that we were ready to settle.  The search began!  Looking at house is so fun, but it's also so overwhelming!  The market in February/March in this area was insane.  We literally watched houses fly off the market the day they went up for sale... in a snowstorm.  We saw probably 10 houses and found what I thought was THE. ONE.  With some hesitation, we made an offer.  So did another couple... and they got it.  I was so bummed.  It would have put us moving during spring break, and it seemed just perfect.  Luckily, my husband had a much better attitude it about and was able to get me out of my crazy bummed-out state.

About a month later, after touring another 10-20 houses, we found our new place!  Driving up, walking in, we both knew.  We called to make an offer right then and there (this was day 1 on the market BTW).  Our realtor informed us that this would be the 5th offer, and they had others possibly in the works.  WHAT!@?!?! To say I was on pins and needles for the next 24 hours was an understatement, although I managed to keep myself together.  We ended up writing a letter to the sellers explaining how grateful we would be to live in their house.  I was just so shocked-- We were begging them to sell us their house?? Why couldn't we have had people doing that for us just 15 months before? ;) Oh how times change.

You can see how this ends, we got the house!  We moved in mid-April and have been so, so happy making it our home.  We've gotten to know a few neighbors, spent a few afternoons at the neighborhood pool, and already have projects in mind for the next few years.  If I've learned anything in the past ten years, it is that you cannot predict the future, but I hope we have a good future ahead of us in this home.  We are so, so grateful to be settled.

(2) J got a new job! Somewhat out of the blue, he was contacted by a consulting firm for an interview.  A friend of his had passed along his name and recommended him to this company.  It happened quickly, and in the midst of closing on the new house, but he is very happy with the change.

(3) I got a new job! (Well, sort of.)  During the last week of school this year, another 7th grade math position opened up at a different school in our same district.  Again weighing all of the options, I decided to apply for a transfer.  Not only will this school be closer to home, but it will be within 5 minutes of the daycare we have chosen.  I have yet to move my classroom, and have hardly let this sink in, but I'm excited for this opportunity.

Photo Dump :: 4-5 Months

Photo Dump:: One Month

0-1 Month

What I'm Loving Lately.

1. Candy Crush.
Can't stop. Won't stop.  It's on my ipad and my phone.  I'm up to level 28 in 5 days.  Thank goodness they make you stop after 30 minutes of continuous play or I'd be in real trouble.  I haven't been this addicted to a game since Tetris, or SNAKE!

2. Sprinkles. 

They just make food fun :)

3. Berries.

Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and my ultimate favorite, raspberries.  Every. Single. Day.

$5.  Not really necessary, but maybe I'll paint it some day for fun :)

Books! $0.25

Infantino Carrier and Hotslings carrier. $15 total

Bumbo with tray $3

$1. EE!

$2 Galvenized Wall Orgnaizer, $5 Pottery Barn Wall Clips, $1 Easel/Sign.

Too lazy to turn this right side up/don't know how on blogger. $2 each. So friggin cute.

More coats $2 each.

New with tags $3, $2.

4. Garage Sales.

I have had school on Thursday mornings (the prime time FYI), but I've managed to hunt down some pretty good finds for the baby lately.

5. Reality TV.

Bachelorette, Voice, American Bake Off, SYTYCD.  Really missing Bravo (we downgraded our TV package), but there is still plenty to see!

6. Dresses.

Here are a few I've purchased from Target lately to get me through this awkward phase. Oh, and a bright orange necklace, too.

7. Eyebrow Shadow Urban Decay.

I picked this up at Ulta this month (along with a separate brush) and it has been worth every penny. I got the darker of the two versions.  This lady will tell you all about needing your brows up to snuff.  I'm trying my best!

A Day in the Life of Me.

Day 15: A Day in the Life.

5:40 AM alarm goes off, by 5:50 I manage to make it to the shower. I had forgotten that I about chopped off my finger last night, but the giant green bandaid reminded me. Ouch. This shower was not easy.

6:45 AM Breakfast made, lunch packed, and headed off to work. 10 school days until summer! Not like I'm counting...

7:00 AM Walking into the building. This morning's weather is why mornings are my favorite. Three students are already outside my door to finish a test.such diligent early risers!

