Scary things....

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

I am sorry that I have not written in awhile! This week was crazy. Toby left on Thursday night to go to a Regional SPE conference in Minneapolis. So I am husband-less as you saw by my FB status! It has been alright so far, because I have had fun things planned for myself as well! Last night I went to the Ingrid Michaelson concert with Rachel and Steve! It was soooo great! I highly encourage you to go to one of her concerts some day. They did some really funny and amazing things... on instruments and songs they made up, etc. It was a blast!

Tonight I am going to Clark and Annette's Halloween party. I have never been to a Halloween party before so I am a little nervous.. but I am sure it will be fun! I will let you in on a little secret... I am going to be dressed like this...

It is sort of a cross between a French maid, pilgrim, and an Amish girl. Who knows? My sculpture class had an assignment where they had to design outfits for teachers. They were put into pairs and had to pick a teacher they wanted to design and ensemble for. Well I had two girls pick me and they decided to turn me into "tada.. and amish girl."

There is more to this story, however, and I am not sure if I ever told you it. When I first started teaching another teacher started a rumor that I was Amish because I was from PA. He came up with some comical reasons for me leaving the community. One of them was that I could not stand not being able to wear color that I eventually did and I was banished from my family due to my colorful expression. Another reason was that I showed my ankles at a barn raising. Silly and ridiculous, I know, but most of the students at GCHS know these stories and a good amount of them actually ask me if it is true from time to time.

So... it was to my horror and embarrassment that these girls wanted me to become Amish through their creation. However, I believe that before they added lace to the dress it appeared to be more Amish-looking. They needed to change up the outfit though and make it creative for their grade... so creative it was! I will be sharing some of the other teacher's outfits on FB tomorrow.. but I wanted to keep it a secret since I do not want some people to see me in this outfit until after the party tonight! It's a surprise! I will write more tomorrow, but I thought I would share this with you for today! Much love and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

-- A

the mess of things

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know I'm a day late, but I sang to you yesterday so I hope that was awesome for you :)

Did you have a great party? I wish I could've been there...

I decided to go to VA Beach the weekend of 11/6-8 to visit a college friend (Rachel Lynch? I don't think you know her). So that should be fun. And... I wrote like a two-page document on why I'm so stressed right now that I have a pinched nerve in my neck, but I deleted it cuz it was SO long. Let's just say: I spent all weekend job-searching. And it didn't help; I became more frustrated cuz if I don't want to do what I'm doing, I don't know what I want to do. I even thought about going back to school for MATH. MATH. I am a mess. But today I felt peace for the first time in over a week. Like--Thursday night I sobbed on my couch for 2 hours. I still want to cry, but I don't want to scream as badly. I have to keep trusting through this whole situation--the stress, the pressure, the unhappiness, the emptiness, the hopelessness... that God hasn't left me. And He hasn't. And He gave me verses this morning that promise that He will provide for me and save me from the almost-despair I'm feeling right now in what I'm doing. And even though it's in the future, today He gave me peace to get through the day. Because I think that's the hardest--when you know something good is coming but you're in the middle of something crappy? How the heck do you handle NOW? And He helped me today, by providing me patience, and even joy at moments. And peace. Only He can give those things because as I said.. I'm a mess.

I ran 5 miles tonight. Probably the highlight of my week. And speaking of running, watch this sweet video:

They are crazy! And fun :) Click here for more. They call it "free running" or "extreme running." If you've seen it before, watch it again :)

Okay, I need to go to bed now. I love you and wish you were here!

--E

Fashion and other things...

Hello!

I am so saddened by the news of your little praying mantis friend! I guess it was bound to happen eventually.

I am having a little party tonight for my birthday. I feel awful having a little celebration while I know that Grandpa is in the hospital with tubes down his throat. I hope that he has a quick recovery. I called and talked to him today and he sounded like his chipper self. (So that is a good sign.) I know that he is really tired though.

There a few friends coming over, so I cleaned the house really well and Toby has been cooking/baking all day. He made me an apple tart for tomorrow! Then he prepared some guacamole, pico de gallo, and tandoori chicken skewers. He's also going to make this peach prosecco spritzer. I am excited to try that!

So now that I am done getting ready I thought I would kill some time by looking at some blogs that I follow. I found this awesome online shop called Mod Cloth. They have super cute stuff. I little expensive for our budget, but still cute stuff. I thought I would share it with you! (The photo above is taken from their website.)

