Ch-ch-ch-changes

I'd like to start with an apology for the fact that I have not managed to catch the daytime light for ANY of these pictures you are about to see. Bear with me until after tomorrow, my last teaching day (YES!), and then we'll be in business again.

Okay, changes! Well, one change. A haircut:

My hair salon is about 1.5 blocks from a yarn store. More on that tomorrow...

In the meantime, what else have I been up to?

Making more mitten progress. I love this cuff!

Watching movies, including The Thin Red Line on Monday night and The Muppets on Tuesday night (yes, in fact, that does seem like a very strange lineup. Both evenings, however, were completely awesome).

Reading in the library and checking out many many books to keep in my locker. It's kind of fun to open that thing and see basically a whole shelf of books just about Philippians and Gregory of Nyssa, two of my favorite topics.

Enjoying awesome mail. These prints are part of my October giveaway prize from Leigh-Ann's blog, and they are from the lovely Ciera. I really like the pot of clover.

 This is from Knit Picks (in case you can't tell from the logo that is shouting at you over and over again). Scheduled sweater cast-on is Friday.

What have you been doing?

A week in review

Despite its rushed and busy feel, this week has had a few quiet moments. Thankfully I was able to capture a few of them, so I can share with you.

A loaf of bread on Monday

A lovely package with a mug rug and drink treats from Polkadot Pretties (blog and shop).  I love getting mail, and I am so pleased I won Leigh-Ann's giveaway.

The mug rug is currently serving as my Christmas tree "skirt"/stand, because it is so pretty.

Continued sock knitting, which I have to say looks quite stunning paired with the next book on my exam reading queue.

Have you enjoyed any peaceful scenes this week?

Etsy Monday: gifts for students

The next few Etsy Monday posts will be holiday gift guides for some of my favorite groups of people.  I'm starting with students, because we could use a little bit of love now that we're approaching the end of the term and a (hopefully) wonderful winter break.

*** What student doesn't need a classy desk calendar for her study space? I might also have been swayed by the stack of pretty books and knitted goods in the left-hand corner of this photo, $17.

Ruby Red Design Studio shop

*** I like this zippered pencil case in notebook fabric (and many other cute cases in this shop) for holding important writing utensils, or maybe some knitting needles, $32.

Montclair Made shop

*** "I Rule the World" personalized necklace, $20. For the stylish art, design, or math student.

Organic Rust Creation shop

*** Heartfox handprinted small notebook for recording secret plans and brilliant ideas, $12.50.

SiebenMorgen shop

*** While lounging at home and procrastinating by watching tv or reading novels, students might like to use a Professor Lion silk-screened pillow, $45.

Utilitarian Franchise shop

*** If you really want to splurge, what about a handmade leather messenger bag? Just the right size for notebooks and textbooks, plus a mid-afternoon snack, $79.

Tierra Linda Dry Goods shop

If you don't know any other students who might need these lovely items, feel free to mail them right to me!

What is your favorite type of school supply? Anything from your school days that you still like to use in everyday life?

Friday: Link Love

There is, in fact, a lovely link at the end of this post. Scroll down if you would like to skip my recap of Thursday.


Happy Friday, friends! I am so glad this week is nearly over; it has been one of those super stressful stretches of time that I just want to wipe from my memory.  At the same time, though, life has a really great way of offering small, cheerful moments that just balance everything out.  Let me tell you two stories to explain what I mean.

