Things I'm Loving Friday L

Happy FRIDAY! Can you believe there are only TWO days until Christmas (if you celebrate Christmas, that is)? And if you celebrate Hanukkah, it's even closer. Time is absolutely flying, and I'll admit that while I don't have all of my Christmas shopping done yet, and I certainly don't have all my wrapping (aka stick the present in a Christmas bag and add some decorative tissue paper) and card-writing done, I'm almost there. And I plan on getting it totally finished today. I did some major gift-giving last week when I was delivering baked goods to all my teacher friends, and baking out the wazoo for my students because that's the deal I have with them -- every semester when final exams roll around, I'll reward their hard work with baked goods. They particularly enjoyed the slutty brownies.

But as much as I enjoyed baking for my students, I have more than enjoyed this break. I am batting 1,000 when it comes to naps, and I have already finished reading four books. I've caught up with friends, I've run quite a few miles, and I have spent some quality time with my precious pup. And now, it's time for another round of Things I'm Loving Friday.

Daring Greatly
I read Brené Brown's Rising Strong this past summer, and I have listened to a few of her TED talks, and I fell in love with her outlook and perspective on how we live our day-to-day lives. I was a little out of order, but I picked up Daring Greatly at Brazos Bookstore while doing some birthday shopping for my dad, and I finished it three days. Embracing vulnerability is what this one is all about, and she talks a lot about the difference between guilt and shame. I found so many points that are applicable in the classroom, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking to live a wholehearted life.

Chocolate Pretzel Bites
If you're looking for an easy, last-minute, aesthetically pleasing and also tasty treat to bring to your family Christmas, look no further than these chocolate pretzel bites. You'll probably spend more time arranging the pretzels and unwrapping the Hershey's Kisses than you will putting on the M&M finishing touch. All you need are a bag of window pane pretzels, Hershey's Kisses (or Hugs or holiday-themed Kisses), and holiday-themed M&M's. The beauty of this dessert is that it's customizable to any holiday. You unwrap a Hershey's Kiss, place it on top of the pretzel, and stick it in the oven heated to 350 degrees for two to three minutes, or until the Kisses begin to melt. As soon as you take them out of the oven, press down with an M&M so that the chocolate covers the pretzel. And that's it! They make a nice appearance, and you can make a lot of them in a small amount of time. And the best part is, all there is to clean up are the Hershey's Kisses wrappers. I'll take it. 

Anthropologie Golden Monogram Mug
I was (secretly) super bummed last semester when a student reached over my desk and accidentally shattered my golden "K" mug. It wasn't that it was worth a lot of money -- I got it for only $8, but I knew that because it was limited edition, I wouldn't be able to replace it. I don't drink coffee or tea, but I like to use mugs to hold my various pens, pencils, and 

highlighters, which is why it sat on my desk at school. So when I saw the email from Anthropologie that announced the return of these limited editions mugs, I jumped right on it and got myself a new one. TBD if I am going to bring it to school with me.

Josh Groban's 'O Holy Night'
Hands down my favorite Christmas song of all time. There were days when I listened to this song on repeat the entire drive to school. His voice is magical, and it's somewhat fitting that my favorite line of the entire song is "a thrill of hope; the weary world rejoices." I think we can all agree that 2016 has left us a little weary, and we'll take any ounce of hope that we can get going into 2017.

Cherry Glacier Gatorade Frost
I was never a big Gatorade drinker growing up. I really only started drinking it within these last couple of years because I'm the world's saltiest sweater, and I needed something to replenish the electrolytes I was losing while running. And I was always really grateful that yellow Gatorade is what is on the majority of race courses, because I thought that was the only flavor I liked. Rewind to a few months ago when the JV girls gave the freshmen girls a "Beat Lamar" basket, and in it was this Cherry Glacier Gatorade Frost. I put it in my refrigerator, not giving it a second thought until I came home from an exceptionally tough Sunday run and this was the only thing in the fridge. It was love at first gulp, and now it's my go-to flavor when stocking up on Gatorade. It sure has come in handy in these 70-degree December temps.

