FPC, Day 29: Something You're Listening To

February Photo Challenge

Day 29 -- Last Day!!!

"Something You're Listening To"

Actually, I was listening to this earlier. I finally used an Itunes gift card that a cousin gave to me and bought Adele's 21 album. Now I can put "Set Fire to the Rain" on repeat as much as I want! :)

Thanks cuz!!!

Happy Leap Day everyone! 

FPC, Day 28: Money

February Photo Challenge

Day 28

"Money"

From August 2011 trip !

I totally had this idea yesterday but I couldn't find my Costa Rican money. I had no luck today either so I had to use my Mom's. I have to say, things like this make me a lil OCD. Drives me nuts that I can't find my money from the trip. I thought I put it away in a particular place but it is not there. Hm... After all that cleaning in January, you'd think I would know... but nope. I guess I will have to tear apart my room! haha Well, maybe. I am sure it will show up at some point but right now it is bugging me. Not because I have lost a thing but the principle of not knowing where something is. 

Anyway, doesn't Costa Rica have beautiful money?! I love the colors in these two bills. I am so glad I got the opportunity to go out of my country. I think that's something everyone should experience!

FPC, Day 27: Something You Ate

February Photo Challenge

Day 27

"Something You Ate"

I ate lots of nourishing food throughout the day* and I also enjoyed a couple Thin Mints. Did you know that there are 32 cookies in a box? The box itself costs $4.00, which means each cookie costs... approximately 13 cents (technically 13.5 cents)! I have been wanting to figure this out because I'm curious like that ;-). I am glad that I am helping lil girls out. It's a sweet deal (even if it does come with partially hydrogenated oil).

*I could have done a collage of what I ate! I had a delicious breakfast of cottage cheese and bananas (oh SO good!), after an appointment I had a another bowl of that goodness, snacked on several handfuls of almonds, had meat and cheese roll-ups for lunch and grapes. So a few cookies is alright! Speaking of food is making me hungry again. I'm having quite the appetite these days-- must be the "phase of the Moon." On to dinner folks!

FPC, Day 26: Night

February Photo Challenge

Day 26

"Night"

I wasn't sure what to do about the picture for today but then the thought came to me as I was watching the Oscars. Why not take a picture of my bed? It's something I look forward to pretty much every night.

Sunday has been a good one:

-- Slept in late around 9:30AM, snuggled up with my big Cheese Puff

-- Attempted to make waffles but they turned out so-so. Need to get a good recipe for ones made from scratch. Think I'll see if I can buy a mix from Bob's Red Mill.

-- Did a little cleaning to prepare for a fun visit from one of my dear cousins :)

-- Enjoyed chatting with my cousin for awhile and relaxing

-- Had some lunch, took a shower (yes moved super slow today, didn't get in the shower until about 2:30PM!)

-- Went off to the library to meet up with B and get some class work done

--Finished an assignment and got home around 6PM

-- Had dinner and watched the Oscars with Mom, Sarah and Coco Chanel on my lap

-- Watched an episode of "The Bob Newhart Show"

-- Took my picture for the day

-- And now I am about to brush my teeth and head to bed :)

Hope that you have all had a wonderful Sunday!!! Here's to hoping the week is one with lil joys!

FPC, Day 25: Green

February Photo Challenge

Day 25

"Green"

(this is the result of a lil Instagram lovin')

(original pic on my Iphone)

There's a particular stretch of road I like that takes me from suburbia to the country. I am always amazed with how GREEN and vivacious this field looks at this time of year. I was excited to finally get a good picture of it. :) Beautiful Oregon!

FPC, Day 24: Inside Your Bathroom Cabinet

February Photo Challenge

Day 24

"Inside Your Bathroom Cabinet"

A day late but that's what happens when you come home Friday totally wiped out from subbing. It happens! Consider this a "before" shot of the bathroom cabinet as this is an area I am planning to organize. 

FPC, Day 23: Your Shoes

February Photo Challenge

Day 23

"Your Shoes"

I could have taken a picture of all my shoes today but I chose not too. Instead I wanted to take a picture of these cute additions to my wardrobe. I'll show you my boots some other time ;-)

FPC, Day 22: Where You Work

February Photo Challenge

Day 22

"Where You Work"

one of my many work places-- tis the life of being a substitute teacher!

Oh how I lucky I was to be able to take this picture today! I had thought about doing this picture in advance in case I didn't sub today, but of course I forgot last week. I've been too busy to fret about accomplishing this photo challenge so it worked out well that I had to play teacher for the day. I don't think I am allowed to take a picture of my other job at the tutoring center. However, I would rather focus more on the fact that I'm a substitute! It's a tough job some days but also very rewarding. I have subbed for 2 years now and have enjoyed it for the most part. I think I am getting to the point though where I am ready to have my own space to grow, make mistakes and to experiment with what I have learned. 

