What's in Your Box?

It's late. I'm tired. This week has not exactly dragged, but the day off, while appreciated, was more full than restful and between Awana starting back up on Wednesday and giving my first round of grammar and literature tests, my mind has been racing (and so has the rest of me, truthfully.) Today was busy, as always... teaching, lesson plans, practice for Grandparents Day, errands, cleaning. I'm tired.

 It'd be easy to whip up a high five for Friday and chatter inanely about the ice cream I tried last night or my new fall decorations (and I probably will sometime!) but sometimes it's nice to share the quiet, more contemplative moments. And ever since I pinned this quote a week or so ago, I haven't been able to get it off my mind.

(source)

This summer in Sunday school, a group of ladies (including me!) went through this book, which I could go on and on and on about (maybe I will someday!) but one of the chapters discussed giving your best and how in order to do that, we need to make sure our priorities are very clear. The author even goes so far as to suggest drawing boxes that represent the different areas of life and visibly stacking them to try to get an idea of where we are placing the most time and effort.

Nearly every book or article on stress or priorities or leadership or life will tell you that you have to learn to say no. After all, we're only human and can only do so much, right? But often we find ourselves feeling guilty about saying no, or feeling pressure not to say no, or just sincerely trying not to say no. But what is the motivation behind that, and how can I say no "pleasantly, smilingly, unapologetically" without that nagging feeling that I'm somehow letting someone down (and maybe even disappointing the Lord?) 

It's the YES. It's the burning yes inside, whatever it is for you, that allows the freedom to say no. If something is not "in my box" for this season of my life, then the things that ARE in my box, those things that I'm passionate about and truly invested in, should motivate me to be able to say no without guilt. (I'm not talking about being a jerk. "Can you do grab that for me, honey? Sorry; not in my box!" =) But only a deep-down dedication to what's actually important, or in your "important" boxes, can justify walking away from what's not. It's easy to be involved in SO many things that you end up participating only half-heartedly in all of them, even the ones you really care about. It makes so much more sense to be wholly present and engaged in what God has assigned you then trying frantically to seem that way when actually you're just barely holding everything together.

As Kristie (our pastor's wife who happens to be just awesome) taught the class and encouraged us to take inventory of our boxes, I thought about how often I say yes to what I know is not really my box. And I think the Lord has shown me in these lessons and since that a) He is not the author of confusion and b) He is a big proponent of rest! If I'm doing what God wants me to do, I may be tired, but I shouldn't be miserable. The chalkboard in my living room STILL (after almost a year) says, "Come unto me, ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Why? Because that's God's design! He knows that stress and trials will come from within and without and that only He can relieve the inevitable weariness. But I think that being "heavy laden," while sometimes unavoidable, sometimes has quite a bit to do with getting our boxes out of sorts and ignoring the burning, important yeses while the not-so-important, should-be nos slowly take over. And again, as long as we have prayerfully arranged our boxes with things in the right order, we can truthfully say no to what's not a priority (as opposed to just "I don't wanna!" which is sometimes true too!)

What's in my box, for now? A few things... my husband, my family, my home, my students, my friends, my writing. (And more, but these are on top.) So, I'm praying that I'll have the strength (and courage, if we're being honest) to kindly say no because of my bigger, burning yeses. Somehow I don't think I'll regret that.

Pretty deep stuff for a Friday, no? I'll have to go watch A Bug's Life (or another Disney movie from the array I recorded last week) to relax my mind. =) Disney movies are always in my box.


Ash

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What I'm Reading...

I don't have nearly as much time to read as I'd like, and part of that can be attributed to my own unwillingness/inability to sit down and just READ, without interruptions. I read voraciously as a kid and even through college, but the last few years my reading (of new books) has dwindled. (I say new books because I am an avid re-reader, which some people don't understand but there's just something comforting about picking up a book and opening it to any page and reading a familiar story. It's almost like watching a movie I've seen a dozen times. Weird, I know.) 

 Anyway, I've been trying to read more, especially practical, helpful books. And while I haven't exactly been flying through the stacks I'd like to read, I'm at least reading a few new things. 

 Okay, this first one is actually a re-read, but it's so good that each time I read it I feel like it's the first time because I learn so much. Anyway, it's Writing for the Soul by Jerry Jenkins. My friend Laura who is a very talented writer herself sent me this book last summer and it is just fantastic. In case you aren't aware (and I wasn't either, so we can be ignorant together) Jerry Jenkins had written over a hundred books before he ever wrote the Left Behind series, and this book is full of practical advice as well as inspirational wisdom for writers, aspiring or otherwise. He certainly shoots straight but it's a pretty neat thing to read a book by one of America's most prolific authors and feel as if he is personally rooting to you to make it as a writer. Also, he's really funny and each chapter has inserts about the famous people he's interviewed. I'd find it a great read even if I didn't consider myself a writer. 

