last week in photos {and some thoughts}

 Living Doll asymmetric hem tee ($4.20 from Nordstrom Rack's clearance section).

       My love for slouchy tees is growing to dangerous proportions. An added draw is that the print somehow reminds me of O'Keeffe's paintings. This photo doesn't do the top justice, so I guess I'll have to wear it again soon and take proper photos. :D

Calvin Klein Jeans ruffle top (CK Outlet) and short-sleeve cropped cardigan (Ross). 

Mornings have been cooler here, so I've been gleefully topping off my outfits with a light layer.

 Thrifted Banana Republic dress, Forever 21 cardigan and camisole, Ross belt. 

      After at least four years of regular wear, this camisole has given up its hold on life - I just took it out of the wash and noticed that the strap has fallen apart. I can't complain, though - I definitely got my money's worth out of this $2.80 underpinning. I liked that it was lightweight and shorter, which meant no awkward bunching and bulging for short-waisted folks like me.

     We had a local comedian visit our school on Friday. One of the things he talked about was how the choices we make today influence who we become. On Friday afternoon, I had the students respond to that idea and identify 3 choices they made this week that will affect their future. Here's my student's response:

   "My first choice was to eat better. I want to grow up strong and healthy to be a better person. My second choice was to stay fit. I don't want to be a old wimpy fat guy when I'm 20 years old. My third choice was to stay cheerful because if I'm grouchy I won't get a good wife."
    HA. I know LOL is so overused as to be meaningless, but seriously, this made me crack up. Who knew that 9-year-olds put so much thought into their future? 
    On a more serious note, I thought the idea that today's choices shape our future was a thought-provoking one. While I've been faithfully attending a weekly meditation class since the start of the year, I've realized that to really understand and experience the value of meditation, I need to get back to the practice of sitting every day. I've also realized recently that I need more of a work-life balance and that I want to start attending one weeknight aikido practice in addition to my Friday class. I'll have to think about how to use my time more wisely and streamline my prep time. The latter choice won't happen right away, but it will be my goal for 2014.
    What choices have you made recently that will affect your future?