Keep me updated!

--A

The Next Day, the Praying Mantis was Found Dead in the Parking Lot

So sad. But actually kind of funny in an ironic sort of way...

I am blogging from Fort Detrick. Tommy left me and I was upset, so I started job-searching. haha... man.

Thank you for your advice on positive thinking! I need to work on that. When I have time, I will listen to that sermon. I can use as much advice in that area as possible! There is no news on the boy; just a thought right now... But I'll let you know if anything real happens.

I sing for the first time in church November 1. I got the song list earlier this week, and I only know 2 out of the 5 songs, so I'm going to be doing a lot of listening to learn! Pray I would learn quickly :)

Okay, I'm going to try to get some work done. Love you!!!!!

--E

Who is the mystery man?

You don't have to answer that question, but you should definitely give me a call if this becomes a serious pursuit! I would never let you find out big news through facebook btw.. I would just assume that you would return that favor!

I understand the whole wanting to be excited to wake up in the morning. I have come to realize that it is all a thought in our heads. I can easily become consumed with negativity. As soon as I say to myself.. "No, Angela, it is going to be a GREAT day!" I begin to feel a little better. Thinking positively honestly changed my mood in an instant! You should try it! Life is too short for us to walk around so negative. Hey.. if you get a chance you should listen to the sermon that our pastor did on Sunday. It was about depression and it was SO good. I took away so much from it. (Listen here.)

I hope you get that asthma/exercising issue figured out. It can't be fun to feel like you can't breathe when you are running!

I am sitting on our couch writing this and I just had an ant crawl on my hand. Disgusting... and now I itch like crazy and can't stop scratching myself. This happened yesterday too. There was one ant on the couch. Why would there be ants on our couch.. not cool. I am probably going to make Toby move the couch so we can see behind it. We are going to get to the bottom of this.

I came home and baked corn muffins to have with our dinner. We are going to have salmon with mango chutney.. (jalapenos from our garden) and green beans and maybe some rice? Have you been cooking at home at all lately?

Okay... so I enjoy this blogging that we are doing. It is fun to check to see if you posted anything. It is like expecting a package or letter from a friend and you anxiously anticipate it's arrival.

--A

My stomach burns

I can NOT focus at work. I am tired. Physically, but also.... I think just job-tired. Can this be a new "thing"--"job-tired"? Cuz I think it's very relevant. Maybe you can come up with a better term.

I was talking to Malinda about it a little over the weekend (please don't get jealous; I will only talk about her for a second), and I was saying how I just don't know what to do with my life. Like... I think I'm ready to move on; I feel restless. And I don't wake up in the morning and think, "Yay! I get to go to work today! What a joy! It's what I was MADE to do!" In fact, most mornings I think, "Man, do I HAVE to go to work?"

And it's weird--cuz I LOVE the people I work with. I don't necessarily enjoy, however, the WAY we work together.

But every time I job search or think about changing or moving or doing something new, it's like... nothing. Nothing is right. I don't KNOW what I want to do. I DON'T KNOW!!!!!! I just want to be excited to wake up in the morning! *sigh

Do you catch my drift?

In other news, I'm almost positive I have exercise-induced asthma (which you may have seen on my facebook update; please, if you get pregnant, call me so I don't find out over facebook--please. Tommy today found out his daughter-in-law is pregnant again over facebook; isn't that terrible??)

Anyway... yes, so, I researched it last night and I have all the symptoms and I want to schedule an appointment with my doctor because I can't imagine how absolutely AWESOME it would be run and be able to breathe!!! Ahhh.... I could go for miles. I would do a marathon, no joke. Okay, maybe a joke...

I think a boy likes me. But I can't tell you that over the blog. That is a phone convo.

I feel boring cuz I only talk about my thoughts and my updates in letters, so here's something fun: the praying mantis on the front porch of the Mission today:

Before I go, you are wonderful :) Just thought you should know!

--E

Something you might like...

I heard this song on NPR on the way home from school the other day and thought that maybe you would like her. I know I sure do! If you want to see the official music video you will have to click here. They have the official video's embedding disabled. (A Fine Frenzy is also Rilo Kiley... FYI.) Hope you enjoy!

Happy Weekend!

