Things I'm Loving Friday LVI

I'm really glad I picked the last week of (my) summer to start writing again. I'm not sure what has gotten into me, but maybe I'll pop in a time or two over these next couple of months when inspiration hits me. Or when I have a free moment and something I want to share. But let's just focus on the fact that I'm getting a post out today. Another roundup of some Things I'm Loving lately, so without further ado, enjoy!

I Skeptically Tried Practicing Gratitude

If you have been around for awhile, then you know how much of a sucker I am for articles like this. If you start losing yourself on Instagram, you'll see a lot of posts with captions that include the word "grateful". And I totally understand that that word can elicit eye rolls from many. But I totally believe in the gratitude thing. There's a lot of negativity around us. And it's really easy to find things to complain about. But by consciously focusing on just five specific things to be grateful for each day, that's a game changer in my opinion. When I'm having "one of those days", I have to remind myself that every day may not be great, but that there's something great in every day. A little gratitude can go a long, long way, and I'm hoping to pick the habit back up at the start of the new school year.

11/22/63 by Stephen King

And with my 11th book of the summer, I present to you this monster written by Stephen King. This book had been on my list forever, but I was a little intimidated by the sheer length of it. I was an English major in college, and I am an English teacher, but I avoided reading a book because I thought it was too long. So, okay. Anyway, I borrowed this book from a friend and let it sit on my bedside table for a week or so before grabbing it as I was heading out the door for the airport on my way to Chicago. And guys, if you haven't read it yet, do yourself a favor and READ IT! I'm incredibly fascinated by the Kennedy family, and this book ultimately deals with trying to travel back in time to try and stop the JFK assassination. But more than that it deals with the idea of love and the butterfly effect and history and dancing and sappiness and do-overs and what ifs and some truly extraordinary characters. Once I really got into it I absolutely could not put it down, and though it is only my second Stephen King book, I see there being more in my future. 

Off-the-Shoulder/Cold Shoulder Tops

Sometimes I'm super on board with the big summer trend. Other times I'm not. This summer I'm 100% on board and then some. I absolutely love the off the shoulder trend that is taking over the Instagram world. Living in Houston (and honestly anywhere), summer months call for as little clothing as possible. But is still appropriate. Tank tops are always a go-to, but I'll be the first to admit that my arms are not my favorite part of my body. I'll rock shorts in the middle of December, but this off-the-shoulder and/or cold shoulder trend allows me to stay cool while not having to feel self-conscious about my upper body. It's a win-win! My favorite OTS top is this one -- only $35 from Nordstrom and it comes in so many fun summer colors! And I recently purchased a couple of OTS dresses from Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale and I can't wait for them to come in.

Dairy-Free Cupcakes
This really only helps my Chicago readers (do I even have any of you guys?), but this cupcake tasted so good that I think it's worth posting about. While on the Signature Dishes tour through Bobby's Bike Hike (which, if you are ever in Chicago, I highly recommend you do this tour -- we had a blast), we stopped for deep dish pizza, cupcakes, Chicago dogs, and beer. I was thrilled when we walked into this cute little bakery – Swirlz – and saw that there were multiple dairy-free options. For those who have a gluten intolerance, there are also gluten-free options available! I opted for the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and even after telling myself I would only eat half, I ate every last crumb. And I think that's more important than the fact that the cupcake tasted delicious is the fact that I allowed myself to eat it. The entire thing. I honestly couldn't tell you the last time I let myself eat an actual dessert that wasn't a cop-out like one scoop of sorbet or a bowl of fruit or something. And you would think I would understand this by age 25, but as it turns out, I didn't gain five pounds, it didn't affect how I performed during my half marathon, and while it's not something I am going to indulge in every single day, it was a sweet reminder that I can allow myself a treat every now and again.

Bitmoji
I know I'm incredibly behind the times here. But to be fair, I knew about Bitmoji as it was becoming popular, I just never acted on it. And the reason I finally created my Lizzie McGuire voice is because I saw other educators using Bitmoji in various Google forms, and I wanted to do the same. I'm definitely thinking of having my students create theirs so it can be used throughout the school year, but for now I'm enjoying communicating with my friends solely through Bitmoji expressions. 

