Congratulations, Class of 2013!

Four years ago, I transferred to the high school at which I currently teach. That year, I taught 9th and 10th grade English. Over the past few years, I've taught some combination of 9th and 10th grade. As a result, I've built relationships with many of this year's graduating class. Some of the students I taught for both 9th and 10th grades. One of the students also aided for me this year, so he spent three years with me.

Thanks to them, I've had a jumprope made out of my paperclips, watched a classroom full of bookbags get "nuggeted," learned a whole host of new words, watched some of the funniest pet peeve speeches, worked with a classroom of 26 boys and 3 girls, and truly understood why I became a teacher. My world, as loud and crazy as it gets being filled with so many teenagers, makes sense because of the kids I teach.

I love this group of kids, and they make me feel so proud to know them, watch them grow, and be a part of their lives. This world, my world, is a better place with them in it. Since they were freshmen, I've wanted to pull my hair out because of them, smack them upside the head, clap for them, fight for them, laugh with them, cry with them, and now I just want to shake their hands and hug them, thanking them for becoming such beautiful people who will set this world on fire (unfortunately, some might do it literally...accidentally.)

Here's to you, graduates. I am ridiculously proud of and humbled by your awesomeness.

Oh, and this fun outfit is dedicated to you guys.

The dress is old, the necklace was a gift, the shoes are Calvin Klein via DSW (bought one year ago), and the belt is Forever 21. Regardless of its cuteness, I still experienced the worst case of inner thigh sweat, something you didn't need to know, but now you can't unknow it. You're welcome. 

Lawnmower and Heels

I didn't catch any "real" pictures of yesterday's outfit, but here's a craptastic one for your viewing pleasure. (I'm a little sad about not having a photo shoot to showcase this outfit because I love the color combination inspired by my Target scarf.)

(Craptastic quality makes the skirt look black, but it's navy.) 

Jeff agreed to take pictures today under one condition: "You need action shots. None of this just standing there and posing." Sure, honey. What did you have in mind? 

Well, he instructed me on how to pose with the lawnmower. I feel so industrial. 

FYI: My shirt has light colored stripes that match my pants. 

Jeff said, "act like you're starting it up." So, I'm starting it up. 

"Act like you're pushing it." (Because people typically push lawn mowers from the side.)

"Act like you're putting gas in it." 

O.K.

I call this my "I'm Captain Morgan. Look at my cute heels" pose. He let me choose my own.

Anyway, I love today's outfit mainly because I'm wearing my favorite summer heels and a bright color. 

Excitement just bubbled over when I realized that I could break out these bad boys. 

Yesterday, I made the mistake of wearing boots to work. It was 80 something degrees.

Calf sweat is not lovely. Blech.

Outfit Deets:

Pants: American Eagle

Shirt: I feel like a real fashion blogger because I'm telling you ONE that it's from J.Crew and TWO that I thrifted it. Look at me go. 

Shoes: Me Too via Marshall's or DSW (not sure which)

Necklace: Target

Linking up tomorrow with WIWW and Because Shanna Said So. 

Lion meets Dolphin.

I didn't want to provide you with just the colors of my outfit. Giving them animal names seemed so much more exciting. You're welcome.

Yesterday, I caught up with a friend, and we happened upon the cutest store in Ellicott City! It's called Sweet Elizabeth Jane. As my friend said, "it's like Pinterest come alive." No joke. This store was stocked full of home goods (turtle shaped salt and pepper shakers? Whaaaaat?), clothes (like this green skirt below--I bought it), and jewelry (at really reasonable prices). If you're ever in Ellicott City, Maryland, go visit. Immediately. I wanted to buy everything, so I settled for trying it all on and picking one thing. Okay, one item of clothing and several pieces of jewelry. 

Cute skirt, right? It's mine now. Fear not.

Anticipate a post about it in the future.

(That other dress is mighty cute, too.)

Today, I hosted a 31 Party because one of my friends recently became a consultant. Aaaaand now I want to buy everything in the catalogue. Self control, do not fail me now. 

I thought you might want to see how cute Mom and I looked. I come from good stock, folks. Good stock, indeed.

For once, I successfully layered necklaces. Baby steps.

High Five for Friday

1. My students are awesome. (Some of them have probably creeped on my blog and are reading this right now. Yes, I said you're awesome. Don't let it go to your head.) They intuitively know when I've had a crummy day/moment and succeed at brightening it for me.  They draw hysterical pictures, write witty poems, and constantly remind me why I chose this career path. Who knew that four-year-old me was so smart? 

2. Warmer weather means bike riding, and that, my friends, makes the sneezing and itchy eyes worth it. Granted, bike riding reminds me of how painfully out of shape I am, which means I have some work ahead of me. Those hills are far too small to be causing this much panting. 

3. After I publish this post, I plan to take a nap. Seriously, what beats a Friday afternoon nap? It rivals the Sunday afternoon nap because I know that Monday is not waiting right around the corner for me.

4. We're visiting friends in NY next weekend! I'm too excited to hang out with them, check out their newest wedding crafts, and see some more NY sights. NY is cool and all, but maybe we can turn them into Marylanders soon enough? 

5. This weekend means spending time with some friends I haven't seen in awhile. I love weekends like this one :) 

Enjoy this lovely weekend.

Optical Illusion

I love wearing crazy pants. 

I don't know if my crazy pants are conducive to a placid learning environment, but they serve as a suitable conversation piece. 

Best compliment? 

Colleague: That is the prettiest blouse I've ever seen. Seriously.

Me: Thank you.

Colleague: You're always so cute. In fact, just yesterday I was telling someone that none of us would know how to dress if you didn't work here. 

Day made. 

And I hope these pants make yours.

P.S. These are the pants I split up the crotch by bending down the day after I bought them. It appears my seamstress skills exceeded my expectations. No wardrobe malfunctions today, and you wouldn't know that I sewed up the crotch had I not confessed.

Outfit Deets:

Blazer: Vince Camuto via Nordstrom (thanks to a gift card from a former student)--this one might be the same one

Crazy Pants: New York & Co. (they sold out pretty quickly.)--these might satisfy you

Shoes: BCBG via Boscov's (I know, right?)

Blouse: The Limited (last year)

Necklace: Target clearance

Linking up with Marionberry because she's featuring yellow, a color I happen to love and wear (often.)

Backstreet's Back, Alright.

I bet you missed me, right? 

As you should because I'M.SO.FUN.

and humble.

(And even better in real life.)

So, my best friend got married. 

I wore this:

IT HAD POCKETS. WHAAAAAAT?! 

One of which held a tissue covered in both the bride's and groom's snot.

If that's not love, then I don't know what is.

(I'll tell you more about it all another day...preferably one that involves more pictures!)

I also finished my monster paper for grad class. Whew, what a relief. 

I can officially reenter society.

Since a lot of people complimented today's outfit, I thought I'd share it with ya.

One of my students asked me what was with my hair lately.

I responded, "This is my I-value-sleep-more-than-hair look." 

Anyone else have those 'dos? This one has withstood the test of time.

It was my trusty 'do in high school, too. 

Gosh, I'm cool.

Aaaaand, you're welcome.

Outfit Details:

Shirt: Express (similar)

Cardigan: NY & Co. (similar)

Pants: NY & Co. (similar)

Shoes: Aerosoles via Marshall's (similar)

Belt: Target

Linkin' this piece up with WIWW and Shanna.