 Next up... I talked about this one a few weeks ago but it was just in passing so I'll elaborate a little. Harvest of Gold is the sequel to Harvest of Rubies and is the story of Sarah (the cousin of Nehemiah) and her husband Darius. This book is captured my interest for two reasons: 1) the love story between Sarah and Darius, whose marriage has tentatively recovered from its very rocky beginning, continues as they face even more challenges in their struggle to find security within themselves and their marriage, and 2) the subplot involving Nehemiah's rebuilding of the wall in Jerusalem, outlining the opposition he faced is fascinating. I love this story line because it offers a historically accurate and very detailed of this biblical account that can often be overlooked because some of the actual facts can seem a little dry. I would recommend it as a resource if you're looking into the life of Nehemiah as it bring the story to life in a way I've never seen before. And the powerful love story between Sarah of Darius is certainly no chore to read through, either. 

 And finally, this last book...oh, this last book I could talk about for days. I'd seen Janssen mention The Wednesday Wars a few times and actually I just happened across it this week at my aunt and uncle's house in a box of books. I picked it up, vaguely aware that I'd heard of it, and started reading. I didn't come up for air (except for dinner, because, obviously) for the next two hours and finished the whole thing in one sitting. It's SO good. The most well-written book I've read in a very, very long time, and so perfect. I think I'm particularly fond of it because it's about a seventh grader (I teach middle school) and his English teacher (and I happen to be one of those.) Janssen articulated the greatness of it so well in her review, and I couldn't agree with her statement more: "If I could write any book, this is the book I would want to have written." I want to buy up copies to give away; it's that good. I'm already re-reading it, mentally highlighting passages just because of the sheer awesomeness of their wording. I know everyone around me is going to get really tired of hearing me talk about it, but it's just fabulous. Read it, read it, read it.

 What are you reading these days? I'm always open to suggestions, and as always, I send you to Janssen for better, more informed recommendations (especially if you're looking for children's books... she pretty much has a corner on that market.) 

 Happy Wednesday, from one bookworm to another. =)
Ash
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Striped Skirt Four Ways...

So, what started off as a very simple one-piece-many-ways post suddenly has a myriad of directions I could take. I could start with wondering why (why?) I always seem to leave this type of labor-intensive post to the last minute, as that is never my intention. I could write about the fact that dragging clothes, shoes, and accessories out of my closet falls into the category of hard labor in my limited spectrum of physical toil. I could tell the story of how long it took me to find a black and white skirt to start with, or I could discuss the fact that I took one look at these pictures and realized "Holy weight gain, Batman... it's time to cut the soda and hit the treadmill." 

 So. Let's get on with it, shall we?


I got this skirt, after a long and nearly-fruitless search, at Cato of all places. Shopping with Mamaw does have its advantages! =) The fact that it was only $10 certainly didn't hurt my feelings.

The outfits, left to right.

1. For reasons unknown to me, I look significantly taller/wider/paler/jollier in this first picture. Since I know exactly nothing about editing, there didn't seem to be a way to remedy this, so... sorry.


Top: Loft
Cardigan: Target
Belt: Kohl's
Necklace: (Crazy, but Rue 21! I felt veeeery old in there.) 
Flats: Belk
2. I have been wanting to find a new piece or two in this burgundy color, and recently at Ross I came across this cardigan-ish top in just the right shade and it was $6.99. Boom.


Top: Ross (duh, I just told you the story)
Tank: Target
Scarf: Target
Flats: Belk
3. It's a shame you can't really see through the screen how obnoxiously bright this shirt is, but it is neon in every sense. A little blinding, in fact.


Top: Kohl's
Heels: Belk

4. This is actually my favorite of the outfits but a) I was going to wear my boots and I forgot and b) you really can't tell that my sweater is a deep burgundy/purple color and that's a bummer and c) my arms look pitifully awkward. Help me.


Sweater: Loft
Jean Jacket: Macy's (ancient... like, high school)
Necklace: Target (recent $4 score!)
Heels: Target


Up close and personal.

I really could have made about 25 outfits with this skirt... it goes with just about anything! My only complain/concern is that it's a pretty clingy material which makes my hips look like living things at the right angle... but that could be a personal problem, no?

