Speed check

I had coffee with a friend today. Actually, it was an iced chai latte with skim milk (see previous post), but you get the point. Chai was sipped, sun was soaked up (until it got too warm and we surrendered to AC), and conversation was shared. Honestly, it was one of the most relaxing, yet rewarding, things I've done in a while.

I think God is urging me to slow down and appreciate where I am, what I am doing, and who I am with. In doing so, life seems a bit sweeter.

Slow down and buy a friend some coffee.

"...and step..."

Step aerobics, kickboxing, kickboxing with weights, squats, lunges, abs, planks, and other unidentified, yet organized forms of punishment conducted in a high school gym is what I have recently been spending our disposable income on. Yes, I have been working out. The tenth grade history teacher, by day, happens to be the owner, manager, and enforcer of Sandy's House of Torture, by Tuesday and Thursday afternoon.

It's been a long time-junior year in college, to be exact-since I've committed to a regular workout routine. Admittedly, my body does not look like it did during the days when I dreaded soccer two-a-days during the worst of August. For this reason, and the fact that I am terrified of post-baby body some day in the not-so-near future, I am now happily active.

What motivates you to get, or stay, active?


photo from www.visualphotos.com

They're here!

 It didn't take long to get me excited! I have been compulsively tracking my package of Warby Parker samples since last week and am so glad they arrived today; in a sleek black box no less. As promised, here are the glasses on. Feedback much appreciated (and enjoy the bathroom tour).

Colton

*My favorite so far, I think.

They messed up my request and forgot the Sims (sigh). These were the "mistakes"

...Zagg

*These look nearly identical to my chewed pair. I want the Sims ;(

Willoughby

*Gve me your thoughts, too boxy?

Tenley

*I think these accentuate my already loooong oval head...and not in a good way.

Sinclair

*I feel a bit librarian meets cat woman...?

Help!

One Hope

It has been such a blessing to watch the talents of River Church's worship band come together to bring praise to our Lord. I may be a little biased, but they're pretty awesome; especially that electric guitar player (my hubby). 

On Tuesday, you will be able to take this band's talents with you wherever you are! Deep Water Worship is releasing their inaugural album, One Hope, (a live one to boot) on iTunes. Here's a little sampling of what you can expect.

Autumn's Approaching

My fall wreath is up, folks! I'm ready for Autumn, apple picking, pumpkin carving, thick scarves, cozy sweaters, and hot tea on cold nights.

wreath made by my sister-in-law Emily Keith

Life in High School

This past week was a busy one.

School has been in full swing now for a while, and I am finding a way to balance the paper load and grading. The process is incredibly easier than my days at Hopewell, but still-the nature of being an English teacher-or any teacher for that matter-requires a balancing act of your best for your family and your best for you profession. One thing hasn't changed since arriving at CSD: I love going to work every morning.

Some photos of my classroom (look at all the windows!)

Meet Warby Parker

My sweet dog Koda is slowly growing out of puppyhood. I will miss when he was so tiny I could hold him-effortlessly-in one hand, but I am relieved. I no longer fear the destruction of my shoes, bags, cords, or glasses; yes, glasses, which I am now trying to replace by way of Warby Parker.

Warby Parker believes in stylish frames that don't require a bank loan for purchasing. Additionally, the company is world-minded and donates a pair of glasses to those in need with every purchase made. Why the name Warby Parker? Any devote Jack Kerouac fan would know the name comes from a combination from two of his earliest characters: Zagg Parker and Warby Pepper. Style meets literature? I'm sold.

Now, I await my home try-on box filled with five frames I've been fancying.

 Colton

 Sims

 Sinclair

Tenley

Wiloughby 

Which pair do you like best? I'll post photos (on) when the box arrives. Happy weekend!

September

It is September. Summer is whispering her goodbyes as Autumn peeks around the corner. I am a happy woman.

Chad and I just returned from a weekend in the mountains. It rained the majority of the time and I happily cuddled up on the dry, warm couch to revel in some relaxation. Chad's parents' mountain house is their second home, but-don't tell-my favorite. The front porch boasts a view of Smokey Mountain's sunsets while the back porch claims rights to the sun's dawning light. Both are breathtaking. Soon, as fall creeps ever so closer, I hope to find my way back among the good ole' Smokey Mountains.