tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85503492024-03-07T14:22:26.535-06:00Wild and Precious"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" - Mary OliverJenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06277071174071598111noreply@blogger.comBlogger1478125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550349.post-34971562835989007082018-06-25T20:39:00.000-05:002018-06-25T20:39:33.140-05:00The time has come (the Walrus Said)to talk of many things...<br />
<br />
It's time for me to write again.<br />
I've got things to write about.<br />
And things to process...<br />
<br />
So, now that I'm on the other side of forty,<br />
<br />
I'm just starting over.<br />
<br />
Here's where I'm writing now...<br />
<a href="https://wildandpreciousturns40.blogspot.com/">https://wildandpreciousturns40.blogspot.com</a><br />
<br />
There won't be anything for a little bit...<br />
And I don't know that there's anyone left to read it- again- it's mostly for me to process my thoughts<br />
<br />
<br />
But I will tell you that the first topic is...<br />
my new guy.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06277071174071598111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550349.post-48694999847328949872017-02-02T16:32:00.000-06:002017-02-02T16:32:11.667-06:00This is one time where television really fails to capture the true excitement of a large squirrel predicting the weather.<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 16px;">Ned? Ned Ryerson?</span><br />
<br style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 16px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 16px;">Happy Groundhog's Day.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans";"><span style="background-color: white;">As per usual, yesterday I wore a tank top and was hot as H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks, and this morning I wore very warm clothes and was so cold I couldn't stand it. And tonight, I will have to wear <a href="http://gatorphimu.blogspot.com/2015/02/whats-saving-my-life-right-now.html" target="_blank">pants on top of my pants</a> to practice. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/" style="color: #4d469c; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none;">Modern Mrs. Darcy</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 16px;"> wrote about what is saving her life right now, and focuses on what's life giving to us right now. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 16px;">I wrote about this <a href="http://gatorphimu.blogspot.com/2015/02/whats-saving-my-life-right-now.html" target="_blank">two years ago</a>, and I love going back and reading about it. Some things still ring true, and some things are so very different for my life right now. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 16px;">So here, in 2017, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 16px;">1. Grown-up GrrAnimals</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans";">I got a cute dress from Old Navy, and wore it with leggings. It was the most comfortable thing, and perfect to teach in. I've since bought four more, in different colors, and between that and some oversized tunic tops, I mix and match every day. My "capsule wardrobe" now consists of leggings and a top, so I basically wear grown up GrrAnimals. </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans";"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 16px;">2. First things first.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans";"><span style="background-color: white;">Two days a week, I have 45 minutes at home to change clothes and get myself ready, and usually have a few minutes to play on my iPad. So, I've learned to come home and get completely ready, and then have my down time.</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 16px;">3. Trader Joe's trash bag</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans";">If cleanliness is next to godliness, then my car is the portal to hell. In the back seat of my car, I keep a paper Trader Joe's bag in the backseat where I can reach it. Any and all trash goes into that bag and I can use the handles to lift it out to dump out. Game changer. </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 16px;">4. Half-empty water bottles that DON'T go in the Trader Joe's bag</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans";">When I'm done with practice, I haven't finished all of my water. Instead of throwing it out, I leave the water bottle in the trunk of my car with my gear. Next practice? I grab a water bottle, pour it out on the grass near the entrance, and fill it up at the water fountain. Saving my life $2.00 at a time...</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 16px;">5. Weekly outfits in advance</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 16px;">I've started picking out and separating out my outfits on Sunday when I work on my laundry, all the way down to underwear. It's a game changer, and I spend so much less time staring at my closet at 6am in the morning.</span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 16px;">6. Political Guidelines for the Facebook</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 16px;">It's an easy equation... I'm conservative on what I post, and liberal on what I "unfollow." We can still be friends, but I cannot keep seeing your clickbait and fake news and Word p$rn. #eyeroll</span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 16px;">7. That nifty Unsubscribe button</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans";">Best part of the iPhone update? The unsubscribe button. I've cleaned out more email that way than any other. It's glorious.</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 16px;">8. Cursing in my car</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans";">I have to deal with a bunch of little people all day and that means on the way to work and on the way home, I give myself the grace to say any and all curse words I feel like, no matter how little or big the need... It's a blood pressure changer...</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 16px;">9. Driving blankets</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans";">It's cold in the morning and my heat takes FOREVER to go on. And I don't have seat warmers. Blankets over my lap for the win.</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 16px;">10. What is one thing?</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans";">When I'm crazy and busy and slightly stressed (is there ever a time I'm not?), I ask myself what is one thing I can do now to help me feel better about what I've done today. It has a surprisingly calming effect on things.</span></blockquote>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans";">Bonus: Clean the first thing you see.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "josefin sans";">This is not getting up and cleaning up the first thing I see right now... it's keeping clean the things I see first. I wake up and stumble to the bathroom- I keep that straightened up so I'm not met with clutter. The entryway is the first thing I see when I walk in... so I keep that table straightened up. The bar is the first thing I see en route to my kitchen, so I get that cleaned up...</span></blockquote>
<br />
What about you? What's giving you life right now?Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06277071174071598111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550349.post-68562263277741061322017-02-01T11:32:00.001-06:002017-02-01T11:32:53.985-06:00Life Right Now<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I would love to do one of the currently posts, or the present participle lists. But one thing I currently do not have is time... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
This little app is making my memory keeping fun right now. I capture one second of video a day, and it tells my story for the month, and eventually the year. I had grand ideas of what I was going to video each day... and then the days happen and I take what I can get and it is much more reflective of what is actually going on in my life. I also like the feature of the app where I can upload video of regular life that I took on a different day in case I forget one day. (Thus, the videos of Daisy snoring or just being generally cute... I keep a couple of those on hand.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyi9j1UqF4zd4yWzTFdSbHhdAu-aFrk1z3Z_xs0DW_3LS8VaVkCMFdikIvqrptchF0F1VnABMjPKRE' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
This is a weird time of year... the Christmas spirit has worn off, and it's typically a bleak time of year. I was all ready to snuggle into Hyggee, the practice of seeking comfort and such in the winter months. But it's Texas and Mother Nature didn't take her medicine and I wore a tank top today and had to take off my cardigan because I was hot.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