Where will I first land....

An ELD (English Language Development) classroom....

A Reading Specialist position....

A mainstream classroom using both endorsements....

Or somewhere totally unexpected?!

It's exciting! I hope that I will love my future classroom/teaching position wherever it might be. :) Like everything else in life, and what I have learned from subbing: "one chunk at at time" (quoted from a wonderful teacher- the first lady I subbed for). 

FPC, Day 21: Fave Picture of You

February Photo Challenge

Day 21

"Fave Picture of You"

December 28th, 2010

One of my fave pictures of myself. This was after having lunch with my dear friend Andrea. During our traditional photo shoot, we got drenched and it was pretty hilarious. We laughed, got soaked and had a great time!

FPC, Day 20: Handwriting

February Photo Challenge

Day 20

"Handwriting"

 Birthday gift from Jennifer

"I'll buy you an outfit from Forever 21 that is NOT: Teal, Blue, Aqua, Cobalt, Navy, Turquoise, or Cerulean."

Jennifer gave me this gift for my birthday when I saw her today. Good friends take care of each other huh (as in trying to break me of my 34+ blue colored clothing items)?!  Unfortunately, it was slim pickins at F21. Hoping that the store will come out with some appealing items this Spring. I'm excited for that fun item that will fulfill this special certificate!

FPC, Day 19: Something You Hate To Do

February Photo Challenge

Day 19

"Something You Hate To Do"

Grad school assignments that I don't receive feedback on - have to do them but I drag my feet. I just have to remember that (1) I am GRADUATING this year in December, (2) I will have a reading endorsement from all this hoo-ha and (3) My degree and endorsements will hopefully open a few doors -- it is all an investment whether it feels like it today or not. 

FPC, Day 18: Drink

February Photo Challenge

Day 18

"Drink"

Today's post isn't too exciting as I mainly had almond milk and water to drink-- just one of those days! However, I can highlight HOW I drank my water: with my lovely Klean Kanteen. This is such a great way to drink water without being exposed to chemicals from plastic. I love that it's durable and it goes with me everywhere! 

FPC, Day 17: Time

February Photo Challenge

Day 17

"Time"

This is how I spent time today... literally :) Oh, it was a very Happy Friday though! 

First stop at the mall was Jamba Juice. Funny thing is that they messed up on my drink and gave it to me, and made me a new one with all of the ingredients (I got the Peanut Butter Moo'd... new fav of mine!). So here I was, rarin' to go shopping and was double fisting it with two drinks. I didn't want to throw the other drink away, but didn't feel like asking every person I walked by if they wanted it (I did have the paper over the straw so it looked untouched).... I did ask one lady but she said no... then I decided to go sit on a bench for a few minutes and a gentleman asked me for directions to a store, and I questioned him on his need for a drink. After my two attempts I decided to not wait too much longer. Oh but thank goodness! I got a taker! A gal about my age sat on the other bench behind me and I said, "Excuse me.... By any chance do you like chocolate and bananas?" (that's what you ask when you randomly talk to a stranger right?) With slight hesitation she answered, "yes, sometimes." Then I told her my Jamba Juice issues and she gladly took the drink from me and was very gracious! I felt victorious!

Then.... my shopping adventures began.....

Didn't get this dress but am considering it. Very cute!

Spent lots of time in H & M. I am in deep love with this store these days. I have enjoyed this store but haven't found too much that looked good on me (sometimes their colors don't do so well for my fair skin). Not the case this time!!! I will say, having a 20% off-any-item-I-choose coupon made clothes even more appetizing. FYI:: if you sign up for their newsletter you get a 20% off coupon. Uh, and I have signed up a few more extra email addresses tonight.... ;-) 

This is sort of my "splurge item." I've been quite curious about Burt's Bees tinted lip balm. I purchased this at Ulta (stop before the mall for a few personal items) and was able to use a 20% off coupon on it (good thing, this dang stuff is $6.99 - reason why I haven't bought it until now). I tried it on tonight and am very happy with the Hibiscus color, smells lovely, does stay true to name and gives a lil color, and the balm is lightweight feeling. Good job Burt's Bees! I've been a fan of theirs for a while now and am pleased with this product. :)

Blue&Pink Plaid: American Eagle / Blue, Green & Pink Plaid: H & M/ Blazer: H & M/ Flats: H & M / Boots: Cathy Jean

Ta-da! Here are my clothing purchases from today! I finally, FINALLY got a blazer! I was able to use my coupon for it and saved about $6 (still came to about $28). While this is a more spendy item, it is good quality and something I will enjoy for a long time. I love how blazers can be worn in so many ways. 

