double florals & next time, I'll just stand

    Next week's rule-breaking challenge over at Clothed Much is double florals. I pondered my options quite a bit before settling on this combination. I don't own many florals, and what I do own is more on the abstract side.

   I tweaked something on my camera settings, and while I like the effect, it's not very good for showing the outfit's actual details (see second photo). I didn't have time to figure out how to untweak the settings, so here I am using the unsophisticated stretch-your-arm-out photographic method.
   Speaking of unsophisticated, I was such a klutzoid when I met my adviser to plan my spring class schedule.  First, I accidentally banged the metal chair into the metal desk, which made a sound so loud that people on the fifth floor probably heard it. Then at the end of the meeting, I put the chair back very awkwardly as I juggled my notebook and backpack. I felt like I was doing a comedy routine, except that implies planning and an intention to entertain. Me? I was just trying to deal with a chair. Oh well. At least I looked good.

         The Mr. does not understand this sweater -- he thinks it looks weird. My cousin, however, complimented me on it. Given that my cousin has possessed distinct opinions and preferences regarding her clothing since the age of 3, I'm more inclined to trust her opinion.
     What item of clothing do you love that baffles the men in your life?

the elusive white T

     It's so hard to find that perfect white T. I've been looking for one for a while. Many of them are so thin I'd need to layer it over a camisole. Given the perpetually warm weather, that didn't sound very appealing. Another issue is the fit; I want something that isn't too clingy or too baggy and shapeless.
     This is not the perfect white T, but I did get it for $5.99. The perfect price if you're like me and worry about dripping gravy/spaghetti sauce/other delicious things on your white shirts. I have to admit that it came from the girl's department at Target, because I'm not in love with most of the longer-cut women's Ts out there (I could literally stretch some of them to my knees). After wearing it, I wish I had sized down and bought a large vs. an extra-large. I might just have to set it up on a hot date with my dryer this weekend and see what happens fit-wise.

     To spice up my white tee, I layered two necklaces -- a first for me. The white one is carved of bone and depicts a manaia. In Maori culture, the manaia is often depicted as a bird-headed man, and is a messenger between the earthly and spirit worlds. When depicted as the figure-eight-like shape seen here, it is an amulet against evil. (Information courtesy of Wikipedia). Incidentally, the Mr. dislikes these necklaces -- I think he finds the leather cord too masculine. But I still like them.
     I picked up the Volcom jacket a few months back, but it's been too hot to even consider wearing it. I like that it has a drawstring to define the waist, a zipper and snaps, and can be worn as a shirt or jacket. Oh, and it's a linen-cotton blend, which means linen-like look and feel with less ironing. (Sorry, no detail photos because I'm still waiting for my new camera battery charger). :(

         I realize that this jacket would look so much better if I had bothered to roll the sleeves up before taking this photo ...
        Happy weekend!

make your mark

     Just a quick post today -- papers and assignments keep piling up. Just when I'm sighing with relief about finishing one project, I've got two more needing urgent attention.
     While it's tropically toasty outside, it's frosty cold in the bowels of the library (where all my classes are held). Halfway into class I actually put on a second jacket because the cardigan wasn't warm enough.

     It's interesting that I haven't worn this cardigan more. However, I clearly remember the first time I wore it. It was the first day of my first year as a classroom teacher. It was also the first day I had taught in a classroom for a whole day. I was woefully unprepared, and that year ... it's hard to find enough words to describe that year. I felt overwhelmed, unappreciated, and incompetent. It was frustrating to try so hard and work so hard and still fail. That year taught me that failure is hard work. (A good thing to keep in mind with those students seen as unreachable or uncaring).
    I finished that first year emotionally exhausted. Despite some trepidation, I devoted much of the summer to reflecting on what I wanted my next classroom to look like. I took copious notes on the procedures and routines that happen everyday --  things that may sound trivial, such as how students should move from their desks to the floor for story time. I was scared, but determined. I jokingly call msyelf an expert on how not to run a classroom, and I used my expertise to figure out a different way.
     That second year in the classroom was AMAZING. Yes, I had my share of kinks to work out and failures. I still have so much to learn about building a safe, positive classroom for all learners, about differentiating lessons so everyone can learn, and thousands of other things. But the improvements I saw were undeniable. I believed that all that attention to detail made the students feel safe and that I was looking out for them. This allowed both me and the students to focus on learning and teaching and building relationships.
     It was hard to choose to leave the classroom to focus on attaining my library sciences degree. I wondered whether I was cutting myself off from more deep learning. I had never wanted to be a classroom teacher, but the second year showed me why so many teachers return, year after year. But being an elementary school librarian is my dream job, and it was time to commit and go full-time.
    And you thought this was just a quickie outfit post ...

   Do you have clothing/accessories/jewelry that evokes memories or stories? I'd love to hear your story, either as a comment or as a post on your own blog!

Try-it-out Tuesday

I have never considered myself a pink girl, but ... there was something about this shirt. I liked the chiffon streamers and the hint of sparkle. Thing is, I'm not sure what to pair it with. With the white it's a little too pastel-y for me.
Check out the pretty little details below (I gotta work on focusing properly when using a mirror):

 I used a self-timer for my photos today, and I'm pretty happy. (Although it puzzles me that the camera only offers 2 timer options: 2 seconds or 12 seconds.) Also feeling like a pro for adding those nifty little labels to the first photo!