Brinca!

We're back.

Have you missed me?

Do you know why I've been gone? It's because this guy is hiding somewhere.

Hopefully I'll find him soon and share some of our adventures.

Have you met Bigfoot?

He lives here:

(I did not take this blurry pic, but look at the very clear spring in the background.)

and looks like this:

I can't blame him for staying.

Or maybe that's Swamp Thing?

Rows

of pink and red azaleas rimming the house

of tops organized by color and layering duty

of amazing bowling scores

of words to make a fun car trip educational

of windows and cabinets in Alicia's new place

of plants in garden perfection

of keys to learn to type

Rescue 911

I don't know why, but I loved that show as a kid. Being a lifeguard took care of most of that fascination. Yesterday took care of the rest.

1 fainting lady + 1 911 call = 6 very friendly EMTs.

These nice guys took my vitals and everything seemed ok, so they had me sign a paper saying I didn't want to go to the hospital. Since I had been about to swipe my card when all of this happened, they said it must have been divine intervention. I sent them on their way and then tried to stand up.

I couldn't. They came back. I called Noah to get me and asked if I could have a picture with them, and they said they'd do it if I sat on the stretcher.

Poor Tisha. The one to find Marcus's diarrhea (on her shirt!), the one to reach for the bag (see it under my leg?) that I asked to puke in right before my head hit the floor (don't worry-- the bag is empty). Um, welcome to the neighborhood... Just be glad it wasn't you who was with me.

Can you tell where we were?

Noah and I spent the rest of the day/some of the night in the ER and everything seemed fine. Noah kept me entertained by colorfully answering my question, "What would happen next if this were a novela?" and trying to turn on the tv. (Why do they even put those in there if you can't watch them??) The doctor diagnosed me with "unexplained fainting" and prescribed a bunch of medicine for symptoms that are already fading. I think I'll pass (just pass, not out). Noah said he didn't seem very smart, but I just didn't like that he didn't laugh at any of my jokes.

The Rule of Threes

If you want your students to disregard your hours of preparation and write things like, "I like teacher's clothes" on your evaluations, I've got a tip for you; think three. Three interesting pieces on top, that is. Start by not thinking too much.

Grab a couple items that you think kind of match, but haven't tried together before-- it helps if you're really pressed for time.
Then add another piece that you think makes it special. Normally you would probably be done, but this is where it gets interesting. Take a bold leap and grab something else. Edit in the mirror, but usually after this step you'll just be admiring your creativity.
I know some of you are way ahead of me on this. For you, know that I've been watching, taking notes, and trying to copy you.

References:
jcrew.com

shade style guide 11/09

shade style guide 09/09

Credits:

Alicia's: closet, backyard, camera, Photoshop, afternoon

Parking Lot

With my calling in nursery, I've volunteered to be the one to take out the trash after church. This motivated us to change up our usual parking spot (from the one in front of the otter pond) to the one right next to the dumpster.

Pretty nice.