It's also coming up on my 40th birthday, and that might be a smudge of what is making it weird.</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06277071174071598111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550349.post-91478189457988582372016-12-31T14:50:00.002-06:002016-12-31T14:50:56.434-06:002016: 'Bye FeliciaIt's the eve of 2017, and in about two hours, I'm going to leave to go jump in the lake to wash off the shitstorm that was 2016.<br />
<br />
Until then, I'm looking at 2016, and what was this year, the good, the bad, and the heartbreaking, but also roasting a pan of black-eyed peas, because this Southern girl doesn't take any chances.<br />
<br />
The good:<br />
- didn't die, and Daisy didn't die.<br />
- went places, saw things, met people<br />
- became a committed coach of my junior team<br />
- school year ended and a good one started<br />
<br />
The bad:<br />
- rough end to a school year<br />
- shaky beginning to a new school year<br />
- dealing with sister getting married<br />
- just the general tough stuff that comes with living a life that includes other people in it.<br />
<br />
The heartbreaking:<br />
- ending my "relationship" with Mike. That was hard, man. Really hard.<br />
- ending my derby "relationship" with my league. I'm still trying to figure it out and find balance.<br />
- a derby person's suicide a few days before Christmas. I'd worried about him all morning, and made plans to sit him down with coffee and try to help him figure some stuff out. Didn't get to do that.<br />
<br />
<br />
Last year's intentions:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6wnQjdFSRrIz3S-EQtBeew1Mrz90r93Dq8btwhJVKc1OSR0fHWv2NgKO3sxCPeEaZmU6f1fSn1ewYimD0DT-9MTih1LxSYjVDaFG3Bbm3INDRl14n-0gpWaBkCv4j6k-ubspLA/s1600/This+year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6wnQjdFSRrIz3S-EQtBeew1Mrz90r93Dq8btwhJVKc1OSR0fHWv2NgKO3sxCPeEaZmU6f1fSn1ewYimD0DT-9MTih1LxSYjVDaFG3Bbm3INDRl14n-0gpWaBkCv4j6k-ubspLA/s320/This+year.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
1. Go somewhere new: Houston. Kansas. Jupiter Beach. Norman.<br />
2. Learn a new skill: Photoshop. Coaching.<br />
3. Go on a date: Though it wasn't intentionally romantic, Mike and I did go on a couple of really really good dates. We called them date nights, set them up in advance, and both cleaned up (which for the two of us is something).<br />
4. Chase adventure: every chance I could.<br />
5. Eat more real food: uh, yeah. Sure. Totally.<br />
6. Learn from others: I think so, though I can't pinpoint the lessons right this second.<br />
7. Buy less: uh... yes?<br />
8. Make myself feel significant: Believe it or not, ending the relationship with Mike and ending the relationship with derby both filled this box.<br />
9. Nurture important relationships: This was really what 2016 was all about.<br />
10. Believe that anything is possible: somewhat. I did a lot of "would I have believed this was happening last year?"<br />
11. Embrace simplicity: Still working on that.<br />
<br />
2017.<br />
I'm making no promises.<br />
I'm holding on to little to no hopes.<br />
I'm simply accepting it as it comes along.<br />
With one little word.<br />
<br />
LESS.<br />
<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06277071174071598111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550349.post-69992442164427862922016-09-17T21:29:00.000-05:002016-09-17T21:29:37.019-05:00So there's that.<div>
It's Saturday, but I slept in this morning until 8:30. And then laid on my couch until almost 11. </div>
<div>
I had practice, and until yesterday at lunch, I had planned on going to that this morning. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
But last night I sent an email to the board of directors of my league letting them know I'm done.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm not skating with my league anymore. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>I don't play roller derby anymore. </b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm still coaching and skating with the juniors, and I love every minute of that. (Well, almost every minute.) But I'm not part of my league anymore. They are struggling, so they've made some changes, and I don't fit in those changes. I've suspected it since about May, but they made it clear this week. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And then they made one decision in particular that prompted me to send a (very grown up and eloquently-worded) email that essentially said "Bye, Felicia." </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>So there's that. </b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Since I last blogged (sorry about that), my sister got pregnant, got engaged again (to the same guy), lost the baby (which was a blessing), and <b>got married.</b> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was a lot to put together, process, and pull off (as well as pay for) in ten weeks. Thanks to some poorly-chosen high heels, I had to have my foot x-rayed and take some codeine. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>So there's that.</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Oh... also... </div>
<div>
<b>The boy{space}friend is no longer speaking to me.</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
He stopped answering my texts the first of July. He accidentally responded to a text I sent him last week, but when I realized he didn't know it was me, I said "I'll leave you alone if you wish" and he said "I'd appreciate that."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>So there's that.</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
And then, to top it all off, I went to my parent's house for dinner tonight, and my mother asked me what I had rainbow laces on my skates, and was relieved to find out I'm not gay. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But before I left she handed me two magazine articles to read when I got home- one about a magical weight loss plan and one about bariatric surgery. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>So there's that.</b></div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06277071174071598111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550349.post-20400628182283747582016-05-12T17:23:00.001-05:002016-05-12T17:23:59.854-05:00Week in the Life: TuesdayWednesdays are such CRAZY BUSY days that I didn't have time to post Tuesday's pictures.<br />
<br />
I'm also playing with how to display/scrap all of the pictures. I don't necessarily want to do the natural M-T-W-TH-F-S-S setup. I think I'm going to stick with themes. Ideas I'm playing around with:<br />
- routine<br />
- family<br />
- work<br />
- home<br />
- derby<br />
- texts/messages<br />
- ??<br />
<br />
And, of course... a day in the life of Daisy...<br />
<br />
Here's Tuesday:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqBS6GxR11gN8x9ZPux-TK1Y716WwBXuY8E_BIlpFrwVs-UQgvkZyJYk0k8ILNU9Pz02nsCo7lRGAfQtJSJZRoxNYP4vTNdaRDfHAwB-mXow3FQ855iLrskqq3KsZhdSj8HVuEA/s1600/Tuesday+WITL_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqBS6GxR11gN8x9ZPux-TK1Y716WwBXuY8E_BIlpFrwVs-UQgvkZyJYk0k8ILNU9Pz02nsCo7lRGAfQtJSJZRoxNYP4vTNdaRDfHAwB-mXow3FQ855iLrskqq3KsZhdSj8HVuEA/s400/Tuesday+WITL_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bed. To Do List. Bad Habit.<br />
Laundry. News. Weather<br />
Scrape. Slow. Classroom.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06277071174071598111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550349.post-64764894189382096172016-05-10T21:02:00.001-05:002016-05-10T21:02:49.192-05:00Week In The Life: MondayThis week, Ali Edwards is documenting Week in the Life, and since I haven't done anything creative or scrapbook-y in forever, I'm going along for the ride.<br />
<br />
Here's my Monday... I'll be scrapping it in my Messy Book, but I'm not sure of some of the details yet.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_vyDk_QQGg7keQvQ8u_yi3qpTqbLVVrBAg6tld81EDjN5ELXnsOgF-OKxg9Lp-GE5tGCk_NQbfikyzFWh_YRqRlAUxw401Qj4kcVgCqAOf1CEszt3eunNCwOEI-ngySZPe7Lnw/s1600/Monday+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_vyDk_QQGg7keQvQ8u_yi3qpTqbLVVrBAg6tld81EDjN5ELXnsOgF-OKxg9Lp-GE5tGCk_NQbfikyzFWh_YRqRlAUxw401Qj4kcVgCqAOf1CEszt3eunNCwOEI-ngySZPe7Lnw/s400/Monday+2.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
1. Bored after the test. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. My STAAR wars shirt. (Why did I even take this bathroom selfie?) </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3. Me heading off to coach the littles in the derby.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrjw9WeDV-Nr-1CbNiKYUoPQxD1oDqWJ23OAcpoB4eSdUVL5hfaIcOu9VmTVs54eMRDpMUPxMSQpIFwbVPCrzx_dTgbCmkYwJW8rfN5gbVXgumB0etpu_5S-EED1B9qxQ829flw/s1600/Monday+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrjw9WeDV-Nr-1CbNiKYUoPQxD1oDqWJ23OAcpoB4eSdUVL5hfaIcOu9VmTVs54eMRDpMUPxMSQpIFwbVPCrzx_dTgbCmkYwJW8rfN5gbVXgumB0etpu_5S-EED1B9qxQ829flw/s400/Monday+1.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