Cheetah/leopard-- what's the difference....? These shoes make me happy too. I have been looking all over for a cute pair of flats and was glad that these fit. :) [side note: they're leopard, check here] 

Plaid shirts were items I have been wanting and I was happy that they looked good on me. Got a great deal on the A & E shirt-- got it on clearance for about $15. Yippie!

Boots weren't an expected purchase today (so technically could be a splurge item?!?!) but they feel great on my feet and for $30 bucks (70% off!), I didn't feel bad about taking them home. 

Great part of all this?! These are birthday presents. I was given some money to do some shopping so it felt great to finally get out and so some of that this afternoon. Have several more items on my list, of course. Trying to pace myself.

Anyhow.... the photo challenge of TIME was a very good one for today!  Happy FRIDAY!

FPC, Day 16: Something New

February Photo Challenge

Day 16

"Something New"

New reading material....

Currently reading There Are No Shortcuts by Rafe Esquith -- such an inspiring teacher! So excited to read the other book, Whatever it Takes by Paul Tough.

Magazines I got for my birthday. Haven't looked through the bridal ones yet (sis gave me those). I am excited to have a subscription to Natural Health and Real Simple (bday presents). :) Yay for refreshing magazine reads!

Received this just yesterday. Mom and Sarah figured it was still my  "birthday month" and I needed to check this out.  Oh, how I love Adele! :)

What are you currently reading?

FPC, Day 15: Phone

February Photo Challenge

Day 15

"Phone"

I wanted a little more color so I used a scarf as the background decoration. It's quite lovely, dontcha think? 

Oh it humors me all the time-- I resisted the smart phone craze for awhile and then decided to upgrade around Christmas time. I will say, there are many wonderful benefits to having an iPhone. There are times when accessing the Internet is really handy (like getting an address for a place, email and quick check of banking account). 

Pretty amazing how the phone has changed since it was first invented! 




P.S. And a few apps are great too.... Such as Pinterest, Hipstamatic, Instagram, Facebook... Angry Birds

FPC, Day 14: Heart

February Photo Challenge

Day 14

"Heart"

After work I met B for tea. A year ago, today, he asked me out but I didn't really give him an answer-- until much later, of course (it is a long story- perhaps I will tell at another point). So tonight, we celebrated being together and reflected on what has happened since then. I feel like we've come full circle and that's a great feeling. 

I also took the opportunity to do my photo for today. Cheesy?! ;-) Maybe so but I love this picture!

Hope you all had a lovely day whether you embraced Valentine's Day or not!

FPC, Day 13: Blue

February Photo Challenge

Day 13

"Blue"

Note: For some reason Blogger isn't letting me upload the picture I took today-- when it uploads it turns it the wrong direction. Can't seem to make it work. Will try again tomorrow... Till then I'll leave you with a picture of blue Cheese from last month, poor fella.

*Well I tried to upload my pictures again but no luck. So I guess my blue item for the 13th is going to be "Blue Cheese." hahaha

FPC, Day 12: Inside Your Closet

February Photo Challenge

Day 12

"Inside Your Closet"

"Rainbow order" is such a great way to organize clothes! 

I have to say, I was not prepared for this photo challenge today. I haven't cleaned my room for a few days (no all my January organization hasn't gone to waste-- clothes and papers need to be put away). Oh well.. you get to see my closet in its authentic form! If you want to see it lookin' good (and my whole room in fact), check this out.

What does your closet look like today?!

Help Wanted--A Blog By Any Other Name

Oh, I have been going back and forth these days on renaming my blog. I don't know what it is but I am in one of those, "I need to change something" moods and this blog is the what I'm focusing on. So... in between other thoughts in my mind, I have been mulling over new names.

I will say, I do like how I created "Cast and Catch" but 1) feel like it is hard to say and 2) it isn't representing me as much anymore.


Part of this need for a new name has come from the goals I have set for this year. I am trying to talk a little more about each of these along with teaching/educational topics and various personal thoughts/posts (hoping to also talk more about natural products etc...):
-- Faith
-- Finances
-- Giving
-- Personal Style
-- Health and fitness
-- Literacy (read more!)

Hm... What might be a better name?