Define: Bounce

So, my last post saw me mentioning that I was hoping to do something this Christmas break besides just run, and though I have mainly stuck to running and walking my dog, I decided to give the Define studio just a ten-minute walk away a chance. The first class is free, and I wanted something that would be both low-impact - my shins have taken a beating - and fun. I contemplated taking a Body Pump class, but I knew that would leave me feeling so sore that my Thursday tempo run would suffer. I checked the Define website, and saw that there was a bounce class happening Wednesday morning, and for those of you who know me, you know that I love a good trampoline session. I was a little nervous when I got to the studio and I was told that this class was all about staying with the rhythm of the music because I've got very little rhythm. I ended up absolutely loving the class - the 45 minutes absolutely flew by, and my entire body got a workout. It may be low-impact, but it's seriously high in intensity, and FUN!

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The Stretch Factor
The only downside I see to this place is that it's a little bit of a drive for me, as it is located in Katy, Texas. It's easy enough for me to hop on the Westpark Tollway all the way there, and it's also an excuse for me to stop by my parents' house, as they live smack dab in the middle. This place, which just recently opened its doors, was introduced to me by a teacher at school. He's the same one who is kicking my butt with this running plan he has me on, but he promised me that this place is the real deal. And after just my introductory session, I was hooked. I practically floated off the table. Seriously. I'm notoriously bad about stretching, and I definitely don't place enough emphasis on it even though I know I should. The Stretch Factor is 30 minutes (or an hour) of personalized stretching that I could absolutely not achieve on my own. They focus on your individual needs as an athlete and a human being, and target areas that will help you to maximize your performance and get the most out of your life. I've chatted with both Ryan S. and Ryan T., and they have been nothing but helpful and knowledgeable. Because I am running with more focus and more intensity, I see this as another step in the run and recovery process. Anyone can benefit from a visit to The Stretch Factor, so take advantage of that free 30-minute consultation!

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And on that note, I'm off to get some stuff done around the apartment. It's a wet morning here in Houston, so it's perfect for crossing a few things off the to-do list. Have a great one!

Foodie Survey

Happy Sunday! I’m not sure how we went from the freezing Friday temperatures to temperatures in the 70’s today, but this is Houston and I suppose I should be used to it by now, right? Last night I was glad to be bundled up in a tacky Christmas sweater as I made my way over to a friend's apartment for an Ugly Sweater party, but this morning I walked outside and the weather had done a complete 180.

Throwback to 2010, in case you're wondering if I've always been this way

I have yet to motivate myself to get out and run the nine miles that I need to run, but I think I’m just bitter that it’s 70 degrees in the middle of December. DECEMBER. Especially when we’ve had a little taste of winter. But before I get too riled up about the weather, let’s start this Sunday off with a survey, shall we?

LIST 5 THINGS YOU EAT/DRINK EVERY DAY

·         Water, obviously

·         Yogurt

·         Something with chocolate (okay, multiple things)

·         Chicken

·         Fruit – right now I have an obsession with mango

WHAT ARE 3 THINGS YOU REFUSE TO EAT?

There are many things I refuse to eat – I’ve been a picky eater for as long as I can remember, but I’ll stick to the survey requirements.

·         Creamy sauce of any kind – The fact that I’m lactose intolerant makes this an easy choice.

·         Oysters – I just can’t get over the texture.

·         Doughnuts – I know this is such a weird food to refuse to eat, but something about the smell of them just makes me cringe. Even as a kid I was able to take maybe three bites before pushing it aside, and though I enjoy making donuts, I won’t eat them.

WHAT IS THE WORST THING YOU’VE EVER COOKED?

This is embarrassing to admit, but I’m really horrible at using the crock pot. How a person can be bad at using a crock pot, I really don’t know, but I can’t seem to get it right. I’m much better at the traditional pots, pans, and oven method of cooking. And I’ve butchered more than a few dessert recipes along the way, too.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LABOR OF LOVE?

Made-from-scratch baked goods. I understand that boxed cookies are much easier and much less of a mess than it is to make cookies from scratch (and I’m not hating on the pre-made stuff, as I use those often), but homemade baked goods really do taste so much better. And I think this Fourth of July layer cake was probably the most labor-intensive cake I’ve ever made, but you have to admit, it sure is pretty!

WHAT ARE YOUR 5 FAVORITE THINGS TO SPLURGE ON?

·         Hopdoddy hamburgers – Worth the hour+ wait, worth the few extra dollars, and worth the extra cals.

·         Local Foods Garden Sammie – I live about a half mile away, and my bank account is feeling this splurge.

·         Frozen yogurt – Always hits the spot, and always worth it.

