Sunday, May 24, 2009
4--count 'em FOUR--more days!
That's right, folks. We can taste, smell, feel, hear, even SEE summer comin' around the bend. Four exams to proctor each and then we're home free for a 2.5 months. Man, there are some days when we are so tired and feel like we do nothing but work, but times like these make us once again realize that WE HAVE THE BEST JOBS IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD. I love love love teaching!
Perhaps because this week has given us more down time than we're used to, a number of cool experiences and insights revealed themselves to us over the past few days:
1. First of all, Clay's soccer season ended. While their loss in the semifinals of the State tournament wasn't a totally "cool" experience, their team banquet on Monday night was. One of my favorite parts of coaching is always the team banquet. It is a time for reflection, for gratitude, for perspective, and for celebration. This one was typical, but I think most typical banquets are pretty extraordinary. You get to hear about awesome kids doing special things, going above and beyond, and achieving marks and accolades about which they dreamed when they were younger. We watched a slideshow of the seniors, all of whom had baby pictures of themselves with soccer balls. The adorable pics and the cheesy music achieved their desired effect, at least for me--I couldn't help but be proud of how far these kids had come and how much of their lives have been dedicated to becoming better at this sport. I was inspired.
2. I also sat in a bookstore yesterday and read an entire book: A Homemade Life. Mary, it's the one I talked to you about and sent you a link for...its the story of a young woman who wrote a blog about her family's recipes and food in general. I loved it. Check out her blog: Orangette. Of course, she has now decided to take a break from her blog for a bit, but that's okay--read some of her back blog entries and check out her book. Once again, its inspiring. She made me want to bake a cake and write a million blog entires all while I was sitting at a table at Barnes and Noble.
3. I practiced yoga 6 out of 7 days this week, including three classes at 6 a.m. I am hooked. Who would have thunk it? I love sweating and hi-impact and feeling like I have really burned calories and pushed myself to the limit. But wow. I can't get enough of yoga. It is exactly the type of exercise my body and my mind needs. I did a Hot Yoga class in which the room temperature was 106 degrees; my clothes were soaked by the time class was over. I mean, disgusting. and I was so, so happy. I also did a yoga class outside on banks of the Tennessee River yesterday. As I turned one way, I saw a bride and her wedding party posing for pictures; when I turned the other way, I saw a grandmother and her two adorable grandchildren running around in our downtown park's giant fountain. Again, so, so happy.
4. Buy Fresh. Buy local. I feel so priviledged to live in a vibrant community that is uberly dedicated to becoming a fully sustainable community. We are surrounded by farms that provide us with fresh fruits and veggies all the time. At GPS, one of my co-workers has his own farm and delivers fresh herbs and lettuce to my classroom every Thursday; one of our chefs in the school kitchen cooks only healthy, organic foods. My favorite grocery is all about local products and fresh ingredients. You can eat so well in this town. Clay and I are dedicated to trying to each as fresh and as local as possible this summer. We'll let you know what we learn. Tonight we cherished red lettuce salads with local strawberries, snow peas, mandarin oranges, tomatoes, and walnuts on top. Heaven. And there's enough left over for tomorrow :-).
5. Clay and I went out to dinner last night to celebrate the end of our teaching and coaching. We also had a really good talk about our life together--where we are, where we want to be, what dreams we have yet to pursue and realize. I came home thoughtful and grateful. We may have no idea what the future holds for us in a number of areas, but we are excited about figuring it out together.
6. Finished our wedding album. What's that you say? We were married almost two years ago? All I can say is that this is going to be one rockin' album. Blurb is a brilliant website.
7. The sermon in church this morning totally hit home and beautifully confirmed what Clay and I discussed last night. Don't you love it when you think something and then something out of the blue confirms that thought?
8. I think I am going to make my own planner. I keep looking for the "perfect" planner and have yet to find it, and so, inspired by Beth Williamson, I am going to try to make my own. Wish me luck.
I'll let you know how the wedding album, planner, buy local-eat local plan...and our lives turn out. Thanks for staying tuned.
Perhaps because this week has given us more down time than we're used to, a number of cool experiences and insights revealed themselves to us over the past few days:
1. First of all, Clay's soccer season ended. While their loss in the semifinals of the State tournament wasn't a totally "cool" experience, their team banquet on Monday night was. One of my favorite parts of coaching is always the team banquet. It is a time for reflection, for gratitude, for perspective, and for celebration. This one was typical, but I think most typical banquets are pretty extraordinary. You get to hear about awesome kids doing special things, going above and beyond, and achieving marks and accolades about which they dreamed when they were younger. We watched a slideshow of the seniors, all of whom had baby pictures of themselves with soccer balls. The adorable pics and the cheesy music achieved their desired effect, at least for me--I couldn't help but be proud of how far these kids had come and how much of their lives have been dedicated to becoming better at this sport. I was inspired.
2. I also sat in a bookstore yesterday and read an entire book: A Homemade Life. Mary, it's the one I talked to you about and sent you a link for...its the story of a young woman who wrote a blog about her family's recipes and food in general. I loved it. Check out her blog: Orangette. Of course, she has now decided to take a break from her blog for a bit, but that's okay--read some of her back blog entries and check out her book. Once again, its inspiring. She made me want to bake a cake and write a million blog entires all while I was sitting at a table at Barnes and Noble.