1. Lunch</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. The crazy pile of papers on my desk</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3. A day of testing</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsVcbgL3MUeyk1gMJcFXlu2uUYQX8WbGiIw2kBdHU3V51ekVG5FejZbXQW_sRowwlU7mCHQRdqWjZQDE6yYTyRjwxc45UObv0lwXYDJUpfrLzCkOafa6nOtngrq8m9Ls_K784Eg/s1600/Monday+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsVcbgL3MUeyk1gMJcFXlu2uUYQX8WbGiIw2kBdHU3V51ekVG5FejZbXQW_sRowwlU7mCHQRdqWjZQDE6yYTyRjwxc45UObv0lwXYDJUpfrLzCkOafa6nOtngrq8m9Ls_K784Eg/s400/Monday+3.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">
1. The local tv station said the weather was indicating that the sky would be falling shortly.</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
2. Maps seemed to back up this forecast.</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
3. Coaching the littles. Barely a cloud in sight. </div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZ77DIu0UTpbrsOZIWm0ObKPGNaML7ONr4zpbG9Co8JmY4hO2KwRbywBzdrRhdj-YG33y6WhxzVjU2LdXJAylNMHhN7VOrmmTXHvMlzz0QJ-rShhP1oFA9uTrssL5s1WpBDn9Uw/s1600/Monday+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZ77DIu0UTpbrsOZIWm0ObKPGNaML7ONr4zpbG9Co8JmY4hO2KwRbywBzdrRhdj-YG33y6WhxzVjU2LdXJAylNMHhN7VOrmmTXHvMlzz0QJ-rShhP1oFA9uTrssL5s1WpBDn9Uw/s400/Monday+5.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
1. Sleeping beauty</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. The view from my parking spot</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3. Texting with the work buff</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgj9SuLnfiUINHQ6DTkaGkzd5gx2IwTYEPtA5XN-3KvgrZtQuoDyzcIQPEjKZhGjdwafB_MqVsbYF2IVBUME1utahGSHe93cE_xS-Ybrl64d_FCVmxmA3hJqUvfQCgDV4zj05yMA/s1600/Monday+Favorite+Moment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgj9SuLnfiUINHQ6DTkaGkzd5gx2IwTYEPtA5XN-3KvgrZtQuoDyzcIQPEjKZhGjdwafB_MqVsbYF2IVBUME1utahGSHe93cE_xS-Ybrl64d_FCVmxmA3hJqUvfQCgDV4zj05yMA/s640/Monday+Favorite+Moment.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Favorite moment: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After coaching the littles, ran by the boy's house </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and we went and sat outside </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and had tacos and listened to some guy play his guitar.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Play" is used very loosely.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2mIUvIW3baG8Y1ofAyaVlKyn9GlfFWbKEH64qyrwVxtSqPeZ1eet4E7LTByAFvkGgxhzttZmuSI9iFpdk9kjzqyxjb1vsz1W8sokdf6lxBpqVGkoZJAKu52BKwtLS3iJYLk5rg/s1600/Monday+Here%2527s+the+Story.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2mIUvIW3baG8Y1ofAyaVlKyn9GlfFWbKEH64qyrwVxtSqPeZ1eet4E7LTByAFvkGgxhzttZmuSI9iFpdk9kjzqyxjb1vsz1W8sokdf6lxBpqVGkoZJAKu52BKwtLS3iJYLk5rg/s640/Monday+Here%2527s+the+Story.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's The Story:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After a month of not speaking, I had some pretty harsh words and several head thumps for the boy {space} friend. And we talked it out and had been working on our friendship since then (end of March). But then I was out of pocket (babysitting, running to San Antonio for a quick derby trip, babysitting), and we didn't see each other for more than a few minutes for about three weeks. And during this all, I've been going through some tough stuff at work, and he's been a good friend to lean on, so when I got back and finally had a night "off", we had a little date night to reconnect. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And since then (you know... Saturday), the {space} is closing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And it's weird. And I'm trying to figure out how to navigate it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And that's one of the reasons I'm documenting this week.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06277071174071598111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550349.post-51719441678119234112016-03-13T20:38:00.000-05:002016-03-13T20:38:01.964-05:00A tale of two festivalsSix months ago, in September, I helped out at the Blues Festival. It was soaking wet that weekend.<br />
<br />
I got to know a casual acquaintance, and he became a friend. A boy friend. With a space in between the words. A boy {space} friend. An integral part of my life.<br />
<br />
And this weekend, there was another festival.<br />
35 music festival.<br />
It wasn't a complete washout.<br />
<br />
Neither of us went.<br />
I only know that because I've been watching FB.<br />
He probably has no idea if I went or not.<br />
<br />
He stopped talking to me 3 weeks ago.<br />
Refusing to answer texts.<br />
He tried to start texting me back up, but I can't go from no contact to how it was before without a conversation.<br />
<br />
Then he said something hurtful.<br />
And I haven't heard from him since.<br />
<br />
It's not me, it's him. Something's going on with him and I don't know what it is, but it's not about me, so I know I couldn't have done anything one way or another.<br />
<br />
The last thing I said to him in person was "Love you too, drive safe. Good night."<br />
And so, if it ends there, it ends there and I have to be okay with that.<br />
<br />
But it's probably going to end there.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06277071174071598111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550349.post-80155685329435643242016-02-07T21:09:00.000-06:002016-02-07T21:09:02.376-06:00The (non) Romantic LifeFirst and foremost, lest you think that The Guy and I are always slow dancing in the kitchen, we had the following conversation last night:<br />
him: "I want to skate. I'm going to go skate. Come skate with me."<br />
me: "Nope. Done skating for the day. I'm going to Old Navy to spend a bunch of coupons and gift cards. Come shopping with me."<br />
him: "Nope. See you tomorrow?"<br />
me: "Yep. See you tomorrow."<br />
<br />
Just didn't want you all to get the illusion that I'm living a romantic life up in this place.<br />
<br />
<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06277071174071598111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550349.post-39898612741062842902016-01-28T21:42:00.000-06:002016-01-28T21:42:27.754-06:00a better personWell, wasn't that a dramatic and sleep-deprived little post I left out there for a <strike>couple of a</strike> lot of weeks?<br />
<br />
Though I'm still slightly sleep-deprived (will I ever not be?) I'm facing the rest of 2016 with a little bit better of an attitude.<br />
<br />
I sent this text a <strike>few nights</strike> couple of weeks ago:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I am at the Denton target with the pretend husband. He's wearing a red hoodie. We got separated and it's like the world's worst game of Where's Waldo. We may be pretend divorced when we are done.</blockquote>
We did not get pretend divorced. We came home, cooked dinner while listening to jazz music, danced in the kitchen, and settled in for the evening with both of us on our computers while his dog snored in his lap.<br />
<br />
The boy and I are in a pretty good (though still non-romantic) place lately, but it didn't come without hard work. The "not talking to me" referenced in the last post? That was a punishment and a test. And I assure you, it won't happen again.<br />
<br />
When the boy and I were talking on New Year's Eve, he had made me mad, and then I said "I'm frustrated with you" but didn't tell him why, and then pulled the classic, "never mind... forget I said anything." I'm totally owning that- but I didn't want to have this conversation over text. So the next two days, when he was short with me, giving me one word answers and not really initiating any conversation, I thought this could possibly be the end of us.<br />
<br />
Then, as I was headed his way to pick him up to skate, he was downright rude to me. Rude. And I had had enough. We were going to have a chat. I am never one to confront conflict, but it wasn't healthy for me continue this way.<br />
<br />
So, we set up a time to go and skate. I asked if he could meet me at the park, and he was absolutely rude. I tried to call him- he didn't answer. Challenge accepted. The song that should be playing right now is "Going Down For Real."<br />
<br />
We rode in silence to the park, with him making small efforts to talk and me not giving an inch. We skated, with more attempts at small talk and such. And again, I was having none of it. Then we decided on dinner. We ordered, sat down to eat, and I said "I need to talk."<br />
<br />
Once upon a time, after he had talked to me about some of his issues with people leaving him, I promised him that I wouldn't do that. I wouldn't leave him. And this seemed to be a test of that.<br />
<br />
He asked if we were breaking up, and I assured him that I wasn't breaking up with him, and I wasn't leaving him, but I also wasn't happy with how things were going and that I wanted to see some changes. I told him that he doesn't make much effort in our relationship, and that it's very one-sided, with me doing all the work, doing all the driving north, and me doing all of the heavy lifting. And while I wasn't going to leave him, I also wasn't going to put up with this.<br />