·         Bacon – I rarely crave bacon, but when I do crave it, there’s no stopping me.

·         Verts Mediterranean Grill – There’s one just down the road from my parents’ house, and I go all out – the kebap and sweet potato fries – and I enjoy every bite.

SALTY OR SWEET?

Salty. I have a really hard time turning down popcorn, (healthy-ish) chips, or French fries – especially if they’re from Hungry’s.

FAVORITE MEAL OF THE DAY?

BREAKFAST. I eat the equivalent of about three breakfasts, and I would be fine eating breakfast food for every meal of the day.

WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO COCKTAIL?

I’m just a big fan of wine. I used to be a white wine only kind of girl, but I’ve since learned the error of my ways and I no longer discriminate.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT GUILTY PLEASURE?

Sweet potato fries. I did a dangerous thing where I keep AlexiaWaffle-Cut Sweet Potato Fries in my freezer, and sometimes I come home from school just craving them. And nine times out of ten, I give into that craving. I also love gelato, and I’ve got an excellent gelato establish just down the street from my apartment. Dangerous.

CURRENT FAVORITE HEALTHY SNACK

My giant Oatmeal-Zucchini-Banana-Chocolate Chip Muffins. They’re healthy (they contain vegetables, duh), yet they still satisfy that sweet tooth. Plus, they freeze really well, so I can whip up a bunch when I’m feeling particularly domestic and have them for a week or two.

And on that note, I'm off to run and get a jump start on my Christmas baking and card-writing. I've already created a fun (well, I think it's fun) finals review game for my students, and I've already mentioned that all I've got left to grade are final exams. I suppose I could get ahead for next semester, but I think a little downtime is necessary every once in a while. Besides, what else will I do while my students are testing? 

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday! 

Things I'm Loving XXXV

Happy FRIDAY! This Friday is a little bit happier than usual, as it is my LAST Friday of my very first year of teaching. And what's better is that we are giving final exams today, and my only final exam of the day is over at 10:00am. While I still have to scan and enter grades, I'll be home well before I normally would. So I really have no room to complain. And I really have no room to complain, as today is my last day with my seventh period class. While I really do love those students, that class has most definitely tested my patience throughout the course of this semester. Miss Tomlinson learned how to get tough quick. But before I dance my way out of school in happiness, let's get going on our 35th edition of Things I'm Loving Friday.


Brownie Cookies
Also known as the Brookie. Mrs. Watson, if you're reading this, this one goes out to you. I told my students that I would bake them something on the day of their final, and as I mentioned above, today is seventh period's time to shine. I wanted to keep things simple, because these kids really don't want anything exotic, and I decided on the best of both worlds - the brownie cookie. Now, I have dabbled with the Brookie on many occasions, but I have always made them in brownie form. This time I made them in cookie form, and I'm going to go ahead and say that these are going to be a hit. You just can't go wrong with this combo.

An ode to seventh period

Monsters University
Okay, I'll admit it. If you would have walked into my classroom this week, you would believe the stereotype that "teachers don't really do anything." Is that a stereotype anymore? Anyway, while I have made sure to go over every single part of the final exam review, in both reading and in English, I will also say that I have put in Monsters University for my students' viewing pleasure. With an altered schedule this week, I've had some of my classes for two hours some days, and some days I don't see some classes, and to be honest, how else am I supposed to keep high school freshmen entertained for two hours without showing a movie? And this was the most attentive I've seen some of them in a while. But their expressions and giggles throughout the length of the movie were absolutely priceless, and it reminded me that they're still just little kids. My heart was full. And I myself enjoyed the movie along with them.

The Egg and I
Continuing on with my Teacher of the Year acts, yesterday was sixth period's turn to be in session for two hours. And throughout this semester I've set up shop in the English department lounge with another teacher who has a floater in his room that period. Yesterday we decided to take advantage of our two-and-a-half hour lunch break by getting away from school for a little bit and taking a trip to The Egg and I. Though I have one just minutes away from where I live, I hadn't been there in months, and I more than enjoyed my Chicken Apple Sausage Scramble. Great food, and some great company. So, Mr. Olsen, if you're reading this, thanks for being a mentor-type to this rookie teacher. You really made me feel a part of the Bellaire family, and I am so very appreciative.

