silly me

I locked the keys in the Exploder yesterday. It was one of those I'm-jumping-out-really-quickly-to-get-the-dry-cleaning-ohhhhhhh-i did-not-just-do-that moments. The ones where mid-shut you realize your blunder but alas, it's too late.  The door was open a smidgen, so I 'borrowed' a coat hanger from the dry cleaners and attempted to break in for half an hour. To no avail. 

Add another minor detail to the mix: the phone was also trapped inside the car. 

I refused to call/pay for a locksmith knowing I was only an hour away from Michael coming home. So I meandered over to Publix where I prayed to see someone I knew who wouldn't mind taking me to the house or back to work. And of course, there was no one. 

Tried calling Mike from Publix's phone; he didn't pick up. 

I finally gave up and after sitting on the bench outside for 15 minutes, resorted to walking the mile or so back to school. In the rain. 

As I exited the Publix parking lot, lo and behold, (cue angels singing and bright shafts of light,) this parent that I always happen to run into (it's a running joke now between the two of us) pulls up next to me and yells, "Get in the car!" (Apparently I was looking a bit distressed?) Mind you, this is the same mom who pulled over to see if I needed assistance when I was stranded on the side of the road with a dead alternator. 

I was crying and laughing and so filled with joy that it was her, because when I prayed earlier I threw in "And it wouldn't hurt to run into Grace's mom at Publix..." Seriously. What an answer to prayer... so trivial but it served as a pleasant reminder that we are loved by a God who cares about even the smallest of details. 

Happy Friday :) 

Rootin' Tootin'

I love the girls I work with.

They keep me sane, love and provide the support I need to function and make it through this year!

We had the best time this week kickin' it at Catie's. The night was made complete with...

 SWEET LOLA!!

And Diego came too, although he was too much of a city dog. Didn't like the shotgun noise, riding in Cam, or being outside alone. He's got a lot of learning to do from Boomer about how to be a man. 

We trekked the woods in Cam, taking out trees and pretending like we found trails. 

I'll be surprised if Gentry ever invites us back...

Aaaaand we shot guns. 'Nuff said. 

Girl-time adds joy to life-- thank you to Catie for creating a special time for us!

I love my 8th grade team! Let's do it again soon!

Dinner this Week:

I generally spend all this time planning meals for the week, only to forget what it was I intended to make. Maybe this year I'll be better about writing it down and following through-I also want to use the crockpot way more, because it is a glorious invention that makes my life easier! Here's the menu, in no particular order:

Falafel Burgers

http://www.pbs.org/food/fresh-tastes/falafel-burgers/

Ginger Glazed Mahi Mahi with baked avocado fries

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/ginger-glazed-mahi-mahi/detail.aspx

http://bethcooks.squarespace.com/journal/2011/1/6/baked-avocado-fries.html

Chicken and quinoa soup in the crockpot

http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2008/01/quinoa-chicken-crockpot-stewhtml.html

And tonight? Asian dumplings from the frozen food section. Mmmmmmm. 

How we like to spend a beautiful day:

With Diego, and in the woods! Not many options around St. Auggie, and one day I hope that we can drive less than an hour away and be straight up in the mountains. But for now, a nice jaunt around the intercoastal is sufficient to make our pup's day. 

I love my dad!!

I don't know what you are. But you are cool. 

Worthy of a Christmas card..

I love our town. I'm sure I've said it, but I never tire of walking around the fort and watching the boats out on the water. Today they were shooting off cannons, and we were in the right place at the right time!

Our hike/walk was followed by dinner at La Herencia, a Cuban place I've always wanted to try that's located away from the tourists on my favorite street in St. Augustine. The "Media Noche" pressed sandwich was delish-- I will be returning for breakfast and maybe some Argentine tango...

Diego was a good boy while we ate, and loved the attention from ever passerby. 

In fact, he's quite popular downtown. Frequently asked questions/comments:

"Is that a lab?" (Yes.)

"Is he a chocolate lab?" (Yes.) 

"Is he part great dane?" (No. Just a freakishly tall lab.)

"He's so beautiful!" (Yes, we know.)

"I have a _________ (insert type of dog here.) His name is __________ (insert name.) (Now comes a random story or fact about said dog.)"

"Can I pet him?" (Yes. Fail to mention he just rolled in something dead in the woods.) 

He saw a westie today, and, thinking it was Oliver, went NUTS. The owners nervously chuckled as an 80 pound behemoth lunged for their fur baby, tail wagging 90 miles an hour. Poor D, not Oliver. 

insert whine here.

Last of the gas tank metaphor-- it's on empty. Done. A certain class of mine bombed the midterm. Epic fail. Bring on the shoulder knots and tears, the "I suck" thoughts and "Maybe teaching isn't my thing."

But then I crank up Fleet Foxes and pick up my fur baby from daycare, sit outside on the porch while the sun sets and the wind picks up (promising a chilly night,) and a calming peace takes over. Yes, these moments are discouraging, but we'll move past this. I'll continue to teach them the best that I can, love them with all I have, and pray for the best.

And by the time 2014 comes around, when my salary is tied to their performances, I'll (God willing!) be loooooong gone.