Road Rage
I'm not a particularly violent person.  For a long time I've thought that I have no patience, but lately friends have been telling me they think I'm actually incredibly patient.  One friend has even informed me that he thinks I ought to tap into my anger more often.  This little episode from yesterday morning is for him.
I was running late from the moment I hopped out of bed, which meant no time for my regular workout and very little time to get myself together before leaving for campus.  I decided to walk instead of taking the bus, because I thought this would help me feel a little more calm and centered.
Wrong! By the time I got to campus I was practically fuming about all the cars that didn't let me go in the crosswalk, all the other pedestrians who were just dilly-dallying along the sidewalk, and stupid traffic signals that were slowing me down. Basically I had the walker's version of road rage.
Then I got to campus and tried to walk across the quad, weaving my way through groups of grinning students and people hugging each other, and all of this gladness just made me even more grumpy.  Right before I turned aside to go into my building, I saw it: the last straw.  An undergrad, dressed in her stylish outfit and perfect slouchy hat, had planted herself artfully under a tree in the middle of the quad and was strumming away at her guitar.  People, it was 35 degrees out and it's nearly finals week, and maybe this was her way of dealing with stress, but I wanted to walk up and kick her guitar in the face.  Road rage, I tell you.

A Sweet Library Story
First, a preface.  Earlier in the week, the library staff removed the table I normally use for studying and replaced it with a completely different kind of table.  Before, I had a shelf of books at face height, so I felt a little secluded and I wasn't distracted by seeing other people walk around.  Now, the table is low and sometimes other people want to come share it with me (which is fine. I like these people and I like sharing; it's just different), and every time I check Facebook or Pinterest I feel like everyone in the library knows I'm goofing off.  I'd like to say, "Hey, no big deal! I like change!" but that would be a lie.  It has sort of thrown me off.
Anyway, my library pal (the guy for whom I made this mini sweater) came over to the table yesterday afternoon to say hello.  When he asked how I was doing, I gave him the honest answer, which was, "I'm really stressed out!"  He said, "Hang in there," and walked away to his normal table.  Within 5 minutes he had returned with a tiny stuffed panda in hand.  He gently set the panda down on the edge of my table and said, "Here. You can keep this for as long as you want."  It was so incredibly sweet, and now I have this little panda living in my locker to remind me that stress is very easily dissolved and I don't need to kick anyone's guitar.

And now, the link!
Just one this week, because it actually takes you to a collection of other links - blogs, shops, Pinterest accounts - that you should definitely check out.  Go read a mini-interview sponsor feature on Kyla's blog. I think you'll recognize one of the sponsors...

Do you have any stories or links to share? Are you glad it's Friday?

Work and socks, con.

We have hit that point in the academic year where the work just keeps coming and it won't slow down!

I have a class to teach tonight, grading and reading to do this weekend, and a bunch of translating, workshops, and meetings next week before I take off for the big annual conference in San Francisco and a (hopefully relaxing) Thanksgiving holiday with family.  I'll just admit right now that I'm a bit stressed out and not sure exactly how I'll manage to get all my work done with everything that's going on.  Oh, and there were snow flurries this morning when I was walking back from the gym; it was so pretty, but this does not bode well for getting out of the house and working in the library!

Good thing I have more sock knitting than I can shake a stick at to keep me sane...

  

Sock guts. Fun!

What's keeping you busy this week?

New month, new goals

Happy November! Here is a hilarious commercial to brighten your day.



It's a new month, so it's time for some new mini goals!

Health & Fitness
Switch to morning workouts when possible
For the last couple of days I've been doing my workout first thing in the morning, and it's definitely been good. I mean, who needs coffee when running three miles gives you super endorphins? This is not to say that I won't be buying a coffee machine to replace my broken french press, but dang, working out is nearly as effective as caffeine for helping me wake up. I think this will also help with the whole "it's dark out and I can't drag myself out of bed" thing I've got going on.

Run my first 5k
November 5th... I'm really excited!

School & Work
Complete all my exam reading lists
The sooner I can finalize these things, the sooner I can get down to actually enjoying my reading and synthesizing concepts instead of hunting through bibliographies.

Craftiness
Knit myself another sweater
There are so many amazing patterns that I keep adding to my Ravelry queue, and I am going to buy some yarn and get going so that my winter wardrobe will be a bit more handmade.

Do you have any goals for the month of November? I'd love it if you'd share them in the comments :)

[What to wear?] Halloween teaching

Happy Halloween!