Mother always told you to eat a good breakfast

What to Do When Your Life Doesn't Go as Planned
I really loved this article. As I think back to a year ago when I graduated college, I was wide-eyed and full of excitement and ready to dive into the whole real world thing. I graduated with high honors, I had a rockin' job, a great boyfriend, and about 100 other things going my way. And then I moved home and started working and it was hard. I was about as miserable as one could be, but I pasted a smile on my face and said, "It's great; I love it" when asked about my job. It wasn't great, and I didn't love it. And Dylan and I were navigating the long-distance waters, and things started getting choppy. And that was hard. What was supposed to be an exciting time in my life had me longing for everything I had left in the past. Nothing was going as planned. But somewhere around the first of the year, I let go of all expectations and simply enjoyed the moment that I was in. I let my current season shape me, and I practiced being and living in the moment. I chose to be grateful for each day, and ultimately, I chose to trust the One who holds my future.

Now when asked, I really do love my job

Healthy Breakfasts
It's no secret around here that I'm a big time breakfast lover. It's my absolute favorite meal of the day. And while I still love my scrambled egg whites and spinach, it's nice to mix things up every now and again. And contrary to popular belief, healthy breakfast doesn't have to be boring. I know many people love it, but I just can't do oatmeal. It's something about the texture. But there's more to a healthy breakfast than oatmeal. In fact, this article highlights 28 healthy and delicious breakfast recipes. And a lot of these recipes are really pretty easy. And they're just begging you to add your own personal twist.

And that's all I've got, because I've got a final to administer. Catch y'all later!

Lasts Survey

Okay, how is it the last Sunday of March? Where in the world has the time gone? I apologize for not checking back in with you guys yesterday after my half marathon, but I was movin' and groovin' ever since my mom and I made it home from Lost Pines. Well, not really, considering I went up to the MAC and tanned by the pool for about an hour, but after that, I was out and about running all kinds of errands. And when I got home, all I wanted to do was sit on the couch and watch March Madness.

So, let's back up a little bit. My mom and I arrived at Lost Pines right around 6:30pm. We checked into our room, made ourselves comfortable, and while my mom turned on basketball, I walked around the grounds a little bit. Though I have been to Lost Pines before, I wanted to check out the starting and finish line, and just spend some time outside, as it was a beautiful evening.

The race wasn't scheduled to start until 7:30am, and because I was literally three minutes away from the starting line, I didn't have to wake up until just after 6:00am. That's later than when I wake up for school! So though it was still early, it was later than I usually wake up, both on a school day and on a race day, so I can't even complain about the early hour. It was a crisp, cool morning, and while I was a little chilly at first in just shorts and a tank top, that outfit proved to be just perfect during the race.

This race, y'all, was one of my favorites. I know, I say that after every race, but I couldn't have picked a better day for a 13.1 mile run. Though I'd venture to say the hills are even more prevalent than they are in Austin, something was so different about this race. I didn't start questioning my thought process until mile 11, but at this point I was weaving through the golf course, feeling as though I was at my grandfather's old house in Indian Wells, California. Somehow I made it to the finish line. And while it wasn't my fastest half marathon, finishing a very hilly course in under two hours, after taking almost three weeks off from running, is not something to scoff at. And, I finished 3rd in my age group! I give all the credit to KT Tape for getting me through this one!

Zooma truly puts on a great race, and I am so glad that I got to be a part of it. I love running the huge, popular races, but I also really enjoyed running this smaller, more intimate race. It never felt crowded, and I ran with some of the same women throughout the entire race. Zooma, you did your Texas race well, and I am already checking out the other Zooma race destinations. And Lost Pines, you hosted wonderfully, and I am already itching for a return trip. You exude "Texas" with your very real longhorns and abundance of bluebonnets, and I thoroughly enjoyed my 13 hilly miles.

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Last food you ate:
A couple of cuties. I go through those things like crazy these days!

Last beverage you drank:

Water, of course! I don’t like soft drinks, or juice, really, so if it’s not a glass of wine or a fruity cocktail, it’s surely just water.

Last workout you did:

Yesterday’s half marathon. Does that count as a workout? And I’ll probably find the time today to squeeze in a short swim, as it will not only stretch out my sore muscles, but it will also get my mind off of tomorrow. Which we won’t even go into right now.

Last thing you pinned:

Ha, I feel like I’m being called out on this one, because, whoops, I probably spend too much time on Pinterest, but the last thing I pinned was a picture of the cherry blossoms in Bonn, Germany. Wanderlust.

