looking ahead

   Tommy Hilfiger shirtdress, Macy's

belt, Old Navy

     I initially planned on wearing a strand of purple-ish beads with this outfit, but when I looked in the mirror, it felt too busy. A shirtdress is the first type of dress that I felt comfortable wearing, and while I've added other silhouettes to my closet, it remains a favorite. It's perfect for those days that I want a feminine yet unfussy outfit.
    I've been thinking a lot about balance lately, as it relates to my profession. As much as I care about what I do, as much as I strive to reach every one of my 23 students everyday, there has to be a balance. That balance can be hard to find, especially when you tend to fall into self-criticism and self-doubt the way I do. At the same time, I can see the positive side of being self-critical ... at its best, questioning what I do pushes me to keep looking for new methods and new ideas. We're entering the crazy last two months of the school year, which is packed with some fun stuff (field trips and May Day), and some challenging stuff (standardized testing). I'm already realizing where I fell short this year, and that in two months, I cannot significantly remake key aspects of my instruction. However, I am still game to make small tweaks and try new things. There's a lot that needs to be accomplished before the students race out of the classroom on that last, joyous day of school, and my goal is to tackle what I need to do, learn from my mistakes, and let go of the rest.

the gift

Tommy Hilfiger chambray shirtdress, Macy's

belt, Old Navy

Cejon scarf, Ross

     I wore this outfit on Monday. I happened to walk by the vice principal in the hallway, and she said, "I appreciate that you are always dressed so professionally." I mentioned that being dressed a certain way helps me to feel more confident in the classroom, and she agreed.
    It's hard to find words for how pleased I was to hear this! I am a quiet and rather awkwardly shy person (explains the online verbosity, right? ;)). Over the past few years, I've experienced the satisfaction of starting to create and purposefully wield a personal style that can give people a hint of who I am and the pride I take in my profession. I'm still basking in this comment, and it was a potent reminder of what a powerful gift we can give to others when we take a moment to notice something about them - and to express our appreciation.

  
     Another gift I received recently is that, thanks to a comment on Gracey's giveaway post, Blue Nile asked whether I'd be interested in doing a holiday giveaway. I hope to get the giveaway up and running next week! Next week will be a crazy one at school, though ... as my colleague so aptly puts it, the kids will be "googly-eyed" with holiday excitement and last-week-of-school-before-winter-break giddiness. Time to break out the pile of read-alouds, fun activities, and learning games and shelve the two-column notes and introduction of any new concepts ... 

sneaky pattern mixing

     Shirtdresses are the first dresses I felt comfortable wearing, and they're still a go-to when I'm not sure what to wear. 

Tommy Hilfiger chambray shirtdress, Macy's

Cejon scarf, Ross

I'd like to mix it up sometime by trying out this look from JennifHsieh:

Source: jennifhsieh.com via Carrie on Pinterest

     Great things about this week:

•  it's spring break at work, so no tutoring job this week.
• we'll be getting our marriage license!

Scary things about this week:

• the test looms. I am slightly reassured that I have classmates who have passed in full without having to retake a section. Time to buckle down and practice, practice, practice.

inspiration Monday: a simple dream

     We are always exhorted to "dream big!" We worry about "settling" and selling ourselves short. Yes, I love a good goal and challenge. But let's not forget the charm of a simple dream.
      I was taking a run/walk in a very nice neighborhood recently, when I heard the unmistakable sound of kids having fun in the water: lots of splashing and giggles. By very nice neighborhood, I mean palatial compounds that loom grandly behind tall walls, mansions with exquisitely landscaped entryways, unobstructed ocean views, sweeping driveways, costly ornamental copper gates swirling with dolphins/waves/palm fronds, and long Hawaiian names proclaimed in iron letters on the stone wall.
      Upon hearing the splashing and laughing, I immediately thought, "kiddie pool." Then I took another look at the carefully maintained landscaping and realized that behind that sturdy stone wall I was more likely to find a stately pool instead of an inflatable piece of rubber filled up with warm water from the garden hose. I had to laugh at myself. I love the good things in life -- and sometimes they come in the humblest forms.
     

 The inspiration: Katie Holmes

My take: 

 Tommy Hilfiger shirtdress, Macy's

Softspots Ventura sandals, Ross

 

     While I was taking these photos, a guy scared the bejeebers out of me. I had set the camera on a rock wall along a curving path, so it seemed he appeared out of nowhere. As I snatched up the camera, he said placidly and pleasantly, "Getting some nice pictures?"  I managed to answer, although I think I turned as pink as my shoes. Perhaps that's why I managed to give my booktalk in an extremely calm manner in class right afterwards ... I guess I had used up my blush quota for the day.