I'm teaching a few small groups this afternoon, so I can't go too wild, but I definitely want to celebrate the Halloween spirit with my outfit. And with candy. I am bringing my students candy, in part because I would like to eat a whole bunch of sugar today. 

This is my best stab at a last minute "costume" that will work for the classroom and transition nicely for an evening of walking around the neighborhood checking out decorations and cute trick-or-treating children. P.S., last night the cutest baby in the world came to church wearing a peapod costume. It was so sweet!!!

Step 1:

Shirt: gift from N, who understands my love of creepy-cute // Cardigan: Target
// Slacks: Express, from a closet swap 

Step 2:

Terrifying mask: Halloween store, purchased in 2010

I haven't actually decided whether or not I'll wear the mask as students arrive this afternoon...

What's your costume this year? Do you have any fun plans for the evening?

[What to wear?] Library date

That's right, a library date with me and the books. Sometimes it's a threesome when the computer is invited. Steamy, no?  Since it's a date, you have to get a little bit dressed up, obviously.

T-shirt: Victoria's Secret // Sweater: Old Navy from N.'s closet // Jeans: Gap from the building laundry room "free" pile // Socks: Monkey socks (by me) in Lorna's Laces // Necklace: H&M // Pin: Renegade craft fair // Bracelet: gift from my sister

The layers and wool socks are definitely necessary for working in our campus' main library, where the air conditioner is always on full blast.  The jewelry is just to make me feel a little bit fancy.
What do you wear on a low key work day?

[what to wear?] Black and White

Sorry, gang, but I didn't have a chance to put together a Link Love post for this week; been super busy with school things and other crazy business. I hope you'll enjoy this post instead!

This is a new feature I'm starting, because I always love seeing other bloggers' cute ensembles
and reading about why they paired the items they did.  

In "what to wear?" posts, I'll share an outfit and what I did while wearing it.  First up: 

Classroom teaching!  I lead a three-hour seminar on Thursday nights, so I definitely want something that's going to be comfortable for getting up and down, writing at the board, and sitting in front of a group of people for a pretty long time.  This is the most basic, black-and-white version of my work wear, for when I'm not feeling terribly adventurous but I still want to look put-together. 

Also, this is the blank wall in my new bedroom! I am maybe in the market for a nice piece of furniture, but I at least need some awesome art to hang up there. 

Top: Ann Taylor loft (thrifted) // Pants: New York & Company // Socks: Target (love those $2 socks) // Shoes: Clarks (bought for cheap at Marshalls)

Earrings: Charlotte Russe // Necklace: gift from my parents ages ago // Cuff: gift from N's trip to India

I have so many exciting professional/work outfits that I'm looking forward to wearing for my two teaching gigs this fall, especially once it's really cold enough to pull out the sweaters and tights... Stay tuned!

Cramped but cheerful

File this post under "decorating" and get ready for a behind the scene look at the first stages of getting a new home set up just the way you like it: the stage I like to call "ohmygoshthisiscrazywhatjusthappened?"

Last time I checked in from the old apartment, things were at about this stage:

On moving day, with the help of my rock star friends, we progressed rapidly to something more like this.  All these bags were full of clothes, shoes, and purses to donate.  Doesn't it feel great to purge your closets?

Now, I'm settled in at N's place, sleeping on the futon in the front room, and we're going to be roomies for about another week until she leaves for her new home in Cincinnati.  The painters have been in every night, so we have had to really cram ourselves and our stuff into a small amount of space so that nothing touches the walls.  I think both of us are handling it like champs, though.  Mostly we just go hang out on the roof with beers or sit in the park and talk in the evenings while the painters do their work.  In the mornings, we navigate the mazes created by large pieces of furniture so that we can get dressed and get out of the apartment.  Last night was the last night of painting, and I think we're going to move some of the furniture around to give ourselves a bit more space, phew!!!

This is the spare room, now totally full of my furniture, clothes, kitchen stuff, decorations, linens, and books.  In the future, it will be the office/yarn room (by which I mean totally awesome craft room in which I will also do my homework, I guess, if I have to).