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Last blog you visited:
I actually hadn't consciously visited a blog recently, but this question inspired me to pay a visit to Julie's blog, Peanut Butter Fingers. 

Last tweet you sent: 
I retweeted this photo of Dwight Howard, James Harden, and Kevin McHale laying a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier. I have been to this tomb, and it is extremely moving. So, to see some of the greatest players the NBA has ever seen paying this tribute to the soldiers who have fought for our country.

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Last place you visited:

Bastrop? Is that even considered a vacation? I kind of feel like it is because we stayed at Lost Pines Resort, which, if you haven’t been, rocks. But in less than two weeks I’ll be exploring San Francisco like a local with four of my best friends. And I cannot waiiiiiit!

Last time you did ab work:

I actually can’t remember the last time I did concentrated ab work, but I have incorporated core exercises into both this circuit workout and this circuit workout.

Last show you watched:

Does March Madness count as a show? Because that’s what was on TV all of yesterday. And I don't hate it.

Unfortunately, I had Arizona in my Final Four (Source)

Last thing you baked:

I baked some chewy chocolate chunk cookies last Sunday evening, just because I was in complete denial about the fact that I had to go back to school after a week of total relaxation. My parents enjoyed that procrastination strategy!

Last thing you Instagrammed:

A picture of me crossing the finish line of yesterday's half marathon. Shout out to my mom's iPhone 3 for capturing this gem.

Last item on your to-do list today:

Watch Duke make it to the Final Four. Go Blue Devils!

Have a great Sunday! I'll see you guys once I am F-R-E-E from the wrath of the STAAR test. Say an extra prayer for my kiddos, because Lord knows they need it!

Spring Break To Do List

Okay, so I didn’t tell you my whole running story yesterday. I was on such a runner’s high that I didn’t want to share this embarrassing story with you guys until today. It’s sure to make you laugh, because if it’s not one thing, it’s another. So, I was about 3.5 miles into my run when the water I chugged just before I left caught up with me. I was running up Kirkwood when I decided I would run into a neighborhood family favorite – Sam’s Deli Diner – to use their bathroom. I walked in, said hi to the people working, and asked if I could use their bathroom. Getting the okay, I headed toward the back of the restaurant, I guess not noticing the “Wet Floor” sign. I’m sure you know where this is going. But I’ll paint a picture for you anyway. I must have been walking too fast, slipped, grabbed a chair in an effort to catch myself, and proceeded to fall to the floor. I did land on my elbow, but I think I hurt my pride more than I hurt the bone. But I got up and walked it off and I lived to tell the tale. Thankfully, the restaurant wasn’t too crowded, and I hurried out without making eye contact with anyone. Happy hump day to me!

And because we have O N E school day left to spring break, I thought I’d share my Spring Break To-Do List with you guys. It’s more general than specific, but these are a couple of the things I hope to accomplish on my N I N E glorious days off from school. I am so glad my spring break wasn’t this week, because the weather has not been very spring break-esque. My fingers are crossed for sunshine next week so that I can finally get a little bit of color into my vampire-like skin.

Spring Break To Do List

Try three new restaurants

• I have a Houston Restaurant List that is about a mile long. While Houston has plenty to do, our restaurant scene has got to be our claim to fame. And I’m a little bummed that I spent so much of my life eating at restaurants in my own little Memorial bubble, and even then I’ve missed some good ones, because there are so many good ones out there in Midtown, Montrose, the Heights, and Rice Village. So, this break I am going to try at least three new restaurants, though I can almost guarantee that Hungry’s will make a spring break appearance. Old habits die hard.

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Read a book

• This past Sunday I finished reading Mindy Kaling’s book, and I have yet to start a new one. This spring break I am going to start (and finish!) one of the many, many books that I have recently purchased. Once upon a time I told myself that I would finish all of the books I already have before buying any new ones. Ask me how long that vow was kept.