This photo has been on our refrigerator since whenever Toby and I got married. I think this was taken right before I left for college my sophomore year. In it are two things I miss dearly, you and my green beetle. I hope that your week ended on a higher note than the beginning. You will have to let me know how your little talk went with your residents. My week was alright, I was forced to pull out the not-so-nice teacher a few days to re-affirm who the boss is. Going on breaks have a way of making the students forget who is in charge when they return. Toby and I hung out with Steve and Rachel last night, we haven't seen them in over a month it seems. We went to Smashing Tomato and then back to Steve's house to hang out for a little while. It's always great seeing them. Rachel invited me to go along with her and Steve to the Ingrid Michaelson concert at Headliner's in Louisville on the 30th. Toby is going to be in Minneapolis for his SPE Regional Conference. So, he was gracious in saying that I should go to the concert. That is going to be a fun weekend, because of the concert and then the next night Annette and Clark are hosting a Halloween Party at their house. They are having a costume contest, a pumpkin carving contest, a chili cook-off, and showing a scary movie. The only sad part is that Toby won't be here. This coming weekend is my birthday weekend! Turning 26 is not that big of a deal, but birthdays are always reason to celebrate! So Toby is planning something for it, I suppose a surprise of sorts. Well.. I wanted to write and say hello! I am going to read a book today and grade some student work. So, hopefully I can stick to my guns and not get caught up in ridiculous tv shows.

Love you,

--A

Just Babbles About My Day...

Today I had two frustrating experiences at work.

1-I cried. That's not why I'm frustrated. I cried because I realized I had promised more money to area schools and churches and youth "groups" in our mini-walk program than we had money for. I'm $3,500 over. And when I told my supervisor this newsflash, he was a bit confused. and I was a bit confused, and frustrated.

You see, since the beginning of August and even before, my boss has been hardcore: almost every time he saw me he would say, "3000 walkers. We gotta get those 3000 walkers." Because if I recruit 3000 walkers, the Mission gets $50,000, which is HUGE. That's a lot of money. That's almost twice my yearly salary, but we won't go there...

So here I am, trying to get all these walkers, yet completely stressed and anxious and almost avoiding it because it's SO much pressure on my shoulders, and I have almost 2000 recruited already, and I realize--oh no! I've over-promised sponsorship money (from a foundation who underwrites students' registration fees so they can walk).

I think my lesson to learn was this: I hate pressure. I can't stand carrying pressure on my own. If I feel a lot of pressure and not an even amount of support, I bulk. Maybe I don't believe in myself enough. Maybe I just don't like being a lone ranger. I'm not the "let's go get 'em" kind. I'm the... "let's work together to make this work" kind. There are certain things that motivate me, but I think most of all--is team.

2-My volunteers didn't listen to me. I scheduled them to work specific days, and they come other days. And they have support from the resident "in charge," who allows them to break rules and gives them special privileges, when they're breaking the rules. Call it hurt pride, but not only am I frustrated at the volunteers (who actually receive services from us, so it's like they're trying to get around the system... I'm sorry if I sound cold; I'm not, I'm just learning how a lot of these people work), but I'm frustrated especially at the resident who thinks he has the authority to go against the guidelines I laid out.

SO... non-confrontational Emily will be having some serious discussions tomorrow making sure everyone understands the guidelines laid out. And I'm going to try to be as humble, loving, and assertive as possible. Please pray for me, if you get this in time and remember!

*hmmmmmmmm

Besides that, I went running in 48 degree rain in my new Under Armour running gear, and it was great. The gear, that is. The run--was freezing. I am stupid.

*hug*

--E

Dear Emily..

You make me happy! Congratulations on a successful audition! You'll have to let me know how it all ends up. Things are crazy here, very very chaotic. Toby is writing a 30-page research paper for his art history class that is consuming his time, plus he is busy with his thesis show and applying-to-job stuff. I have three weeks until the first term is over and we switch classes. So things are heating up in our lives. I have a funny story to share,though. I wore my glasses to school today because I was feeling under the weather and didn't have the energy to put into looking "cute." After school the counselor had a parent/ teacher conference scheduled with one of my student's guardians. The meeting consisted of this student's math teacher, science teacher, math teacher, and then me, the art teacher. All of these teachers are females mind you. Mr. Grasham (our assistant principal) led the meeting. The science teacher gave her spiel first, next was the english teacher, followed by the math teacher. Before I could let the parent know how her son was doing in my class she said that she knows that her son enjoys art class the most because he has drawings all over his dresser and has told her numerous times that his art teacher is "hot." I became quickly embarrassed/uncomfortable, which was heightened by the chuckles and stares from all of the people in the room. Then Mr. Grasham looked at the mom and said, "I should probably not say this, but she usually doesn't wear glasses, either." At this point I wanted to die from how awkward and red in the face I became. Other than that interesting story, I am just trying to ward off all sicknesses. I have had a boy in my class get the swine flu already.. so I know it is very close to my proximity now.