Maze Dog Bowl

This one was an absolute game changer for Mack. And I actually learned about while on one of my dog-sitting assignments this summer. One of the dogs I stayed with was a Doberman, and they tend to scarf down their food in about four seconds flat. That's typically not very good for a pup's digestion, so his owner showed me her way of slowing the giant down - a Maze Bowl. My beagle is also one to just scarf down his food, cleaning his bowl in less than 30 seconds, but this particular bowl causes him to to take minutes to eat his mere half a cup of food (he's also on a slight diet, so I'm pretty sure he's always hungry). He has to actually work for his food, so I like to think that he's enjoying it a little bit more this way. These bowls come in different sizes depending on the size of your dog, and it is probably the best $9 I've spent in a while.

Have a great Friday, everyone! Make sure and do something fun and summery this weekend -- fingers crossed for sunshine here in Houston so I can get some last-minute work on my summer tan. Priorities!

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!

Things I'm Loving Friday XLIX

Happy FriYAY! It's a cold one down here in Houston, so I can only assume that it's even chillier in other parts of the state and country. But it’s been a hot minute since I have posted a Things I’m Loving Friday, but I’m committed to making this blog a regular part of my routine again, so here it goes!

Powerbeats2 Wireless In-Ear Headphones

I finally bit the bullet and solved my headphone problem. I figured if I’m going to get serious about one day (hopefully in the near-ish future) qualifying for the Boston Marathon, then I had better get the gear that will help make it possible. Not that there’s anything wrong with the headphones that I currently use, but on my longer, faster runs, they sometimes fall out of my ears. And then there are the days when I just don’t know what to do with the length of the wires. You would think after five solid years of running I would have it figured out, but these wireless headphones are the answer to all my problems. It took me a little while to get used to over-the-ear headphones, but they stay on while I’m running, and in my opinion, the sound quality is excellent. As silly as it sounds, every second counts when it comes to qualifying for Boston, and I would hate for it to come down to a headphone malfunction.

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Longhorn Coaches

I’ll admit that I’m bragging a little bit with this one. It was the start of 3^rd period yesterday, and our head football coach popped his head into my classroom just as I was explaining to my class what we were going to be doing that day, telling me to step outside for a minute because he had a surprise for me. My jaw dropped when I was greeted by two HUGE men wearing burnt orange Longhorn warm-ups. I quickly figured out that it was Oscar Giles and Michael Huff, who are football coaches at the University of Texas, and they were visiting Bellaire to, I assume, take a look at some of our football players. 

And I love to think that some of our students’ college football dreams could be coming true. It puts a smile on my face that is equivalent to the one I’m wearing as I got to put my horns up alongside two coaches who will hopefully help bring the winning tradition back to Longhorn football. I truly couldn’t stop smiling the entire rest of the day knowing that the people I work with not only knew how much it would mean to me to get to meet them, but that these two coaches took the time to shake my hand and thank me for the work that I’m doing. Hook ‘em horns!

Adidas Superstar

Guys, this pair of shoes was the best purchase I ever could have made. I bought them on such a whim – I saw someone at school wearing a pair of black and white Adidas Superstars, and it reminded me of the stylish orange and white pair I had back in the day. I did a quick search to see if there was anything in the red and white realm, because school spirit, obviously, and ever since I got them in the mail sometime around mid-October, I wear them to school at least once a week. They’re comfortable and stylish. I say this because I always get compliments from my students whenever I wear them. And when your students compliment you on your shoe choice, you know you’re rockin’ it.

Harry Potter and the Sacred Text

Podcasts are the new “it” thing these days. And I’ll admit that I’m jumping on board. My school next-door neighbor told me about this podcast, and being the Harry Potter lover that I am, I knew I had to check it out. I was driving from my apartment to the Memorial area in rush-hour traffic just this last week, and I had more than enough time to finish the first episode (?). And I absolutely loved it. I’m already a huge fan of Harry Potter, and one college summer I wrote an entire blog post about how much the Harry Potter series means to me, and how it’s more than just a “wizarding world.” It’s chock full of valuable lessons, and this podcast decodes the text in such a way that makes it meaningful to our own lives. Each episode explores a central theme, and even after listening to just one episode over the topic of commitment, I’m hooked.