It looks like a solid wall, but there is actually a narrow walkway for the cat to get to his litter box and for me to get at the books.

My gym bag is, unfortunately, buried somewhere in there and I can't find it.  That will mean no running for a while until I can find my shoes, boo.  In the meantime, I managed to get to my larger box of workout stuff and grab my yoga pants, so I can go to yoga class today - can't wait! After carting tubs and stuff up and down stairs, my muscles are really sore (haha, the other kind of "cramped"); hopefully class will be restorative and relaxing.

Speaking of, I taught my first solo (academic) class last night, and it seemed to go well.  At least, they have the syllabus and an idea about the course goals and structure.  Next week should be much better since the students will have done their first reading assignment and we can have a good discussion; I will also have a clearer head and time to prep a mini-lecturette since I won't be preoccupied boxing up my whole life.

This weekend I plan to sleep in, head to the farmers market and out for breakfast, sort through some of my belongings while watching movies, catch up on my favorite blogs, paint my nails, and knit up a storm.  What are you looking forward to?

Tuesday doings

So far my day has included:

sipping an iced vanilla latte from Starbucks

walking to campus in the sun and enjoying the warm weather

translating a chapter of 1 Corinthians to get some Greek reading practice

stretching out sore shoulder muscles after yesterday's challenging yoga class

taking notes on a fantastic book about Gregory of Nyssa, my favorite early Christian theologian

knitting new socks in a simple, summery lace pattern

chatting on the phone with my brother, who always cracks me up

daydreaming about exciting Friday afternoon plans, and Thursday night movie plans, Wednesday evening park plans, and knitting night plans tonight... such a gloriously busy week is still ahead!

What are you up to on this summer Tuesday?

Forest & Trees, Day 4

Now it's time to jump back into some reflections on the forest and the trees; the subject this time is school as work.  The quarter is officially over, so I'm working on completing a number of tasks and assignments for bigger projects, like comprehensive exams.  Plus last weekend we had the Prof. Party, which brought together almost our entire department and got me thinking about how we work as a community of colleagues.

The Forest:
I'm in this program, doing this work, because at the end of it all I will (hopefully) get a job teaching undergraduates New Testament and early Christian history classes and maybe some languages.  I have a deep love for the texts, for discussing them with new and seasoned readers, for working with students on their writing and critical thinking skills, and for always learning more.  Being surrounded by a group of people (both students and professors) similarly devoted to students and ideas is constantly rewarding.

This is what I'm knitting: Child's First Sock in Shell Pattern (Rav link) using Ella Rae Lace Merino. This shot is a tad blurry, but it captures the colors of the yarn really nicely.

The Trees:
I've had a number of conversations in the last week about some of the things that are most frustrating about the work we do, including a sometimes baffling lack of oversight or support, interference from personal or departmental politics, and conflicting expectations and demands on our time (please learn everything and know it well, but do it all in three years or less).  At the same time, these conversations and other events have been like trees marking significant progress and the most enjoyable parts of our work:

• celebrating with friends graduating after many long years
• making plans for how best to serve our students
• sharing frustrations and solutions with people who totally get it
• collaborating on projects and exchanging reading recommendations
• encouraging each other at every step of a major task, no matter how insignificant (Yesterday I finally created the Word documents that will become my exam reading lists, and some sweet friends congratulated me.)

Most importantly, what these "trees" bring home is just how much my love of my work is related to the people with whom and for whom I'm doing it.  The markers that mean the most and that I find the most encouraging (or, on the flip side, discouraging) are those that have to do with students supporting each other and teachers encouraging students.  The forest is, for me, the space in which I can have authentic, open conversations with others to come to some kind of common ground and in which we can learn together, cooperatively.  Does that sound really cheesy?  Oops :)

What is the forest for your work? Have you noticed any significant trees lately that have made you take notice of how you're relating to your daily tasks and larger goals? I'd love for you to share your thoughts in the comments!