Well, how are you?

Love,

--A

Dear Angela,

I HAD SO MUCH FUN!!! :)

I seriously didn't talk yesterday at work. I wrote a note that read, "I'm talking as little as possible today to save my voice for my audition tonight. (sick... drainage... sore throat) (I'm auditioning to lead worship at my church)." And it was actually kind of fun--I felt like I was viewing the world instead of being part of it..

I drank lots of tea through the day (green tea with lemon and honey so Mariah would be proud), some rainforest tea that was DElicious, and then some more lemon tea with honey at Bible study. I was pretty nervous but not MAJORLY nervous. My friend Danielle went with me for support and helped me warm up on the drive, and I was supposed to sing three songs but only sang two because they said they were happy. haha.. which made me REALLY happy. I couldn't stop smiling even when I tried.

SO, I think, just think, that I might be asked to be on a team that sings once a month, and I'm really excited :D

And stupid sickness.... I'm still a bit stuffed and just plain... blah, but it's a little better. I have to present to 300 middle schoolers today for our mini-walk program; *sigh. Should be fun. Half sarcastic. Kind of scared out of my mind.

I LOVE YOU! How is your week going? Besides missing me terribly? :)

--E

Good Luck!

I know that your audition is tomorrow and I know that you went home sick! I hope that you feel better! You will blow them away with your beautiful vocals! I wish I could be there to sing some pretty background harmonies for you! Just close your eyes and pretend like Malinda and I are standing behind you! You will do just fine. Again.. gargle salt water or drink lemon tea with honey.. not kidding! You have to take everything Mariah says seriously. Love you lots and lots,

--A

photo via kfai.org

Dear Emily..

Excellent finds! I am so jealous of those awesome boots! We don't have a Ross around here, as far as I know. If we did, I would be there buying those boots in a second. I'm like you, though, I need some flat comfy boots to throw on in a hurry. I am all about the comfort, as you know! This whole budgeting the money thing that Toby and I are doing is getting more and more difficult. We need to lay off of the clothes posts for awhile before I break. I love the clothes that you got on your little splurge, though! I especially love your little fashion accessory.. deuce! He's so cute! Do tell me about this Prius finding! Check out the Insight! Hope the rest of your weekend is fairing well! We spent a lot of time in the car today. I accompanied Toby while he worked on his "Every Church in Fayette County" photo project. It was an interesting time. I am not looking forward to my break coming to an end, but when is anyone ever looking forward to that? Love you lots!

--A

p.p.s.s. other shoes i want...

HEELS: I want them high, but the most important part is a really thick ankle strap; almost like a boot around the ankle but a heel everywhere else:

I couldn't get these images to save:

http://www.dsw.com/dsw_shoes/catalog/product.jsp?index=64&sort=&category=cat20006&prodId=189403&brand=

http://www.dsw.com/dsw_shoes/catalog/product.jsp?index=118&sort=&category=cat20006&prodId=195432&brand=

http://www.dsw.com/dsw_shoes/catalog/product.jsp?index=165&sort=&category=cat20006&prodId=187820&brand=

Payless above and below; of all places I looked, they had the perfect ones! But I don't want black....

These don't really count; they're sort of what I want, but really just cute...

Isn't there a song about blue suede shoes?

(These don't count; they're just cute)

... Possibly my favorite because I really want brown.

ANKLE BOOTS:

Because of the shoes I already have, I really want them to be flat. And possibly colored? And comfortable--ones I can just slip on and walk Deuce, as well as wear out and be warm and comfy:

Remind you of anyone?

I know the last two have heels, but I really like the fold-over style.

Okay, I've wasted enough time on the internet... time to get something productive done.

--E

Dear Angela, [HAPPY Saturday!]

I just got back from about a five-mile run. It was hilly. I went with my new friend Jen (from my Monday night running group) and Josh (co-worker at the Coffee Table). My legs hurt.