3. I practiced yoga 6 out of 7 days this week, including three classes at 6 a.m. I am hooked. Who would have thunk it? I love sweating and hi-impact and feeling like I have really burned calories and pushed myself to the limit. But wow. I can't get enough of yoga. It is exactly the type of exercise my body and my mind needs. I did a Hot Yoga class in which the room temperature was 106 degrees; my clothes were soaked by the time class was over. I mean, disgusting. and I was so, so happy. I also did a yoga class outside on banks of the Tennessee River yesterday. As I turned one way, I saw a bride and her wedding party posing for pictures; when I turned the other way, I saw a grandmother and her two adorable grandchildren running around in our downtown park's giant fountain. Again, so, so happy.
4. Buy Fresh. Buy local. I feel so priviledged to live in a vibrant community that is uberly dedicated to becoming a fully sustainable community. We are surrounded by farms that provide us with fresh fruits and veggies all the time. At GPS, one of my co-workers has his own farm and delivers fresh herbs and lettuce to my classroom every Thursday; one of our chefs in the school kitchen cooks only healthy, organic foods. My favorite grocery is all about local products and fresh ingredients. You can eat so well in this town. Clay and I are dedicated to trying to each as fresh and as local as possible this summer. We'll let you know what we learn. Tonight we cherished red lettuce salads with local strawberries, snow peas, mandarin oranges, tomatoes, and walnuts on top. Heaven. And there's enough left over for tomorrow :-).
5. Clay and I went out to dinner last night to celebrate the end of our teaching and coaching. We also had a really good talk about our life together--where we are, where we want to be, what dreams we have yet to pursue and realize. I came home thoughtful and grateful. We may have no idea what the future holds for us in a number of areas, but we are excited about figuring it out together.
6. Finished our wedding album. What's that you say? We were married almost two years ago? All I can say is that this is going to be one rockin' album. Blurb is a brilliant website.
7. The sermon in church this morning totally hit home and beautifully confirmed what Clay and I discussed last night. Don't you love it when you think something and then something out of the blue confirms that thought?
8. I think I am going to make my own planner. I keep looking for the "perfect" planner and have yet to find it, and so, inspired by Beth Williamson, I am going to try to make my own. Wish me luck.
I'll let you know how the wedding album, planner, buy local-eat local plan...and our lives turn out. Thanks for staying tuned.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Grateful and Excited
We're grateful for all the great times with friends we've had this week, for Clay's soccer team winning their big match in Memphis and thus ensuring them a spot in the State Semifinals on Thursday, and for the generosity of family as Clay celebrated his 31st birthday yesterday! We're EXCITED about sister Catherine Grace's engagement and upcoming wedding in August, our trip to Hilton Head in June with my family, and SUMMER!!!!
So the week started with awesome Brittany's birthday on Monday. She's a rockstar. Wish we could have been with her to celebrate, but our beach time isn't too far away :-). Tuesday and Thursday were the regional track meets at GPS, both of which went well, and Clay's soccer game at home, which they won 1-0. Wednesday night Clay was on duty in the dorm (the last night with the seniors!), and then Thursday he and the team headed to Memphis for their Friday showdown--and their victory! Thursday and Friday were no-class days for me as GPS celebrated Class Day Awards and then Graduation, but the track meet, mid-day faculty party, and then an 8th grade exam kept me at school late both days. No worries--it was blissful coming home and not having anything to plan or grade! Heaven!!!
Friday night I went to the opening of Public House, the new restaurant of which our friend Nathan is the head chef! Oooh La La! It was super delicious, and his girlfriend, Kat, and I and her sister had a blast laughing and enjoying the celebration at the hot spot all night long. I was full, relaxed, and happy. Life is good! I came home and Camden and I stayed up together watching Say Yes to the Dress (addictive) and making Clay's final birthday present: a corkboard made out of corks from CA wineries (and a few others) with cute pictures of our trip and Camden posted on it. I wanted to do something to commemorate the two biggest things in our life recently: Cam and our SanFran/Napa trip.
Clay returned home mid-day on Saturday and we kicked it into happy birthday gear--shrimp and crabcakes with grits and cornbread for dinner, a caramel cake for dessert, lots of fun presents thanks to family, and some precious and cherished time together as we went out for a late-evening drink to cap off a great day.
Today was McC's graduation and our last Sunday School class (everything is winding down! but ah, its so relaxing). I just took in my second yoga class of the weekend at North Shore Yoga, one of my favorite spots in town. I'm not a member but I would love to be. Also spent some time researching Honda Pilots online...our neighbor on campus just got one this week and got a total deal on it, so she has been coaching us on how to negotiate. Clay and I=terrible negotiators. Clay hates confrontation and I simply have no idea how to do it. But we're getting closer...
So as we read and plan for our last week of classes (!!), we are feeling grateful and excited. and hopefully I will have more time to post as the days get longer and the work gets lighter! Happy week everyone!