This post did prompt me to go looking for a couple of sweaters and I may have ended up pulling out a big pile even though it's still hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk (I think) but these outfits are more of the "fall edition." I could have done way more layers for winter or, obviously, summer tops and sandals. But, of course, fall is on my brain these days, even as the humidity continues to seek and destroy all hopes of a good hair day or possibility of layering. 

"I'm dreaming of a cool October, without the frizzy hair I used to know..." (Bing totally should have sung this version.)


Ash


P.S. Thanks for hosting again, Audrey, and giving me an incentive to remix pieces in my closet! Once again, every time I do a post like this I feel the need to give mad props to people who do regularly. (Also, I may need time for self-reflection to reveal why I just said "mad props.")
Also linking up here and here!





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Post All the Things...

So, second week of school down... only about 37 million to go (not really, but sometimes it feels that way!) Things are still going pretty well; consider this your status report and proof that I am still living and breathing. Don't worry... every class has a grammar test next week so I may be in the depths of despair by then. =)

 Anyway, I have wanted to write several blog posts this week but we have had something going on literally every night (plus, you know school and all plus I have a nap schedule to keep) and I know your favorite posts allow my busy life to punish you by combining multiple events into one novella. I live to serve. 

Last week (to celebrate the end of the first week of school!) we headed down 70 to Goldsboro and stayed with Mamaw Friday night. She and I got pedicures on Saturday morning (so fun!) and did a little shopping (obviously) and it was so nice. She is really my favorite person.


And, really? Eggs and biscuits with chocolate gravy? (Ah.ma.zing.)


What I wore on Sunday: Mint on mint. I got this shirt at Kohl's (odd, since I probably haven't bought anything there since high school) but it was way way on clearance and I knew immediately that I wanted to wear it with this necklace (taking a page from Merrick's book; she wore a monochromatic white outfit that was awesome!) and I liked it a lot. (Also, those split ends? Got ta go. For real.)



I went to a high football game over the weekend and... I didn't hate it. I like football but I don't even pretend to know what it means (no excuse for that, since I've been watching it my whole life. I just don't care enough, maybe? Except about Alabama) But it was really fun and I even found myself jumping up and cheering (at the appropriate times) and getting really into it despite knowing exactly zero of the players. And time with my cousin and uncle and football-loving husband is always fun (especially when I get the urge to repeat everything the announcer says in his "Booooming foooootball voiiiiiice!")




Only my favorite movie and one of the best songs ever... the perfect lullaby. The Sherman Brothers were genius... genius, I tell you! (Speaking of this movie and these composers, I am so excited about this movie coming out!)


I love that I crop all the junk out of a picture (like a trash can and unmade bed... oops, I guess you can still see that.) Anyway, I really wanted to be wearing sweats comfortable at school the other day and this very over-sized cardigan from H&M that I got for $5 (!!!) fit the bill. I know it's kind of Mr. Rogers-ish but, oh well. Won't you be my neighbor? (I really never liked that show... don't shoot me! Sorry, Fred.)



Last one... I spent probably twenty minutes watching this chubby kid jump off the side of the couch onto the cushions ("One! Two! Free!") and then hide behind the pillow and shout out "I'm right here!" whenever I called his name. I also taught him to yell "Geronimo!" when he jumped so that was productive. Also, every few jumps he would rush his fat little self over to the iPad for "Oh, a kiss!" and I would die of the cuteness.

Woah! So little material, so much time! (Scratch that; reverse it. Name that movie!) Happy Friday, everybody! Can you believe it's SEPTEMBER in a couple of days? You know what that means, right? Pumpkin spice? Psssh... try Christmas music! Woohoo!

Jingle all the way...


Ash

Linked up with Ashley! 



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Go Bears...

When I was in junior high, the most exciting activity for a lot of us teenagers (other than hanging out at "the light." Remember "the light," NV friends?) was going to the Bears games, especially on Friday or Saturday nights. Our church's Bible college had a basketball team and watching them was like my favorite thing. Especially since my sister's boyfriend was the (really awesome) point guard, I felt like cheering on the team was my moral obligation. And part of having team spirit for good ol' GSBC was making sure you had on blue and gold (or yellow) at the game. So while I doubt I'll ever cheer on the Bears again (that would be quite an away game!) I thought of those electrifying moments  that thrilled my little 14-year-old heart in the gym when I wore this outfit.

Top and Necklace: Target 
Skirt: Loft 
Curls: Luck and an Alignment of the Hair Planets
Arms: Ice Cream and Exercise Aversion






Why do I make this face?