BUT that is not why I'm blogging to you. The reason is because last night I splurged, and I will show you how:

[Please enjoy my impromptu and resourceful way of creating a photo shoot with photo booth]

The funny thing: the one thing I went for--boots--I only spend 19.99 on at ROSS. LOVE that store :)

My new favorite accessory :)

Shirt dress courtesy of Ann Taylor LOFT: 29.99. Belt included. And it's lined and SO super comfy.

I love the length of these pants--ankle. And the pleats. Ann Taylor LOFT: 19.99

[Sidenote: shoes previously bought from ROSS: 14.99]

Shirt from Ann Taylor LOFT: 6.98. Skirt same: 9.99. Very cute and comfy.

Vest I couldn't resist (Ann Taylor LOFT: 24.99), looks good with the boots :)

POCKETS :)

Please also pay close attention to Deuce trying to jumpstart his modeling career in most of my pictures.

And speaking of Deuce, there's been a small breakthrough. Yesterday after I walked him, I tried the treat thing. We practiced three times: get a treat, have him sit and stay while I hook his leash, and then give him the treat and praise. He did well! Then today, just an hour ago, I practiced again and he hadn't been out for two hours: no pee. I'll try again before I take him out. This might change our [Deuce and my] lives. Thank you for your advice!

I don't think I have much other news... other than, I think you're pretty cool :)

LOVE--E

p.s. your style is so cute. and that orange-ish belt? it looks like you modeling it--the way she's standing and her waist size. LOVE j crew style. wish i could afford it, but other things matter more.... :)

p.p.s. i'm going to look into new cars. and not the prius; heard bad things. maybe that will be my next post!

About those shoes...

I have been having the same thoughts about shoes lately. Which is really tough because Toby and I are working on budgeting our money now and clothes are not really in the budget as of now! Anyway.. I thought I would share some of the things that I have been drooling over in the new Anthropologie and J. Crew catalogues.

--A

Mini cowboy boots- Anthropologie Catalogue

I love how these look like they stepped out of the Renaissance period!

Kitten heals- Anthropologie Catalogue

Knee high boots- Anthropologie Catalogue

Anthropologie Catalogue

I like the little red shoes with rose buds!

Anthropologie Catalogue

These are not shoes of course... but I love these plates so much!

Decorative Plates- Anthropologie Catalogue

More awesome plates!

Artsy plates- Anthropologie Catalogue

This shirt is amazing!!

Ruffle shirt-Anthropologie Catalogue

I want this belt too!

Braided belt- Anthropologie Catalogue

I love how this dress drapes!

Ruffle sweater dress- Anthropologie Catalogue

J. Crew's styling is so awesome in their recent catalogues!

Ensemble- J. Crew Catalogue

They layer clothes so well!

J. Crew Catalogue

This sweater is on the top of my wish list!

J. Crew Catalogue

SHOES

I have a problem buying shoes. They're expensive. And they're so small. And I don't want to pay a lot for a pair that I won't wear very often. And sometimes I want two or three styles in one shoe so I can save money, but never find what I want. It's frustrating. And I'm just... not good at it. I don't I've ever really grasped the concept of letting a shoe define the outfit. I'm more of a shirt/jewelry girl.

So.... I took a four-hour lunch break with my new friend Danielle and her roommate (still figuring out how to distinguish her from old friend Danielle). One of our stops was DSW, but we didn't spend enough time there. So I'm going back on Friday, and I need to know what I want so I don't go in with an open mind and change my mind and want everything.

There are a few shoes I really, really want: flat, knee-high boots in either brown, grey, or purple. peep-toe high-heeled booties (although I know they don't really make sense... especially in my industry). hardcore heels. printed cute ballet flats. ankle boots (easy to slip on, look good UNDER jeans, possibly uggs to walk Deuce?, but also ones for work).

I tried to put pictures in, but don't really know how.... This will get better as we go :)

--E

Dear Emily..

Being home this past weekend was a lot of fun! It is always great to be back around family! I miss having you closer to me so that we can hang out whenever we want to!! I miss getting manicures, going shopping, watching movies, and just talking about our lives on a daily basis. I am excited about this blog and how we will be able to stay in better contact with each other through our little musings on life.

Here's to a new adventure: sister blogging!

Love,

Angela

Say Cheese!