So the week started with awesome Brittany's birthday on Monday. She's a rockstar. Wish we could have been with her to celebrate, but our beach time isn't too far away :-). Tuesday and Thursday were the regional track meets at GPS, both of which went well, and Clay's soccer game at home, which they won 1-0. Wednesday night Clay was on duty in the dorm (the last night with the seniors!), and then Thursday he and the team headed to Memphis for their Friday showdown--and their victory! Thursday and Friday were no-class days for me as GPS celebrated Class Day Awards and then Graduation, but the track meet, mid-day faculty party, and then an 8th grade exam kept me at school late both days. No worries--it was blissful coming home and not having anything to plan or grade! Heaven!!!
Friday night I went to the opening of Public House, the new restaurant of which our friend Nathan is the head chef! Oooh La La! It was super delicious, and his girlfriend, Kat, and I and her sister had a blast laughing and enjoying the celebration at the hot spot all night long. I was full, relaxed, and happy. Life is good! I came home and Camden and I stayed up together watching Say Yes to the Dress (addictive) and making Clay's final birthday present: a corkboard made out of corks from CA wineries (and a few others) with cute pictures of our trip and Camden posted on it. I wanted to do something to commemorate the two biggest things in our life recently: Cam and our SanFran/Napa trip.
Clay returned home mid-day on Saturday and we kicked it into happy birthday gear--shrimp and crabcakes with grits and cornbread for dinner, a caramel cake for dessert, lots of fun presents thanks to family, and some precious and cherished time together as we went out for a late-evening drink to cap off a great day.
Today was McC's graduation and our last Sunday School class (everything is winding down! but ah, its so relaxing). I just took in my second yoga class of the weekend at North Shore Yoga, one of my favorite spots in town. I'm not a member but I would love to be. Also spent some time researching Honda Pilots online...our neighbor on campus just got one this week and got a total deal on it, so she has been coaching us on how to negotiate. Clay and I=terrible negotiators. Clay hates confrontation and I simply have no idea how to do it. But we're getting closer...
So as we read and plan for our last week of classes (!!), we are feeling grateful and excited. and hopefully I will have more time to post as the days get longer and the work gets lighter! Happy week everyone!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Happy Birthday Lil' Sis!
It cracks me up to think that Brittany and I once wanted each other dead. I don't know how Mom and Dad survived our high school years...I don't know how we survived those years :-). But thank God we did--because now I couldn't imagine life without my sister. As you can tell by the photos below, she is truly my best friend. As I told one of my classes today, everyone who knows my sister is better for it--her selflessness, love of life, upbeat spirit, impressive intelligence, and inner and outer beauty makes me pinch myself sometimes...how did I get so frickin' lucky to have her as my sister?? Happy Happy Day, Sis.
She was there for me every step of the way during our engagement and wedding...even coming down to St. James before the wedding to help us pack up and move!
Bachelorette Weekend.
On the Lawn at UVA. I will always be grateful for all the times she visited me there.
One of our many hikes--remember the one in Santa Fe, babe? Haha...
Pre-wedding craziness.
This picture is fairly tragic but still fun.
Oxford! I mean, she came to Oxford! How awesome is she??
Love this one of her.
On the Thames.
In New York City--her home of 4 years.
Ah, I love her laugh.
In Chattaboogie.
Beautiful Brittany giving her eloquent toast at Blair's wedding.
At Blair's wedding this past January.
And one more for fun...just because it makes Brittany smile :-).Love you, babe! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day!
Where would we be without our mothers? Glen and Kay continue to serve as our models of selfless love, faithful dedication, and joyfyl generosity. WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!
Our mothers are THE BEST!!!!Happy Mother's Day to the women who constantly support, encourage, and inspire us!!!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
If it's May, then it must be DERBY TIME!
It is! It is! As a native Louisvillian, the first Saturday in May is sacred. Bring out the fancy hats, the mint juleps, and the racing forms, folks...we're going to Churchill Downs!
Well, the Gahans couldn't quite make it to the track again this year, so we did the next best thing: hosted a Derby party! We invited all the adorable families in our dorm to join us for the most exciting two minutes in sports. The kids actually got really into it--they frosted cookies, they came wearing hats, they drank bourbon slushies...wait, maybe not that into it. Look at how adorable they are!
We had a grand ole' time with the fun folks here in Tennessee--and yay for a longshot winning! Ah, I love Derby time.
If it's May, that must also mean May Day at GPS. Wow. I'm not sure I know what else to say besides WOW. If you have never seen it, you need to at some point in your life--but then maybe never again. Girls weaving the maypole, the queen in a for-real wedding dress, the front lawn covered in families out to celebrate...something. It's a spectacle, and one that I happily celebrate along with the rest of our school family. Here are some shots from this year's celebration. The one above is of me and my rockstar advisees.
The Front Lawn in all its splendor.
Sweet teacher friends Jill, Whitney, and Regan
The seniors parade in
Queen Rachel (see her in white?) Go CC runners!
The sophomores dancing to "Summer Lovin'"
Weaving the Maypole
Happy Spring Everybody!
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