<br />
Now, it should be said that I'm a firm believer that you can't change anyone, and you can't change their behavior- they have to be the ones to do it. I will not change for a boy, and I will not try to change a boy. So I was not looking to change him. I just needed for my own sake to tell him that I wasn't happy and give him the opportunity to answer to it. And answer he did.<br />
<br />
He said "you're right. I haven't been treating you fairly and you deserve so much better. I'm going to try to do better. I'm sorry."<br />
<br />
And he has lived up to the task almost every single day since then. I say almost, because we had another night where he was in a bad mood and being a bit of a prick, and I told him- I don't like it when you do XYZ. I'm leaving if it continues. It continued, and I left, but I woke up the next morning with a text telling me how sorry he is and that he loves me and is glad I'm in his life.<br />
<br />
The thing I couldn't have imagined three months ago (how has it only been three months?) is that the guy <a href="http://gatorphimu.blogspot.com/2015/10/so-recently-okay-this-weekend-i-read.html" target="_blank">whose dating profile I would have glanced right over</a> would make me a better person and genuinely make me believe in myself.<br />
<br />
This guy. I can't even.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06277071174071598111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550349.post-24078059349068049632016-01-03T12:55:00.000-06:002016-01-03T12:55:11.471-06:00Already done. Today is the third day of 2016 and I'm already done. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(In the interest of full disclosure- I've had no sleep, so the potential for dramatic overreaction in this post is high, though I was thinking this before I got no sleep.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On the 30th of December, the boy made me very frustrated. </div>
<div>
On the 31st, he unintentionally hurt me and I was very short and curt with him. </div>
<div>
And he hasn't really spoken to me since. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On New Year's Eve, my mother and sister really really annoyed me. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On New Year's Day, I jumped in a lake with a group of derby girls, including someone I don't like very much at all (see: jealousy), and during that time and the few hours after that, I had such promising hopes, but then the evening settled in. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxpKoXQrwz2XB5cQrw2wbZjCd60QYA_p3EAU0SFaxP2o2x8Hx0Aw2_4o24Vv7XYHuihPY4JFMgrmAaW6AIzzpsb-Zbu1gSUqJaVKmVtw7UiPeowEEkKSpwalkgdZra6qA6iJJdg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-01-03+at+8.03.24+AM+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxpKoXQrwz2XB5cQrw2wbZjCd60QYA_p3EAU0SFaxP2o2x8Hx0Aw2_4o24Vv7XYHuihPY4JFMgrmAaW6AIzzpsb-Zbu1gSUqJaVKmVtw7UiPeowEEkKSpwalkgdZra6qA6iJJdg/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-01-03+at+8.03.24+AM+copy.png" width="320" /></a>On the day after New Year's Day, derby annoyed me and my dad annoyed me and the boy still refuses to talk to me and I am just done. I went to a game night last night with some friends. Three couples and me. I tried to leave at a reasonable hour, but we played one more game that was promised to me to be about 20 minutes. An hour and twenty minutes later and I was finally able to leave. I got lost on the way home. I got home after midnight. I saw that pictures had been uploaded from the jump. The photographer (that I have a crush on) took about 10 pictures of me, but only one made it into the pictures, and it was all my chubby, weird glory. I was also standing next to a model in a string bikini. (Can't make that up). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
About ten minutes before my alarm was supposed to go off this morning I woke from a weird dream because Daisy was having a nightmare and she was screaming. <i>Screaming</i>. I then couldn't get back to sleep because she was snoring. I've had no sleep and I'm tired. The babies in the nursery were abundant and out of sorts. I was sweating at one point from trying to juggle it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And I go back to work tomorrow. </div>
<div>
I haven't done one classroom thing during this break, so now I'm in panic mode... </div>
<div>
And I'm exhausted. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I want off this ride. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2016- I'm done with you.</div>
<div>
</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06277071174071598111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550349.post-49227349081398063362016-01-01T22:56:00.002-06:002016-01-01T22:56:45.558-06:00This YearI've had intentions of blogging so much.<br />
But I haven't. Because: life.<br />
The boy and I are still intertwined, but we're currently going through a rocky (possibly ending?) phase. So I might write about that and I might not.<br />
And today, I jumped into a lake with 13 of the coolest people I know (now coldest people I know), and I believe with my whole heart I came out a new person.<br />
<br />
2015 is gone. 'Bye Felicia.<br />
<br />
So, I've put this together and I'm going to leave it right here. I'm sure I'll come back and update it as necessary.<br />
<br />
This year.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLjqaxFJcZsb7cFcmUlaXWA9Z7Ef0R2Yp3WyW_SK7xotuZQjR-OPQH3eQylRLsYWuOgtiHhWRdAY3zv8goOS6LECclBjcOW-njLAgLuiGY36taWF7jBVQWrJ5ef5TJfXdF7I5Dg/s1600/This+year.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLjqaxFJcZsb7cFcmUlaXWA9Z7Ef0R2Yp3WyW_SK7xotuZQjR-OPQH3eQylRLsYWuOgtiHhWRdAY3zv8goOS6LECclBjcOW-njLAgLuiGY36taWF7jBVQWrJ5ef5TJfXdF7I5Dg/s640/This+year.jpg" width="426" /></a>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06277071174071598111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550349.post-20161306963363051942015-12-09T06:15:00.000-06:002015-12-09T06:15:13.177-06:00Sunday Surfing. On Wednesday.Clutter is becoming a problem among other things right now, so I'm consciously working to get it under control. Including digital clutter.<br />
<br />
Here's the FUN from the last few weeks...<br />
- The <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/18/magazine/judge-john-hodgman-on-a-wifes-casual-texts.html?_r=0" target="_blank">answer </a>to this question of casual answer to texts is hilarious.<br />
<br />
- 21 of the <a href="http://www.weareteachers.com/blogs/post/2015/12/03/21-of-the-best-opening-lines-in-children%27s-books" target="_blank">best opening lines</a> in children's books. This includes the single best opening line of any book, which is also my favorite book of all time, and 2 books I read aloud to my kiddos.<br />
<br />
- This <a href="http://www.vox.com/2014/4/25/5647696/the-way-we-board-airplanes-makes-absolutely-no-sense" target="_blank">video</a> on the way we board airplanes actually makes a lot of sense.<br />
<br />
- <a href="https://media.bookbub.com/blog/2015/11/03/things-every-modern-jane-austen-fan-can-relate-to/" target="_blank">THIS</a>. Modern Jane Austen fan and I can definitely relate.<br />
<br />
- Some of my derby friends may be receiving <a href="http://www.livingroyal.com/collections/knee-high-socks" target="_blank">THESE</a> socks.<br />
<br />
- <a href="http://thoughtcatalog.com/heidi-priebe/2015/11/how-each-myers-briggs-personality-type-prepares-for-the-holidays/" target="_blank">This</a>. How Meyers-Briggs prepare for the holidays. SPOT.ON. INFJ- perfect description of me.<br />
<br />
<br />
The SENSIBLE from the last few weeks...<br />
- I want <a href="http://www.davidwolfe.com/weighted-blankets-sleep-and-anxiety/" target="_blank">one of these blankets</a> SO BADLY...<br />
<br />
- Going to try to <a href="http://thoughtcatalog.com/heidi-priebe/2015/12/24-powerful-ways-to-finish-the-year-off-right/" target="_blank">end the year</a> with these...<br />
<br />
- Am I a <a href="http://hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-test/?utm_source=Modern+Mrs+Darcy+Email+List&utm_campaign=11f1dc2258-Blog_Post_RSS_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4d660a8654-11f1dc2258-36560069" target="_blank">Highly Sensitive Person</a>? Uh... a resounding YES. (see also- too much digital clutter)<br />
<br />
The MOVING from the last few weeks...<br />
<br />
- This video has been making the rounds on the inter webs, but <a href="http://goodmenproject.com/featured-content/the-power-of-beautiful-ajrt/" target="_blank">this article</a> made me watch it. Glad I did.<br />
<br />
- <a href="http://www.lindseynobles.com/2015/11/church-and-the-single-girl/" target="_blank">WORD</a>. Single in the Church.<br />
<br />
- I don't <a href="http://www.incourage.me/2015/12/the-longing.html" target="_blank">advent</a> either.<br />
<br />
<br />
And, finally... <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=sweatpants+and+coffee&term_meta%5B%5D=sweatpants+and+coffee%7Ctyped" target="_blank">ALL</a> of these quotes. ALL OF THEM.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06277071174071598111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550349.post-18241624971906506172015-11-20T22:30:00.000-06:002015-11-20T22:30:32.741-06:00A Lazy List on a Friday<div style="border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