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Declutter

• Remember the 30-Day Minimalism Challenge? Yeah, I haven’t been consciously completing that one very well. But one thing I really want to accomplish is decluttering my room, my closet, my bathroom (which I’ve pretty much already done), my car (this is an ongoing goal), my computer (both school and personal), and my cell phone. Let me explain a little bit. I repainted and redid my room over LABOR DAY WEEKEND. How many months ago was that? And I still have boxes of things that I never really unpacked when I moved home from Austin. I think I was in denial. Or lazy. Or busy. I’ll let you be the judge. Anyway, organization has got to happen. And as for my car. Well, I seem to live out of my car, and I would be embarrassed if anyone were to look inside and see all that I keep in there. And last but not least, we have technology. I have this habit of taking screen shots of quotes or workouts or restaurants that I like or want to remember or try out of visit, and then I don’t do anything with them. Which may be why my phone constantly tells me that it’s almost out of storage. I want to write those quotes or workouts down and keep them all in one document on my computer so that I can delete the photos off of my phone. And speaking of computers, it’s time to go through both my personal computer and my school computer and get rid of unnecessary photos, documents, and downloads. Organization is the motto this break! 

Watch a movie

• I’m a horrible movie-watcher. It’s hard for me to sit down and just watch and enjoy a movie, however, there are many movies that I do want to watch or see. So, my goal is sit down, watch, and enjoy a new-to-me movie. Because there are too many movies that I just haven’t seen. And maybe I’ll even make my way over to an Alamo Drafthouse because evidently teachers get free admission to one movie from March 7 – March 22 for their self-proclaimed Teacher Appreciation Week(s). I can dig it.

Play volleyball

• I’m sure you guys know by now that I played a little volleyball back in my day. And that I coach a little bit in my spare time. Just in case you’re new around here. And I really, really miss playing volleyball. I played some this summer and I absolutely loved getting back into it. And I’ve told myself now that I’m back in Houston I am going to attend open gym at Spike Sport Volleyball Club. It doesn’t start until 8:30pm, and we all know that’s getting close to my bedtime. But a couple of our volleyball managers play for the men’s club there, and they say that open gym is a good, competitive time. So it’s my goal over spring break to attend at least one open gym, because coming back to the game you played for so long is just like riding a bike – It never really leaves you.

Try two new recipes

• Ever since I moved back home, baking has been going strong. Cooking, on the other hand, well, not so much. And I’m really good at pinning really pretty and delicious-looking recipes on Pinterest, but I never actually follow through and make them. It’s just so easy to have leftovers or eat whatever my parents are eating, that I don’t take the time to cook anything for myself. Maybe I could even cook something for my parents, to attempt to thank them for all that they do for me. And if I don’t get back on the cooking grind now, I’ll lose my touch and end up being one of those people who eats only Lean Cuisine in the event that I do move out of my parents’ house. Don’t worry, it will happen, just not quite yet. So, in addition to trying three new restaurants, I also want to try two new recipes, one of which has to be an actual meal, not a dessert.  I’ll likely pick a recipe that includes Brussels sprouts, because I’ve been craving that tasty veggie lately.  

Zucchini Noodles are high on my list (Source)

Try something new

• This one is really open to interpretation. Maybe it will be a new exercise class, a new skill or hobby, a new activity, if you will, but I want to do something outside of my comfort zone. Not even my comfort zone, but just something out of the ordinary. I’m sure it won’t be too hard to find something that fits this bill!

And on that note, I’m off to make sure I’ve got everything covered for the week after spring break. My last goal is to not do any school work over the break. And I’m starting that one off on the right foot by giving in and showing a movie tomorrow in my English classes. So sue me.

Things I'm Loving Friday XXIV

And we made it to Friday. Phew. I feel as though it’s been a longer week than usual because I really laid into my kids about the importance of these next three (now two) school weeks. I made it very clear to my students that if they are going to goof off and distract the rest of the class, they can spend the rest of the class sitting with their assistant principal. There is too much material left to be covered and reiterated for one or two students to be distracting the entire class. And I think some of them took it seriously, considering I wrote up F O U R students in one day. I mean business, and when they won’t listen to me, they will listen to their AP. Or not, but that’s an even bigger issue.

To BRIGHTEN up your Friday

Moving on to more positive things, let’s get this Friday started with another rendition of Things I’m Loving Friday.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)

I briefly mentioned that my uncle gifted me this book for my 23^rd birthday, and I just recently started reading it. It is another one of those easy reads, but it is absolutely hilarious. I feel as though it is perfect for someone like me who is in her early 20’s, but bridging the gap between dependent college student and independent young adult. Mindy plays that “Girl Next Door” role well, and she hilariously and honestly takes us with her on a very relatable journey through different stages of her life.