Here is what I have created so far:
-- "Joy on Peacock Lane"
-- "Bursting to Bloom"
-- "Teal Colored Joy"
-- "Blue Feather Lane"
-- "Red Apple Highway"
*Joy comes from my middle name

.... Ahh... and a few others. I have gotten different kinds of feedback from friends on some of these names. The first one listed is a thought I had this morning, but I'll be honest, I love peacocks but wish 'cock' wasn't in the name. So, I might be back to the drawing board.

I would love any suggestions or advice! Maybe I shouldn't change the the blog name at all-- let me know!

FPC, Day 11: Makes You Happy

February Photo Challenge

Day 11

"Makes You Happy"

 {beautiful sunsets}

{chocolate}

Lots of things make me happy so it is hard to choose just one. Today was filled with little joys and these are the pictures I took. 

{time with special people in my life}In the morning I had to school for a class meeting that lasted several hours. Afterwards, I met B at the library so I could get some homework done (he did work stuff on his laptop-- I credit him for introducing me to this lovely library near home). Then we hung out for a bit once we were done, which was really relaxing.

On my way home I saw a colorful sunset. :)

After dinner, I had some tasty chocolate (ohhh how I LOVE chocolate) cookies that Mom and Sarah got from Costco.

Saturday has been a good one and I am ready for bed!

FPC, Day 10: Self Portrait

February Photo Challenge

Day 10

"Self Portrait"

Well, here I am on a Friday night after having two kinda nutty sub days! I will admit that (1) I put on makeup prior to taking the pictures (this was one of those roll out of bed days-- only had time for some mascara before heading out).... (2) my camera was all TOO nice in showing every blemish on my face so I decided to use my low-quality iPhone cam.... (3) even though I did the above two things, I still look tired. 


I am pleased  that I survived a day in which the teacher had warned me beforehand about the kids being a "little naughty" this week. I was also instructed to give a lecture on not using magnets as body decoration (lip and tongue rings) as older students in the school have been doing so. Unfortunately, I forgot to give this lecture as I was a bit caught up in taming about 25  young "beasts." haha 


I have to say though the highlight of my day was reading part of the book Crash by Jerry Spinelli. At one point he is describing a character, a little 6th grade girl who has blush on so dark it looks like a black eye and hair covered in white bows.. to the point he describes her looking like an old lady. Oh it is a hilarious! Totally caught me off guard and I got the case of the giggles. Kids thought it was pretty funny too! I had a hard time composing myself to keep reading the next few pages because I kept visualizing that character in my head... Spinelli is such a genius!


Happy Friday everyone!

FPC, Day 9: Front Door

February Photo Challenge

Day 9

"Front door"

Since I didn't have time to snap a photo when I left for work this morning, I took it around dinner time. Funny thing is, either way is I would have the same type of lighting. I can't wait until the days are longer! Early morning sunrise and late sunsets... oh, those will be the days. :)

How's life at your front door?!

FPC, Day 8: Sun

February Photo Challenge

Day 8

"Sun"

Sunshine came in two forms today: 

(1) Happy Cheese Puff sleeping on my bed 

(2) Liquid ... AKA rain (typical PNW!)

I'm excited to see how people interpreted this challenge. Check out others involved in the February Photo Challenge! So fun to see what is happening around the world :)

FPC, Day 7: Button(s)

February Photo Challenge

Day 7

"Button(s)"

When plural is better...

There are lots of options in regards to this photo challenge: computer buttons, microwave buttons, and all types of clothing buttons. I chose to check out all of the fun buttons that Mom has in her sewing basket (notice the extra lil gadgets in the 2nd & 3rd pictures? Reminds me of the "I Spy" books). As a kid I always enjoyed feeling them and admiring their different qualities. Buttons are fun lil treasures too--  they can be used on cards, scrapbook pages and decorations. 

My kitty thinks they're pretty fun too!

Friendly Luncheon Outfit

I took Granny home this afternoon and then met up with my friend Andrea for lunch at Applebees. We hadn't seen each other for about 7 months!

Below you'll see my outfit and then a few pictures from today. It's been another glorious sunshiney Winter day!

Really wanted to make these pictures of me into a collage, but Picnik has removed that feature as it is closing in April 19th (really disappointed!!). Anyway.... I am wearing:

Sweater dress: Forever 21 (about 2 yrs old) *
Hidden item: Black t-shirt from F21
Cardigan: Forever 21
Leggings: Forever 21
Boots: LifeStride Yonkers from Famous Footwear (gift from Christmas...how I love these boots!)
Jewelry: H & M pink pearl earrings & an awesome coconut necklace from my Costa Rica trip

*I love this sweater dress but 1) it is pretty short so I don't feel comfortable wearing it for teaching-- though all parts of me are covered... 2) it is short sleeved -- would like to come up with other warm things than this cardigan.