I'm taking the lazy way out of blogging tonight... I found this list- a little week in review, and I'm running with it.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The temperature is changing, and I cannot.get.warm. It is way too early in the season for me to be constantly cold... yet here I am. </span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The highlight of my week</strong> was Olive Garden and foot rubs and a puppy snoring on my lap and talking until I couldn't keep my eyes open for anything. And finally figuring out where he and I stand. </div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The low point of my week</strong> was Monday night. Epic anxiety meltdown. Crying myself to sleep. Waking up in the middle of the night in a complete panic. Being moody and grumpy and completely irrational. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkytV2pdPEsp4zSBzz26bvrHXFmH3eN9FXvUpZ0w7t8TjTUVQH8PNgWpzZTfzlONwss0sSBSeSQPsN3vBI-KEqyCkDjr81a1adbCs1lq814rtnw-HEgXwBic0NFcrMzAZqTpV3w/s1600/IMG_6227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkytV2pdPEsp4zSBzz26bvrHXFmH3eN9FXvUpZ0w7t8TjTUVQH8PNgWpzZTfzlONwss0sSBSeSQPsN3vBI-KEqyCkDjr81a1adbCs1lq814rtnw-HEgXwBic0NFcrMzAZqTpV3w/s200/IMG_6227.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">My favorite photo I took</strong> was not one I could share here. I took a picture of this guy and his human, and it was pretty damn cute. I also took one of Reckless and I, not to mention countless classroom pictures I can't show for privacy reasons. </div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></strong></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">This week’s workouts</strong> were skating Tuesday and Thursday, and the gym with my derby wife this evening. I can barely move my arms to type this.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The best money I spent</strong> was on a tunic and fall plaid and some new shoes- all at Old Navy. I'm redefining my fall style, which means getting all new pieces. And I love the look of a tunic. </div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">My plans this weekend</strong> include hopping in the car first thing tomorrow morning with my dog and music and heading west to Lubbock. Skipping practice because it will be frigid, and this girl needs some sleep. </div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Happy Thanksgiving, y'all.</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06277071174071598111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550349.post-16665202643156800152015-11-13T14:06:00.002-06:002015-11-13T14:06:23.247-06:0030 days of gratitudeSo, I had originally planned on blogging through 30 days of gratitude.<br />
At the very least, I was going to put it on Insta (and probably FB) every day to I share what I'm grateful for.<br />
<br />
But things are different this year.<br />
Very different.<br />
<br />
I've still been keeping up with the 30 days project, but only ending up sharing every third day or so on the social medias.<br />
<br />
The difference this year?<br />
So many more people are popping up in my Gratitude Project, and for privacy reasons, I'm not sharing them. Lots of texts too.<br />
<br />
This year, I have so.many.more people in my life that I cannot even decide on just one thankful thing for each day. This project is making me feel incredibly grateful, even when I'm not in the best place or in the best mood.<br />
<br />
So far, here's my list of 30 days... most of it <i>not</i> in pictures to share on Social Media.<br />
Nov 1: <a href="http://gatorphimu.blogspot.com/2015/11/thankful-day-one-text-me-when-you-get.html" target="_blank">Texts showing people care</a><br />
Nov 2: Texts from two very special people. And Blue Bell<br />
Nov 3: Dinner with two special people. And tacos.<br />
Nov 4: My kids huddled together at our outdoor school<br />
Nov 5: Our school program<br />
Nov 6: Fajita night with derby wives and sangria<br />
Nov 7: Lazy Saturday mornings and clean carpets<br />
Nov 8: Babies and naps and WFTDA championships<br />
Nov 9: Quiet moments of work and play<br />
Nov 10: The ways my kids love me<br />
Nov 11: Long phone calls with BFFs<br />
Nov 12: My adopt an athletes and how they love my kids<br />
Nov 13: turkeys on bulletin boards<br />
<br />
This project, though only halfway done, has shown me just how much fuller a life I'm leading this year than last.<br />
<br />
And I am SO. VERY. GRATEFUL.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06277071174071598111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550349.post-75143024056220154902015-11-11T20:00:00.002-06:002015-11-11T20:00:40.071-06:00Ten on the Tenth<div style="text-align: left;">
Yesterday was the tenth, and I remembered that it was the tenth, so I was able to take Ten on the Tenth pictures. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I actually took Fifteen on the Tenth pictures, because I'm sitting on babies, and I tend to document more when I'm away from home. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, here's my day in pictures...</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInW0DfgAQbzfQlJ0lXylAcESGtA3bAQm-yo9tjSte8ZG9QCM9QoU76EdJXvDfXnSiAEA11IKqoP-rxPC8GRMf8Z5t4Gyb83XG46k7KMNrT9NNF07wPC698izknEXKgwbU8g0ZAQ/s1600/IMG_6067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInW0DfgAQbzfQlJ0lXylAcESGtA3bAQm-yo9tjSte8ZG9QCM9QoU76EdJXvDfXnSiAEA11IKqoP-rxPC8GRMf8Z5t4Gyb83XG46k7KMNrT9NNF07wPC698izknEXKgwbU8g0ZAQ/s400/IMG_6067.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gifts from littles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjJitbZecuzUjw40OBLxB9sUFGtDs_yYFfuL9dLdmarJlZeZ9Xgcja5ssSUQ_mAfi4NcmSpJBB1d52OwoYcNRwFJwP9m9Z6ei7qBgDMpu5l9gkbLKLt1G03rbUCZBYjOtsxeA1Q/s1600/IMG_6073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjJitbZecuzUjw40OBLxB9sUFGtDs_yYFfuL9dLdmarJlZeZ9Xgcja5ssSUQ_mAfi4NcmSpJBB1d52OwoYcNRwFJwP9m9Z6ei7qBgDMpu5l9gkbLKLt1G03rbUCZBYjOtsxeA1Q/s400/IMG_6073.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my classroom runs on caffeine<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyL6QvmOQLcZeblclPoTusGYlfF19N2pFyeH4f5HBbD6N2k8U2-kwyLVLHm6c-GDep3GwOjEZ4EZxIstU8SYxkhw6x46IzHf5jiweF91EUxfXoQGDjLwZjRC4448oddZok_u9VvA/s1600/IMG_6077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyL6QvmOQLcZeblclPoTusGYlfF19N2pFyeH4f5HBbD6N2k8U2-kwyLVLHm6c-GDep3GwOjEZ4EZxIstU8SYxkhw6x46IzHf5jiweF91EUxfXoQGDjLwZjRC4448oddZok_u9VvA/s400/IMG_6077.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">recess duty on a beautiful day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kWLJuiKtAI-PbOQoszaUYWFwbIr3iNOMGMFPOethmS7ZHOtcaLGEuxrSH4c73y_qHtUxbd7nvfESxp7-QBZVY6n7TfFm6NOpBYfFFq5kK5cTJJCrQiZJ6aEP1BrddS_1TRZIJQ/s1600/IMG_6078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kWLJuiKtAI-PbOQoszaUYWFwbIr3iNOMGMFPOethmS7ZHOtcaLGEuxrSH4c73y_qHtUxbd7nvfESxp7-QBZVY6n7TfFm6NOpBYfFFq5kK5cTJJCrQiZJ6aEP1BrddS_1TRZIJQ/s400/IMG_6078.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After school plans and my favorite cup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLay0d6Wcaa_u5tJzU-hsPyCjsbZ2g2LXmoXdvDxmL-MOogKro402fi-gKSGNO95ocz4H1BvcLcs6-xKqC9rxDm0OpQHbQjxCGd4ri2ELBQ68m3xmxJAmzcNwv_IP9bLDf-L1Ghw/s1600/IMG_6079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLay0d6Wcaa_u5tJzU-hsPyCjsbZ2g2LXmoXdvDxmL-MOogKro402fi-gKSGNO95ocz4H1BvcLcs6-xKqC9rxDm0OpQHbQjxCGd4ri2ELBQ68m3xmxJAmzcNwv_IP9bLDf-L1Ghw/s400/IMG_6079.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my backpack is falling apart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeR8XhOvKbb92SLKdh2lTytt0sPrSThXlRe6hISbUA2mZscEZT-mPnqf2JfaoP70fIzn6UAp17XTD8dqbBAHAm1FknkjlB67aCC4L8lEb5z2Lgd98qcqT_DWCy9AF-3_cSdtKKHQ/s1600/IMG_6080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeR8XhOvKbb92SLKdh2lTytt0sPrSThXlRe6hISbUA2mZscEZT-mPnqf2JfaoP70fIzn6UAp17XTD8dqbBAHAm1FknkjlB67aCC4L8lEb5z2Lgd98qcqT_DWCy9AF-3_cSdtKKHQ/s400/IMG_6080.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">not a bad view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCD2E0ri9wKZ-cspyKH8FTHGPkK5eOLRrNTnoJGoFDvMW5T4-17TCZ6orJESWgDUiEn-Mknkx_jYfgxTp_dLLv9QkrPDFFD4TgjoHi9cfHNRaY0Qw6sDRN-OZbEG3gcGIOCTLgqA/s1600/IMG_6081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCD2E0ri9wKZ-cspyKH8FTHGPkK5eOLRrNTnoJGoFDvMW5T4-17TCZ6orJESWgDUiEn-Mknkx_jYfgxTp_dLLv9QkrPDFFD4TgjoHi9cfHNRaY0Qw6sDRN-OZbEG3gcGIOCTLgqA/s400/IMG_6081.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dinner at pie five- meh</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCZtVyQEldOEnXI8nh8YJd6kgOGnJ6BCnjXbIm4PcnFy7FaBimIl3-br-sXaXbjjIsC4j0zqiQ-dDyLe6pkfDFYAcEwSY1Zg8V495BQRxGOD8dZyGk6RBmhENj3aHKg4JRj4ERA/s1600/IMG_6082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCZtVyQEldOEnXI8nh8YJd6kgOGnJ6BCnjXbIm4PcnFy7FaBimIl3-br-sXaXbjjIsC4j0zqiQ-dDyLe6pkfDFYAcEwSY1Zg8V495BQRxGOD8dZyGk6RBmhENj3aHKg4JRj4ERA/s400/IMG_6082.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my teenager found this for me...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cWDr91-xx4oXFaZnacXy7UPjSxUXi4pTUhBW7UFskaUPXJ1wZK3ObSJFhUz2XySW-39m__0oZNu6dKkXN5tUmp7IXtyMCcLbEeiiGLfYGjoRk9qkT7r6OMOSSv5b5I94Gin-Ig/s1600/IMG_6088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cWDr91-xx4oXFaZnacXy7UPjSxUXi4pTUhBW7UFskaUPXJ1wZK3ObSJFhUz2XySW-39m__0oZNu6dKkXN5tUmp7IXtyMCcLbEeiiGLfYGjoRk9qkT7r6OMOSSv5b5I94Gin-Ig/s400/IMG_6088.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a little leg warmer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next blog topic: trying to figure out this whole "space" friend thing... and what it's doing to me...<br />