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Nine Easy Ways to Fit Mindfulness Into Your Daily Life

I don’t know if it’s just me, and I hope it’s not just me, but it’s so easy for me to get bogged down in my daily to-do list and all that I have to juggle. I feel as though the second my alarm clock goes off, I jump out of bed and my mind starts going. I think about all of the tasks that I need to complete that day and I rarely take time to appreciate the little things that are all around me. I’m so guilty of pulling out my phone while waiting in line at the grocery store instead of striking up a conversation with those around me. Granted, not everyone may want to have a conversation while in line at the grocery store, but you get what I’m saying. I can’t remember the last time – aside from Thanksgiving – I ate something without staring at a television, computer or phone screen. I was actually walking up the stairs to my classroom just this morning thinking about how so many of my students don’t know how to be alone with their thoughts, and then I had the haunting realization that maybe I don’t know how to be alone with my thoughts, either. So my goal going into the end of 2016 and the start of 2017 is to practice mindfulness.

And on that note, I'm off to enjoy a wild Friday night babysitting for some kids down the street from my parents house. I'm not complaining, because a night of Hungry's and watching Elf is surely in my future. And after a go-go-go week, I'll take a relaxed Friday night in. Hopefully I can stay awake longer than the kids!

Fill-in-the-Blanks Survey

Happy rainy Sunday from Houston! It has been a cold and rainy weekend, and it appears as though the rain is going to be sticking around for at least another 24 hours. I'm all for the colder weather, but I could do without the rain. It makes walking Mack, running, and running errands 10 times more difficult. But I managed to walk Mack this morning and late afternoon, I even managed to squeeze in an almost eight-mile run before I went up to school to help with volleyball lessons. And the cold and rain makes it all the more acceptable to whip out the tacky Christmas sweaters, right?

Tacky Sweater Day 2016

But for now, I am committed to bringing back Sunday's survey tradition. At least until the end of this year. Surely I can stick to that commitment, right? This week's survey is one that I found on my favorite blogger's - Peanut Butter Fingers - page, and I just had to give it a go. 

Fill-in-the-Blanks Survey

• I would do an Ironman once.

Throwback to six years ago when I did a half ironman in college. I had no idea what I was doing, and I had not a fear in the world. I figured, 'Hey, I like working out, and I'll be living in Austin. Sounds fun!' It turned out to be the farthest thing from fun, and I distinctly remember crossing the finish line in TEARS (they were not tears of joy; they were tears of pain) and telling my dad that I was never doing that again. And typically when I say that, I do it again. But it is not something that has even crossed my mind these past six years. That being said, I think I could probably do it if I had the right training plan. So, I might do it once.

• The weirdest thing I ever ate was some unidentifiable fish.

I am THE least adventurous food person around, so what is weird to me is probably not weird to anyone else. It is very rare that I try food that "sounds weird" to me, and I've always been that way. I stuck to Spaghettio's and Lunchables for a good portion of my childhood, and cereal was my go-to in college when I wasn't feeling the other options. What can I say? I'm a creature of a habit! But when I was studying abroad in Spain, I ate some unidentifiable, downright strange food that my dorm served. I really like fish, and all of the seafood I ate in Spain was absolutely fantastic, but we're talking bones and eyes happening here. If that's not stepping outside your comfort zone, I don't know what is. 

• The movie of my life would star Sandra Bullock.

Isn't the resemblance obvious? Just kidding, but Sandra Bullock is an absolute all-star. From Miss Congeniality to The Proposal to The Blind Side, and everything in between, she's an absolute superstar. I also wouldn't hate being played by Emma Watson. 

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• My go-to food indulgence is dark chocolate.

Can it really be considered an indulgence if I eat it every day? Probably not, but at least I acknowledge that it is an indulgence.

The best brand of chocolate

• The last live concert I saw was Kenny Chesney.

In addition to not being a very adventurous foodie, I'm also not a huge concert-goer. I love the rodeo because one, it's the rodeo, and two, the concerts are THE perfect length. In my opinion. And I typically know all of the songs being performed, as opposed to traditional concerts when the artists decide to debut new songs, thus not allowing me to sing along. Which is probably a blessing for the people around me. But I would be lying if I said I wouldn't L O V E tickets to see Taylor Swift when she comes to Houston in February. Doesn't she tell us to never grow up?

Taylor Swift Concert circa 2010

• My favorite jeans are my red Mid-Rise Rockstar Skinny Jeans.