However, this sweater dress has lots of accessory options... like I can wear a scarf with it, a variety of necklaces, and am considering using a belt with it sometime. I'll keep this clothing item for awhile!

 ~~~ 

On to the fun stuff:

A lunch/hang out tradition: we take pictures at the end. Some are normal and some are super, super silly! Love you Miss Andrea! (P.S. You can check out her awesome blog, Finding Happiness at Every Turn )

FPC, Day 6: Dinner

February Photo Challenge

Day 6

"Dinner"

Tonight's dinner was left overs from Saturday (my birthday dinner request). Stew over mashed potatoes. Mmm so tasty! It's always fun when you bite on a pepper corn unexpectedly! 

Happy Monday :)

FPC, Day 5: 10am

February Photo Challenge

Day 5

"10am"

My sister made these cinnamon rolls this morning. At 10am they were slowly rising (I kept encouraging the yeast to kick in!). We had them later on and they were quite tasty, especially with a little frosting on the top. Mmm... Perfect for a sunny Sunday!

FPC, Day 4: A Stranger

February Photo Challenge

Day 4

"A Stranger"

Mom, Sarah, Granny, Auntie Max, Amy and I had lunch at a lovely coffee house this afternoon. I was quite amused with all of the people studying and/or working on this computer. This studious lady was easy to take a picture of without being awkward-- I made it look like I was taking a picture of my family. I don't think she noticed though, she was quite consumed with the book she was reading. Looked like a social studies or literature course book... Oh how I love to people watch! I enjoyed today's photo challenge :) 

FPC, Day 3: Hands

February Photo Challenge

Day 3

"Hands"

"Granny, let me take pictures of your hands!"

"Okay!" 

She ever so kindly rested them on our Christmasy (yes we're still using it!) tablecloth

Beautiful hands for a 100.5 year old huh?!

I was pretty busy today and didn't have time to take pictures until the evening. Sarah and I brought Granny to our house this afternoon, she'll be with us for the weekend. :) Tomorrow night we're having a lil family party to celebrate my birthday. The sunshine is expected to be here throughout the weekend. So happy!! Today was a gorgeous day... when we drove through the valley we could see lots of mountains. I love it when we have these clear days!

Happy Weekend!!

A Simple Substitute Outfit

I'm going out on a limb here and posting a picture of myself in an outfit! haha Didn't think I would do this till later, but I feel pleased with what I wore today-- it was fun for teaching, very comfortable, I received several compliments from students, and I even wore makeup along with it all!

Cardigan: H & M, recent purchase ($14.95)

Scarf: Fred Meyer's, gift from Mom for b-day

Underneath T-tshirt: White from Old Navy (old)

Slacks: Black from Old Navy (old)

Sis took this pic, she's a lil shorter than me-- as the camera angle shows.. haha

Earrings: from the Made in Oregon Store - I love jewelry there! Local and beautifully made. Lots of different jewelers to pick from :)

Teacher Angela learned this today (or was reminded of a few things)::

-- Kids notice EVERYTHING

-- Within a few minutes of seeing the kids, they commented on what I was wearing... recieved compliments on my earrings, my coat (a teal pea coat) and scarf.

-- One girl commented on that she liked my makeup

-- For this class, it is a good idea to keep them on their feet. Maybe I'll keep their attention better if I'm wearing interesting things. I felt really good with how I looked and confidence is important when you're a teacher!

-- I can make a great "don't you even think about it..." looks to kids when I wear good eye make up (haha!)

-- Putting together this outfit was super easy. It's not award worthy by any means but it is definitely an upgrade to my usual blah looks. Amazing what a scarf and makeup will do!

-- H & M rocks, I am so pleased with the quality of that cardigan

** With all this said, it's NOT all about the clothes and looks. I know I am yakking about that a lot these days but they are not what make a person truly successful. I think looking nice can gain one more respect and in the classroom, all eyes are on the teacher. I remember when I was in the 5th grade, I just loved my teacher and I loved the way she dressed. I was always interested in what she would wear each day. One of my favorite outfits of hers was a soft flowing matching top and bottom outfit. Both parts were light green and they fit her slender body beautifully and on the waist there was a bow-- think the top part kind of had that wrap look to it. I loved how my teacher looked so good each day, made her extra lovely. I even wrote a note in my journal one day complimenting her! She was a fantastic teacher and you could see her personality in everything she did-- the way she dressed and carried herself. 

I think dressing nice adds in that extra sensory element; it's good to be a visually appealing teacher. Besides, it's fun to surprise kids every now and then! :)