<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06277071174071598111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550349.post-70842296779819261702015-11-08T12:00:00.000-06:002015-11-08T12:00:00.310-06:00Sunday Surfing v. 7I'm about two weeks behind, so this list is going to be forever long.<br />
You've been warned.<br />
<br />
First and Foremost: <a href="http://blog.amandapalmer.net/the-wedding-blog/" target="_blank">THIS</a>.<br />
I love Neil Gaiman and his writing, and <a href="http://gatorphimu.blogspot.com/2015/01/call-it-magic.html" target="_blank">his quote was my new year's inspiration</a> and I firmly believe in him and magic. But this story by his wife? Swoon.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">The Thoughtful...</span><br />
*<a href="https://bendlikeabranch.wordpress.com/2014/12/11/its-more-about-cupcakes-than-you-think-how-our-educational-system-is-failing-our-children/" target="_blank">It's more about cupcakes than you think</a>.<br />
So. much. truth.<br />
<br />
*<a href="https://www.artifactuprising.com/vsco-cam-tips" target="_blank">VSCO Cam Tips</a><br />
How can I memorize all of these?<br />
<br />
*<a href="http://www.sarahvonbargen.com/small-business-advice/intentional-ignorance/" target="_blank">The Life-Changing Magic of Intentional Ignorance</a><br />
I have applied this in some areas of my life and it is indeed life-changing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">The Mindless...</span><br />
* <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/krystieyandoli/heres-a-look-inside-the-harry-potter-coloring-book?utm_term=.hx8qJrmXr3#.viwxBDveDk" target="_blank">Harry Potter Coloring Book</a>.<br />
Must. have. this.<br />
<br />
*<a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/the-perfect-kitchen-style-for-your-myers-briggs-personality-type-life-in-the-kitchen-219617" target="_blank">The kitchen style for your Meyers-Briggs type</a>.<br />
Truer than I anticipated... I love the Scandinavian Style.<br />
<br />
* <a href="http://alisaburke.blogspot.com/2015/03/drawing-words-with-megan-wells.html" target="_blank">Pretty Words</a><br />
I need to study this one too as I'm about to start some seasonal crafting...<br />
<br />
* <a href="http://sisterssuitcaseblog.com/2015/10/diy-fall-barn-wood-sign.html" target="_blank">This sign</a>.<br />
I tried to make it, but couldn't find the mustard balls. (balls... hee hee...)<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">And The Funny...</span><br />
* <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/mikespohr/people-are-tweeting-their-most-awkward-moments-and-it-is-cri#.evAdNMyDM1" target="_blank">Tweeting Awkward Moments</a>.<br />
I L'd. OL.<br />
<br />
*<a href="http://www.weareteachers.com/blogs/post/2015/10/30/8-learning-centers-just-for-teachers" target="_blank"> Learning Centers for Teachers.</a><br />
I would throw elbows to go to station 4.<br />
<br />
* <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/made-up-words-that-perfectly-describe-your-everyday-life-224929?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=AT%20Daily%2011215%20Made-Up%20Words%20that%20Perfectly%20Describe%20Your%20Everyday%20Life&utm_content=AT%20Daily%2011215%20Made-Up%20Words%20that%20Perfectly%20Describe%20Your%20Everyday%20Life%20CID_9cce571192b170f10d0a5731f1352291&utm_source=email_newsletter&utm_term=read%20Taryns%20post&hootPostID=7ce0b8f32330916f3f468cb165c422bc" target="_blank">Made-up words that describe every day life</a>.<br />
See: dogologue, floordrobe, laundrut<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And THIS....<br />
This is my jam right now, especially with all of this weather...<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GeXwSL6mh6I" width="640"></iframe>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06277071174071598111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550349.post-43396780436268938842015-11-07T23:25:00.002-06:002015-11-07T23:25:59.181-06:00Joshua Judges her Ruth-lessly Things with the boy{space}friend are not what I'd like right now.<br />
This {space}friend thing is HARD, and I'm not really experienced at it, and it's just hard to figure out.<br />
<br />
But that's not what this is about.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7W2gl2xTKc1EnWUo9Y_BN874cpmhs_V4qL4Cei6lo15faI8DOlrqXj4LazYPk7fYmmVFGw9U1Q5o65ykLT6urWa9cCmuwEXUIQaQrMA_W5kW9CDCcPU_5vwkcZLwoNTXSu5R9fg/s1600/blog+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7W2gl2xTKc1EnWUo9Y_BN874cpmhs_V4qL4Cei6lo15faI8DOlrqXj4LazYPk7fYmmVFGw9U1Q5o65ykLT6urWa9cCmuwEXUIQaQrMA_W5kW9CDCcPU_5vwkcZLwoNTXSu5R9fg/s320/blog+pic.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
While I was <strike>wondering about</strike> analyzing something from the b{s}f, I got a message over my group app.<br />
<br />
In the middle of a torrential downpour, complete with tornado warning, a derby sister told me a secret- one that is life-changing and hit her like a ton of bricks.<br />
<br />
She apologized profusely for "bothering" me.<br />
She said she didn't have anyone to talk to.<br />
She said everyone else she knew would judge her.<br />
<br />
After checking to make sure she wasn't going to hurt herself, I did the best I could to give her advice, despite the fact that I have exactly zero experience in this general area.<br />
<br />
The thing that struck me was this: she wasn't bothering me at all- I had messaged her just two days before thanking her for cheering me up when I was having a crappy night.<br />
<br />
And despite what she thought in the middle of this trauma, she did have lots of others to talk to, and absolutely none of them would have judged her.<br />
<br />
But she picked me. And I'm honored.<br />
<br />
For all intents and purposes, I never know if I'm doing anything right. It's the nature of teaching (much like motherhood- I ask myself- am I screwing up my children?), and it's the nature of everything else in my life.<br />
<br />
Am I doing the right thing with the b{s}f?<br />
Am I doing the right thing with derby (the answer is always no- I could be doing more to get myself better prepared)?<br />
Am I doing the right thing by my family and friends?<br />
<br />
But for once, I think I'm getting the message that at least, in one little relationship, I'm doing the right thing- being the right person.<br />
<br />
The thing is- everyone is judgmental. You say you're not judgmental? Let's you and I go to Walmart at 9pm on a school night and then we'll revisit this topic, mkay? And I will be the first to admit that I'm judgmental. But here's the kicker:<br />
<br />
I can't let my judgment of you affect how I treat you. That's my endgame. No matter what I think of you, I cannot let my feelings affect how I treat you, because that's not what Jesus would want. And in this situation- honestly I wouldn't/don't judge her because I don't know how I would act or what I would do... I'm just as confused as she is right now.<br />
<br />
But I feel like when she reached out to me it was my little reminder that, above all else, I must be doing something a little bit right.<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8550349%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-JLdPbux9j90%2FVj7Yspp_ZyI%2FAAAAAAAAFu4%2FXOEZD-c5uWI%2Fs320%2Fblog%252Bpic.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=9_9hNeEv0SAG&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 108px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8550349%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-JLdPbux9j90%2FVj7Yspp_ZyI%2FAAAAAAAAFu4%2FXOEZD-c5uWI%2Fs320%2Fblog%252Bpic.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=9_9hNeEv0SAG&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 108px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06277071174071598111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550349.post-88701968825464798332015-11-01T16:37:00.000-06:002015-11-02T16:37:14.915-06:00#Thankful Day One: Text me when you get home safeI'm doing 30 days of thankful with <a href="http://www.cathyzielske.com/" target="_blank">Cathy Zieslke</a>.<br />
<br />
I did it last year, and loved every second of it. This year, I'm kicking it up a notch.<br />
<br />
As I was driving home from the <i>middle of nowhere</i> last night after a Halloween party, I was thinking about trying to remember to text the two different people who wanted to know I made it home safely. I was thinking about how it is a simple little thing we all say from time to time, but what it really means is "I care about you and want you to be safe."<br />