Obviously the red (Rockstar) pants that I wear to school almost every Friday get the nod for favorite jeans. I happened upon them at Old Navy my senior year of college - before I even knew I would be teaching at a Cardinal Red school. But they've turned out to be my most frequently worn pants. They're comfortable and spirited, and they were approximately $20. Can't beat that.

 

But if we're talking jeans jeans, you can't go wrong with 1969 denim from Gap. They're some of the only jeans that I have found that fit both my legs and my waist. Ex-volleyball player runner problems, am I right?

• My can’t-live-without beauty product is my Benefit They're Real! Mascara or my EOS Lip Balm.

Adding to my non-adventurous foodie, non-concert going self, I'm also not a beauty guru. I prefer days when I don't have to put on makeup, and my makeup routine takes maybe three minutes. Maybe. But I do love They're Real because it's the one mascara I've tried that doesn't leave clumps. And it does lengthen eyelashes like a dream. And I used to be all about Burt's Bees, but once I was introduced to EOS Lip Balm during my student teaching semester, I never looked back. My students keep me up on the trends.

And with that, I'm off to get some work done before the penultimate Monday of the fall semester. How that happened, I am not entirely sure. But I certainly won't complain about a couple of weeks to spend catching up with family and friends, reading, running, and snuggling with my sweet pup. Let's all Celebrate Monday by making it a great one!

Things I'm Loving Friday XLVII

Happy Friday! I hope you guys have enjoyed a wonderful week. It has been hot, hot, hot here in Houston, but that hasn't stopped me from running, walking the pup, walking with Sarah around Rice, laying by the pool, and enjoying this last little bit of time off. Actually, volleyball unofficially starts tonight with the first day of our freshman volleyball camp, where we start teaching the incoming freshman the Bellaire Volleyball Way. I always look forward to getting a look at my future players, and I've got my fingers crossed for a good turnout. And a setter!

Dog days of summer

But before I get going on all that I hope to accomplish today before heading up to school, let's take a minute for our regularly scheduled events.

Pikos
Guys, I am obsessed with Pikos. From tops to dresses, I can't seem to get enough of them. They're such a staple in my closet - in any closet - and I just love how versatile they are. You can dress them up by adding a piece of statement jewelry and fun shoes, or you can dress them down by wearing a Piko dress and Keds. They're comfortable, they come in every color imaginable, and I wear something Piko at least once a week. I may or may not have just ordered four new dresses. Judge away.

Spotify Discover Weekly
If you don't have Spotify, you need to get Spotify. $10/month, and all the music your heart desires. I love Spotify because not only does it allow me to easily access my favorite songs, it also lets me discover new music based on the songs that I already love. Discover Weekly is a feature that creates and delivers a two-hour playlist every Monday morning. It's unique in that it combines the kind of music that you typically listen to with what's popular with other listeners, allowing you to discover new music that you might not have discovered otherwise. I absolutely love this feature, as I have added quite a few new songs to my repertoire.

And then sometimes you get great throwbacks like this one

Teacher Bumper Numbers
Do not watch this video if you are in a place where it would be frowned upon for you to burst out laughing. Maybe it made me laugh so hard because I'm both a runner and a teacher, and I can identify with this quick clip on so many levels, but I think this will make even the non-teachers laugh. Gerry Brooks is a principal in Lexington who claims to spread humor in the world of education. And that he does. I'm also very fond of his PLC video. Professional learning community, or places ladies converse? Because we all need a Friday laugh.

That time I convinced my PLC to go bowling

Veggie-Stuffed Sandwiches
I will admit that I have been extra lazy when it has come to cooking this week. Nothing has jumped out at me as something I really want to make, and when I have so many great restaurants within biking distance. Lately, I've been loving sandwiches that are chock full of veggies. And chicken, because a girl needs her protein, but I can't get enough of the Garden Sammie with Chicken from Local Foods and the Roasted Vegetable Sandwich (with added chicken) from La Madeleine. Protein, carbs, and health all stuffed into one delicious, toasted sandwich.

Veggies for days

Enjoy Life Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mega Chunks
It's no secret that I love all things chocolate. But I have to be careful that I don't upset my lactose intolerance. Luckily, Enjoy Life products cater specifically to dairy-free people such as myself. These chocolate chunks are said to be great for baking, but I prefer to enjoy them mixed in with my favorite Chobani yogurt. They are free of any additives, and they actually taste like chocolate, so I don't feel like I'm sacrificing the delicious taste for the sake of my digestive system.