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Full House

I often join my parents as they play one another in Wheel of Fortune, but they often have something else scheduled after that. Grey’s Anatomy, Blue Bloods, or occasionally My 600 Pound Life. Yeah, I take that as my cue to head to the MAC. But one show that I grew up watching, literally, I grew up with MK&A, and one that will never get old, is Full House. Just try and tell me that you didn’t wish you were a part of the Tanner family? Full of valuablelife lessons and unforgettable catchphrases (HOW RUDE!), I love reverting back to my childhood for that little bit of time each evening (or the occasional evening is probably more accurate), and having some “Aww” moments along the way.

 

How 90's is this photo? (Source)

Girl Scout Cookie Desserts

You only thought they were a danger to your waistline. That is, until you learned these cookies could be made into a decadent dessert. When I saw this blog, titled “75 Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Recipes,” I knew it was calling my name. I used to be a Girl Scout myself, you know. I even sold the most cookies out of my entire troop one year. But I digress. Our JV volleyball coach has a daughter who is selling cookies, therefore, she is selling cookies. I had resisted buying them for so long, but after reading this article, it was no longer meant to be. So, I created these Mini Caramel DeLite Cheesecakes, according to this recipe. I wanted to share them with my English I team, as stress levels seem to be running a bit high these days. I’m going to go ahead and toot my own horn and say that they were a hit. And as a total sidenote, I have a little bit of animosity towards those who call Caramel DeLites “Samoas,” Peanut Butter Patties “Tagalongs,” and Peanut Butter Sandwiches “Do-Si-Do’s.” I know it has to do with where you live and which cookie comply supplies your region, but still. Houston forever.

 

Using this picture because it's much prettier than mine (Source)

Prank With a Twist

Here’s a little something to warm your heart on this chilly Friday. Now, many senior classes pull a prank, as a way of leaving a mark on their school before graduation. Most of them are more funny than dangerous, but this one is a prank with a little bit of a twist. When a student handed the principal at a Kansas high school a bucket and told him to hold it, this principal was rightfully skeptical. However, students surprised him by dropping note after note after note into the bucket. And every single note was a note of encouragement or thanks or praise. They ranged from general to personal, and this principal said these notes are “better than a paycheck.” I would have to agree with him. What a cool way to be rewarded for all of the hard work you have put in over the years. As a reminder more to myself than anyone reading this, it does not go unnoticed.

 

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Honey I'm Good

I may be late to the game on this one, but I love this song. Not only is it extremely catchy, but it has a message that is a breath of fresh air. It is so common for famous people - and normal people, really - to be tempted by their young and good-looking admirers while on the road. They're out there, and there's just no denying it. But to see couples who have been together, anywhere from a few months to 70 years, it reminds you that "there's something really special about staying together." I must warn you - this song will get stuck in your head.

And that’s all I’ve got for you today. Fingers crossed my shin feels good enough to get in a run this weekend. I’ll surely keep you guys posted. Have a great one! 

*Edit - I just realized I've actually been in the real world for SEVEN months. Whoops. See this post. Good thing I added one more for good measure!

Things I'm Loving Friday XXIII

F R I D A Y! We made it! And just ask me how much of a struggle walking up three flights of stairs was this morning. And then I had to walk back down and up again because I left my set of classroom keys in my car. Maybe I'm in long-distance running shape, but I'm nowhere near being in Felipe shape. You win some, you lose some, I guess. And today, I'm definitely losing. But as my students would tell you, "failure can strengthen a person because it motivates them to do better next time." You can tell I've got expository essays on the brain. And I actually sat down and wrote one myself the other day. More on that later.

I selfishly love Fridays, because the day doesn't really start until after lunch for me. I give my reading classes a quiz every Friday, though today I am going to have to spend a little bit of time going over affect vs. effect, as evidenced by the practice they did yesterday, and I give them the entire class period to do it. When they finish they have time to catch up on homework for their other classes, kind of as a "Congrats, we all made it to Friday!" And even in English, I've been doing essay conferences with my kiddos, so they have been responsible for reading the last four chapters of A Lesson Before Dying and completing the study guides on their own before the exam on Monday. Some have been responsible. Others, not so much. But today I'll spend the last 20 or so minutes of class reviewing for the exam, and those who pay attention will really benefit from it. So, a relatively easy Friday. And it's Go Texan Day! You know I couldn't continue onto our regularly scheduled Things I'm Loving Friday without mentioning that. The Rodeo Cook-off kicked off last night, and the first concert of the season is Tuesday, March 3rd. I absolutely love Houston Rodeo season, and though a lot of the concerts that I want to attend are not during my spring break, I am still hoping to make it out to a few of them. I guess I can handle getting a little less sleep than usual! And you better believe I'm sporting my boots today. I'm a Texas girl through and through!