<br />
And I thought that was the sweetest thing.<br />
<br />
So I made that my #gratitude for the day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioi759mizN0hb7l94W4RbkweTNeXlPt8kzM0Ecdy7QKKJtlBaCLZ6-A6aFZEL-L2pbbW-GvujvXd-UQeqBVGTNrPcw6w8FK_wAoIrDIP3Aa7YmhPOvqFPiV_lMX_5DHF12YpQAMw/s1600/IMG_5910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioi759mizN0hb7l94W4RbkweTNeXlPt8kzM0Ecdy7QKKJtlBaCLZ6-A6aFZEL-L2pbbW-GvujvXd-UQeqBVGTNrPcw6w8FK_wAoIrDIP3Aa7YmhPOvqFPiV_lMX_5DHF12YpQAMw/s320/IMG_5910.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(Don't know if I'll get every day blogged, but I'm trying).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06277071174071598111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550349.post-60290101970679867042015-10-31T18:58:00.000-05:002015-10-31T18:58:00.104-05:00Halloween SurfingA few things that I am finding <i>hilarious</i> this All Hallow's Eve:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/weareteachers/16-things-every-teacher-says-at-halloween-h0xt" target="_blank">16 Things Every Teacher Says at Halloween</a><br />
They left off "STOP HOWLING" which I had to say yesterday.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.swiss-miss.com/2015/10/guide-to-candy-trading.html" target="_blank">Guide to Candy Trading.</a><br />
This is freaking <i>brilliant</i>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://mashable.com/2015/10/28/suspicious-halloween-candy/#7jgj0kvcw8qN" target="_blank">How to identify suspicious candy</a><br />
I watched this repeatedly.<br />
<br />
And, of course...<br />
<a href="http://matthewepierce.com/costume-ideas-for-the-halloween-festival/" target="_blank">Church Costumes</a> For the "Fall Festival"<br />
<br />
<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06277071174071598111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550349.post-8128994467208215572015-10-30T20:25:00.000-05:002015-10-30T20:25:01.612-05:00A musician and a teacher...walk into a bar.<br />
(though that's not the point of the story- it happens more often than not nowadays...)<br />
<br />
It is 7:25 and I am going to bed after I write this because I am damn tired. Daisy's already gotten a head start.<br />
<br />
I am driving north five to six times a week nowadays, for various reasons, and on Thursday nights, I drive up there to coach the littles. Last night, the littles were doing a recruiting thing on the square with all of the trick or treaters in the tri-state area.<br />
<br />
So, I decided to swing by the boy {space} friend's house and leave him a little prize. Ever heard of being "Boo'd"? Well, I found this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3JxfwJXRMBxAShCHSEZP1UTu_zrojgDlQA5ty5DdG_LuOyNs8UtccjnqisETh9shmzr1LVWKKJ5JtdMiC0PFQkt788NbKtxEf5NmWyGtVuKvFDvjL1QT2lrOm5UZ4Yvwc3LtEw/s1600/il_570xN.511312636_1sar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3JxfwJXRMBxAShCHSEZP1UTu_zrojgDlQA5ty5DdG_LuOyNs8UtccjnqisETh9shmzr1LVWKKJ5JtdMiC0PFQkt788NbKtxEf5NmWyGtVuKvFDvjL1QT2lrOm5UZ4Yvwc3LtEw/s320/il_570xN.511312636_1sar.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
It should also be noted that I was in no way planning on doing anything but going straight home, so I was still dressed from school: Cammo shirt for red ribbon week, grey comfort sweatshirt over it, and my skinnies, which I then switched over into Old Navy workout leggings, because the derby girl in me lives in those now. My hair was not in the trendy messy bun, but in the homeless, my hair has been braided all day and I don't want to do anything at all with it kind of bun.<br />
<br />
I looked pretty.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFVsxgRW9wsEojkzWTQBETFD8BGi1YHWzquwfXXgdP4livOJd6SskYcxCjuOnwpUFQMc6n9N0C4oq0JihhA9q7Q9JQvw0mqzx4-XgMlzXiUXdWrrbEQbH00rUYc9prw14hsZcYg/s1600/FOT2520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFVsxgRW9wsEojkzWTQBETFD8BGi1YHWzquwfXXgdP4livOJd6SskYcxCjuOnwpUFQMc6n9N0C4oq0JihhA9q7Q9JQvw0mqzx4-XgMlzXiUXdWrrbEQbH00rUYc9prw14hsZcYg/s320/FOT2520.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I attached the cute little picture to a six-pack of Not Your Father's Root Beer, which is absolutely delightful and tastes like Barq's with a bit of a kick, and left it on his front porch.<br />
<br />
And then I left to head home and grade math tests because grading is all I do nowadays.<br />
<br />
B_F texted to see if I was still in Denton, and asked me to come hang out. I made it VERY clear that I had math tests to grade, and our hanging out would be exactly that. I've been whining about papers to grade forever, and he's always telling me he will help me grade them. So he was going to make good on his promise.<br />
<br />
And then, the teacher discovered what it's like to hang out with the musician, and the musician discovered what it's like to hang out with the teacher.<br />
<br />
We had to go deliver some cookies to some friends just off the square, and as we were walking back to the car, the musician heard the music. And he said it was cool and got excited about it and kinda wanted to go listen to it and could we pleeeeasssseee go in for just a minute and I said I'd help you grade papers and oh look- isn't that your favorite food truck?<br />
<br />
So I gave in and we went in and sat outside and it wasn't my favorite food truck but it did have some pretty good chips and queso and the musician learned that if you want to hang out with a teacher on a school night, you're gonna have to grade some math tests to do it.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREyxFMogjMF3D6rQAaeFYuoR0gWl5OkrbjXYfMfHkUnR11HbF2VCCigRhZMFQGyFDd3M0-D8OnOW5rd0t1uRwHGa0exuSALwWkUJ16hXTAu3ob2jNx9W0NOkbxBsFSUXqzeSW3A/s1600/IMG_5866.JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREyxFMogjMF3D6rQAaeFYuoR0gWl5OkrbjXYfMfHkUnR11HbF2VCCigRhZMFQGyFDd3M0-D8OnOW5rd0t1uRwHGa0exuSALwWkUJ16hXTAu3ob2jNx9W0NOkbxBsFSUXqzeSW3A/s320/IMG_5866.JPG.jpg" width="320" /></a>The funny thing (aside from how bad I looked) was that we walked past two other tables with people grading papers to get outside to the food truck.<br />
<br />
Thing I feel like I should note:<br />
The B_F and I are <i>just friends.</i> Period.<br />
<br />
He has a good solid crush on another derby girl, that doesn't like him back but doesn't refrain from texting him when she's feeling down and needs to be surrounded by friends. (her words) I don't think he knows she's not interested, and that makes my heart break for him and steam come out of my ears for her. But, I <strike>do not</strike> try really hard not to participate in drama, and it is not my place to speak for either of them, so I just keep my trap shut and file away information for later when it may be needed.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06277071174071598111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550349.post-78310200328557637332015-10-27T21:21:00.000-05:002015-10-27T21:21:10.136-05:00In praise of blurry picturesI mentioned eariler that the boy {space} friend is not on my good side right now.<br />
That might possibly be because I was working on only 5 hours of sleep, very little food (I tend to not actually eat on Sundays... just snack), and heaps and piles of stress.<br />
<br />
It might also be because he's a bit of a stupid-head at times, like all of Saturday and most of Sunday.<br />
<br />
So, we're going to ignore that fact for now, and focus on the post at hand:<br />
<br />
An entire Saturday of blurry pictures.<br />
Saturday was a nutty day/evening/early next morning.<br />
<br />
Practice was cancelled due to rain, so I was able to lay in and sleep on my couch until about 2pm, which was good since I had been with the boy {space} friend until about 1 the night before.<br />
<br />
It was finally time to get up because I had somewhere to be. Actually, several somewheres to be.<br />
I was way over scheduled. I was also not looking at anything weather related, because I put on a dress, stepped onto my porch, and immediately went back inside and changed into my favorite sweater. And it was glorious.<br />
<br />
The first stop: the school carnival. Started at 5. Got there at 5:02. Saw who I needed to see, and left at 5:21. Winner Winner Chicken Dinner.<br />
<br />
Then, the real fun began.<br />
I've become a Dentonite as of late, and we had a little gathering at my second favorite gathering place in Denton. It has an amazing outdoor patio area. (just an aside- my first favorite place has an amazing outdoor patio area with food trucks). I met up with bunches of derby girls, including my derby wives, and we hung out and laughed, several dressed in costume. (It was a costume thing).<br />
<br />
I took a few pictures, all blurry because it was 97.9999% humidity. After the derby party, the derby wives and a few others went to celebrate Snow White's birthday. Snow White wanted tacos and karaoke. In that order. And since it was her birthday, we obliged. (By the way, that's not a pseudonym... she was actually dressed as Snow White- all.night.long)<br />