I've nixed the granola and go all chocolate chunks

And that's all I've got. I've got quite the to-do list to tackle today, so I'm over and out. Have a great start to your weekend!

Things I'm Loving Friday XXXVIII

Here we are again - another Friday! As much as I love earning a little bit of extra cash working volleyball camps, I am also thankful for the downtime I'm being afforded right now - some time to clean and organize, to catch up with friends, to try new recipes, and time to just be still. It's something I'm not very good at, but something that is so necessary. Because once July hits, it's go-go-go until Christmas break. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Let's focus on some things I'm loving this week!

Lindsey Redifer Art Work
When you're an "adult," you find yourself wanting to own adult things. But sometimes you don't always appreciate the adult prices. Because it doesn't take long to realize that being an adult is expensive. But then you're introduced to beautiful and unique art that both fits the adult mold and is very affordable. Much of Lindsey's art is inspired by the outdoors and the colors she uses are what immediately stood out to me about her oil paintings. Based in Austin, many of her paintings feature some of my very favorite spots. Which is why I couldn't resist purchasing this painting of this Mt. Bonnell tree.

Cyclone Anaya's
One of my Houston favorites. Sam and I enjoyed lunch here on Tuesday, as one of his last meals in Texas before heading off to Asia for ten weeks, and I was reminded of just how much I love this restaurant. I wish I had taken a picture of my food - the Grilled Salmon Salad - because not only did it taste good, but it was pretty, too. Known for its homemade Mexican recipes and real family hospitality, Cyclone Anaya's is one to visit if you ever find yourself in the Houston area. And fun fact: Cyclone Anaya's (not the City Centre location, obviously) was the very first restaurant my dad visited upon moving to Texas.

I didn't take a picture of my food, so here's a picture of Sam and me in all our freshman year glory

Keds
Because I've stopped buying new clothes, I've been on a serious shoe kick. Okay, it's not too serious, but I have found myself gravitating toward the shoe department lately. I am traveling to New York City in about a month, and it's no secret that it is a major walking city. And while I have my trusty Chacos, I also wanted something a bit more ... cute ... to wear around this fashionable city. Cheyney suggested white Keds, and that was all I needed to hear before finding myself at DSW trying on a pair of Keds for size. I missed out on wearing Keds as a kid - opting for tennis shoes, always - but it's never too late to treat yourself to a classic. I even ordered a pair in red, because these will be perfect to wear while walking through the halls of BHS. And though I'm not a huge fan of the liner socks, I decided I'll just suck it up for the sake of these cute and practical shoes.

It's Kind of a Funny Story
Alex lent this book to me before I left for Mexico, and I sure am glad he did. It had actually been on my to-read list for quite a while, but it sort of fell by the wayside during the school year, and by the time I found some time to read, other books had stolen my attention. It's Kind of a Funny Story is, in the simplest terms, a book about depression. But it's not a depressing book. It's funny, it's raw, and it handles the complexities and pressures of what being a teenager looks like. Craig came from what many would call a "good" family, he is smart, and his future looks bright. But then the expectations come crashing down, and he finds himself contemplating suicide. I absolutely devoured this book, finishing it in about two days, and it's another one that I gave five stars to on GoodReads. You truly never know what someone is dealing with, and I try and remind myself of that everyday when I walk through those classroom doors. He labels things 'Tentacles' and 'Anchors,' which I think is something everyone can relate to. It creates what I think is a very realistic picture of depression, and I really loved that the reader is left with some hope upon finishing the book.

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The Brain on 23
On my 23rd birthday, Amira sent this article my way. And I told her it was going to make the blog. And then I never posted about it, but I did save it on my phone. And now is as good a time as ever to post it, right? Before all of my friends start turning 24 on me. I am sure you have gathered by now that 23 is a hard age. We're fresh out of college and starting this new phase of life. And half the time we're not even near where or what we want to be. We long to travel back in time, even just a few months, when we're living with eight of our best friends, and the rest of them live just around the block. We don't know life without social media, and that adds pressure beyond what anyone deserves. We feel guilty for feeling miserable, because in the grand scheme of things, life right now isn't that bad. I still consider myself a kid, but maybe that's because I'm frequently confused as one. I've been reminded by those who have come before me that I'm only 23, and that I have time to figure it all out. To stop worrying so much and to enjoy it. Because there's absolutely no way to know what's coming next. But so far, I've found it to be a pretty good age, even if nobody likes you when you're 23.