Now, let's move on, shall we?

Things I'm Loving Friday

Scary Close
Guys, I started and finished a book in three days. DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR. That's how good Donald Miller's Scary Close is. Seriously, if you do one thing this next week, purchase a physical copy from Barnes & Noble, order a copy from Amazon, or download a copy to your e-Reader. This book made me think in such a new way about relationships. And not just romantic relationships, but relationships with people in general. Friends, family, co-workers, and everyone in between. How we can't put up a wall if we want to have real relationships. Vulnerability is hard, but it's absolutely necessary. I can't tell you how many quotes I wrote down while reading this book. And because you guys know how much I love a good quote, I'll share a few of them with you.

• "Those of us who are never satisfied with our accomplishments secretly believe nobody will love us unless we’re perfect."
• "Life is more about connecting with people than it is about competing with them"
• "Sometimes the story we're telling the world isn't half as endearing as the one that lives inside us."

Like I said, it will change the way you approach relationships. And if you want another book to go along with that, read Love Does by Bob Goff. Love Does Stuff, y'all.

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Red Velvet Oreos
Oreos are one of the only cookies I can actually eat, thanks to the fact that it contains no milk byproducts. How that is possible, I am not entirely sure. But every once in a while I let myself indulge in one or two. And though these limited-edition Red Velvet Oreos feature a cream cheese center, there is neither cream nor cheese present within these cookies. That being said, I did not taste test these cookies, because I had to use every last one of the 20 cookies that came in that $4.50 box. Yeah, I know. But these Red Velvet Oreo Cupcakes from My Baking Addiction looked too good to pass up. I surprised a couple of my CPA-studying friends with them, and fingers crossed they brought some good luck along with their good taste.

New Houston
It is no secret that I love Houston. I was born here, I was raised here, and to be honest, I would be perfectly fine if I never moved out of Houston. Moved out of my childhood home, of course, but the city itself? I love it. And so do other people, evidently. Yes, the traffic is a huge bummer, but find me a big city without it. Seriously, I might consider moving there. Anyway, our fine arts scene is top of the line, our restaurant selection might, dare I say it, be better than Austin, it is diverse, in many senses of the word, and the people here are some of the friendliest. Again, though, probably not on the freeway. If you're going to live in Houston, you have to be an aggressive driver.

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Harry Potter Magic
If you're new around here, I love Harry Potter. I hope that doesn't offend you. But I wish I could make all of my students read at least the first book, so that their eyes could be opened to the magic of this world. Literally and figuratively. So, Harry Potter combined with BuzzFeed? Yeah, that just can't be beat. This article featuring 34 of the Most Magical Sentences in the Harry Potter Books almost had me in tears. Seriously. Magic. And you can't deny the valuable lessons found within the 7,000+ pages.

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Lavett & Chinn Original Sea Salt Texturizing Mist
And for those of you who don't want to mess with purchasing three products, or put three different products in your hair, I have found a new curly hair product obsession, courtesy of J. Crew. Let's be honest, who doesn't wish she could recreate those perfect and effortless waves that form after a day spent at the beach? Especially in the frigid (am I being too dramatic again?) temperatures we are currently experiencing. And I may even like this product a little bit better. It makes my hair more wavy than curly, which suits my rounder face much better. Plus, that gives it a little added length, which is much-wanted after recently chopping off a couple of inches.

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I hope your Friday is a great one! Tonight is sure to be low-key, because some of my friends have a belated birthday surprise scheduled for tomorrow night. I have absolutely no idea what it could be, but you know I'll be back with a full report!

And before I completely sign off, I am absolutely puzzled over #TheDress debate. What color do you see? Black and blue? Or white and gold? Please weigh in, because the whole thing just baffles me. In the words of Ellen, the world may forever be divided between those who see black and blue, and those who see white and gold. For the record, I see white and gold, but there were instances where I glanced at it and saw black and blue. And I really can't wait to hear what my students have to say about this pressing issue.