Living in Neverland

Let me tell you about my roommates. They left hours ago and now they're back with bags upon bags of groceries. They went dumpster diving for the food that the store threw away because today was its "sell by" date. They're washing some things and dividing the spoils. It's not cute... But it's also not bad. The food is all good! They could've bought it at the store today. I told them I felt like I was Wendy and they were the Lost Boys. I love them so much. Living with my girl friends is such a privilege.

I'm grumpy. I'm ready for break.

I'm grading a huge pile of papers. Not because I'm a procrastinator... because my students are procrastinators. I didn't make an effort to check on writing assignments. A lot of students did them as they went... some did not. So I'm knee deep in grading like 9 different curriculums. Crazy.

I'm grumpy. I'm ready for break.

Bright sides: I'm in a cleanish house. Candles are burning. Grading's done. I'm eating a cookie.

I think I love where I work. I've felt anxious a lot, which affects how I feel in the classroom, but I know I often do well there. I like the communication and adaptation and quickness required. I feel exhausted, though.

Family Night went well today. We did fried chicken and played games. Anne and Matt came.

Here's one of my students on a hanger at Walmart.

Color Me Rad

For the Special Olympics. Also, for fun.

Pokagon

"What beats that? Baby... monkeys... in diapers? ... Yeah. They do."

Matt is a planner. He planned that we'd spend Labor Day together and he planned not to tell me what we were doing. Just for the fun of it, I think.

We did donuts and coffee... and reading and driving... and State-Park-walking and picniking... and people-watching and photo-taking... and Texas-Roadhousing... and Parks-and-Rec-ing... a lot of things.

I discovered that I love woodpeckers. They're awesome. They have red heads and speckled gray bodies. They also smash their faces into wood to eat. How crazy is that?

I've also discovered that Matt used to be the white version of Russell from UP. Which is... a relief. Because who else would I rather explore the woods with??

Filled

Spiritual Bucket. Darren's sermon on Aaron's genealogy (Exodus 6) charmed me. I have been tested in each one of these affections, but they have held true: I love my pastor, I love the Old Testament, and I love God's inspiration through any Word.

Physical Bucket (You know... the stomach). The Luttrells should open an eatery. Peter held the pizza-serving-thingy like a staff as he pointed out the various types of pizzas on the table. Would I like some BBQ pulled pork pizza with cilantro and feta? Would I like a slice of bruschetta pie? Um... yes, yes, one thousand times yes. Did I mention this is a church meal? I should. Just so the world knows how awesome my church is and how few casseroles we dish out. 

Mental Bucket. My afternoon was a nap. A heavy, drooly nap with the weight of a legion of REM cycles. 

Psychological Bucket. A handful of lovelies have affirmed me today. Thank you, lovelies. When I'm finished being a basket case, I'll weave you all baskets with loving words on them. (Click here for Spongebob connection)

Monetary Bucket. Replacing the main relay (cheapest fix ever) did the trick. Sally the Car is a champion. So is my bank account*.

*It's a champion like Champion the 

3-legged dog in Parks and Rec. 

Handicapped, but able to hobble.