And I've got another busy day ahead of me. Here's to sunshine and very little rain!

Things I'm Loving Friday XXXVII

Hola from Mexico! Cheyney and I arrived on the island of Cozumel yesterday afternoon, where we immediately checked into our hotel, changed into our bathing suits, and hit the beach for our first open water dive of the trip. It was absolutely incredible, and within minutes of going underwater, we ran into a seahorse, a stingray, a puffer fish, and so much more. I'm obsessed.

Don't Be Like Me
I absolutely loved this article. And I plan on reading it with my kids at the start of this upcoming school year. Bill Gates is the poster child for those who aren't so fond of the education system. I can't tell you how many of my students jumped at the opportunity to write about how education is not necessary in order to be considered successful. And I'm sure you can guess who they used as their examples. While I absolutely believe there are many definitions of success, I also strongly believe in the value of a college education. Or some form of higher education. Because we live in a world where basic skills just don't cut it anymore. And even more than the specific skill set that is gained, students learn how to see something through to the end. Something that I watched my students struggle with day in and day out.

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Merona Reversible Tote Handbag
Okay, I know I'm supposed to be refraining from shopping. But one, I did say clothes - nothing about bags - and two, I have actually been on the lookout for a big, fun-colored tote bag ever since Amira brought one with her on our trip to San Francisco. And I felt as though I deserved something while making a return at Target. Sidenote: Shout out to Target for making a return no problem without me having had a receipt. Anyway, this bright pink (and taupe! It's reversible!) tote bag caught my eye, and after looking at the price tag, I couldn't resist buying it. It's roomy, it's such a fun color, and it is going to make the perfect back-to-school teacher bag. I'll admit it - normally, I'm a bag snob. But this one was just too good to pass up.

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Quinoa
Whether it's my favorite quinoa [pronouned: KEEN-wah] salad with salmon from Hungry's (or Zoe's Kitchen), or the quinoa I whipped up myself to use in one of my own salads - recipe to come - I can't seem to get enough. It's easy enough to cook, it is extremely versatile, and it is full of important nutrients. It tastes great, and it's so easy to incorporate into so many different recipes. Salads, chili, breakfasts, and meatballs - the possibilities really are endless.

52 Reasons to Run a Marathon
Remember that marathon I signed up for? It's still a ways away, but it's still constantly in the back of my mind. There are so many articles out there that highlight the reasons why running a marathon is not a good idea, but why put such a negative spin on something that is such a positive force in so many people's life? After reading this article, I braved the Texas heat and went out for a five-mile run. I had to laugh and nod along with numbers 9-12, but number 26 was my personal favorite. I run because I can, because I have that option, and that will keep me lacing up my running shoes every single time.

15 American Habits I Lost in Barcelona
It's been awhile since I studied abroad. Three summers, in fact. But I've been living vicariously through the photos of my friends who are gallivanting around Europe this summer, anxiously awaiting my turn to go back. And as I think back to my time in Barcelona, I think about all that I learned, and while Europe and America share many qualities, there are many differences, too. I am notoriously bad with directions. If I didn't have my iPhone GPS, I truly wouldn't know in which direction to go half the time. But in Europe, I turned off my data, meaning I had to (gasp!) actually learn how to read a map. And not to toot my own horn, but I got pretty good at it. I absolutely loved the Subway system, and it was refreshing to nix the gym and run outside, discovering many of the hidden gems that Barcelona had to offer. I think this article so clearly highlights the many, many things that can be learned while spending time abroad.

The Things They Carried
I'm well on my way to crossing yet another book off of my Summer To-Do List. And this is a book that I should have picked up a long time ago. In fact, it was one of the choices on one of my own summer reading lists many years ago, but I passed right over it, dismissing it because I thought a war story just wasn't really my thing. And while the novel is of course a war story, it is also about love and emotional baggage, the memories that we carry with us, life, death, loyalty, and the power of stories. Not only am I absolutely loving the novel itself, but I love getting out of my "book comfort zone," and picking up books that I once would have shunned.

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Hasta luego!