8:05 AM No, I don't work here, nor do I ever leave work before 3:15, but after showing the school nurse my giant cut on my finger, she thought a visit to urgent care during my planning period would be a good idea. Turns out there wasn't one at this place, so back to school I go. I'm tough anyways (ha!).

8:40 AM Morning meeting cancelled so I have time for a quick date with this baby. It actually cooperated with me for once!

9:10 AM Chow time quick before my students come barreling in. That's the new "morning mix" from Trader Joes. Mmmmm.

I couldn't really take pictures, but this is this time of my day when I run around crazy and jump around about excited about math. 13 year olds are the best at brightening a dull day!

12:10 PM Lunchtime! This is a typical lunch (so typical in fact that I get grief for eating it daily), but I don't usually eat at my desk. I had students working in my room over lunch, but I usually eat with other staff for a good chat.

2:55 PM School's out! I pack up, arrange stuff for tomorrow, and chat with a few friends before heading home.

4:00 PM Home sweet home. I put away dishes that were cleaned in our dishwasher (a luxury we haven't enjoyed for almost 2 years!) I must say, it's not THAT much easier though....

6:30 PM After dinner, I caught up on last nights premiere episode of one of y favorite shows, So You Think You Can Dance. I have already seen some amazingly talented dancers in the first audition! It's looking to be a good season. And I love Cat Deeley.

7:00 PM a quick walk around the block with my little family. It's nice to get outside for some fresh air at least once a day.

I'm rounding out the day with a strawberry fruit bar and a good visit to Pinterest. I'm headed to bed early (ok, I always go to bed early).

I can't believe I actually committed to this post! Linking up with Jenni.

-m

A Purpose.

Day 6, Monday: If you couldn't answer with your job, how would you answer the question, 'what do you do'?

This one is tough. I don't necessarily feel like all I do is teach, but it is my first thought when asked this question, as it is a huge part of my life at this point in my life. Teaching involves so many aspects of influencing kids, way beyond learning.  Any teacher you talk to will tell you that! I would hope that not only do my students learn some math in the year they spend in my class, but also become inspired to be more kind, compassionate, open-minded individuals who are inspired by creativity and learning.

Beyond the classroom, I like to "do" things that involve being creative whether that's a DIY project for my house, coking a new recipe or styling a new look for the day. I hope that what I "do" each day brings light to someone else in some way, be that my husband, friends or students.

Uncomfortable Things and Some Wise Words.

Day 3, Friday: Things that make you uncomfortable.

1. Fast food meat

2. Yogurt... And jello.

3. Walking around without shoes

4. Waiting to talk to someone while they are in a conversation

5. Sitting in the middle seat

6. Talking on the phone in public

7. Chewing ice

Day 4, Saturday: Favorite quote (from a person, from a book, etc) and why you love it.

I love so many quotes that it is hard to pick just one.  I get an email from Real Simple each day with a new quote of the day, and it is a highlight when I see it in my inbox each morning. Here are a couple simple classics that I should do a better job of remembering each day.

At the Moment.

:: Obsessing over...

spring accessories. 

Scarf and Sandals: Gap.

Essie Spring 2013.

:: Working on... 

I need to get back into taking daily Instagram pictures.  I got out of it when we went on vacation and have dropped the ball since then.  The pictures aren't always exciting, but I don't take ANY pictures without that motivation.  I really do enjoy having some photos to look back on. Goal this week- participate in FMSPhotoaDay.  

via

:: Thinking about...

what colors to paint our new place. I'm thinking soft airy whites, grays and maybe that silver sage in the bathroom.  

Restoration Hardware Silver Sage. via

Restoration Hardware White Collection. via

Martha Stewart Fossil.

If only I could copy and paste my "For the Home" Pinterest Board into my new place!

:: Anticipating...

my birthday! Not that I have any plans, but still. And, MOVING!

:: Listening to...

silence.  It's amazing.  I'm hoping it starts raining soon so I have an excuse to spend this a good part of this day locked up reading some good books too.

:: Munching on... 

Planning to make these blueberry muffins today.  They're made with greek yogurt.  Crossing my fingers they hit the spot!

:: Thankful for...

oh gee, just everything. And, I love spring.

My February via Instagram.