Here's why. I should fire my photographer. 


So, if I had been able to wear this outfit to a Bears game in high school I'd be looking a whole lot better than I did in the blue and yellow striped rugby shirts I was rocking back in the day (although, in my defense, that look was all the rage. However, I bet that the COUPLES who wore the MATCHING rugby shirts look back on those pictures with some measure of regret. Thank heavens I was single with no one to match but myself.) 

Do you wear "team gear" or just get in the spirit with team colors? I'd say I'm in the middle of the road... I'm not above a team shirt but you will not find me in face paint or a foam finger. Fan, yes. Fanatic? Not so much (until Alabama starts playing football and then all bets are off.)


Ash


Linking up with Lindsey and Lauren!


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Survivor...

Okay, so this title (what is with me and titles this week?) has nothing to do with trashy reality television and very little to do with actual hardship... but, you guys... I made through the first week of school! AND it was actually really good and despite my moments of nervous illness leading up to it I actually enjoyed myself and thought, sappily, several times this week, "I just love this." (What? Grammar doesn't give you a warm and fuzzy feeling? How sad.) And other than the slap back to reality that is spending hours on lesson plans (four English classes? Goodbye, Thursday afternoon!) it was great. Anyway, I survived this week with no mishaps to speak of and for that I am quite thankful. A few highlights of the week...

I bought this wooden M several months ago, wrapped it in twine, and added the flower and bow with the intention of hanging it on the front door. BUT since it rains so much and we live right next to a bunch of trees anything you put on the door is going to get dirty so I decided to make a space for it in the house. And my friend Brook, who should totally be an interior designer =), came over and helped me rearrange my shelves. I love it!


What is Pinterest for if not to find ridiculous memes like this and send them to Rory and Amy? Recipes? Crafts? Pssh. No way.


I wanted an instrumental album to play during my study hall, because a) I don't want to use all my Pandora hours up and b) having my study hall interrupted by a McDonald's commercial is distracting, to say the least. SO imagine my delight when I found a Jim Brickman album of the Carpenters (only my favorite group ever... give me Karen's voice, please!) I purchased it on iTunes immediately and have been listening to it on repeat constantly.



I had to go through one of my school bags and found a bunch of notes from my third grade students... I miss those little munchkins SO much. Hayden (and others!) used to write me sweet notes almost every day and I miss that, I'm not gonna lie. =)


I haven't completely finished, but I have started the process of getting my first play copyrighted. I'm so excited about this step and being maybe, presumptuously a little closer to publishing? Who knows! 

Well, I hope that your week has been as nice as possible. I am off to Mamaw's tonight which will hopefully involve some biscuits and chocolate gravy if I'm a good girl. =) (Be jealous, cousins!)


Ash


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Feed the Birds...

If you aren't interested in an outfit post, I am more than happy to write several paragraphs about the song of the same title as this post. Mary Poppins was my favorite movie growing up and the Sherman Brothers are without a doubt my favorite composers. And while just about every song in the movie is considered a Disney classic, Feed the Birds is high on my list because, according to Richard Sherman, it was Walt's favorite song and he requested it often. It's sweet and a little melancholy and just beautiful and makes me nostalgic every time I hear it (which is often, considering my Pandora is set to my Disney station most of the time.) 

Anyway... You know me and my compulsive need to overthink even the most trivial of decisions and my outfit for the first day of school was no exception. (I remember being very stressed by this as a child. Which jumper? Which socks?) So, I narrowed it down to a couple of options and with a little prodding (thanks, Grace!) I went with the bird outfit. Because... why not?


Target, Target, Belk
One day I'll learn to take pictures in the morning before the rigors of the school day have worked their black magic and I look as if I own neither an iron nor a single anti-frizz product.


My students already know think I'm crazy... I might as well prove them right by being the "bird lady." Plus, I really do love this shirt. I can't wait to wear it with a cardigan and boots. (Bring on the fall... and no, I am never content with the season in which I am currently present.)

To recap.... I kind of like birds, both in song and on my shirt. However, in real life they terrify me and I may or may not have made a big fool of myself last time I was at the beach, accidentally dropped a dill pickle chip, and freaked out as a huge flock of seagulls converged on my bag like a pack of rabid vultures. It was like Alfred Hitchcock was directing Finding Nemo. Scary stuff.

And so ends the most random of posts ever. (I won't end by saying organized thoughts are for the birds, because that would be lame.)

Ash

Linked up here and here.

P.S. I couldn't help but laugh when I compared these pictures... although Emily is far cuter!


I wonder where she gets it? =) 

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