<br />
I won't go into the details, but as a memory keeper, I took lots of pictures.<br />
Lots of blurry pictures.<br />
28 blurry pictures.<br />
<br />
But the blurry pictures, though not photographer quality, are some of my favorites ever taken. They tell the story of karaoke, late night tacos, and a run in with a bachelor party...<br />
<br />
They're not the best, but they show the best time ever. I was way out of my comfort zone, but with a bunch of other girls and we had the best time ever.<br />
<br />
And I have 28 blurry pictures to prove it.<br />
<br />
<br />
***<br />
Also, it should be noted that at last night's practice, boy {space} friend was not being a complete and utter jerk-face stupid-head anymore, and when KC asked about it, I said "I guess he was just in a mood and didn't want to be around people."<br />
<br />
To which she replied: "Oh, like you get sometimes."<br />
#TruthHurts<br />
#ButSheGetsMeJenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06277071174071598111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550349.post-17231543299458618432015-10-25T21:29:00.001-05:002015-10-25T21:29:10.768-05:00Sunday SurfingI really need to be doing about 47 other things, but clearing my browser is one of them.<br />
I've been in a real <i>mood</i> today because of too much derby drama and not enough derby skating.<br />
Also, the boy {space} friend is not on my good side right now...<br />
<br />
Anywasy...<br />
Fun stuffs on the interwebs!<br />
<br />
- <a href="http://mentalfloss.com/article/49935/10-very-costly-typos" target="_blank">10 Very Costly Typos</a><br />
I have some grammar nerds out there that will love this.<br />
<br />
- <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/jarrylee/im-bringing-paperback-them-other-books-dont-know-how-to-act?bffbmain&utm_term=.tbv0kQrvQA#.uqOq7zEQzD" target="_blank">24 hilarious book tweets</a><br />
I L'd at some of these. OL.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/25-words-your-kindergartner-must-know-before-first-grade" target="_blank">- 25 words your kindergartener must know before first grade.</a><br />
McSweeny again, and as usual, hilarious.<br />
<br />
- <a href="http://tumblr.austinkleon.com/post/120472862666" target="_blank">I must decline, for secret reasons.</a><br />
I love Keon's lists and letters as well...<br />
<br />
- <a href="http://sleepyti.me/" target="_blank">Sleepy time calculator</a><br />
Turns out I go to bed at exactly the right time to get up at 5:30... even on derby nights...<br />
<br />
-<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/oct/21/choice-stressing-us-out-dating-partners-monopolies" target="_blank">Too much choice is stressing us out.</a><br />
I can so relate to this... I have a really hard time at restaurants...<br />
<br />
That's all...<br />
<br />
Over and out.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06277071174071598111noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550349.post-59967009473794451402015-10-20T22:04:00.002-05:002015-10-20T22:06:54.876-05:00Boy {space} FriendI mentioned that I have a new friend.<br />
<div>
<a href="http://gatorphimu.blogspot.com/2015/10/so-recently-okay-this-weekend-i-read.html" target="_blank">A friend that is a boy.</a> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I said that if I was looking at him through the lens of an online dating profile, I would pass right over him. I wouldn't look twice, would write him off, and would miss an incredibly awesome and creative person. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I also might have said this:</div>
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">We're just friends. If he asked for more (which I doubt he will, as I think he's got a bit of a crush on one of the other derby girls), I would not hesitate to spend any time with him that I could because he's an amazing human being.</span></blockquote>
While he's not explicitly asking for "more," he <i>is</i> asking me to spend a lot of time with him.<br />
And I don't hesitate to say yes.<br />
<br />
When he asked me to meet him for dinner, I said yes, even though I'd already eaten and would be out way past my bed time.<br />
<br />
When a friend invited all the derby people to celebrate her birthday, and he asked if I wanted to go with him, I said yes, even though I wouldn't be leaving my house until 10pm and had absolutely no desire to go anywhere but under my covers.<br />
<br />
When he asked me to paint- and not the fun painting, like a canvas, but the boring painting, like a bunch of cinder blocks- I said yes, even though I'd be painting cinder blocks and making a complete mess of myself. (Don't worry- we went to a delicious dinner and he bought me ice cream afterwards...)<br />
<br />
So...<br />
I'm not sure where this is going.<br />
He's not my boyfriend. He's a boy, and he's my friend.<br />
He is a boy {space} friend. </div>
<div>
<br />
He's a boy {space} friend that I can't pretend around, as he's seen (and smelled) me at my absolute worst- after a roller derby practice. And still chosen to hang out with me.<br />
He's listened to me talk about my school day, and how this is a very stressful year, and how I'm insecure as a teacher for the first time in a long time. (And I've listened to him talk <i>at length </i>about derby this and derby that.) And he's listened to me talk about how I don't think I'm good enough, and I'm struggling, and he's encouraged me more than almost anyone.<br />
<br />
And anywhere we go- anywhere at all- he's brought along his coloring book and crayons, and despite being surrounded by all sorts of people, we just sit and color and talk.<br />
<br />
Despite Katiebug's advie to "punch through the friend zone," we are still just friends.<br />
<br />
And for now, I'm okay with not having to figure out what we're doing. We're just spending time together and <i>really </i>enjoying it.<br />
<br />
I could get used to having a boy {space} friend.<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06277071174071598111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550349.post-91357239862412952042015-10-18T13:04:00.000-05:002015-10-18T13:04:53.747-05:00Sunday Surfing v. 5Here's what I'm surfing as of late.<br />
But there's so much more floating around my brain.<br />
I might even try to blog about it...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://medium.com/message/every-celebrity-interview-6218d6df9f7a" target="_blank">Every Celebrity Interview</a><br />
Y'all. This is the funniest thing I've read in quite some time.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mydomaine.com/life-lessons-hillary-kerr-2015/slide20" target="_blank">23 things I wish I'd known at 23</a>.<br />
I can relate to a very many of these.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/news/photo/where-children-learn-inside-classrooms-around-world-n436286" target="_blank">Where Children Learn</a>:<br />
As a teacher, this is fascinating to me.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.scarymommy.com/10-commandments-being-southern-parent/" target="_blank">Ten Commandments of Southern Parents</a>:<br />
I am not a mother, but my mother followed most of these, and the Aunt religiously follows them. We.Are.Southern.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/nihilistic-password-security-questions" target="_blank">Nihilistic Password Security Questions</a>:<br />
I canNOT remember my security question passwords, but I might be able to remember some of these...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.u-createcrafts.com/free-halloween-adult-coloring-pages/" target="_blank">Halloween Coloring Pages</a>:<br />
We are BIG into coloring right now (story to come later) and these are definitely getting printed.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/2015/04/5-things-you-should-every-single-day-even-when-life-is-stressful.html" target="_blank">Five things you should do every day when life gets stressful</a>:<br />
Though I'm not a traditionally neat person, I actually do most of these every day. Which is good, as I'm in one of the more stressful times in a while.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://sweetberryfarm.com/" target="_blank">A corn maze</a>.<br />
In the shape of Texas. I'm TOTALLY doing this. (Probably on Thursday to be exact.)<br />
<br />
And more tee shirts I need:<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/218987293/my-brain-is-80-song-lyrics-tshirt-unisex?ref=shop_home_active_9" target="_blank">This</a><br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/209780476/play-with-fairies-ride-a-unicorn-swim?ref=shop_home_active_16" target="_blank">This</a><br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/224004306/too-sassy-for-you-tshirt-unisex-womens?ref=shop_home_active_22" target="_blank">This</a><br />
and most definitely <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/229914435/awkward-is-my-specialty-tshirts-for?ref=shop_home_active_21" target="_blank">this</a><br />
<br />
<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06277071174071598111noreply@blogger.com0